On a new track

For real creatives, inspiration can come from anywhere. After being chosen by Royal Enfield as the ideal company to create a fresh interpretation of the well-known Continental GT, Federal Moto was tasked with finding a theme to keep with the Indian heritage of the firm, with an unlikely form of transport chosen as a muse — India’s famous railway system, known as the ‘Grand Trunk Express’, which also happened to have a particularly handsome paint scheme that has been in the eye line of the nation for decades. With this decided, the subframe was removed and the original swing-arm rear suspension was modified and married to new framing, allowing for the fitment of a late-model Triumph Speed Triple monoshock before the custom subframe and monoshock received powder coating in Cadet Blue and Tracker Yellow, respectively. Not wishing to clash with this bold colour, the engine was subtly finished in satin black with bare aluminium covers, with performance carburettors replacing the old fuel-injection unit and a straight-through, side-dump exhaust providing a raucous soundtrack. To facilitate the flowing, uncluttered lines of the Enfield, low-profile LED turn signals and LED taillight were chosen, with a classic combination of a single speedo/tachometer unit and a vintage-style headlight to keep things retro. For the crowning glory of this custom creation, a 1970s Honda gas tank was re-profiled and painted in the captivating combination of Cadet Blue and Gumball Blue, separated by a flawless yellow stripe. Coupled with a brown diamond-quilt leather seat and matching grips, this train-inspired, Indian-American masterpiece is a fast-track to motorcycle nirvana…

Photos: Daniel Peter