INT650 Street Tracker / Scrambler from Container Garage…
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (aka INT650) is quickly becoming one of the world’s most popular platforms for customization. As prices for vintage bikes continue to rise, builders are turning their eye to this affordably-priced, retro-styled 650 twin, which can be had for around $6000 brand new.
“The Royal Enfield INT650 is old school in all the best ways… It does not have huge amounts of power or bleeding-edge running gear, but it’s beautifully simple and pleasant to ride… And it’s worth repeating that one should never underestimate a plain, simple, classic-style motorcycle and the joy it can bring.” –Cycle World
Recently, we heard from Jorge Baquero of Colombia’s Container Garage, a new workshop born from a group of four friends who have a shared love for all things motorcycle — from enduro riding to custom culture. They decided to focus their shop around the idea that nearly every rider wants to make their machine their own, even if it’s just a few details to set it apart from the other bikes on the street.
“The owner always wants to add something special to their machine: different colors, a full exhaust to be louder, a more comfortable seat, or even just mirrors.”
Normally, the customization is done after the owner buys his or her bike — a process that can take weeks or months or even years, working at home or with a workshop. For their first build, the Container Garage crew wanted to highlight the idea that some amount of customization could be done before purchase, so a unique bike is offered straight from the dealer.
“With these machines, it’s possible to build something different that the customer could buy straight from the showroom, avoiding all the time it takes to transform the motorcycle into a piece of art. This motorcycle is going to be in the Royal Enfield store, available to purchase.”
As expected in such a case, the modifications couldn’t be over the top. The team had to customize the bike without voiding any warranties or upsetting the ride dynamics. Given their enduro background, it’s not surprising that they decided to tack toward the scrambler / tracker style.
“In our country, there are a lot of motorcycles in the streets, but little that’s different and unique. Also, there are a lot of routes and landscapes to explore, but these routes are without pavement, so we decided to add some scrambler style, but with class.”
The full custom exhaust is the most striking part of the build — a set of hand-built 2:2 high-pipes complete with custom dual-layer heat shields. It’s one of the most attractive high-mount systems we’ve seen on an Enfield 650 twin.
They also fabricated up a solo tail section and saddle with integrated lighting, and the nickname “Peachy” is a nod to the striking orange metallic paint they laid down on the tank and fender.
While the modifications aren’t as extensive as many of the bikes we feature, there’s no denying that “Peachy” is a highly attractive machine that will stand out from anything else on the showroom floor…and 99% of the bikes on the street.
Then there’s the all-important sound from the custom exhaust:
“We tested it on the dyno and it sounds amazing… For sure, when this bike stops at a traffic light, every person will have to turn around to see.”
Below, we talk to Jorge for more details on this “Peachy” Interceptor 650.
Interceptor 650 Street Tracker / Scrambler: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
Container Garage was born from a dinner with four friends who all love motorcycles, riding, coffee talks about motorcycles, new bikes, test rides…everything about motorcycle culture in our country and around the world. We’re also enduro riders and we share a lot moments on our two-wheeled “toys.”
We decided to create something different in the world of the motorcycles. Container garage was born not just to modify the machines and add some accessories. We wanted to add some aggressive and special character to every machine that comes to our workshop.
We are new in the business, but our first idea of making this was that all the motorcycles are great, but the owner always wants to add something special to their machine: different colors, a full exhaust to be louder, a more comfortable seat, or even just mirrors. We want to add this “SPECIAL” thing that every owner needs to be most proud of their own machine.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, 2023.
• Why was this bike built?
This project was built with a new (0-km) Royal Enfield Interceptor to showcase the idea that with these machines, it’s possible to build something different that the customer could buy straight from the showroom, avoiding all the time it takes to transform the motorcycle into a piece of art. This motorcycle is going to be in the Royal Enfield store, available to purchase.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
In our country, there are a lot of motorcycles in the streets, but little that’s different and unique. Also, there are a lot of routes and landscapes to explore, but these routes are without pavement, so we decided to add some scrambler style, but with class.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
We added some aggressive and special character for these riders who are looking for something unique. We created the full exhaust system piece by piece, the solo seat with taillight and turn lights integrated, the paint job, and we removed the co-pilot footpegs.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
“Peachy.”
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
Unfortunately, we haven’t ridden it yet, but we tested it on the dyno and it sounds amazing. We hope when this motorcycle has found the perfect owner, we can test it in the streets.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
Everything about this motorcycle is perfect to us — it’s kind of a new art that will be on the streets, showing off the lines, the colors, and the imposing attitude. We’re especially proud of the sound of this machine; the new full exhaust system provides an incredible sound.
For sure, when this bike stops at a traffic light, every person will have to turn around to see. And the special color with candy technic, which highlights the uniqueness of this motorcycle. Everything on this motorcycle was made with love, passion, and courage.
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @containergarage_
Photographer: @jorgebaquero_n
Community: @melirico_
Very,very nice. The work involved in the pipes alone is astounding. Well done.
It`s the header pipes for me that are the thing I don`t like Wayne, can`t builders use tube benders these days? Ha ha!
Nice the way the pipes are wrapped out ,, and those little covers on the rear Shocks Reservoir actually give a nice soft look …
Too much money to put into a slow motorcycle. A 2k(?) exhaust system on a A $6500 motorcycle is silly.
Yes it does look good. But can it’s performance back up the look?
Not agree with you. This is not about $$ or speed, it’s about personal customization and likes