The Royal Enfield 650 is one of the most loved multi-cylinder motorcycle platforms in recent times. Several motorcycles have been built on this platform in different styles including the Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650, Super Meteor 650, Classic 650, Shotgun 650, Interceptor Bear 650 and the latest Bullet 650.
For the London Bike Shed Moto Show, a Dutch custom bike builder called Nineteen Works has transformed a classic 650 into an extreme retro retreat complete with period design and detailing. With minimalism and flamboyance in mind, Nineteen Works has created something truly unique.
classic 650 modified
Called the Animus One, this extreme retro retro build is a blend of classic, vintage, streamliner, and hardtail style motorcycles. This custom bike creation is the culmination of Nineteen Works founder Wilko Lindner. Even though the Animus One is based on the Royal Enfield Classic 650, it is completely different from the donor bike.
Except for the 650cc parallel twin engine, there is nothing like the donor bike. It has a custom tubular frame on which this custom motorcycle is built. This custom not only accommodates this motor (kept stock), it keeps the engine for performance. The trumpet style air intake and chopped exhaust pipes (no silencer) are custom.
It has a small fuel tank which is angular in shape and is completely custom made for this motorcycle. The front suspension setup includes girder-style forks placed side-by-side where you would normally find a headlight, which is missing on this custom build. The handlebar is downright retro with a chrome throttle and internally routed cables.
There is a single-piece seat without any padding and the rider will sit on open chrome-finished metal. However, it looks like the seat is suspended. The rear design is strange compared to the rest of the bike as it has a streamliner-style tail. It is shiny and attracts everyone’s attention. The rear disc brake is slightly flared out and looks like a complete unit.
unique design
Talking about the rear, it is of hardtail style, which means there is no suspension at the rear. This motorcycle does not have a clutch lever as it is integrated into the suicide shifter which exits from the left side. The rider has to engage the clutch and shift gears using his left hand, a nod to motorcycles with suicide shifters of the past.
The Animus One by Nineteen Works rides on wire-spoke wheels and gets rib-style tires without cross tread for a retro look. Interestingly, there is no brake at the front wheel hub, so unlike the stock Royal Enfield Classic 650, this custom bike relies entirely on the rear brake for stopping power.
