Royal Enfield Classic 650 Modified Into A Retro Retreat

Royal Enfield 650 is one of the most loved multi-cylinder motorcycle platforms in recent times. Multiple motorcycles are built on this platform across genres including Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650, Super Meteor 650, Classic 650, Shotgun 650, Interceptor Bear 650 and the latest Bullet 650.

For the London Bike Shed Moto Show, a Dutch custom bike builder called Nineteen Works, has completely transformed a Classic 650 into an extreme retro retreat with period design and detailing. With minimalism and flamboyance in mind, Nineteen Works has created something truly unique.

Classic 650 Modified

Called Animus One, this extreme retro retreat build is a blend of Classic, Vintage, Streamliner and Hardtail style motorcycles into one. This bespoke bike build is the culmination of Wilco Lindner, the founder of Nineteen Works. Even though Animus One is loosely built on a Royal Enfield Classic 650, it is a complete departure from donor bike.

Absolutely nothing resembles the donor bike, except for the 650cc parallel twin engine. There is a custom tubular frame on which this custom motorcycle is built. This custom not only accommodates this motor (kept stock), it puts the engine for display. Trumpet style air intake and sliced exhaust pipe (no silencer) are custom.

There is a small fuel tank which is angular in shape and is fully custom built for this motorcycle. Front suspension setup comprises girder-style forks which are placed side-by-side where you would typically find a headlight, which is missing on this custom build. Handlebar is absolutely retro with chrome throttle and internally routed cables.

There is a single-piece seat without any padding and rider would sit on exposed chrome-finished metal. Seat looks like it is suspended, though. The rear design is outlandish when compared to the rest of the bike as it gets a Streamliner-style tail. It is flamboyant and grabs eyeballs. Rear disc brake justs out quite a bit and looks like an absolute unit.

Outlandish Design

Sticking with the rear, it is a Hardtail genre, which means there is no suspension at the rear. There is not clutch lever with this motorcycle as it is integrated into the suicide shifter which juts out from the left. Rider has to engage the clutch and shift the gear using their left hand, which is a nod to motorcycles with suicide shifters from the past.

Animus One by Nineteen Works rides on wire-spoke wheels and are shod with rib-style tyre with no cross treads for that retro look. Interestingly, front wheel hub does not have any brakes, so this custom bike solely relies on rear brake for stopping power, unlike the stock Royal Enfield Classic 650.