Cut-down front fender gives Royal Enfield a new look

You wouldn't expect to find that front fender on a classic Royal Enfield Bullet.

When I saw the front fender of this 2013 Royal Enfield B5, for sale on CraigsList in Wheeling, W.Va., I assumed it might be a part taken from the Royal Enfield Continental GT, or other motorcycle.

The trim little fender certainly has a cafe-racer look. I contacted the seller to see if I was correct.

Wrong!

"It's the original cut down; just wanted something a little less heavy looking," he replied.

Wow. Cutting down a fender to reshape it certainly is in the "bobber" tradition. And it is attractive.

The B5 was the Royal Enfield model designed to most summon up the original shape of the 350 Bullet, beloved in India. With winged tank badges and the traditional square-cut opening of the rear fender, it probably seems the model least likely to lend itself to customization.

But this owner has added other touches, including the saddle bags, wrapped exhaust, bar-end mirrors and a sporty looking exhaust. Note the unusual hand rails for the pillion seat, providing firm places for the passenger to get a grip. (I was wrong about this: see below.)

Note the slim exhaust..

Obviously it's a motorcycle altered to suit its owner. I happen to like it — although I think the front fender might look better in black.

The reason I spend so much time cruising eBay and CraigsList for Royal Enfields up for sale is that it is an opportunity to see what real people are doing to their motorcycles.

Take a look at the other Royal Enfields listed for sale on this blog and, if something catches your eye, click on the link to the ad. You'll generally find more and larger photos in the ads themselves.

And maybe some good ideas for your own Royal Enfield.

UPDATE: After this item ran, the owner emailed me this additional information:

"Just to explain the other things you noticed, the silver on the fender is matching the pinstripe on the tank, and the mentioned passenger handles are actually an attachment point for a rear bag. I only ride one-up on this bike."

Which suggests something else you can do when you see something you like: contact the seller to ask for information.