The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 already stands out as a modern café racer. However, Australian builder Mark Hawwa pushed the motorcycle even further with his custom approach. As a result, the GT 650 gained sharper performance and a stronger track-focused identity.

Mark Hawwa is best known as the co-founder of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Because of his deep involvement in motorcycle culture, Royal Enfield trusted him with a special project.

A Bolt-On Build with Clear Rules

From the start, the build followed strict rules. Royal Enfield allowed only bolt-on modifications. In other words, Mark could not cut or weld the frame.

Because of this limitation, the project focused on smart upgrades instead of extreme fabrication. As a result, every change needed to deliver real benefits.

Testing the Stock Bike First

Before modifying the motorcycle, Mark and his team tested the stock GT 650. They took it to Sydney Motorsport Park. There, they recorded lap times and measured power output.

At that point, the stock bike produced around 42 horsepower. Meanwhile, it completed a lap in roughly 1 minute 20 seconds. These numbers created a clear baseline for future improvements.

Performance Upgrades That Made the Difference

First, the team replaced the exhaust system. A custom stainless-steel setup reduced weight by nearly 14 kg. As a result, the bike felt lighter and more responsive.

Next, they installed a Power Commander and tuned the engine. Because of this upgrade, power increased to around 48 horsepower.

Meanwhile, suspension changes improved handling. The team rebuilt the front forks and added YSS piggyback rear shocks. Consequently, the GT 650 became more stable during hard cornering.

Styling to Match the Performance

At the same time, Mark wanted the bike to look as sharp as it performed. Therefore, he added a café racer fairing, custom side covers, and a sculpted seat.

In addition, the paintwork played a major role. The team chose British Racing Green with orange accents. This combination celebrates both British heritage and Indian roots.

Finally, compact lighting and mirrors completed the look. These details added a modern touch without losing the classic café racer feel.

Faster Laps and Big Smiles

Once the build was complete, the team returned to the track. This time, lap times dropped to 1 minute 14 seconds. Later, a professional rider pushed it further to 1 minute 10 seconds.

As a result, the custom GT 650 proved its capability. More importantly, Mark described the experience as pure fun.

A Smart and Purposeful Custom Build

In conclusion, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 by Mark Hawwa shows what is possible with thoughtful planning. Instead of extreme changes, the build relies on balance, testing, and clear goals.

Therefore, this café racer stands as proof that bolt-on builds can still deliver strong performance and personality.

Photo: Pipeburn