From Japan, renowned for its expertise in creating exceptional custom motorcycles, comes a workshop that has taken the Enfield 650 to unprecedented levels of visual refinement. The individual responsible for this remarkable achievement is Takashi Nihira of Tokyo’s Wedge Bike.
For over a decade, Takashi-san has dedicated himself to Wedge Bike, accumulating an impressive 13-year tenure of service. With a storied career, he has accumulated an impressive collection of trophies from prestigious Japanese events such as the Mooneyes Sizzling Rod and Custom Car Show. While his workshop specializes in customizing bicycles bound for Japan, he’s never one to pass up the opportunity to tackle something novel. Up until this point, Wedge has collaborated with BMW Japan to create a singular, one-off G310R-based Tracker in partnership, generating significant buzz within the custom motorcycle realm. When the opportunity arose to reenvision a classic Enfield twin for a prominent local publication, he enthusiastically seized the challenge.
The custom 2020 Royal Enfield Continental GT650, dubbed “Wedge Bike,” was a unique project commissioned by George Tokoro, a multi-talented Japanese individual with credits as a musician, presenter, author, photographer, actor, and inventor. Mr. Tokoro is the founder and driving force behind Daytona Journal, a renowned Japanese publication that embodies the essence of motorcycle culture and lifestyle. As a seasoned motorcyclist, he boasts an impressive collection of custom and vintage bikes at his exclusive “Setagaya Base” residence, known only to a select few.
After 4 months of dedication, the challenge was finally completed, having begun with a simple yet effective sketch inspired by Tokoro-san’s temporary masterpiece. According to Takashi-san, the goal behind the challenge was to develop a tangible expansion of the original product. “I leveraged the proven standard of the original product and successfully adapted it using a simplified yet innovative approach.”
Compared side-by-side, the differences between the Wedge 650 and the standard Continental GT650 appear striking. Despite its unexpected presence, the bicycle still sports the standard-issue gas tank, albeit with a few tasteful tweaks by Takashi-san designed to elevate its aesthetic appeal. By meticulously removing the unsightly seam from beneath the tank’s surface, he ensured a seamless finish through precise welding techniques that left no visible imperfections. He subsequently adjusted the mounting brackets to situate the fuel tank at a lower and more angular angle relative to the vehicle’s body. While technically challenging, refining results yields a significant improvement.
The most striking difference in this GT650 is its significantly reduced size and shape. Takashi-san has reimagined the Enfield’s subframe, stripping away the original tail light assembly and fender mounts to integrate a bespoke hoop of his own design. The newly designed ribbed seat features a unique blend of leather and suede materials, now complete. It eliminates the ability to carry passengers while enhancing the visual appeal by pulling the rear end forward, thereby streamlining the overall design.
Another distinct feature of Enfield’s revamped aesthetic is the introduction of a cutting-edge lighting system. Wedge has outfitted the GT650 with equipment from Japanese manufacturer Posh, including a Bates-style headlight, a vintage-inspired spherical rear light, and retro-styled bullet turn signals, evoking a nostalgic aesthetic. To ensure a pristine entrance finish, the entrance indicators were relocated to beneath the entrance of the gas tank, while the rears are suspended from custom-fabricated brackets welded to the subframe.
The iconic dual gauges of the Royal Enfield Continental GT650 have been seamlessly replaced by the sleek and modern Motogadget Chronoclassic Speedometer, its streamlined design a testament to innovative engineering. To create a uniquely laid-back driving experience, Takashi-san chose to install tracker-style handlebars on his GT, replacing the standard clip-on bars. The motorcycle’s handlebars are neatly organized on a set of aftermarket risers, with a minimalist layout achieved through the installation of aftermarket switches, a streamlined single-cable throttle control, and custom grips that provide a personalized fit.
Mr. Tokoro did not require any primary efficiency modifications as part of this particular challenge. The bike breathes more freely now due to the removal of the air filter and installation of pod filters, which has allowed for a smoother airflow. In place of the airbox that once resided here lies a custom battery compartment. The painted section, mirroring the gas tank’s hue, tracks along the road behind it, shielding filters from highway grit carried by the rear wheels? The twin-cylinder engine, meanwhile, benefits from an innovative, single-piece exhaust system crafted from high-quality chrome steel by Wedge.
Whether you adore them or abhor them, the undeniable truth is that a set of ruggedly nostalgic tires can utterly transform a meticulously crafted machine. Takashi-san has successfully showcased this feat alongside his impressive Wedge GT650. He matches the bike with Shinko 270 tremendous basic cruiser rubber. With its 4.0×18 profile rubber, the Enfield sports a laid-back California seashore cruiser aesthetic, while a sleek, custom-designed high-mount fender adorns the rear, perfectly completing the visual package. What truly elevates this art form is Takashi-san’s innovative choice of colour palette. The muted tones harmoniously complement the Royal Enfield’s 650 twin, its chromed components and minimalist aluminium wheels, as well as the stark contrast of the exposed fork tubes.
The unusual absence of mirrors and an entrance fender on this bike is bound to raise some eyebrows, yet when Royal Enfield unveiled a 650 twin with such proportions, I’d be hurrying to hand over my money before you can say “jackrabbit.”
