Exquisite Royal Enfield Meteor 650-based Project Delta custom bike unveiled in Sydney.
An exquisite custom motorcycle called Project Delta was unveiled last night by its creator and founder of Purpose Built Moto Tom Gilroy at Royal Enfield’s flagship Sydney store Moto Machine.
According to Royal Enfield, the custom build is a vintage dream brought to life, a journey through time, a celebration of Royal Enfield’s rich heritage, and a masterclass in craftsmanship.
From its earliest days, Purpose Built Moto has stood for the art of transformation, and the company says that Project Delta is the embodiment of that ethos. Taking inspiration from the 1940s-50s era of motorcycling, the design of the bike draws heavily from the Super Meteor 700 and the legendary Flying Flea from World War II. The result? A motorcycle that not only looks like it belongs in a bygone era but rides like one too.
“The process for Project Delta is both a culmination of the design DNA I’ve developed over the last eight years building motorcycles, and a stake in the ground for Purpose Built Moto moving forward,” said Gilroy of the Project Delta build.
“Shaping our design around the Royal Enfield 650 Twin as our blank canvas – a simple, beautiful motor. A lot of manufacturers have stopped making their engines beautiful, instead covering them in plastic fairings, and hiding them away. Classic motorcycles always made the engine the star, and that’s why I love the Royal Enfield 650 Twin engines.
“We’ve delivered a no compromise vision that blends the modern power plant of the Royal Enfield 650 twin, with inspiration drawn from the original Super Meteor 700, and antique models like the Flying flea of the 1940s.”
The frame of Project Delta has been extensively reworked, echoing vintage hardtail styling, while incorporating modern engineering refinements. The oil cooler is now housed in-frame, and a monoshock conversion keeps things sleek while preserving the classic aesthetic.
There’s a hand-fabricated girder fork up front, supported by custom spoked wheels (23-inch front and 19-inch rear). A slim peanut tank, inspired by the 1952 Super Meteor 700, complements the reworked chassis. Finishing touches like the era-correct rear fender and tail light complete the look.
But the magic doesn’t stop at the visuals; according to Gilroy, who says he has topped 160km/h on the bike – the ride is immersive, raw and undeniably vintage. The hand-shifted gears demand rider engagement, while the solid-mounted ’bar and girder fork ensure you feel every inch of the road beneath you. Drenched in Black, Gold, and Cherry Red, the Art Nouveau-inspired paintwork accentuates the handcrafted lines of this one-of-a-kind machine.
Commenting on this and Custom motorcycles potential in Australia, Anuj Dua, Head – International Business – APAC, Royal Enfield said, “Royal Enfield motorcycles are truly global while being handcrafted with passion which makes us a true rider’s ally in every sense. As a rider’s ally, we thrive on every facet of riding be it – exploration, customisation or motorcycling ecosystem.
“While our motorcycles inspire builders across the globe, in turn we are also stimulated by their creativity, vision and zeal. Australia is one such country which has given us an amazing community of customisers who constantly challenge and enthuse us at the same time.
“Apart from uniquely interpreting the design language to make beautiful builds, Royal Enfield has been pushing the envelope with its custom builds in terms of capabilities in Australia. We are confident that in the coming years too, our motorcycles will continue to enable builders in uniquely expressing themselves.”
Oh, and if you ever wanted to hear what Royal Enfield’s 650cc 270° oil-cooled parallel twin sounds like with straight-through pipes, turn the volume up and click this link: https://youtu.be/S6xB189C7FQ
