Yes, they do not sell them here anymore but no, people have not forgotten about the Royal Enfield Classic 500. A Los Angeles custom motorcycle shop BAAK, open for less than a year, already has some neat looking builds on its CV. Their latest project involves a Classic 500, reimagined as a vintage trials bike. It’s a homage to the late Johnny Brittain—a celebrated English trials rider who took gold in the 1950 ISDT on a Royal Enfield, at the tender age of 18. (Source: Bikeexif)
The main goal here was to shave weight off—both visually and physically. BAAK swapped the fuel tank for a slimmer aftermarket unit, and the steel fenders for a pair of aluminum items from their HQ in France. There’s a new seat too, wrapped in an aged brown leather. The wheels were re-laced with 21F/18R aluminum rims, for better off-road handling and a wider tire selection; a set of Shinko SR241s is currently fitted. BAAK also removed the front fork covers, and have installed a pair of Shock Factory shocks at the back. (Source: Bikeexif)
The crew also added a high-mounted single exhaust, and swapped the airbox for a pod filter. The Enfield’s original side ‘boxes’ (usually found under the seat) are gone—the right side now features an alloy side cover, and the left a leather bag that holds the electrics. Up in the cockpit is a new machined top yoke, with a wide set of scrambler bars. There’s a new headlight out front with a Motogadget speedo higher up, and both are mounted on custom-made brackets. (Source: Bikeexif)
The ignition now sits below the tank, and there’s a pair of Highsider combo LEDs performing taillight and turn signal duties out back. BAAK estimates a weight saving of 36-45 kg! It looks a lot sharper too, pictured here on a jaunt in and around San Francisco. A magnificent build, it kinda makes you wonder what if the Trials that Royal Enfield sold in India very briefly looked more like this. (Source: Bikeexif)
