Rajputana Custom Motorcycles – Heritage, Customised

We do not wish to brag, but everyone knows BikeDekho.com is your one-stop solution for every information related to two-wheelers. We bring the best from the world of two-wheelers, and keep you updated with the latest and also the in-depth about any and every two wheeler. So, this time around, we will tell you about something, which is more of a phenomenon. Custom-made bikes. Sounds familiar? Given the fact that Akshay Kumar was seen riding a very smartly customised Royal Enfield in his latest release “Oh My God,” everyone seems to either know about custom-made bikes or wants to know about it. Our portal has been brimming with questions by both, the enthusiasts and the just-the-curious-ones. This new-found interest of our readers prompted us to delve a bit deeper into this anomaly that seems to be making waves across the nation. And before we could even think of doing some research about folks or firms that offer customization services and other relevant stuff, we knew that Rajputana Custom Motorcycles was where we wanted to begin.

Well, the name doesn't really need an introduction, for what they offer has already wowed the nation. But for those who don't know about Rajputana Custom Motorcycles, the name that we talk about here is a Jaipur-based company that offers bike-customization services. Their appetite for perfecting the blend of heritage and craftmanship into mean machines is such that the fame of their name is not contained just to India's national boundaries. And we couldn't really help the obvious curiosity. So when we approached the company, we were received quite warmly by Mr. Vijay Singh, the founder of Rajputana Custom Motorcycles. After exchanging the necessary pleasantries, we were ushered into RCM's abode, where the magic really happens. And as for a more accurate description, it was the basement, where Mr. Singh along with some of his workers orchestrates the making of the (these) precious bikes. Obviously, the first question that comes to one's mind during such encounters is how did it all come to be? So we asked him. And pat comes the reply, “I am not an out-and-out typical bike fanatic this is something which comes naturally to me. I inherited this love from my father who put me on my first motorbike when i was 7 years old. RCM started with the 'Original Gangster', the bike that I made. My work was appreciated and I received quite a good response. After that, I also got to make 'Light Foot', the custom made bike for John Abraham.” However, Mr. Singh clarifies that he offers the customization services on absolutely no-profit basis, the reason being his immense love for bikes..

Apart from the founder's passion, what makes RCM so special is the detail of the work. One look at the pictures, and you will lose your heart to the various specimens of the beautiful work done on the clutch and front brake lever, oil tank, oil tank flap, and the badges. Quality of the paint used is very fine, and the work done is brilliant. Question him about what inspired him to use such artistic work on bikes, and he says, “I was born and brought up in Rajasthan, and hence, the inclination to use this kind of work evidently came from my cultural heritage. While growing up, I was surrounded with art. Pretty much everything in our home had some form of art on it.” He then goes on to tell us that the work done on the brake lever and the oil-tank flap is called 'Koftgari', which is a traditional Rajasthani art. He also adds that he sources 'Koftgari' work from artists based in Udaipur. Although each bike that rolls out of RCM's stables is unique, the only common thing found in their aesthetically crafted bikes is the hand-made leather saddle. They are made by workers who are experienced horse-saddle makers.

Despite all the tradition and culture, Singh ensures that they don't go overboard with traditional designs in a bid to make their bikes look special. '8 Ball', a bobber made by RCM, is as good as a production bike, and the cafe racer 'Chingari' doesn't fail to impress either. However, the bike that really caught our attention was 'Rajmata', a custom-made Harley Davidson. The quality of work on this one is mind-blowing, and the attention paid to detail is also quite flabbergasting. But how much modification does a bike undergo? How do they decide upon the level or extent of modification, or if there is something like that at all? Singh promptly elucidates that they do not modify bikes. He goes on to add, “We build them in our own style, which is in accordance with the customer's demand and expectations.” For him, the functionality of the bike dominates the design. “I am wary of changing the design if it affects the bike's drivability. And that is why my bikes ride better than they look,” he smiles. And what about engine modifications? “Yes, we modify engines as well. In fact, we can make your bike do exactly what you want as long as it doesn't compromise one's safety. However, we don't modify the new UC (Unit Construction controlled by ECU) engines, we concentrate more on the rest of the fabrication. I continue to learn, and as long as I learn, I will keep pushing the envelope of my knowledge and expertise allows me to,” he explains.

After all the talking, something tells us that we still missed out on a small, but important detail. After much brooding, we realise, to our sheer horror, the equipments that we had not as yet noticed or discussed. So, we say it is equipment time! And consequently, we are taken to check them out. And boy, were we surprised! The surprising bit being the fact that they had fashioned their own tools for the art of customization. Singh tells us that they made the frame aligners, English wheel, and the power hammer, used to mould and make bike parts, all by themselves. And with that bit of trivia, our session for the day came to an end. And as much as we wanted to test-ride an RCM bike, the time didn't allow us to. But worry not readers, for the kind Vijay has invited us to come back for a ride someday. So we will return, and then we will tell you how does Rajputana Custom Motorcycles score for the drivabilty and refinment of their bikes.

Edited By- Kritika Sethi