Tommy Thöring, a stalwart of Germany’s Schlachtwerk custom bike workshop, embodies quintessential Teutonic traits. A Sydney transplant via Frankfurt is typically characterised by a no-nonsense approach, demonstrating intellectual rigour and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability when discussing technical matters. He’s effortlessly checking off most of the quintessential Germany boxes, sans lederhosen. However, upon closer inspection, a treasure trove of unexpected Australian nuances emerges, leaving one with a puzzled expression.
The enthusiast has a passion for off-road adventures in his Toyota, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Australia’s Outback. When not crafting bespoke bicycles of unparalleled excellence, he’ll unexpectedly materialize in some remote, arid corner of the Australian outback, equipped with a bedroll, his reliable Land Rover, and an expansive grin that’s as wide as the horizon. He’s particularly enthusiastic about high-speed thrills, exemplifying this passion when his Yamaha Dash Racer bike earned the prestigious 2018 Sultans of Sprint award in Europe.
While many Australians may not be passionate about dashing racing, the sport still has a dedicated following in the country. What a ridiculous demand in this godforsaken wilderness? Here is your answer in a different style: As the pièce de résistance, Tommy’s latest creation turns out to be a sweetly modified 2019 Royal Enfield Himalayan that has undergone a radical ’70s-style enduro transformation.
Twenty years ago, I started building custom bicycles in Germany, reveals Tommy, who trades his day job for a passion-filled afternoon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. As my expertise advanced, I turned to crafting a bespoke bike model, ‘Schlachtwerk,’ which marked the beginning of a decade-long dedication to building fundamental bicycles that seamlessly merged efficiency with significant weight reduction. In Europe, I competitively rode modified drag bikes, including a 147-kilogram Yamaha TR1, which boasted an impressive 180 horsepower, thanks to the added boost of nitrous oxide. Later on, I had the pleasure of handling a handcrafted 133-kilogram Kawasaki W900, also equipped with nitrous and producing a respectable 140 horsepower. Eighteen months ago, I relocated to Sydney, where this Himalayan marks my second build in Australia.
The 2020 Royal Enfield Himalayan started its journey as a standard unit from the factory. Built on curiosity, I ventured forth along the Burden Watchers’ path, driven to explore just how far my journey would take me while maintaining the essence of my Himalayan heritage. To preserve the distinctive aspect of our project, we collaborated with Royal Enfield Australia and New Zealand on this joint endeavour.
Tommy credits his artistic vision to the iconic designs of motorcycles that emerged from the legendary enduros of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, as well as the prestigious Six Day Trial and Greenhorn Enduro events, with a special nod to the dominant BMW R80 GS models that conquered the ISDT in 1979.
Despite being stored at its manufacturing facility, the bike required reconnections to its unique model; unfortunately, Tommy overlooked the finer details. The mods feature custom-built wheels shod with Metzeler Six Days Extreme rubber, Excel rims, handmade aluminum front and rear guards, a handcrafted exhaust, a new Brembo rear brake, and a Motogadget speedometer. Adding a {custom} seat and a truly traditional yet very cool racing headlight surround, the transformation was complete.
Tommy relies heavily on his bike as a convenient and efficient means of commuting to work daily. “In the surrounding metropolitan area and suburban regions, this bike’s agility and nimbility are further complemented by its exceptionally economical fuel consumption,” he remarks. However, at weekends, I typically venture onto gravel roads and firebreak trails deep within Australia’s lush bushland. The market offers a seamless experience, effortlessly recovering from most obstacles thanks to its ample torque, while also being forgiving enough to allow for gentle drops without causing undue distress. At 160 kilograms, or 352 pounds, the bike’s weight is considerable even when fully fueled, making it well-suited for off-road excursions.
What does Tommy’s personal highlight reel look like now that the bike project is complete and the dust has settled? It’s a thrill when I complete a bike build and the finished product looks exactly as I envisioned it from the start, radiating joy and satisfaction. While I’ve designed this framework to accommodate bikes handling higher than inventory levels, I’m confident that I’ve successfully met each of my objectives within this structure. I’m thrilled with the handmade components – the custom guards, exhaust, and taillight that I crafted myself.
Following the photo shoot, Tommy was in no hurry to move on to his next project immediately. Despite his enthusiasm, he remains resolute that the bike is merely a rough draft, insisting that he’ll continue to refine and perfect it until he’s fully satisfied with the final product. He effortlessly navigates through life’s complexities, his purpose and passion guiding him towards meaningful connections. Watch this area.
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