French Moto’s innovative approach to increasing its customer and fan base revolves around offering bespoke, customised motorcycles as giveaways, with the latest addition being a stunningly modified Royal Enfield 650, dubbed Stellar.
“We’ve now spent 12 years manufacturing bespoke bicycles for discerning clients, delivering over 40 custom orders,” remarks Florian. “To drive engagement, we offer a limited-edition T-shirt as an entry prize in our ongoing competition.” With this strategy, we’re freed from any customer restrictions – no time constraints, no budget limitations, and no compromise on aesthetics forced by the client. It’s the ultimate creative license that builders covet, and one that the brothers have rightfully earned through their tireless dedication over the years.
French Moto’s ‘Stellar’ cafe racer, born from the humble beginnings of a 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, showcases the brand’s unique flair for transformation. For nearly a decade, Florian has harbored a passion for this motorbike, yet the constraint of limited financial resources has consistently thwarted his ability to make it a reality. With the opportunity to design a bike presenting itself, the duo dedicated six months to meticulously plan their endeavor alongside Thibault. As soon as a fundamental concept was established, the brothers turned to digital designer Barbara Customs for precise execution of their innovative vision. With a meticulously crafted concept design firmly in place and a crystal-clear blueprint for construction at their disposal, they embarked on a comprehensive dismantling process to lay the groundwork for success.
“When it comes to our current mission, I firmly believe that the lion’s share of the effort lies in successfully executing the aluminum component,” remarks Florian. We collaborated with Jake Apiata of Apiate Metallic Shaping, a New Zealand-based entrepreneur operating out of France, for a decade. We’re on our third joint operation together. We believe he understands our wishes.
Jake’s responsibilities encompassed designing the entire novel bodywork configuration for the Interceptor.
The brand new tinware boasts a unique gasoline tank that required relocating the gas pump, a cutting-edge full fairing, sleek aspect panels designed in tandem with a bespoke exhaust system, and robust wheel covers to further amplify the Enfield’s otherworldly, sci-fi-inspired design.
As Jake focused on crafting aluminum, Florian and Thibault began tackling the rest of the mission, leveraging aftermarket components from their own supplier and designing several bespoke features to enhance the overall outcome.
The Enfield’s fork upgrade features newly installed internals with adjustable prime caps to refine the riding experience, while the forks themselves are now nestled in a striking USVracing machined triple tree, paired with clip-on handlebars for a cohesive look. To complete the bike’s aggressive makeover, the stock Interceptor mid-pegs have been replaced with Mass-Reduce rear-set alternatives.
Meet the cutting-edge rear-end suspension system courtesy of innovative French manufacturer Nimbus. The distinctive shocks boast an innovative design, combining the benefits of both pneumatic springs and hydraulic shock absorbers in a single, efficient unit. Originally designed for high-performance off-road applications, these shocks have been meticulously re-tuned to seamlessly integrate with the Stellar system.
The clip-on bars now sport sleek, high-tech features: a backlit switchgear upgrade, a fluid reservoir reworked in alloy, mirror-like finishes on the bar trim, precision-crafted Kustomtech levers, and a lightning-fast Accossato Racing throttle to boot. Without an ignition barrel to be seen, the bike has instead opted for a sleek, modern solution: a Motogadget keyless ignition system has taken its place. Between the bars, you won’t discover any traditional instruments because French Moto developed a unique alternative solution. Within two spherical recesses in the gas tank, sleek digital screens are nestled alongside a sophisticated onboard computer, their connection fostering seamless communication. Two screens on the device provide distinct information streams to the rider, with one screen showcasing vital performance metrics such as speed and engine RPM, while the other displays critical notifications.
With an unmistakable Eighties sci-fi flair, these retro-futuristic creations feature nostalgic 8-bit model typography, a distinctive inverted 3-color aesthetic, and sleek visuals that transport you back to a bygone era of neon-lit wonder.
To underscore its unique character, the Klingler brothers crafted a bespoke Linden wooden tail unit that strikingly contrasts with the predominantly metallic design of the rest of the mission. The chair’s cohesive look is enhanced by the uniform set of wooden handles, while a customized seat base features a luxurious lining of soft suede leather.
As expected, Stellar’s lighting design is entirely customizable. Sitting inside slits on the entrance of the fairing are LED working lights that serve as both indicator lights and flip alerts. An entrance axle-mounted Highsider headlight provides enhanced nighttime visibility, while the Highsider JetStream triple-function LED taillights offer versatility and increased rearward visibility.
As a primary manufacturer in France, French Moto’s products are inherently compliant with the country’s stringent roadworthiness regulations. Despite a desire to innovate further, the brothers had to exercise self-control to ensure the bicycle’s winner could thoroughly appreciate it. With these efficiency modifications confined to a bespoke stainless steel 2-into-2 exhaust system that wraps around the sidecovers. While likely a significant improvement, the exact impact on efficiency remains uncertain without further specification. The Enfield’s inventory upgrade features a premium €3,000 Beringer brake system, significantly enhancing its overall performance and handling capabilities. While the €7,000 price tag of the motorbike may seem extravagant, Florian’s justification – “only for enjoying!” – suggests that their decision was motivated by a desire to indulge in the thrill of the ride.
Stellar, a rare gem, boasts an impressive valuation of €40,000 as it becomes available on the Fench Moto website, awaiting its next proud owner. If you’re residing in Europe and are keen on entering a chance to win a desirable bicycle, please visit their website for further information and details about how to participate.
