New outlook of 'Royal enfield' in Mizoram

Aizawl, Aug 27 (UNI) If you are looking for a dream modified 'Royal Enfield' then consulting a Mizoram motorcycle builder would be the right choice.

The vintage 'Royal Enfield', still loved across the world, has now got a new shape and appearance with a new invention and has already started luring the markets across the country.

It all started when MS-a (Mawna) and V-a (Varte), who would like to be known by their initials, started out at MV motorcycle workshop about a year ago only when a friend insisted to modify a Royal Enfield motorcycle that they had found the talent within them.

The first customised product was a 1978 Enfield Bullet. It was so transformed that one of the duo's client offered to barter a brand new Hero Honda Karizma.

Now, the duo has built more than ten Royal Enfield motorcycles giving their finished product a complete new concept, a new issue.

''We evaluate the riding style, height, weight and component configuration. Every bike we build is custom-tuned to the owner's specifications and riding style,'' V-a said.

''All our products are put through extensive preparation to make sure they are assembled perfectly, as we are giving extra effort for perfect alignment and above all a single edition model to each of our costumers,'' he added.

The duo's latest product, called 'Street Shark', hit the roads last week--a customised shortened exhaust system flared up the passion of the duo, a sparkling night mode air filter added colour to the 'Thunderbird Royal Enfield'.

Explaining the new model he said, ''the large cowling size and distance from the handlebars means many windshields won't fit, but I found a Slipstreamer, designed for a Harley, that worked fine (although its design is not vintage).

''We specialize in individual, one-of-a-kind bikes,'' V-a said.

''And every time we start another one, we really try to do something totally new.'' ''We have some higher-end customers lined up now, but I think what we really need to do is get more international exposure,'' MS-a said adding while it (Enfield) doesn't snort and thunder down the street like a Harley Davidson, the Bullet draws its fair share of appreciative looks.

He claimed that all the modified bikes can run much freer now, probably 5-10 per cent quicker, and the exhaust has the classic deep, flat, stucatto bark of a Brit single.

The finished product usually features custom-inspired headlights, wide handlebars, custom billet grips, footpegs and a host of eye-popping chrome details from the tip to the tail.

Enfield has unique combination of a red paint scheme and blacked-out components complemented by custom made chained chassis; they call it 'The Grizzly'- powered by a 500 cc Royal Enfield engine with a 5-speed transmission.

Though their bike business has taken off of late, MS-a and V-a aren't giving up their jobs anytime soon. These mechanics just love to spice up old cars too much.

Apart from this mechanic brothers, there are about 50 workshops across the state, which are currently engaged in modifiying not only 'Royal Enfield' but also other old bikes.

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