The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 has taken on a new persona, thanks to the innovative craftsmanship of French custom house Bad Winners. This transformed motorcycle, now boasting a displacement of 865cc and a fully operational nitrous oxide injection system, is a far cry from its original form. The comprehensive rebuild has resulted in a machine that produces an impressive 143 bhp, a significant leap from the factory-standard 47 bhp.
This extraordinary customization of the Continental GT 650 is one of the most extensive ever seen. Every component has been either replaced, modified, or enhanced, showcasing the expertise and creativity of Bad Winners. The custom bike now weighs just 130 kgs, featuring carbon-fiber bodywork, Dymag wheels, Öhlins suspension, Beringer brakes, and an S&S ECU.
A Storied History: The Royal Enfield Continental GT
The Royal Enfield Continental GT name has a rich history, tracing back to the mid-1960s with the GT 250, a lightweight café racer that became synonymous with Britain’s rocker subculture. The decline of Enfield’s UK operations led to the disappearance of the GT name until its revival in 2013 with the single-cylinder 535 model. Although it captured the café racer aesthetic, the 535 lacked the performance to captivate international markets.
The turning point came in 2017 with the introduction of the twin-cylinder Continental GT 650. Developed in collaboration with Harris Performance in the UK, this model featured a new 648cc parallel twin engine, a steel double cradle frame, and styling inspired by the original 1960s design. The GT 650 delivered 47 bhp, making it suitable for highway use and compliant with A2 licensing in Europe.
The Customization Journey by Bad Winners
The custom GT 650 by Bad Winners began with a complete teardown, aiming to create a motorcycle with exceptional straight-line acceleration. The engine was meticulously rebuilt with a custom cylinder head, high-lift camshaft, big-bore pistons, and titanium Carrillo rods, all designed to integrate seamlessly with the nitrous oxide system. This ambitious project resulted in a dyno-proven output of 143 bhp.
The bike’s aesthetic enhancements include exposed carbon-fiber bodywork, a gloss-black frame, and a minimalist black foam seat pad. It rides on 17-inch Dymag UP7X seven-spoke alloy wheels, fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC2 tires. The suspension system features Öhlins rear shock absorbers and a custom front fork setup by Bad Winners, while braking is handled by Beringer components.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The custom Continental GT 650 by Bad Winners is currently available for sale in Paris, France, through Collecting Cars. This unique build not only highlights the potential of the Royal Enfield platform but also underscores the growing trend of bespoke motorcycle customization. As enthusiasts continue to seek personalized and high-performance machines, the demand for such custom builds is likely to increase.
Bad Winners’ creation represents a fusion of classic design and modern engineering, pushing the boundaries of what a Royal Enfield can achieve. This development follows a broader industry trend where heritage brands are being reimagined for contemporary audiences, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.
As the motorcycle market evolves, the intersection of tradition and innovation will continue to shape the future of custom builds. The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 by Bad Winners stands as a testament to this dynamic, offering a glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead for motorcycle enthusiasts and custom builders alike.
