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Writer's pictureArun Sekhar

Less is More - Testing waters with RE650

Royal Enfield is a cult in India drawing its inspirations from Harley Davidson in America. There is a massive following for the brand, bikes and community especially with the customization scene. The Royal enfield bikes are treated as canvases for artists to showcase their work and every owner personalizes his bike and takes pride to own a unique, 'only one in the world' kind of possession. The Indian manufacturers recognized this early on and it resulted in a massive after market parts and accessories for Royal Enfield bikes.


With the introduction of a brand new 650cc engine in 2018, it was truly a revolutionary moment for RE. This was an engine that was secretly developed close to triumph headquarters in UK, had almost all new parts and was so smooth that it gave the Vibey Japanese twins a run for their money.



Like most people from Millenials / Gen Ys, I was wary of Royal enfield as a brand which produced slow and lethargic bikes. However, all these Youtube experts seem to have convinced me otherwise. So I went ahead and got myself a 2019 Red Interceptor 650 in December 2019. With the purchase, I was introduced to the Owner community and several biking groups in Bangalore. Drawing inspirations from several such passionate owners, I wanted to create a unique bike for myself as well.



However as I started to purchase after market parts, I started to realize how little I knew about customization and mods. I ended up spending so much on parts and never got the desired look or happiness. My bike had become like a canvas full of paint spilt across that neither looked good nor was functionally reliable. It was then it struck me:

Less is More


The more I looked at Motorcyles that were minimal and unique, the more I was impressed. And thus started my journey of going minimal. I wanted a bit more agressive posture on my bike so went with the geometry of GT 650. I developed a liking for monocolour tanks, so got a berry red tank. I was hanging out a lot with Harley folks so got my engine covers Chrome plated. I was very happy with my end result.


However, while attempting the biggest ride of my life - The Golden Quadilateral, I realized that I needed something that is faster and lighter due to which I had to sell it off. But it sure was one of the best looking bikes I had / will ever own! Truly my creation on that canvas -


Built not Bought!


The bike is now with a person called Gavin who loves it way more than I did! He has truly made it unique for himself! I am happy that most of the work I have done on this bike carried forward!


List of Work done on the Bike:

Jc road ppf, side foot rest etc 4k

Gt tank 10k

Gt clip on 1k

Gt footpegs 2k

Radiator guard 2k

Ngk kit 4k

K&n filter with stage 2 4.5k

Powerage exhaust 7.5k

Maddog led headlight 7k

Motone tail light 3k

Rear Led indicator strips 500

Front led button indicators 500

Bar end mirrors 3k

Gt touring seat 4k

Dual seat cowl 3k

Leather side panel bag 3.5k

Short engine guard 2.5k

Chrome casings 5k

Tubeless conversion3k

Flash x 2k

Upgrade engine oil 3k

Upgrade front suspension oil 1k

Front suspension spacer 200

Booster plug 4k

Front 16T sprocket 700

Formula x 1.5k

Mobile holder 1k

Rear tyre 8k

Heell guards 1k

Levers 2.5k

Foot pegs 2.5k

Clip ons 1k

Booster plug 4k

Headlight 4k

Meteor wheel 6k

Tyre 5.5k

Bobo mobile holder 2k

Meteor chain adjuster

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