It’s widely accepted that a custom motorcycle doesn’t need actual off-road chops to identify as a scrambler. Just like many other custom-build genres, the moniker has become as much about a bike’s style as it has about its intended usage. So it’s refreshing when a custom scrambler ticks both of those boxes.
This hopped-up Royal Enfield 650 scrambler scores high on both form and function. It’s the work of Marcelo Obarrio and Germán Karp at STG Tracker in Buenos Aires, Argentina, who are happy to admit that, at a glance, it simply looks like “another Royal Enfield.” But it’s really so much more.
Visually, Marcelo and Germán have maintained the timeless elegance of the Royal Enfield 650. Pixel-perfect liveries are a hallmark of STG Tracker’s work, so the OEM fuel tank wears a crisp new paint job from Alejandro Minissale, juxtaposed against a custom-made tan leather saddle. Aluminum fenders float above both wheels, and the rear frame’s been treated to a subtle cut-and-loop job.
That’s about it as far as the bike’s aesthetics go. Every other mod on this Enfield is geared towards moderate off-roading, as per the client’s request. “He lives in Patagonia and likes to do some off-road riding,” Marcelo tells us, “so we kept in mind that the bike should be one hundred percent designed for that purpose.”
To kick things off, STG raided a KTM 390 Adventure for its forks, brakes, and swingarm. The forks were upgraded with new internals to match the weight of the bigger Enfield, and the swingarm was shortened to maintain the stock bike’s wheelbase. It also gained a new pair of shock mounts, so that STG could retain the original twin-shock setup.
Next, new Excel rims were laced to the OEM hubs. Measuring 19” at the front and 17” at the rear, they’re shod with Metzeler Karoo tires, to strike a balance between on- and off-road grip. Between the bigger front wheel and the revised suspension, the bike stands a little taller now too.
To fine-tune the ergonomics, STG fitted high-and-wide tapered handlebars on new, taller-than-stock risers. The bars are equipped with fresh grips, ProTaper levers, and Motone push buttons. A new digital and analog combination dash completes the cockpit.
The guys also modified the foot control mounts to place the pegs lower. “When you stand up now,” Marcelo says, “you have the right position for ‘scrambling’—if that’s a thing.”
The Enfield now sports a full complement of LED lights, including a pair of spots that are mounted to the new engine crash bars. A grill keeps stones off the headlight, while a custom-made bash plate protects the bike’s underbelly. The foot pegs, front sprocket cover, and radiator cover are all off-the-shelf parts from STG’s own parts catalog.
It’s also worth mentioning that this Royal Enfield is no longer a 650. Lurking behind the blacked-out engine covers is an 865 cc big-bore kit from S&S Cycle, plus an S&S camshaft, a Rekluse clutch, and a K&N high-flow air filter.
Finishing off the performance mods is a two-into-one stainless steel exhaust system. Covered by a handmade aluminum shield, it terminates in a rowdy SC-Project muffler. A Power Commander chip ensures that all the upgrades play nicely.
Flip around to the left-hand side of the bike, and you’ll spot the Royal Enfield scrambler’s multi-purpose luggage rack. It’s shown here holding a five-liter [1.32-gallon] fuel cell, but it can also carry a pannier or tool kit.
Now that the bike’s complete and has had a proper shakedown, Marcelo can confirm that it’s not just “another Royal Enfield.”
“Yeah, it’s a hell of a bike. Full power and torque; a tire burner and mud scraper.”
STG Tracker | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Darío Rodriguez
