For decades, the West has been renowned for crafting exceptional custom motorcycles. Sophisticated thrill-seekers from Europe’s affluent circles and the upper echelons of society in the West have typically had the privilege of experiencing the most exceptional adventure excursions. In recent years, a seismic shift has taken place as the global community’s emphasis has shifted dramatically towards celebrating creativity. Exhibit A: Indonesia’s Kromworks masterfully revives the essence of vintage motorcycling with their striking retro-futuristic take on the iconic Royal Enfield Bullet 500 cafe racer.
Among Indonesia’s numerous builders, Jakarta-based Kromworks truly distinguishes itself. Over several years, Andika Pratama and his team have built a sterling reputation for themselves. Meet the experts who craft bespoke travel experiences reminiscent of The Jetsons’ futuristic escapades – efficient, seamless, and tailored to your every whim. Everything they accomplish is meticulous, refined, and honed to perfection, showcasing a mastery of detail that borders on obsession. No surprise then that Royal Enfield Indonesia sought their expertise to collaborate on a project. As Royal Enfield intensifies its efforts in Indonesia, it’s only fitting to entrust one of the country’s most renowned craftsmen with a pristine Bullet, ready for them to weave their unique blend of creativity and expertise.
From the beginning, Andika and the team had a clear vision of what they wanted to build. “We aimed to design a unique dining experience akin to a thrilling restaurant adventure,” Mr Pratama explains. “While not your average cafe racer…” We aimed to blend innovative concepts with fundamental components. While the iconic Royal Enfield Bullet may evoke a sense of nostalgia and vintage charm, it’s not exactly the most obvious starting point for a modern customization project with a mid-century twist? The team at Kromworks faced a significant challenge.
The edges having been comprehensively revised. Fitted with retro-styled Shinko rubber tyres, this model boasts a sleek profile, boasting 21-inch hoops at both the front and rear. The bespoke swingarm and fork mounting are carefully integrated into the entirely redesigned bike’s framework, featuring precision-engineered brackets crafted specifically for this unique motorcycle. The swingarm and forks seamlessly integrate with a purpose-built body. There’s barely anything recognizable as a standard Royal Enfield remaining. The downtube, along with every other component, has been meticulously designed and crafted by the Kromworks team. Take the header, for example. All facets of the pipe demonstrate a singular aspect found in its construction. The primary bent aligns seamlessly with the underside of the vehicle’s body. The second, the entrance forks.
Is a meticulously crafted mural that wraps around the underside of the chrome steel seat pan, cleverly concealed by a hand-forged and polished chrome steel gas tank. Here’s a list of everything else that’s been created by the team at Kromworks, so you can see what they’re capable of: The engine mounts, rear units, and rear sets are clearly visible, along with any other components that come into view. Despite the rough conditions, the staff went the extra mile, equipping their Royal Enfield Bullet with a new carburettor to ensure a smooth ride and keep the trails crystal-clear.
One of the many best issues with that approach? The entire bike, from start to finish, was completed by Andika and the staff in a mere 5 months, solely through their collective efforts. That’s five months for a labor-of-love, one-off, handcrafted Royal Enfield Bullet café racer. This stunning bike is a testament to the innovative spirit of outlets like Kromworks, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
KROMWORKS
Story by Marlon Slack
