For sale: Royal Enfield retro custom

One of the most remarkable looking Royal Enfield motorcycles I've seen is for sale on CraigsList in Maynard, Mass. It has a custom retro appearance with all new paint and leather work, plus performance modifications. The asking price is $4,900.


The bike is a kick-start only 2000 model, with 9,000 miles. It was completely redone by Thomas Cummings, a custom furniture maker in Maynard, which is west of Boston. Here's his description of what he did:


"I stripped it down to the bone and rebuilt it; it is better than factory. New flat slide JLP Carb. Total new top end with top of the line parts with larger cylinder 537cc many new parts updating the engine. It looks just like a 1955 except for the color. It has top of the line new 'Power arc' ignition that can be reprogrammed to adjust the advance curve. It has wider than normal whitewall tires. I switched it back to the original right-side shift. The seats are top grade leather with solid brass rivets, matching leather grips.


"The paint is Dupont’s best, with three full base coats of white, then three coats of orange color, then clear coated, then the gold leaf trim was added, clear coated again, then it was pin-striped and decaled, then three more clear top coats."


The pictures show a striking motorcycle in a color scheme that, although not pastel, reminds me of the new retro Bullet 500 Classic Royal Enfield will bring to the U.S. this year. Especially retro looking are the blinkers and lights Cummings made and the rear fender from a 350 Bullet.