Jakarta’s Kromworks transforms the latest Royal Enfield twin…
Royal Enfield built their first motorcycle back in 1901, making them one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world. Unfortunately, the company was unable to keep up with the meteoric rise of the Japanese bikes in the 1960s, and their two UK factories shut their doors in 1970. However, the marque survived in India, where the legendary Bullet was still being manufactured under a licensing agreement with Madras Motors — and the company only grew when it merged with Eicher Motors. In 2017-18, Royal Enfield sold nearly one million motorcycles!
In 2018, with the introduction of their fuel-injected parallel twin, Royal Enfield looked to make the big move into the US market, offering entry-level machines that are inexpensive, fun, and cool, harking back to the glory days of motorcycling yesteryear. So far, the motorcycling press has been well-impressed. Says Cycle World of the eight-valve twin with its 270-degree crank:
“Provides gobs of quick-revving torque that makes the engine surprisingly fun to use, whether it’s zipping you out of tight traffic spots or blasting down your favorite twisty road.”
The Continental GT is the brand’s factory cafe racer, obviously inspired by the British ton-up machines of yesteryear with its low-mounted bars, double cradle frame, twin shocks, and breadbox tank.
“What may not be so obvious is this motorcycle’s chassis is well balanced and stable while the engine produces plentiful low-end torque. Whether riding your favorite canyon roads or taking the tightest street corners, beginner or novice riders will have fun tucking in aboard this vintage-styled machine.” —Cycle World
Enter our new friend Andika “Andi” Pratama of Jakarta’s Kromworks, a young man born into a family passionate about custom motorcycles. In fact, his father was a builder who opened his own workshop in 1990, and Andi followed in his old man’s footsteps, establishing Kromworks in 2015. His builds have quickly caught the attention of international media, with features all over the world — including Pipeburn and Return of the Cafe Racers. So Royal Enfield tapped him for a project of their own:
“They asked me to build a custom from one of their new GT Continental 650 Twins.”
Starting with a 2019 Continental GT 650, Andi has created “The 30” — a striking cafe racer in which nearly every major component has been customized or fabricated from scratch: tank, tail, fairings, swingarm, wheels, subframe, saddle — you name it. For Andi, it was a great honor to be chosen for the task:
“I was the first to customize the Royal Enfield GT 650 in Indonesia, that’s a pride for me.”
Below, we get the full story on “The 30,” as well as more stunning shots from photographer Ahmad Al Azhari Karim (@aryazhari).
Continental GT Cafe Racer: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name Andika Pratama. I’m from Jakarta, Indonesia. I was born into a family who loves custom motorcycles. My father was also a builder who started his workshop in 1990. At that time, I was still an elementary school child but I owned several mini motorcycles.
I still loved custom motorcycles during my high school studies because I kept watching my dad building them. Hence, after graduating from high school , I decided to learn about custom motorcycle production and at the end of 2015 , I established Kromworks.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
This bike is Royal Enfield GT Continental 650, 2019.
• Why was this bike built?
Company promotion. Royal Enfield, they asked me to build a custom from one of their new GT Continental 650 Twins.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The design concept is cafe racer combined with a modern classic.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Bodywork
Gas tank
Front fairing
Seat
Tail unit
Swingarm
Front suspension
Rear suspension monoshock
Wide rear tire
Wheels F/R
Rear chassis / subframe.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Yes, the bike name is “The 30.”
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
The engine is very powerful, and the sound of the machine is great.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
I was the first to customize the Royal Enfield GT 650 in Indonesia, that’s a pride for me.
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @kromworks
Facebook: @kromworks
photographer credit : @aryazhari
Very neat bike. I may move to Jakarta.
Absolutely stunning. Beautiful lines. It all flows nicely. The curve of the pipes is something special. I like all the detail. The way you painted the engine to highlight the fins. And that fairing is the best! Art in motion.
How much does it weigh?