Born to Be Transformed: 865cc Royal Enfield “DTC Replica”

OrMotors builds a big-bore Continental GT…

Introduced in 2018, the Royal Enfield Continental GT is the café version of the company’s 650 twin. Both the Continental GT and its sibling, the Interceptor 650, made quite the splash at their introduction, combining Royal Enfield’s storied heritage with retro-classic styling and a brand-new 47-bhp parallel-twin engine. Together, the 650 twins elevated the entire brand:

“The roadster Interceptor and its café-racer brother, the Continental GT, not only lifted Enfield to a whole new level, they’re even being considered as credible rivals for the likes of Triumph’s Bonneville and Moto Guzzi’s V7, as well.” —MCN

While Royal Enfield has been based in India since 1955, they developed the 650 twins at their UK technology center, employing a team of 120 engineers from 8 different countries. As compared to the Interceptor, the GT offers a more angular tank, rearsets, clip-on bars, and an optional café racer style seat and cowl.

Recently, we heard from Orion Porta of France’s OrMotors, who became a professional dealer after three decades of building customs — an experience that influenced his choice of franchise:

“I chose the Royal Enfield brand because they look like they were born to be transformed.”

This 2020 GT 650 is the OrMotors flagship, a machine that’s had various lives. This newest incarnation pays tribute to the DTC (Down Town Custom) Lambretta racers of the 1980s. Leeds-based painter and racer Brendan “Maca” McNally developed the now iconic “Rosa Bianca” (White Rose) livery for his Lambretta racing team, and the paint scheme caught fire in the custom scooter world:

“At best guess he’s painted 40 or so Rosa Bianca replicas, but that might only be half of the amount produced over the years. Indeed it is still possible to order DTC replica paintjobs for your Indian-restored Lambretta GPs straight from the back-streets of Karol Bagh in Delhi.” —Scootering magazine

This Royal Enfield “DTC Replica” is rocking an 865cc S&S big-bore kit, along with an S&S cam, S&S clutch, and Dynojet Power Commander. The suspension, wheels, and tires have been upgraded, and the bike is now running full fairings clad in a DTC Rosa Bianca-inspired paint scheme. Says Orion:

“I did the design of the painting with friends, it was very cool to do… I’m very proud of the result. Thanks to my genius painter Marc Kustom Colors.”

Below, we talk to Orion for more details on the build. We have Ryan Alv to thank for the glorious shots, and
Helene Kengadarane for modeling.

865cc GT 650 Cafe Racer: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

I’ve been a Royal Enfield dealer for three years. After 30 years of building customs, I decided to become professional. I chose the Royal Enfield brand because they look like they were born to be transformed.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc, 2020.

• Why was this bike built?

This bike has had various lives. It’s the emblem of our shop, the calling card. Now it’s used exclusively for race or events.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

I love the cafe racers of the 60’s and 70’s, and Vespa, Lambretta racers.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

Wheels: 17 inch
Brakes: Beringer
Tyres: Supercorsa
Side plates and fenders: BAAK
Rearsets: Diablo
Seat: Alcantara
Suspension: Magicals
Front suspension: YSS
Speedometer: Daytona
Triple Tree: Hedgehog
Fairing: Max Fairing
Frame: Rear cut short
Exhaust: S&S and home made (Kust Player)
LED blinkers and headlight
Big bore kit (865cc): S&S
Camshaft: S&S
Clutch: S&S
Dynojet Power Commander