Yet Another Royal Custom

The Thunder-Bob 2017 is Royal Custom Motorcycle’s third custom project and I am really excited to share its details with Bike India.

This bike is based on the 2013 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500. Bobbers have always fascinated me ever since I rode the H-D 883 when it was introduced in India. Since then I have always felt that Royal Enfield are the only bike manufacturers in India who have the legacy of building character bikes.

However, the Thunderbird, despite major technical and engineering updates, always lacked the proper stance of a bobber which the targeted customer always wanted. I have been designing motorcycles for a long time and have shared my designs with Bike

India. You have always encouraged me by publishing my letters and concepts in your magazine.

That was why I was motivated to transfer my concepts and designs into real metal. I really wanted to see my designs transformed into full-fledged motorcycles. It was a very challenging task as I didn’t have many resources but I was confident to take the risk. I got some parts fabricated at local garages and collected a few from after-market. After three months of rigorous effort and help from my mechanic friends, Aalim Bhai and Hamid Bhai (who helped me in spite of Ramzan), I built the Thunder-Bob.

I think a motorcycle should not just be visually appealing or just a good performer; it should be a combination of both. It’s very important for a custom bike to ride well; it should put a smile on your face when you ride it and the Thunder-Bob 2017 is a joy to ride. You sit low with your legs slightly stretched as I have increased its wheelbase by 150 mm and lowered the saddle height by 120 mm. You feel the thump of the 500-cc engine which develops 40 Nm of torque which is transfered to the 150-section rear tyre which is sufficient to put a smile on your face.

Looking forward to hearing from Bike India.

Sachin Pednekar, Uran

Dear Sachin, We are glad to see that your creative spark is still shining brightly. Long may it continue. We are happy to print your latest design here in the hope that our readers will enjoy your work as well. Keep it up.