For the past year, Return of the Cafe Racers had the privilege of participating in the judging process for five exceptional entries. Among the builds were cafe racers, scramblers, a wild salt flat racer, and a remarkably successful observation bike. Despite stiff competition, a clear victor emerged after meticulous examination of each bicycle.
The Busted Knuckles Building Competition’s 2022 champion, as chosen by a unanimous decision, is the No. 55 GT 650 Manufacturing Racer. Impressed by the legendary racers from their home nation, Royale Bikes in Hamilton, New Zealand transformed a Continental GT into a modern high-performance track bike, equipping it with every component necessary to excel as a successful track-day weapon. Here is the rewritten text:
To share the fascinating tale of this magnificent structure, Royal Enfield takes the reins and shares its perspective on this ambitious project.
New Zealanders’ proficiency on bicycles is an oft-repeated truism, akin to stating that the sun shines brightly or that fried chicken is delectable – it’s a fact so well-known that anyone outside of a prolonged slumber will already be familiar with it. Despite everything, few countries have bred riders as remarkable as Burt Munro and John Britten, two icons from New Zealand. Discuss punching above their weight. Hamilton’s Royale Bikes attempts to disrupt the status quo with its latest offering, the Royal Enfield Busted Knuckles 2022 model.
Dylan, the store’s thought leader, guided us through his train of thought when embarking on this unique custom project. He emphasizes that innovation lies in executing a single concept exceptionally well. We lost our grip on reality for a moment. The primary motivation behind our decision not to build another cafe, bobber, or tracker was the desire to diversify. Honestly, after creating an arsenal of such bikes, can we really fault ourselves for wanting to try something entirely new?
Drawing inspiration from the Royal Enfield ‘GT Cup’ manufacturing racing series in India, they decided to create something akin, but with an added touch of sportsbike flair. Imagine a sportsbike as far removed from the GT Enfield’s as possible? It would be prudent to recall that the distinctive cafe racers which inspired the GTs were, in turn, a tribute to the Isle of Man TT racers of the 1950s and 1960s. Given the storied history of these motorcycles as trailblazers in their era, revamping them into a modern racing machine is an endeavor that warrants more consideration than initially meets the eye.
“Notwithstanding its magnitude, bringing it to fruition remained a daunting task,” said Dylan. “To ensure authenticity, we drew inspiration from various motorcycles and manufacturers, ultimately crafting a genuine racing machine rather than a mere imitation. The aluminum swingarm, for instance, was an original Honda component carefully modified to integrate seamlessly with our new bike’s revised geometry, as meticulously overseen by the Royale build team.”
The entrance finish was refitted with a Triumph Daytona fork and wheel assembly, which arrived directly from the factory fitted with accomplished Nissen brakes.
The 17-inch wheels are now shod in high-performance Pirelli Diablo tyres and accompanied by a substantial 120mm rear spoiler. The team’s attention to detail extended to crafting a custom exhaust system, which expertly routed the newly modified engine’s output through a sleek, hydroformed HP Corse-finish pipe, amplifying the racing aesthetic while generating an unmistakable engine hum.
As with every high-performance racing motorcycle, it’s not simply about installing rearsets alone but rather a comprehensive range of adjustments that elevate the overall riding experience. Due to its versatility, the design can be readily adapted for almost any observer and rider, according to Dylan. While many fashionable sportsbikes boast sufficient MotoGP technology to intimidate all but the most skilled riders, the 650 Twin DNA at its core suggests that most enthusiasts can effortlessly pick up this bike and enjoy a thrilling ride at their local track without compromising safety or their sense of adventure.
The bike’s chassis is equally user-friendly; constructed from robust metal instead of aluminum, its simplicity allows most custom shops or DIY enthusiasts to modify the GT’s frame without requiring specialized welding equipment or dedicating six months to a technical course. As Dylan so poetically phrases it, “And so, being the owner of a Continental GT, regardless of your thoughts on the matter, you can hardly help but build.”
Despite initial reservations about appearing overly promotional, Dylan concedes, “However we were genuinely surprised by how seamless this bike is to customize.” It’s clear that Royal Enfield engineers and designers prioritized customization when conceptualizing the Continental and Interceptor models years ago. As the demand for smartwatches continues to surge in 2022, it’s highly recommended that you prioritize purchasing one this year.
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The 2022 Busted Knuckles competition featured a range of opposing entries. To determine the winner, viewers can review the participants listed above and make their own informed decision. Experience the captivating video interview with the esteemed Royale group, accompanied by exclusive, high-quality visuals that reveal the intricate details of this extraordinary endeavour.
