How Royal Enfield built its own custom race bike

Take the 2019 Royal Enfield 650 Continental GT then give it to some passionate engineers, mix in some of Harris Performance's expertise and top products and what do you get? The 'Nought Tea GT' - a custom machine with one eye on racing.
We follow the journey from concept to launch and hear about version two from the team behind the project.
#RoyalEnfield
#custombike
#ContinentalGT
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[@micksterboone4517]

Hats off to Royal Enfield for building a bike that I actually would like to own. First new bike I've had any interest in for a LONG time.

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

I feel exactly the same way. I have been looking for a nuts & bolts bike for years.

[@samintheshed6523]

Royal ENFIELD brought 2 of these bikes to bikeshed fest and absolutely wiped the floor with everything. Great chatting to the guys on the film after the race too. Great work lads, an awesome looking and performing machine!

[@headlesskitten]

Hahahaha! I raced at the BikeShed Fest and am now here to find out HTF those little Enfields murdered everyone!

[@coomohit]

Yes they did,However it sorta helped having two ex GP riders ride them, against first timers.I watched as Paul Young, got off his bike and ran to the pits before he was recognised.I did though.

[@Ritalie]

I thought your comment was a joke. That's really amazing that the Royal Enfields did so good, considering they aren't cheating with a giant engine or a 4 cylinder engine. They are only running 58 or 59 horsepower (I think?).

[@coomohit]

@@Ritalie Nope.100% true.Two ex GP riders on race prepared bikes, competing against a field of first timers, on shed builds.

[@sunnyghosh8725]

@@Ritalie 47 hp

[@sarahdell4042]

Royal Enfield has been knocking it out of the park recently. Super excited to see what they will continue to turn out in the future.

[@harryviking6347]

These bikes makes me sentimental and takes me back to those incredible exciting 60s and 70s when I started riding bikes! They are just beautiful!!

[@johntaylor346]

It should be a production model as soon as possible.

[@kotimoto]

Great to see a bike that has so much British history, now being developed in UK by some of the smartest blokes in motorcycle design. Kudos to royal Enfield team, who are encouraging builder to modify and showcase their talents.

[@watchiton4604]

@ZebraZ ... Its a fate of RE weather it’s india or UK .... Porud of its British roots and design team in Uk .. proud of RE ... from India 🇮🇳

[@Ritalie]

8:00, with this insanely good footage and insanely good soundtrack, this video is approaching FortNine levels of art. Outstanding!!

[@DormanDiaries]

Great video guys, very well produced. I love how RE have this old school approach to customising / tuning etc in their modern development facility. Fantastic. Very pleased with my interceptor and ease of customisation.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Dorman Diaries thanks v much, glad you enjoyed. Have to done much with your Interceptor?

[@DormanDiaries]

@@bennettsbikesocial - Yes, check out our channel, got quite a few vids up now of the mods. Say hi to Mr Milbank for us. Cheers

[@CoachBob3]

I love it. Royal Enfield really does get it. It’s nice to see a company talking with riders and sticking to the “roots”. Very nice or should I say “Nought tea”.

[@Section9.P.S]

The coolest bike company just got cooler! , and I want one!

[@stanleyknife1967]

Great looking bike. One of my favourites from the show.

[@AlistairDsilva]

that's a beautiful looking cafe racer racing bike ..absolutely love the engineering that's gone into it

[@raunak7461]

Royal Enfield emotion of India...our traditional classic bike..Always emotional about the Himalayan version...now 350...omg amazing...sunoy sunoy

[@PEZ1514]

my first bike was an enfield. They have a following even here in the states. Really cheap which is great and annoying at the same time. Theyre design department is kicking but though. Nice to see a company focus on the cheaper part of the market but stills allow you to look stylish!!

[@copferthat]

It's a pure 70's style racer, love it, it's my era.

[@bhagat2774]

When is RE going to put this into production 😭😭😭

[@MDHenry4]

Great editing and sound nice job celebrating these great engineers!

[@JohnDoe-zj6xf]

The exhaust sounded so beautiful.

[@elmerfudd1086]

This is a giant step forward for RE. This must be an awesome company to work for. Hopefully they will make this machine available to the public, even if the owner has to build it.

[@ape3774]

Why not just call it the Royal Enfield Harris GT ... And when can I get a road version

[@paulaus]

Yes sell us an RS Version ;)

[@johnDukemaster]

What a bike! Now the engine needs some work to be done to match the looks! I like the triangle theme on the paintwork. Riding through leaves on that autumn road. Lovely! What I will be doing this very day!

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Honestly the finished bike looks incredible, top work!

[@stephenlebillon3066]

Great bike, would love to have seen it painted in a classic colour scheme.

[@seanoconnor6662]

This effort resulted in a gorgeous motorcycle! Hats off to those involved in the transformation. RE, if reading comments, the stock Continental GT needs a similar rear frame modification to match the lines of the seat. Although I largely prefer the GT, I am leaning toward the INT 650 simply because I find the rear of the Continental GT too clumsy in appearance.

[@toubutey]

That fairing looks beautiful!

[@kevan600]

Stunning looking bike. With a huge scope to increase both power and handling. I LOVE RIDING MY GT650. KEEP UP THE FANTASIC WORK.

[@motomehanicar459]

The only missing thing is a pillion seat. Riding this without a pillion is shame. Looks awesome.

[@randhalljoss6762]

i do own a 535 cgt,i LOVE IT, 500 single a true cafe racer, the frame is just amazing,bad point the brembo are discusting and the gabriel front fork is a way to soft,but make my day touch my RE

[@harryviking6347]

Royal Enfield is taking us back to those days bikes were just great FUN!!! Love what I see! And tks...this video was uploaded on my birthday! Nice birthday present !!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Happy belated birthday, Harry!

[@liminal-m3g]

Gorgeous!

[@blackbeltmax851]

RE, Please make that fairing into production, i want one on my gt !!! 😍

[@666Kudos]

Ah!!! Love those Intake mod's

[@gertbfrobe4502]

I need that fairing for my CGT650. Gorgeous work.

[@shashankethane]

Love the sound of the bike

[@riturajborsaikia7408]

Never thought a royalenfield would be scraping footpegs one day. But I bought an interceptor for practical reasons and i love it.

[@adisura9904]

Oooh looks sweet. I thought with their earlier tease we'd see a proper 700 cc cruiser from RE, but a track oriented RE? That i would have never imagined I'd see.

[@Metrobus271]

Royal Enfield, the underdog brand. Taking on the big boys with style and heritage.

[@caroldave4037]

French British japanesese European chinese now India don't scoff folks affordable bikes are making a return...from newly owning himalayan to sit along with my versys 650...cheers guys from dave

[@golemsnatch5755]

Oh dear, I've just gone all moist.

[@viswasrujith8426]

India’s love for Royal Enfield needs no introduction. While the whole world shunned these retro motorcycles, the Indian market helped the brand grow from a humble 50,000 units annually in 2010 to registering over 50,000 units in a single month! Today Royal Enfield does not sell mere motorcycles. In fact, they sell lifestyles! The company wants to become a dominant force in the global middleweight motorcycle market. Here are the upcoming Royal Enfield motorcycles which the brand is working to rise towards global domination: Royal Enfield Meteor Royal Enfield Concept KX Bobber The Royal Enfield Meteor is expected to be the production variant of the Royal Enfield KX Concept Bobber. This prototype was unveiled at EICMA 2018. The KX concept draws inspiration to a V-twin Bobber style motorcycle the company previously retailed. Royal Enfield has also recently patented the Meteor brand name for the European market. The concept from EICMA 2018, the Royal Enfield Concept KX Bobber concept flaunted a brand new 838 cc V-twin powerplant. The engine has a bore of 80 mm and a stroke of 83.4 mm. Besides that, the engine has a claimed maximum power output of 90 PS. Also, the engine was coupled to a 6-speed gearbox and ride-by-wire throttle system for a linear power delivery. The Royal Enfield Concept KX Bobber was fitted with 19-inch wheels and shod with knobby Maxxis tyres. Royal Enfield Concept KX Bobber has a wheelbase of 1,530 mm and has a ground clearance of 128 mm. Also, the seat height of 760 mm, if enters production, will make for a great motorcycle, thanks to easy accessibility. The Royal Enfield Concept KX Bobber uses a girder fork type front suspension. A single damper and an under-seat link-type monoshock at the back. The production variant though may get standard telescopic fork or upside-down fork in the front instead of the girder fork. We expect the Royal Enfield Meteor based on the Concept KX Bobber to be launched sometime next year. Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 Royal Enfield Himalayan One of the most uncharacteristic yet delightful Royal Enfield out there, the Himalayan is soon to get an open heart surgery! Yes, the Chennai based manufacturer will take the powerplant from the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and introduce it to the Himalayan. Of course, we expect several mechanical and cosmetic updates to be made. In its present tune the 411 cc LS engine from the Royal Enfield Himalayan produces 24.8 PS of power and 32 Nm of torque. The parallel-twin 648 cc mill from the Interceptor 650, in its present tune produces 47.5 PS of power and 52 Nm of torque. Royal Enfield claims that 80% of this torque is available from a low engine speed of 2,500 rpm. That will make the Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 a very capable off-roader, producing the required amount of pulling force right when you need it! In terms of features, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 may continue with the same analogue-digital instrumentation. This unit is fairly comprehensive and even houses a magnetic compass for those who like to take the road not taken. We would also love to see a switchable ABS, at least for the rear wheel. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 may hit production form by mid-2020. The bike will also get an updated chassis and an improved suspension system. Royal Enfield Flat Tracker 650 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Spotted recently for the first time, the Royal Enfield Flat Tracker 650 utilises a reworked version of the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. The senior management has been previously known to want multiple versions of motorcycles from the Royal Enfield 650 Twins platform. A Flat Tracker though comes as a pleasant surprise. The Royal Enfield Flat Tracker 650 will continue with conventional telescopic fork up front. However, we believe that the engineers will be upgrading from the existing setup. Also, the rear will get a monoshock with adjustable preload. The engineers will also stiffen up the handlebar a bit so that it can take a beating. Besides that, the Royal Enfield Flat Tracker 650 will get alloy wheels and knobby go-anywhere tyres. The test unit spotted recently was seen sporting S&S exhaust system. But we do not expect them to hit production in order to keep costs under check. Royal Enfield can continue using its subsidiary Harris Performance to stiffen up the chassis. The 648 cc oil cooled parallel-twin engine too will be re-tuned to meet the demands of a flat tracker. We would also love to see Royal Enfield up the ante on this front by increasing the performance output. A Flat Tracker will also allow Royal Enfield to get back to competitive racing at American Flat Tracker championship. A sporting event where both Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle is gaining recognition. We expect the Royal Enfield Flat Tracker 650 to make it to production around Auto Expo 2020. However, the bike will be priced at a premium. Royal Enfield 250 Yes, Royal Enfield is finally planning to introduce a smaller and more affordable product. Several media reports point out to an upcoming quarter-litre Royal Enfield badged motorcycle. The ongoing economic downturn in India, has hit the company hard. A more accessible product will help more new customers to be a part of the Royal Enfield family. Precious little details have emerged about the Royal Enfield 250. We are not sure if the new motorcycle will be introduced under the existing brand names or something new. However, we believe a Royal Enfield Bullet 250 can do wonders to the brand. The engine can trace its origins to the Royal Enfield Bullet 350. The latter, in its present BS-IV iteration, is powered by a 346 cc air-cooled engine. This push rod powerplant is capable of producing 20.07 PS of power and 28 Nm of torque. Of course, fuel injection will be standard in the upcoming BS-VI complaint Royal Enfield 250. Also, the suspension system will continue to be conventional telescopic fork in the front and dual springs in the rear. Besides that, we expect the present design elements to be carried forward in the Royal Enfield 250. Brakes too will be in the same configuration, a disc in the front and a drum in the rear. We expect the Royal Enfield 250 to take at least a couple of years before breakig.

[@mohammedjunaid8866]

I think RE should let the Harris team focus on building and working on the KX 838 and probably a 1200. With its killer price points and brilliant heritage they will be the revolution needed in the motorcycling world.

[@maakamakana7007]

well done RE and Harris ...bring the bike to market, and I will buy

[@JD-275]

They need to build that fairing for the market and sell it on their site. This would make the GT a beauty.

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

Listening to the American at the end of the clip only confirms my earliest suspicions. He describes the engine as having "a lot of metal" and being flexible in terms of upgrading power. I see a factory 750-850 cc coming out quite soon.

[@kevinmoore4887]

The styling reminds me of the Paul Dunstal bikes of the 60s and 70s. Looking great.

[@AYACSM]

What an awesome looking and I'm sure performing bike. Great job of these guys. Even though the paint job does not match my taste, the overall appearance does. Instantly fell in love with this bike

[@MWS1960]

Looks fantastic. Please bring this to the US and I’ll be one of your first customers 👍

[@zweispurmopped]

Great audio editing: The spoken bits are nicely quiet, and then the software composed elevator music kicks in, blasting at four times the volume.

[@avinashmickey]

Well i am going to buy this bike i really loved it

[@connermcleod9241]

RE i think should do a race category here in aus. if they did i would be one of the first to sign up and race

[@diecastworld7962]

Please produce more of the race edition 650 gt and by the way great job Royal Enfield I feel proud to own a Royal Enfield so hats off to this legendary brand and also to this amazing channel to bring it to us.

[@585ronin]

Beautiful bike

[@krtong]

Not my cup of tea but there's definitely a significant market for this. Love the red and black paintjob. IDK i just feel like they could've done something different with the whole retro thing. It's still in the awkward phase like the 2005 Ford Mustang, but look at the mustang now. There always needs to be this conversation through design about what it is we want to still hold onto from bikes of the past.

[@NikhilKumar-mv2gm]

Pls launch this as it is…❤ a beauty

[@utharaptortrex]

When i showed the bike to my girlfriend, asking what she thought of it, she said it looked like it hit a deer xD, but i kinda like it!

[@spudboy56]

Let's see. Version 2 engine specs? Light weight rods, slipper pistons, reworked head with titanium valves and valve springs. Hotter grind camshafts, remapped ignition and injection. I suppose a pressurized air intake to match more robust injectors would help. Going to need to increase heat dissipation so a larger oil cooler or second cooler will be needed. Sounds like fun to me.

[@saaksharskill432]

RE can capture whole international market with affordable ADV and Sports cruiser based on 650 architect with DOHC set up for free revving

[@poucxs9246]

Lovely sound and looks.

[@billcarson4566]

It sounded as if it was going 10 mph. But was been ridden aggressively on a race track. Just like the good old days. Really nice. What Enfield should do is promote racing. A one make series for closed circuit racing a every man's race series cheaper and more fun. Also they could promote a rally or 24 hour style race held in India. Dehli to Varanasi or such like.

[@jackdale9831]

To Mr. Harris: Could these Enfields get a belt-drive final like on the classic H-D Sportsters? I LOVE the twin-PIAA headlights, but can't these be fitted to a 1/4 - 3/4 fairing? I desire a 'bit' of the "cafe" look, but the Maturity of my back would Demand a higher-mounted fairing, with handle bars, --not grips coming off the forks[--"clip-ons"], which put me into a crouch I may never "recover" from;) How about an "S& S" 840cc bore & stroke?

[@joaorafaelbiomedico]

06:28 I was like: "Oh my f*cking God!" Amazing what Harris Performance did to this bike, expanding even further it´s capabilities!

[@debeeriz]

great to see a bike from the fifties looking like a bike from the seventies, now if only you could make it perform like a bike from this century you would be on to a winner

[@gerardmontgomery280]

If I still lived in Belfast I'd serioulsy consider a 650GT for a daily ride. Just enough power for a city and at that price you wouldn't mind getting a few scratches on it. I may still consider one as a project bike when they hit the 2nd hand market. That special is stunning though.

[@alexandermathar7780]

The speeding Lama on the Delhi- Pune Highway: RRRRRR . Om mane padme hum !

[@sayantanghosh4629]

Royal Enfield should seriously take into consideration and bring to the market a full-spec, no-compromise version of their already successful 650 platform. It might not return as high a number on the sales front as they are used to, but how sweet would it be to get the bike showcased at 01:25 in production?

[@themightydash1714]

With the retro scene how it is right now, why not start a race series on the 650 platform? I know I'd love to watch a grid of 20 of those bikes hooning around the uk tracks. Hell, Make it affordble through the thundersport series and I might even be tempted to join!

[@dallasbrady5316]

It’s not easy, but it’s what we do. Classic !

[@carlosgooglemaps94]

Stunning bike!!! But; what will be the price?, I strongly believe that all the “buyers” down the comments will change their mind when the price came up!!

[@khalilGT]

What a great bike😍i have the conti650 and i'm so happy with it

[@wernerbrodbeck6111]

Very Very Classy! Nice job.

[@bidurboro3795]

Apply many mod but just keep it Royal 👑

[@onhawaii]

I would get that result within a week or with a team in a day. I simply take a 1992 Ducati take out the engine and fit the new engine in. Take the updated brakes and suspension. Fit some Ducati fairings. Done! Yes it would even look better. That "New" thing still looks like a 1970's bike with rear dual shocks and some new foot pegs slapped on. When "Evolution" isn't written in your book you might face extinction. To sad to see that they still try to sell bikes to lads that hit their 60's soon. All other manufacturers seem to have managed to move on with the time. Could it be because of isolation on an island? This is not written because I want to take a dump on Royal Enfield. This are my original thoughts after seeing this video.

[@sveinungtorgrimsen2149]

Absolutely stunning, and beautiful bike:-)

[@Kenkalsi]

India need more bikes like this design, good design.

[@thesheepman220]

Sweet looker a blast from the past look a like , love it

[@montanaheaventush]

Dear Royal Enfield, please offer to option to order a Harris Special, or maybe do a limited edition, either way this spec would fly out the door!

[@Ritalie]

The best part about anyone watching is that you appreciate quality over quantity. To see so much time and energy going into a 59 horsepower motorcycle is really heart warming. I'm a fan of Royal Enfield for life, and I will be buying one of their bikes. Because they care more about their customers than any other brand, and you can actually afford their bikes. The paint scheme is atrocious and looks like an auto-body guy who is bored with regular paint, from 30 years of painting cars, decided to try his hand at painting a motorcycle. But the bike is absolutely stunning otherwise.

[@Jonathan-L]

Good to see that no money was wasted on expensive mufflers.

[@jamesc9969]

great looking bike, the colour scheme is on point. great video with great inputs from RE and lester Harris. where can I buy one??!?!?!?!?!

[@debopriyoroy]

Awesome Video. With all due respect to Lester Harris and the rest of the team members, do we see a Higher capacity Himalayan on the way?

[@starscream1457]

British roots, indian soul, global bike... Nice line...

[@bigred8438]

for it to impress me personally, the heart of the bike would have to be at least 850cc, with power around 60kw. But it certainly looks and sounds good.

[@Dukerdr]

I used to think it needed to be at least 750cc, but after a test ride last week...I'm pleased with the 650cc version. The fueling down low was perfect, it shifted like a Suzuki. Butter smooth. I was blown away with it. It really steps out in any gear! And very comfortable considering the low cost suspension. Much nicer than my old 750 Monster.

[@viswasrujith8426]

There is a bobber type v twin at around 800cc in the development know as RE KX.

[@Oldvelocette]

Great video - add this bike to my list :)

[@chriscoates2399]

India well done . Royal Enfield the collaboration is Great works .. Mighty

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats really rather special...

[@alanlowe9716]

I am curious why they retained the twin-shock system where they have room for a monoshock. It's not a heavy bike, the twin shocks would not be necessary. Monoshocks have demonstrable benefits which I would feel more comfortable with. Perhaps it was asking for too much additional work?

[@TATA_NEXON_TURBOCHARGED_ENGINE]

Superb modification into Cafe Racer

[@ROCKRATADVENTURETEAM]

Any chance Royal Enfield will produce a dual headlight race cowl? something like the 90's Yamaha FZR body work. That would be super sexy!!!

[@sudhakarmushnam]

Bike looks awesome and colour, design. ,👌

[@NeonLuvBar]

The paintwork is reminiscent of a R90S. Pity they didn't use USD forks, but perhaps that would involve too much work in redesigning the front hub. The biggest shame is that RE, along with Harris have all these talented people, but they only produce conservative-looking bikes for sale.

[@stevet9487]

I like some Royal Enfield and this one looks quite nice except the tank could be improved a lot.

[@Redappolyon87]

is there ANYWAY to get a seat cowl like that? preferably in white (or with the baker express stripes)?

[@MrGibsonguy335]

Good start but where is the 850 cc model? And when will we see the "Scrambler"?

[@alankarkhare12]

I am in love with the red one but there is one question bothering me - The profile of the fuel tank is almost vertical near the rider seat. Will it cause problem for the rider while encountering bumps or potholes at his sensitive area??

[@tomostinato2918]

Superb.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

Crying out for it's own race series if you can keep the price well down relatively speaking.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

@Spike Elwood that's kind of what I mean but if they can keep the price to well below that of a Superstock 600 it might fly. From what I gather a Honda for Superstock 600 goes for just over £7k so they would have to keep the RE to around £5k IMO

[@portugezemonster]

was there any chance of this being entered in the twins cup? would love to see an Enfield take it to the SV650s/ MT07s.

[@yogiguitar1]

sweet looking bike!

[@maximfadeev2012]

Gt вообще красавец!! ❤❤❤

[@erictaunton2183]

Very nice motorcycle looks great What size is the rear tire