Photo: Shed Motorcycles
Based on the outskirts of Providence, Rhode Island, Shed Motorcycles is the brainchild of Alberto Benito. The workshop’s name represents a homage to its humble beginnings, when Alberto and his accomplices used to cut their teeth on experimental custom projects after work. Nowadays, they’re more than capable of delivering an amazing build, and this Interceptor 650 cafe racer is a case in point.
Nicknamed Imperfecta, the machine was put together using a 2021 model from Royal Enfield’s range as the basis. First things first, Shed’s artisans took the INT650 apart, then they proceeded to order a fresh saddle and cafe-style tail from Royal Enfield themselves. These are placed on a modified subframe, whose looped rear section features an integrated LED lighting strip.
As the motorcycle’s rear end was being reworked, Alberto and his team took delivery of several aftermarket accessories from K-Speed's range. These include new vented side covers, CNC-machined rearsets, and finned engine cases, as well as a stylish fuel tank strap with circular cut-outs. In the cockpit, Imperfecta is outfitted with black-anodized clip-on handlebars, a Motogadget speedo, and Biltwell grips.
The clip-ons are also home to Rizoma bar-end mirrors and adjustable control levers made of billet aluminum, while a seven-inch LED headlight can be seen a bit further ahead. It’s connected to a bespoke wiring harness just like all the other electronics, and the front fender has been trimmed down to minimize visual heft. The stock Interceptor wheels were kept, but they are now enveloped in retro-style Shinko E270 tires on both ends.
Whereas the OEM forks have been retained, the shock absorbers were swapped with progressive Bitubo units measuring 370 millimeters (14.6 inches). Imperfecta wasn’t built for two-up riding, so the guys over at Shed deleted the pillion foot pegs without a second thought. Since the INT650 was virtually brand-new when it came into their possession, they left its 648cc parallel-twin mill internally unchanged.
However, the factory airbox was eliminated during the overhaul, making room for aftermarket pod filters from K&N to provide better airflow. We notice a custom-made exhaust system at the other end of the combustion cycle, running a two-into-two configuration toward tiny reverse megaphone silencers. According to Alberto, the new pipework gives the Interceptor a phenomenal soundtrack to go with its tastefully caffeinated looks.
Power gets sent to the rear wheel by means of a D.I.D drive chain, and the clutch is now operated by means of a Venhill cable. The Shed crew fashioned a replacement kickstand, but what we find really interesting is that it seems to be raised in the photos shown above. As such, Imperfecta appears to be balancing all by itself, which is a cool little trick to spice up the presentation aspect of this build.
As the motorcycle’s rear end was being reworked, Alberto and his team took delivery of several aftermarket accessories from K-Speed's range. These include new vented side covers, CNC-machined rearsets, and finned engine cases, as well as a stylish fuel tank strap with circular cut-outs. In the cockpit, Imperfecta is outfitted with black-anodized clip-on handlebars, a Motogadget speedo, and Biltwell grips.
The clip-ons are also home to Rizoma bar-end mirrors and adjustable control levers made of billet aluminum, while a seven-inch LED headlight can be seen a bit further ahead. It’s connected to a bespoke wiring harness just like all the other electronics, and the front fender has been trimmed down to minimize visual heft. The stock Interceptor wheels were kept, but they are now enveloped in retro-style Shinko E270 tires on both ends.
Whereas the OEM forks have been retained, the shock absorbers were swapped with progressive Bitubo units measuring 370 millimeters (14.6 inches). Imperfecta wasn’t built for two-up riding, so the guys over at Shed deleted the pillion foot pegs without a second thought. Since the INT650 was virtually brand-new when it came into their possession, they left its 648cc parallel-twin mill internally unchanged.
However, the factory airbox was eliminated during the overhaul, making room for aftermarket pod filters from K&N to provide better airflow. We notice a custom-made exhaust system at the other end of the combustion cycle, running a two-into-two configuration toward tiny reverse megaphone silencers. According to Alberto, the new pipework gives the Interceptor a phenomenal soundtrack to go with its tastefully caffeinated looks.
Power gets sent to the rear wheel by means of a D.I.D drive chain, and the clutch is now operated by means of a Venhill cable. The Shed crew fashioned a replacement kickstand, but what we find really interesting is that it seems to be raised in the photos shown above. As such, Imperfecta appears to be balancing all by itself, which is a cool little trick to spice up the presentation aspect of this build.
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