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Crafted Like a Gun, Goes Like a Bullet: BAAK GT Racer


Royal Enfield Custom Continental GT by BAAK
Have a lot of like about Royal Enfield Continental GT. The styling is excellent, it is easy to drive and the running costs are minimal. It’s also a bargain – at incredibly low prices in most markets.

If the Continental GT has any downside, it’s engine power. The parallel twin engine is smooth and manageable, but it’s also a bit low on power – sending just 48hp to the crank. That is enough for some owners, but there are others who will prefer oomph.

Royal Enfield Custom Continental GT by BAAK

French Workshop BAAK answered the call, with help from the American tuning wizards at S&S. There’s also a visual refresh needed: five years after its launch, Royal Enfield is now exporting more than 3,000 of its 650 Twins each month to international markets.

BAAK’s Adrien Bihel explains how this Enfield custom came about. “Initially it went live, then we decided to add it to our catalog,” he said. “Two versions are available: the Racer and the better equipped Racer LTD.”

Royal Enfield Custom Continental GT by BAAK

LTD is the company that has the S&S engine mod and is the company we are reviewing here. “We used S&S Big Bore 865cc kit, along with reinforced camshafts and clutches,” says Adrien.

This kit increases bore from 78 to 90mm and raised dome pistons increase compression from 9.5:1 to 11.0:1. New cam has higher lift and longer operating time, copper while helping to increase engine power to about 70 horsepower.

Royal Enfield Custom Continental GT by BAAK

The giant factory silencers are gone, with BAAK’s chunky ‘Bobber’ items swapped in – this should save a few kilos and still increase power even further. The motor’s notes are clearly much deeper than usual, but still under 100 dB.

BAAK has also fitted an airbox eraser, which frees up most of the space under the saddle and further brightens the look of the bike. It includes two air filters and an oil drain, along with a pair of black side skirts.

Royal Enfield Custom Continental GT by BAAK

The bulky backup battery pack has been replaced with a compact Solise lithium unit that hides just under the seat and new aluminum panels shield the air intakes.

To maximize the benefits of these mods, BAAK installed Power Commander V. It also continued to work smoothly and BAAK programmed in a custom map. This is probably as far as you can push a 650 Twin engine without compromising reliability or drivability. They say: “It highlights sportiness without falling into an arms race.

Royal Enfield Custom Continental GT by BAAK

The Continental GT’s factory suspension is decent for commuting use, but is a bit soft and unfocused when you start to press. So BAAK fitted a matte black Öhlins fork, using a new set of in-house machined tripods.

The brakes are upgraded to Beringer, which makes stopping more efficient (and feels luxurious). New 17-inch rims have been fitted to the stock axles, for better handling and tire selection.

Royal Enfield Custom Continental GT by BAAK

The Öhlins shock absorbers support the subframe and the rear saddle is new and very neat. Adrien explains: “The seating is a custom work, based on our ‘short kit’. “The frame has been cut and shortened, and the saddle is a prototype made by our saddlers. Commercialization is on the way! It’s made with the same beautiful leather we use for other products.”

At first we thought the tank was modified, but it’s actually vintage – an illusion created by a clever two-tone paint design. It’s the work of in-house designer Thibault and BAAK’s master illustrator, with bold blacks and captivating oranges creating a 3D effect.
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Royal Enfield Custom Continental GT by BAAK

The more you look, the more details reveal: such as the LSL clamp-on, minimalist turn signals and stout front fenders on custom mounts. Headlights with built-in Daytona gauges are a particularly neat highlight and will soon join BAAK’s extensive online catalog.

It’s one of the best real-world Royal Enfield customs we’ve seen recently. In Europe, BAAK can build one for you right now, and BAAK’s workshop in Los Angeles is also working on a version — but this time keeping the factory floor. Interested parties, line up.

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Royal Enfield Custom Continental GT by BAAK





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