Royal Enfield Unveils Custom Continental GT 650 ‘Kamala’ By Sosa Metalworks
The custom build is inspired by vintage board track racers
The custom build is inspired by vintage board track racers
- The bike was showcased at the One Moto Show in Portland, Oregon, in February 2020.
- Features slim wheels, a girder fork, a slender sweeping fuel-tank and a spring seat.
- Bike has been built with materials such as steel, aluminium and brass.
- It does away with the front brake in true board tracker fashion.
Royal Enfield’s known for promoting its 650cc platform for several custom builts. While we’ve seen our fair share of bikes over the past year or so, this is the first modern-day interpretation of a board track racer -- one of the most dangerous forms of motorsports from the early-1920s. Luckily, Sosa Metalworks, known for some unique custom builds, has picked up the baton. The outcome is a board track, ‘Kamala’, based on the Continental GT 650 that has been slammed to the ground and looks like it could tear through the wind. An exquisite piece of metal artwork to say the least!
But before we get on with the details, we’d like to shed some light on what makes a board track racer so special. Board track racing was a popular spectator sport in America in the 1910s and hit its peak in the early-1920s. These bikes were built to achieve speeds of up to 160kmph while going around a 1.6km-long oval race track built entirely out of wood. As you’d expect, these light and aerodynamic bikes had to sit inches away from the ground. The bike didn’t even have a front brake, and the only way to slow down was by cutting off the engine using the handlebar-mounted kill switch.
Kamala is based on the same principles. It sees the use of minimal components to achieve its lightness. All you have is a 650cc parallel-twin engine, large slim wheels proportionate to the frame, a girder fork, a slender sweeping fuel-tank, and a spring seat. The use of spoked wheels and the lack of a front brake give the bike an authentic tracker feel. It does, however, feature a massive rear disc which should help anchor bike in case things go south.
Sosa Metalworks haven't tinkered with the 648cc parallel-twin engine, so it puts out the same power and torque figures as before -- 47.45PS and 52Nm, mated to a 6-speed transmission.
The seat is supported by a neatly designed linkage system with a delicate spring that should offer some relief while going over bumps. To be honest, there’s no sign of a Continental GT in there except for the engine and part of its dual-cradle frame.
Interestingly, the bodywork has been built using various techniques from machinery and hand hammering to power hammers. And the use of different materials such as steel, aluminium and brass, help reflect light differently on each part.
The ‘Kamala’ from Sosa Metalworks was first unveiled at the One Moto Show in Portland, Oregon, in February 2020 and went on to win one of the top awards.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (2018-2026) User Reviews
- Gt650 royal enfield
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.
1 - About gt650
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.
- Pro and cons of gt650
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.
1 2 - Good and bad
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.
3 2 - Its a whole different vibe with 650
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.
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