Even if you were to go looking, we doubt you’d find a significantly better motorcycle setting than the Royal Enfield Garage Café in Arpora, Goa. And it was in that zone of two-wheeled chill that the winners of the Build Your Own Legend series were introduced to their own creations. As you’d imagine, expectations and emotions were as high as they could be, both for the gurus as well as the newbies they’d guided through the process of building their own custom motorcycles. From the glare of fluorescent tubes in a workshop to standing under the Goan sunlight, it certainly had been quite the trip, all to get three very different motorcycles based on the Meteor 350. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Sourabh Salke & Ricardo Pereira, Bulleteer Customs:
A long and easy stance, a floating seat, and solid wheels define this blacked-out custom. Of course, there are several synchronous details, too; the ridges on the front and rear mudguards to go along with those on either side of the petrol tank and side panels, for example. And out of the tail peeks a bobber-esque tail-lamp, too, while the fat tyres most definitely enhance the Meteor’s cruiser credentials. And you didn’t even realise it was converted to a monoshock rear until we mentioned it, did you? All in all, this bold build looks like it can’t wait to hit that long road to nowhere.
Samim Jahin & Jay Patel, J&D Custom Co.:
Ah, now this one’s got that post-apocalyptic look all figured out, right? It’s got taller suspension and mean-looking wheels to easily trample zombies with. This offbeat custom certainly doesn’t derive inspiration from the more conventional tropes of motorcycle design, and it’s all the better for it. It’s a mix of stylish proportions and industrial brutality, though even all of that doesn’t make that lovely seat look any less comfortable. We can almost see that worn-out leather duffle bag tied to the carrier behind it. And also the long and high cloud of dust as this novel take on the Meteor rolls towards the horizon across barren land.
Pratik Garud & Shail Sheth, Bombay Custom Works:
A proper no-nonsense bobber is always a pleasure to behold. And this black-and-blue bob is no exception. It builds its visual momentum by executing a perfect stance first, and then with the help of details like the flared rear mudguard, single seat, fully covered rear shock absorbers, and that tiny little tail-lamp. The high handlebar sets the tone for a chilled-out time along with the forward-set footrests. And no matter which way you look at it, the motorcycle only enhances the easygoing character of the machine it’s based on. As it should be with any Royal Enfield, stock or custom, it’s all about the vibe!
And so, a first-of-its-kind idea came to a fitting conclusion, in the only place that ever made sense for a Royal Enfield custom motorcycle. In the end, knowledge was gained, minds were blown, and friends were made. And if there’s a bittersweet glow hanging around this entire exercise, remember that very inescapable truth — the end of every build is the beginning of a new ride. Is it time for the next round of BYOL yet?
The complete Build Your Own Legend series is now showing on Royal Enfield’s YouTube channel. Check it out!
