Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 British Green

At core of motorcycle custom culture is the idea that each rider gradually turns their motorcycle into an original creation. Some builds have major modifications, while others improve an already great motorcycle to better reflect the rider behind the handlebars while staying true to the bike's original character.

Alex's Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 build shows that balance: he kept the bike's vintage café racing character while adding a number of thoughtfully chosen changes.

The Base Bike: Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

Alex began his project on a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 in British Green, a bike known for its strong café racer style.

This decision was influenced by two main factors. First, the bike’s design already has the iconic lines of a café racer. Second, the engine offers a riding experience which Alex describes as both “enjoyable and instinctive”, making it an excellent foundation for a project that will eventually be ridden and enjoyed on the road.

Another advantage of the Continental GT 650 is the increasing availability of aftermarket parts for this model. The wide range of options makes it possible for the bike to be customised while maintaining its original character.

The Vision Behind the Build

For this project, rather than fully redesigning the bike, Alex wanted to bring together the GT 650’s old-school design and modern features added through different upgrades.

He took inspiration from vintage café racer motorcycles and their well-known design codes, as well as the work of modern custom garages that reinterpret those ideas today.

This idea is what Alex refers to as a Neo-vintage build, a bike that respects the classic café racer specifications while adding in modern components and finishes.

The Colour Theme

One of the key design priorities in this build was to bring out a strong contrast with the original British Green fuel tank. To do this, Alex changed or modified many of the motorcycle's grey or chrome components to black.

Some of the replacements made were:

• The original silencers were changed to the black version from the latest models
• The footrests and numerous supports were repainted
• A cover was put on the top of the fork

Many small components were also replaced in black to match the colour theme including:

• The brake and clutch lever
• The injector covers
• The heel guards
• The oil cap, radiator grille and the horn
• The handlebar grips and endcaps
• And lastly, the chain tensioners

These changes draw attention to the bike’s deep green original tank while also making it look cleaner and more unified.

Café Racer Details

Several features of the bike’s design incorporate the traditional café racer design.

The LED Headlight has the well-known cross design associated with café racing designs. The bike also has a seat shell, which gives it a single-seater racing appearance while also allowing the installation of a passenger seat.

More details that add to the style are the titanium heat strips and the white tyre lettering.

These details accentuate the old café racer design that inspired the build.

Modern Details

While the design keeps the traditional café racer characteristics, Alex has also included a many modern components.

The indicators were replaced with LED units, which are more discreet but still functional. Small aesthetic features were also added, such as gold screws and valve caps, and a remote key switch was inserted in replacement of one of the horns.

Additional improvements include:

• More modern mirrors
• A race-style spoiler based on the GT Cup version
• K-speed side covers
• A Motone windshield.
• A Motone rear light.

Alex also added more streamlined front and rear mudguards and removed the number plate from the rear fender. This allowed him to incorporate our number plate holder, making the bike road legal while also providing a modern touch and a more neat finish to the rear area.

Riding Experience Improvements

The project also featured a few improvements aimed at boosting the bike's ride quality.

To fit the build's design and objective, Alex rebuilt the rear suspension with black YSS shock absorbers and improved the fork springs with same brand components. He picked Bridgestone Battlax tires, which are popular among riders searching for a blend of grip and everyday comfort.

Together, these changes improve the Continental GT's handling while keeping the bike's uniqueness on the road.

A Hands-on Project

One of the most impressive parts of this build is that Alex did the majority of the modifications himself. The only work done outside was for the suspension setup. The remaining improvements and installations were made in his own garage. He watched videos done by BavureGarage and other YouTubers who share their enthusiasm and understanding of the Continental GT650.

Ready to be Ridden

Like many custom motorcycles, this project may develop over time. Alex still has a few plans for future modifications. However, for the time being, the main purpose is straightforward: ride the bike and have fun. Because, at the end of the day, the most important part of any custom build is the bond between rider and machine.

"Above all, I want to ride and enjoy myself on the road on MY Continental GT."