Article from Cyril Huze’s blog (12/8/11)

Several times during the last 3 years I reported on the new interest in Royal Enfield bikes, particularly the Bullet model, now enjoying the longest motorcycle production run of all time. Royal Enfield production, based in India, runs at full capacity still with difficulties to satisfy demand around the world. A very affordable price and a major retooling, particularly in the engine department with introduction of a twin spark unit construction engine on all its models with EFI available on their flagship 500cc model, have caught the interest of many bikers and consequently of many new dealers in Europe and the US. It will be a surprise to many that one of these new dealers in the US is Strokers Dallas. And because it always make sense to customize the factory bikes you sell, boss Rick Fairless has decided to apply  his art for the first time to a Royal Enfield…

Rick and crew got started using a brand new 2011 C5, 500 cc Bullet model, trying to take some inspiration from the 60′s Flat Track bikes. First major change to give this RE a new stance was to replace the 17″ stock wheels to taller Ride Wright 21″ spoke wheels both dressed in Metzeler. Then, Vince Doll at Redneck Engineering was called to provide one of his custom “mono spring” front ends, a very strong construction with of course no issue to handle such a light-weight motorcycle. To clean up appearance, Rick Fairless asked his crew to move the EFI system from the tank to under the seat, and it still works perfect.

Rick could not stand the rough stock engine cases appearance and ordered a high polishing treatment. During this time, for a cleaner appearance, rear section was cut off, a new fender was fabricated followed by the installation of a pair of a taillight at the end of each strut. Gas tank is from Paughco and fitted with a Crime Scene gas cap. A stainless steel seat pan was formed to conform Rick’s butt (!), then engraved, and left bare metal with Rick telling me that it’s good enough for the bar hopping task he assigned to his Bullet. Ford Stell came up with the cool controls, grips & pegs. Bars were sourced at Flanders, risers were borrowed from a Victory and shocks were provided by Fournales. Gary Queen & Mike Cissell from OSC shot the fancy candy green & gold paint. Rick thanks all his guys, General Manager Gene Slater, Ford Stell & Derek Tollenar, a team always succeeding in helping him achieve his vision.