Royal Enfield has undoubtedly struck gold with its 650cc twins in the European market, as evidenced by their enduring popularity. According to the latest data, the Indian manufacturer has emerged victorious, with its Interceptor 650 model claiming top spot as the best-selling motorcycle in the UK for June 2020, outpacing Triumph’s offerings in the over 125cc segment. Due to its 650 series’ near-flawless reputation for stability, efficiency, and a highly alluring value proposition, this model stands out. While Royal Enfield doesn’t directly compete with Triumph, their offerings in the fashionably basic segment differ.
With a nod to Triumph’s innovative spirit, Jake Yang, editor of South Korea’s ‘Bike Journal’, aimed to match the British marque’s boldness by crafting an inspired take on the iconic Indian twin. Following the purchase of his 2019 Continental GT 650, he embarked on an ambitious project to build a customized Enfield motorcycle inspired by Triumph’s manufacturing unit, meticulously documenting the process for publication. Crafting a meticulous representation of the iconic Particular Version Brit, taking approximately six months to complete his creation is a testament to the creator’s dedication and attention to detail.
As he recalls, Jake’s professional experience once included serving as a PC sports graphics designer. Before commencing work, I crafted a design using Photoshop to lay the groundwork. While the similarities between Jake’s GT 650 and the TFC Thruxton are striking, it is the meticulous execution that truly sets this project apart.
Jake collaborated with Loopy Storage’s native workshop to pair the GT 650 with Royal Enfield cafe racer components. The Loopy Storage cover is crafted from fibre-reinforced plastic. To achieve the desired aesthetic, Jake first encased the unit in a single layer of carbon fiber before applying a TFC-inspired black and gold paint scheme. The fairing was subsequently mounted using bolt-on hardware, perfectly aligned with a repurposed Harley-Davidson headlight that added a touch of rugged individuality to the overall design. The custom cowl at the rear boasts a matching paint scheme and Bike Journal branding, striking a harmonious balance with the rear end’s overall aesthetic, far surpassing Enfield’s factory finish.
The revised cockpit features Zeta’s sleek clip-on bars, paired with the precision-crafted Halcyon bar-end mirrors for enhanced visibility and control. The distinctive analogue gauges remain, now situated atop a sleek, machined aluminium high yoke crafted by the renowned Riga. The already impressive parallel twin has received only a few subtle refinements. The sleek Riga billet sprocket cowl adds a razor-sharp edge to the overall aesthetic, its aluminium surface meticulously repolished to achieve a radiant, mirror-like finish. Perched atop the motorcycle’s entrance wheel lies a sleek, high-quality aftermarket Yamaha SR400 fender, its rugged design and sturdy construction a testament to the rider’s commitment to precision craftsmanship. The sleek, retro-inspired LED taillight combines functionality with nostalgic flair, perfectly complemented by the cleverly integrated Loopy Storage compartments that enhance the reimagined driving experience.
Mastering the Continental GT 650 as a TFC was merely just the beginning. To emulate Triumph’s success, Jake aimed to boost the efficiency of his Enfield motorcycle. He selected a range of high-end parts to incorporate into his project. The suspension has undergone a comprehensive overhaul courtesy of renowned brand Ohlins. Within the entrance forks, you’ll find completely new, fully adjustable Ohlins internals. The rear suspension features a pair of Öhlins shocks strategically positioned atop 25mm spacers. The installation of these components at the rear of the bike has successfully lifted the ride height, thereby harmonizing the vehicle’s silhouette and enhancing its handling capabilities by improving its balance and stability. The Brembo 14RCS brake radial-cast cylinder delivers enhanced stopping power, while the grippy Metzeler Racetec RR tire ensures exceptional traction.
With its centre-weighted 650cc parallel-twin engine producing an impressive 47 horsepower. However, that’s a far cry from the TFC Truxton’s impressive 107 horsepower. Unlike traditional approaches, Jake sought to enhance his bike’s performance by emulating the TFC method, thereby giving it a competitive edge over the standard GT 650. To give the bike its unique edge, he’s installed a bespoke set of exhaust headers from Loopy Storage and AEW slip-on silencers for an exceptional sound. To unlock the full potential of this newly designed arrangement, the Dynojet Energy Commander is included, which recalibrates fuel delivery to ensure optimal performance and throttle responsiveness.
After upgrading his ride, Jake discovered that every penny spent had been well worth it – his Royal Enfield GT 650 now effortlessly outcorners and outperforms its previous iteration, all at a fraction of the cost of a high-end TFC model.
Particular due to Jake Yang
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