History Goes Racing

September 2021- Bridges Media Writing Sample: 

The paddock of MotoAmerica reverberates with the buzz of sport bike exhausts. Heads turn as a throaty roar of S&S Cycle exhausts erupt under the Royal Enfield canopy. Seven Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 twins emerge and head to the grid. The motorcycles were built by the women of Build Train Race, one by Alyssa Bridges. The question is, what did it take to get these motorcycles ready to race? 

Royal Enfield Build Train Race team taking the track at Brainerd International Raceway. Photo: Jen Muecke of Royal Enfield North America

Two concepts many people don't put together: Royal Enfield and racing. The stock Continental GT 650 claims 47 horsepower at 7,250 rpm, while Bridges' build corrals more horsepower to 53, with help from Dynojet's Power Commander. The 6 speed transmission is assisted by a stock slipper clutch and Dynojet's quick shifter. The Build Train Race program guidelines require the guts of the engine not to be modified. 

The Continental GT 650 receives praise for its low-end torque, helpful in technical sections and chicanes. However, long straights cause the motorcycle to bounce against its rev limiter at 7,000 rpms. The addition of a 17 tooth counter sprocket and 40 tooth rear is a more race friendly combination. The engine will still approach the rev limiter on longer tracks, but usually just in time to begin downshifting. After all, they were not designed as super bikes, but approachable 650cc street bikes. 

Alyssa Bridges' motorcycle build revealed at Road America. Photo: Jen Muecke of Royal Enfield North America

As for the body of this café inspired bike, the GT claims a dry weight of 437lbs. Judging by the pile of trimmed fat on Bridges' garage floor, the build is leaner, lacking parts required for street riding. Both front and rear tires once measured 18 inches until the hubs were liberated and laced on 17 inch Excel rims to host Dunlop slicks. The 41mm forks were replaced by Öhlins 43mm adjustable black forks. Additionally the race build has been de-raked from the stock 24 degrees to 22 degrees with custom S&S Cycle triple trees holding the forks. 

Braking power on the front of the build is supplied by a single Brembo Monoblock caliper held by a custom S&S Cycle bracket and controlled with a Brembo master cylinder. Meanwhile, the rear retains the stock Bybre brake, a subsidiary of Brembo. Both house SBS racing brake pads for increased longevity. 

Royal Enfield is the longest running production motorcycle, and 120 years of history follows. The Continental GT 650 pays tribute to the Continental GT 250, produced in Enfield's original UK location during the 1960's.The motorcycle features café inspired styling, however the build includes a custom fairing from Enfield's design center, an OEM seat cowl and modified Saddleman belly pan. Bridges also applied creativity in venting the side panels with wire mesh to supply additional airflow and style around the airbox. Lastly, distressed chameleon red paint across the top of the tank. 

Along with pedigree, Royal Enfield maintains its affordability. The current Continental GT is manufactured in India with a starting price of $5,999. Bridges' race build cost an additional $4,850, likely making it one of the most expensive and fastest Royal Enfield motorcycles, breaking stereotypes every time it rolls onto the grid.