Since the release of the Royal Enfield 650 twin platform in 2017, the Indian powerhouse has made continuous development a habit. Enfield’s upward trajectory has seen the addition of adventure bikes, cruisers, and modern street bikes. Enfield has continued to produce classically styled single-cylinder models throughout this evolution, which have been the basis of their success since 1901. Evolution and change have been the name of Enfield’s game for some time, making the latest build from India’s TNT Motorcycles all the more fitting.
This stunning creation results from over 500 hours of meticulous design, 3D modeling, and fabrication work by Naveen Nandal and his team at TNT Motorcycles. Based on a new Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 and built for Royal Enfield itself, Naveen has named their new build “Parivartan”, which translates to English as “transformation” – and what a transformation it is.
Starting with a factory-fresh Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 that was supplied by the manufacturer themselves, parts were stripped away until just the engine and main part of the frame remained. The factory forks, bodywork, rear subframe, and swingarm were all discarded which let the TNT team work their magic.
“The concept was influenced by the theme of change and adaptation, mirroring Royal Enfield’s journey of reinvention through time,” says Naveen. “It reflects a fusion of classic design language with cutting-edge engineering, inspired by the balance of tradition and innovation.”
The most outlandish advancements to us are the front and rear suspension systems, with both setups CNC-machined after countless hours of design work. Up front is a set of girder-style forks that ingeniously retain the Shotgun 650’s factory headlight and nacelle – one of the Shotgun’s defining features. A handmade aluminum front guard is slung over a chunky 150-section tire and wrapped around a solid front wheel. The brakes have been upgraded with twin BYBRE calipers, which should halt the custom Shotgun twice as fast as the stock bike.
The factory dashboard remains, but it’s now sitting in front of a custom front shock and striking CNC handlebars. The fuel tank design is reminiscent of the Royal Enfield Continental GT cafe racer but has been made entirely by hand from aluminum. Custom aluminum ‘wings’ protrude forward from the tank to create a beautiful line with the fork legs. It’s a decidedly modern touch, but it works incredibly well.
With the rear subframe gone, a seat pan is another item fresh from the CNC router’s bed. Milled from aircraft-grade aluminum and topped with a simple black leather seat, it has an integrated brake light in the rear.
With all the incredible design work going on you’d think Naveen and Co. would stop there – not so. The custom subframe floats above Parivartan’s pièce de résistance – its custom CNC single-sided swingarm. The chunky swingarm (also milled from aircraft-grade aluminum) was designed to run a huge 240-section rear tire with a custom wheel cover.
Our favorite part would have to be the rear suspension system which was made by hand from hardened steel for extra strength. With the custom rear shock positioned longitudinally, (across the frame) it allowed Naveen and the team to try a double-rocker setup that pushes and pulls on the shock as the swingarm moves up and down. It’s a little mind-bending at first glance but it’s a work of engineering art, proudly on full display.
As the airbox was removed, intake air is now filtered through a pair of K&N pod filters, which Naveen says makes for improved throttle response. Helping hot air out of the engine is a custom 304 stainless steel two-into-one exhaust, which terminates nicely into a box-section muffler hidden under the swingarm. Enfield Twins at full song already sounds incredible, so this must sound like a symphony of blissful noise.
A custom aluminum bash plate was made for the front of the engine, which will probably help keep the engine free from debris flicked up by that enormous front wheel. The combination of raw aluminum, teal-green matte, and black paint splashed across the bike is both flashy and understated. Suffice it to say, we love the final result.
“Parivartan was built to symbolize transformation and evolution, celebrating
the journey of Royal Enfield as a brand that blends tradition with modern innovation,” explains Naveen. “It stands as a tribute to motorcycle craftsmanship, showcasing how legacy and adaptability can coexist through thoughtful design and engineering.”
Just like Royal Enfield themselves, Naveen and TNT Motorcycles have injected new life into their lineup, while remaining respectful of their past. Their heads are in the clouds, but their feet are firmly on the ground – a rare aspect not often associated with big business.
Photography by Mayank Bais
