Savage 650: 80s-Inspired Royal Enfield GT

Hedgehog Motorcycles gets radical with the GT 650… 

The history of the Continental GT dates all the way back to 1964, when it was one of the last bikes to roll out of Royal Enfield’s Redditch factory before it was shuttered in 1967. Fast forward to 2018, and a modern incarnation of the Continental GT 650 appeared alongside its roadster sibling, the Interceptor 650, both utilizing a brand-new 650cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine.

Royal Enfield revamped its production and quality-control methods for these 650 twins, and the motorcycle world took notice:

“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

Royal Enfield worked with legendary British chassis builder Harris Performance to develop the Continental GT’s steel double-downtube cradle frame, so it’s no surprise the bike’s handling dynamics have been widely lauded.

Meanwhile, the 47-hp EFI parallel-twin engine may not look particularly impressive on paper, but it’s a different matter on the rob with a handful of throttle:

“The 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.” –Cycle World

Recently, we heard from our friends at Hedgehog Motorcycles, a French workshop that started as a garage of enthusiasts who built more than 150 bikes in their first 8 years — talk about dedication! For the last two years, they’ve concentrated on the development of CNC / laser-cut parts and plug-n-play kits, especially for Royal Enfield machines.

Fortunately, they still find time to build machines like this one, built in association with Royal Enfield “Custom World” — bikes the brand itself commissions from top builders around the world. Nicknamed the “Savage,” the bike was inspired by one of the Hedgehog crew’s biggest inspirations — the 1980s. That means boxy lines, flashy graphics, and bold colors.

“Our workshop let its instinct speak to create this machine. Radically FLASHY, it embodies the 1980 generation, which represents our roots for us.”

Highlights include the 80s-style rectangular front headlight with custom bikini fairing, fiberglass tail section with custom alcantara-clad saddle, belly pan with integrated front spoiler, aluminum oil cooler cover, CNC yokes, Öhlins rear shocks, and a full high-style handmade exhaust system.

Then there’s the paint, an eight-layer splash of candy purple, black, and clear that looks straight from a late 80s or early 90s sport bike. The result is one of the boldest Enfields we’ve seen — one that has us hearing the Miami Vice soundtrack beneath the double-piped growl of the engine.

Below, Hedgehog Motorcycles tells us more about the build.

Continental GT Custom: In the Builder’s Words…

The Hedgehog workshop unveils its radical version of the Continental GT650. Sauvage is a paradox, aggressive in its lines but reassuring in its decoration inspired by the 1980s. A mix of fun and performance. All its parts are developed on CAD, then machined or cut using machine tools.

This machine is well-known to us, and we used not just our technical skills, but craftsmanship for the upholstery, painting, and entirely handmade exhaust line.

Our workshop let its instinct speak to create this machine. Radically FLASHY, it embodies the 1980 generation, which represents our roots for us.

Also inspired by racing motorcycles, we wanted to optimize the airflow using spoilers at the front of the motorcycle, which assert a definitely aggressive and sporty line.

This exclusive version of the GT relies on the geometric shapes of the original tank, from the engine shoe to the front headlight plate as well as the spoilers, everything is thought out to respect a graphic coherence of the whole creation.

• CNC yokes
• Full handmade exhaust system
• K&N filters
• Aluminum front spoiler
• Fiberglass tail and fairing
• Öhlins rear shocks
• Hubcap for rear wheel
• Handmade custom seat in alcantara
• Eight-coat candy paint job

Follow the Builder

Web: www.hdghmotorcycles.com
Facebook: @hdghmotos
Instagram: @hedgehogmotorcycles

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