In the high-octane world of custom motorcycle building, few platforms offer as much character as the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. Recently, the Orlando-based dealership RiderMarket proved that this retro-inspired twin is more than just a street-legal café racer; it is a formidable contender for the track. By securing the top spot in the Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race (BTR) Build-Off, the team at RiderMarket has set a new benchmark for how heritage aesthetics can coexist with modern, high-performance track technology.
The Essence of the Build: Bridging Decades
The Build.Train.Race program is renowned for challenging builders to push the envelope, stripping away the unnecessary and refining the mechanical soul of the motorcycle. For Nate Stickney, owner of RiderMarket, the objective was clear: create a machine that honors the timeless design of the 1960s while delivering the razor-sharp handling required for contemporary circuit racing.
Under the expert guidance of Parts Director and lead builder Brian Koster, the project transformed a stock Continental GT 650 into a track-ready weapon. The philosophy was one of "calculated evolution"—retaining the iconic silhouette of the GT 650 while systematically upgrading every touchpoint that influences rider feedback and mechanical grip.
Chronology of a Champion
The project began with a comprehensive teardown. Koster and his team approached the build in distinct phases, ensuring that structural integrity was never sacrificed for aesthetics.
Phase 1: The Foundation and Chassis
The team began by addressing the bike’s primary limitation: the stock front end. To improve corner entry and mid-corner stability, they engineered a custom setup to house a Showa 43mm inverted fork. This modification required bespoke fairing brackets that had to be fabricated to maintain the bike’s classic lines while accommodating the modernized suspension geometry.
Phase 2: Damping and Dynamics
With the front end stiffened, the rear required a matching level of sophistication. The team selected RacingBros piggyback-reservoir shocks. These fully adjustable units allow for precise tuning of compression and rebound, enabling the bike to handle the aggressive, high-load cornering typical of competitive road racing.
Phase 3: The Ergonomic Shift
True to its café racer lineage, the ergonomics were tightened. Vortex 7-degree clip-ons were installed, providing a forward-leaning, aggressive posture that keeps the rider tucked and aerodynamic. To complement this, Messner Moto billet rearsets were fitted, moving the foot controls into a position that allows for greater lean angles without sacrificing comfort during endurance stints.
Phase 4: Refinement and Finishing
The final stages focused on the "feel" of the bike. The integration of a Magura Hymec hydraulic clutch system replaced the stock cable setup, resulting in a more linear, tactile engagement that is crucial for smooth downshifts. The aesthetics were finalized with a striking wrap by Hittn’ Skins, featuring the team’s signature color palette and the #712—a nostalgic nod to Koster’s personal racing history.
Technical Specifications: A Deeper Look
The success of the RiderMarket build lies in the curation of high-end components. Every piece of the puzzle serves a functional purpose:
- Braking Performance: By moving to a Brembo radially actuated master cylinder, the team significantly increased braking power and, more importantly, lever feedback. In racing, the ability to modulate the brakes at the threshold of lock-up is what separates the front-runners from the pack.
- Rolling Stock: Dubya USA handled the lacing of the 17-inch wheels, which were subsequently fitted with Shinko racing slicks. This combination of lightweight, durable wheels and high-grip rubber allows the GT 650 to carry significantly higher corner speeds.
- Power Delivery: The Akrapovič slip-on muffler was not just a stylistic choice. It allows the engine to breathe more freely, providing a deeper, more aggressive exhaust note that serves as the acoustic signature of the build.
- Weight Reduction: The addition of RLZ Carbon throttle-body covers serves as both a weight-saving measure and a visual testament to the bike’s modern, performance-oriented identity.
Official Perspectives: The Visionaries Speak
The victory was not merely a win for RiderMarket, but a validation of the BTR program’s core mission. Brian Koster, reflecting on the process, emphasized the collaborative nature of the build. "A huge thank you to Frank and the crew at Hittn’ Skins for the incredible artwork and graphics work on this build," Koster noted. "The attention to detail and creativity completely brought the bike to life and gave it its own identity."
For Nate Stickney, the win represents the dealership’s commitment to the craft. "We wanted to prove that you don’t need to build a space-age prototype to be fast. You just need to understand the base machine and enhance its best qualities," Stickney remarked during the trophy presentation.
Implications for the Future of Custom Racing
The RiderMarket build sends a powerful message to the custom motorcycle community: the "Retro-Mod" movement is here to stay. By taking an accessible platform like the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and applying top-tier racing components, RiderMarket has created a blueprint that other builders can follow.
Furthermore, the involvement of sponsors like Western Powersports and Velvet Crown Tattoo Shop illustrates the intersection of lifestyle and performance. This isn’t just about lap times; it is about building a culture. The success of this bike at the track suggests that there is a growing appetite for motorcycles that provide an authentic, visceral riding experience without the sterile nature of modern, computer-aided superbikes.
Conclusion: A New Standard
The RiderMarket Continental GT 650 is more than just a winner of a competition; it is a cohesive, well-engineered machine that honors the past while embracing the future. By balancing the raw, mechanical spirit of a 1960s racer with the precision of 21st-century suspension and braking technology, the team in Orlando has created a motorcycle that is as much at home on the podium as it is in a showroom window.
As Royal Enfield continues to grow its presence in the racing world, the bar has been set exceptionally high. Whether you are a seasoned track veteran or a builder looking for inspiration, the RiderMarket build serves as a reminder that the best projects are those that marry passion with technical excellence. The #712 is not just a number on a fairing; it is the mark of a team that dared to take a classic platform and redefine what it means to be a modern road racer.
