Royal Enfield Classic 500 Trials Bike

STG Tracker builds a Trials-inspired Enfield 500…  

More than 75 years ago, the 1948 G2 350 Bullet debuted as the first motorcycle with an articulating swingarm, destined to become one of the best-selling Enfields in history. In 2009, Royal Enfield released the Classic 350 and 500 models, which took their inspiration from the Bullet 350 of the post-WWII era. However, the Classics featured unit-construction engines, fuel injection, and electronic ignition (in the case of the Classic 500), and were priced and marketed above their Bullet 350 and 500 siblings.

These bikes have been called “two-wheeled time machines” for the way their style and simplicity of design echoes the Royal Enfield “iron barrel” Bullets of yesteryear. Ren Withnell of Bikes and Travels summarized the riding experience quite well:

“I do feel much more involved… I am riding this bike. I have to give it instructions that it follows. I am not being wafted along on a magic carpet, I’m riding a bike. The motor is strangely awesome. It is not fast, a mere 27bhp. What it is is unstoppable. Whether or not you’re climbing a steep hill it will maintain your speed without complaint or extra throttle. It’s all just a big fat juicy lump of heavy torque. And it will run smoothly at such low revs….”

All that torque makes the Classic 500 a fine candidate for a trials-style build like the one you see here. It’s from our buddy Marcelo Obarrio of Argentina’s STG Tracker.

“The client asked for a 60’s style trials bike, full aluminium.”

Marcelo was only too happy to deliver. To transform the 15-year-old Enfield roadster into the trials-inspired machine you see here would require extensive modifications. Bodywork highlights include an aluminum tank and handmade aluminum fenders, custom-built aluminum shield for the BMB air filter, and a custom leather seat.

There are custom CNC-cut aluminum yokes, a 21-inch front wheel with Technic TK Block rubber for rolling over the rocky stuff, longer rear shocks, stainless custom exhaust, and hidden LED turn signals, and much more. There are many details here that may not stand out immediately but required serious work, such as the custom-made foot controls that put the rider’s feet in a better position for stand-up riding — the trials way.

This Classic 500 truly has the look of one of the hand-built pre-65 trials bikes we love so much, contained in a street-legal package that will turn heads on the street and trail. Bravo to Marcelo and team for rolling out another stunning build from their Argentine workshop. Below is more of our interview with the man himself, and photo credits go to Dario Rodriguez (@darirdz).

Enfield 500 Trials Bike: Builder Interview

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

It’s a 2010 Royal Enfield Classic 500.

• Why was this bike built?

This bike was commissioned by a customer, we already made him others.

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

The client asked for a 60’s style trials bike, full aluminium.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

New aluminium CNC yokes, 21″ front wheel, aluminium tank, handmade both aluminium fenders, custom-made foot controls, stainless steel exhaust, custom-made aluminium shield protecting airpod filter from BMB Filter, new larger rear shocks, custom made seat with leather, hidden LED turn signals, Technic TK Block tires.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride?

Nothing like the old original bike, now you feel the engine and have more control on what you want it to do with a quicker response.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

Definitely the foot controls. They seem just too simple, but making them that way was tricky, also changing the original feet position.

• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

BMB Filters (@bmbfilter)
Dario Rodriguez, photographer (@darirdz)

More Photos

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Facebook: @stgtracker

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