Royal Enfield Interceptor 650-based Bagger Unveiled At Rider Mania 2019

Called Neelkantha, the custom motorcycle was created by Delhi-based TNT Motorcycles

• The project cost around Rs 16 lakh, excluding the cost of the donor motorcycle.
• It features adjustable pneumatic suspension on both ends.
• The powertrain is stock, but the exhaust system has been custom-made.

Royal Enfield has unveiled a radical custom motorcycle called the Neelkantha at the 2019 Rider Mania. This bagger was commissioned by the cult bike manufacturer and built by Delhi-based TNT Motorcycles.

The Neelkantha is based on a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and TNT Motorcycles took about 2.5 months to build this custom. The entire project cost around Rs 15 lakh to Rs 16 lakh over the price of the stock motorcycle. For reference, the Interceptor 650 starts from Rs 2,56,372 (ex-showroom Delhi).

TNT Motorcycles has made the entire bodywork out of sheet metal, and there are a number of elements that are made out of CNC machined aluminium too. The most interesting part of the bike is that it gets pneumatic suspension on both ends with girder fork made out of CNC machined aluminium up front. It uses an air compressor powered by a battery to actuate the suspension. There are separate controls to lift the front and the rear end but when lowering, both ends work together. TNT Motorcycles says the system can raise the ground clearance from three inches to seven inches. 

Also Read: More Accessories For The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 On Their Way

Interestingly, TNT Motorcycles has retained the 648cc parallel twin engine in its stock form. However, the exhaust system is custom-made. For reference, the stock motor pushes out 47.4PS and 52.3Nm. It works in conjunction with a 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch.

The fork holds a large 23-inch custom alloy wheel whereas the rear comes with a 16-inch unit wrapped with a wide 150-section rubber. The motorcycle rides on Avon Cobra Chrome tyres on both ends. For aesthetics, TNT Motorcycles has done away with the front disc while the rear retains the stock 240mm disc with Bosch ABS. Also, the custom house has replaced the stock brake line with a wire which acts on the master cylinder for a cleaner look. The bike also comes with a custom centre stand which is extended/retracted via a lever next to the pillion footpeg on the right.

Up front, the stock headlamp has been replaced with an LED unit and the fairing houses a dual speaker system from Mivi. Despite the additional load on the battery (pneumatics and the speaker system), the brand has retained the stock 12Ah lead-acid unit. The rider footrests, pillion footpegs, handlebar grips are all made out of CNC aluminium. There are embossed aluminium panels on the saddlebags and on the sides of the fuel tank too. The custom seat is flanked by twin bagger-style panniers, each having a capacity of around 35 litres. The mod house has designed the exhaust in a way that it extends all the way through the panniers. Rounding off the design at the rear is a neat-looking custom tail lamp with the Royal Enfield logo etched onto the glass. 

Overall, TNT Motorcycles has done a commendable job of converting a retro-modern roadster into a true-blue (pardon the pun) American style bagger.