Royal Enfield Continental GT 650-Based Chai Shop Racer Is A Desi Take On Cafe Racer
Built by Goa-based Jugaad Goa custom shop, this minimalist motorcycle seamlessly blends the old with the new
Built by Goa-based Jugaad Goa custom shop, this minimalist motorcycle seamlessly blends the old with the new
The Royal Enfield 650 twins have inspired many custom bike builders to come up with their own iterations, but few have managed to achieve a unique look like the Chai Shop Racer. First showcased at the 2019 Rider Mania, the 650cc custom cafe racer is based on the Continental GT 650. Little is known about the Goa-based custom chop shop Jugaad Goa except that its owner Paul Smith likes to have his creations devoid of paintwork. That kind of explains the bare metal finish the Chai Shop Racer sports.
As the name suggests, the Chai Shop Racer is inspired by the innumerable tiny tea shops that dot every alley of India. It also seems like an apt name, like a desi version of the cafe racer culture. The custom bike’s minimalist bodywork hides a lot of the painstaking work that’s gone into creating it. Except for the 650cc air-cooled lump, nothing looks familiar and there is a good reason for it. The frame was hand-built using mild steel while the minimalist bodywork is made by beating aluminium into shape and riveting them together. Even the fitting like the footpegs, levers and handlebar grips are made of brass. The large, old-school looking hubs have been machined from solid billet aluminium and mated to the existing 18-inch spoke wheels. The front end appears to be raked out and the entire bike seems like it has been lowered.
The air-cooled 650cc motor appears untouched. This parallel-twin unit does duty in both the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor 650. In stock form, it delivers 48PS and 52Nm, and if pushed can reach 160kmph. The Chai Shop Racer gets slash-cut straight-through exhausts that should make it sound er... bratty.
We love the Chai Shop Racer for its raw look and minimalist appeal. It also gets a touch of modernism in the form of the LED headlamp. This is one neatly executed custom bike that gets our vote.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (2018-2026) User Reviews
I always wanted a classic. The GT six still looks amazing. Sounds great when engine makes every ride good. Feel special smooth, the power delivery makes every ride enjoyable and give it a unique experience. The ride has been excellent. The engine is refined, acceleration, smooth, and the exhaust not active riding pushes 40, so it can feel tiring on the long right but incredible fun on highways smooth as it is. I would definitely recommend the GT to anyone full of classic styling and strong performance is perfect for the weekend rights and highway touring though the committed writing portion may not suit everyone for daily committing.Read More
This bike is one of all fav bikes where every teenager trys to buy this bike becomes of it looks, especially in chrome colour and this is the only bike where we get looks and power for its price and it is the only 650 cc we get under good price. I ridden this bike around 20000 km and the positives are the power, the torque, looks the negative side of this bike is we need to get used to the position of the bike and for long travels we can't prefer it. The person who is into bike and who wants a pure power with zero modes and tech he can buy this bike and for the road presences it is the most sold bike. The person who wants to travel he should avoid this bike. Read More
Its good bike only if you can handle it because of its weigth and high cc, its not beginner friendly but if you have experience with high cc and heavy bike its gonna be best bike for its price. but its still not good for day to day or city driving because of its heating and low mileage, its gonna be a problem.Read More
I wanted good classy looking cool bike and GT 650 is exactly what I wanted, it has no competitor. If given second chance of choosing bike, I would still pick this up instead of speedy KTM bikes. Only problem it has is the weight is hard to manage and it can be hard to turn in corners but I knew what I was buying. Its a good bike, I have some burn marks on my legs but that is what I expect it gets hot and you can feel the heat in city but it won't shut down and cause issue, you should treat it like a 600 cc bike and properly respect its weight in corners and city. Only if you have other bikes and cars. This being your primary day to day bike is not can be easy to use in a city or day to day commute to office. It will be too much of power and weight. Only buy for highways and sunday ride.Read More
That bulky boy and speed makes the bike very attractive and muscular and it gives the vibe that other bike can't give you if you'er going to college or office the royal enfild continental gt 650 would be the best option. Eventually its good for mileage and comfort for short rides if you have the capacity for riding on full throttle then you will get deficiencies for mileage, if we ride like a gentleman then we can feel the comfort and safety. If you can maintain the bike and do proper maintenance it would be a great option to choose because this bike has its own aura and there is no similar bike like royal enfiled gt 650 in the market for a middle call this bike is best. Read More