Is This Custom-Made Royal Enfield Classic 500 Bobber the Ultimate Monoshock Suspension Upgrade?
The Royal Enfield Classic 500 Bobber Transformation: Does It Reign Supreme in Monoshock Upgrades?
Motorcycle enthusiast Krish Rajan’s life has always been intertwined with the allure of two wheels – a fascination that only grew as the years rolled on. After an educational stint in North America and a return to his roots in India to work in IT, fate brought him to Chennai, the stomping grounds of Royal Enfield. It wasn’t long before the customization bug bit, and he began crafting custom bikes in his spare time.
Origin Story of KR Customs
Spawned from a mere hobby, KR Customs came to life, with Krish quickly banding together with a father-son mechanic team rich in expertise. Once equipped with the essential tools for custom motorcycle magic, the team leaped into the custom scene, and the featured Royal Enfield Classic 500 bobber is one of the crown jewels in their portfolio.
Conception and Execution
The creation of this bobber was a dream project for a client named Vikas, who desired a vintage-themed motorbike peppered with contemporary elements. KR Customs set their sights on a well-maintained Royal Enfield Classic 500 as the canvas for this masterpiece. Although not the epitome of power, its visual charisma and suitable urban compatibility made it an ideal base for their creation.
The Monoshock Spectacle
The twin shock absorbers – standard on the Classic 500 – and the stock swingarm were promptly dismissed to make way for an innovative monoshock system. Craftsmanship at its finest, a tailor-made swingarm was introduced, allowing for the integration of the aftermarket single shock absorber.
- Extended Swingarm: Stretching four inches longer than the original, the modification notably alters the bike’s rear-end profile.
- Customized Seat: A new saddle, supported by a distinctive cantilevered leaf spring and stitched in a vibrant red, complements the shock’s color scheme.
- Crafted Energy Box: Nestled above the swingarm pivot lies a custom metal box housing an Antigravity lithium-ion battery.
Wheel and Brake Upgrades
KR Customs didn’t go the conventional route with the bike’s footwear. They opted for laced aftermarket rims of 18 inches at the front and 16 at the rear, shod in the nostalgic Firestone Deluxe Champion tires. An intriguing choice saw them preserve the rear disc but adopting a vintage Royal Enfield’s drum brake for the front, rejuvenated for assured functionality.
Bodywork and Aesthetics
Stripping away all stock bodywork, the team then faced the substantial challenge of adapting a Triumph Street Twin fuel tank to the Classic 500’s frame. Every piece of bodywork, including handcrafted fenders and supports, was created afresh, immersing the bike in a fresh identity.
Performance Tweaks
Performance changes remained subtle yet effective, with a high-quality air filter and a snip-tuned, slash-cut exhaust providing improved breathing for the engine. The addition of a Bates-style headlight, custom-fitted with brackets and LED signals from Posh, ensures visibility when night descends.
Finishing Touches
KR Customs chose a modest yet sharp black and white theme to dress the bobber, a quintessentially understated canvas that contrasts brilliantly with the bursts of red from the seat and shock spring.
In the end, Krish Rajan and his team at KR Customs didn’t just meet Vikas’s expectations; they exceeded them, crafting a head-turner that manages to impress without relying on sheer brawn or high-tech gadgets.
The real question lingers – is this Royal Enfield Classic 500 bobber the ultimate monoshock conversion? It’s a showcase of sophisticated customization that blends old-school charm with modern suspension ingenuity, certainly making a strong case for itself.
