Style in Motion: Exploring the PANDO MOTO and Royal Enfield collaboration

It is said that collaboration drives innovation, and that’s true of the newly customized motorcycle model that’s been designed by the team at PANDO MOTO, in partnership with internationally renowned motorcycle manufacturer, Royal Enfield.

To understand the design choices and overall aim of this project you must first know about the two companies at the forefront of the collaboration. We’ll then take you through which of the Royal Enfield motorcycles was customized, what the design philosophy was, and how the motorcycle was modified to create a modern touring bike that is safe, stylish and functional.

Understanding the origin of PANDO MOTO

Today PANDO MOTO is a premium brand of protective motorcycle gear that has achieved a global reach, but to truly understand what the future might hold, it’s important to know the past.

Marius Bieliauskas is a third generation motorcyclist whose love of riding began with his grandfather, and continued with his father, then himself. In 2011 that passion took a new direction when he founded PANDO MOTO. It was a decision guided by the irresistible desire to create motorcycle riding gear that ticked all of the boxes in terms of practicality and safety, while remaining undeniably stylish. In essence, the dream was to create functional fashion that was engineered by riders for the modern explorer.

Since those early days PANDO MOTO has flourished, growing in sizing and reaching markets around the world. High quality, chic ranges of motorcycle apparel, that achieve the initial goal, have launched to commercial success. There have also been partnerships with other brands that have led to unique designs popular with riders. 

Now, a new chapter is opening as this innovative and exciting collaboration with Royal Enfield launches.

The philosophy that guides us

At PANDO MOTO, we have always believed that there is no need to sacrifice safety or functionality for style. Instead, we purposefully engineer products that meet all three criteria. 

Our premium protective motorcycle gear offers a fashion forward way for riders to stay safe on the road, and express their unbridled love of motorcycles. State of the art materials are used to construct high quality, durable garments, including Cordura, Dyneema, TPU Plastic, and the most recent addition, Balistex. Genuine leather is also used for its protective and practical qualities, just as much as its classic aesthetic appeal.

This merging of classic looks with modern technology is something Royal Enfield has also done successfully in their business, drawing from their own history to launch renewed versions of classic motorcycles, including the Royal Enfield Interceptor, Royal Enfield Bullet, and Royal Enfield Continental.

Introducing our collaborative partner, Royal Enfield

All the way back in 1901, Royal Enfield produced their first motorcycle. Over 120 years later, the company continues to innovate.

The story of the Royal Enfield motorcycles really began at the Stanley Cycle Show in London. There, they debuted their initial offering, a 1 ½ hp motorcycle with a front mounted engine. By 1909 they were producing a V-twin model and in 1914 their first 2-stroke motorcycle went into production. The 770cc 6 hp V-twin model charged ahead of others due to its widespread use by the British, Belgian, French, United States and Imperial Russian armies during World War One.

In the decades that followed Royal Enfield engaged in continuous development, creating new designs and incorporating innovative technologies. Iconic, groundbreaking models such as the Royal Enfield Bullet, Model ‘Z’ Cycar and Flying Flea were released, and it became a steadfast part of the global motorcycle market.

Fast forward to today, Royal Enfield continues to be a popular choice of motorcycle among riders that value a classic aesthetic and are looking for a stylish road scrambler or adventure motorcycle that can perform. As well as new designs, many of the classics are being reborn for the modern age.

Inspiration behind our partnership

When envisioning the outcome of this collaboration, it was important for both PANDO MOTO and Royal Enfield to have a solid understanding of the key inspirations that would shape the motorcycle that would eventuate from it. Staying true to our ethos, safety, style and functionality were chosen to be the foundational principles that would guide the design of a customized Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

For many reasons, the motorcycle chosen to be the foundation of the PANDO MOTO X ROYAL ENFIELD collaboration is the Royal Enfield INT 650. 

The modern Interceptor 650 is an homage to the past, based in part on the design of the original Royal Enfield Interceptor. That machine was produced from 1960 until 1970, undergoing several evolutions in that time. After the model ceased production, it slowly gained a following among classic motorcycle enthusiasts.

It was the love that riders had for this motorcycle that led to the reintroduction of the Interceptor, in the form of a redesigned modern machine. The new series, designated the Interceptor 650, is inspired by the classic styles of the 1960’s and 1970’s, but has modern inclusions for enhanced performance, comfort and safety.

At the core of the Interceptor 650 is its engine, a parallel twin cylinder engine that Royal Enfield is known for. With an engine capacity of 658cc, it boasts 47 horsepower at 7150 RPM, with a maximum torque of 54 Nm at 5250 RPM. These specs make it easy to navigate the city streets before opening up the throttle as the roads do.

Design philosophy behind PANDO MOTO X ROYAL ENFIELD

Through the design philosophy each aspect of the inspiration was addressed in a deliberate way, without superfluous details. The idea was to create a modern tourer that focused on sleek and minimalist design aesthetics, without sacrificing safety or functionality.

Safe for the rider

Safety is paramount in motorcycling. It involves not only the physical safety of the rider and protective capabilities of their riding gear, but also the reliability of the motorcycle itself. Royal Enfield has a proven track record of manufacturing motorcycles, including the Royal Enfield Bullet which holds the honor of being the longest lived motorcycle design in human history.

Functional by design

A motorcycle should meet the practical needs of the rider in the realms of performance, comfort and practicality. This customized Interceptor 650 was created to cope with the demands of both the city streets and open road, giving riders more flexibility on where they want to go. The comfortable and intuitive design makes it easy to take on long rides, and all of the additional features were purposeful inclusions, chosen to add value to the rider.

Stylish on the open road

Style is an integral part of motorcycling culture. It goes beyond mere aesthetics and encompasses individual expression, identity, and the heritage of motorcycle design. The Royal Enfield Interceptor was first released during the 1960’s, and its popularity with riders led to the rebirth in 2018. This renewed model kept the classic design aesthetic which, with the right tweaks, blends well with the minimalist, almost futuristic PANDO MOTO sense of style.

Meet our customized Royal Enfield Interceptor

During the design process each aspect of the standard Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 model was analyzed to see how it might be upgraded or customized to be more in line with the three pillars of the PANDO MOTO ethos. The outcome is a unique build that appeals to the modern adventurer.

Classically styled wheels and fenders

Starting on the ground, the wheels and fenders are a combination of timeless looks and modern technology. 

At the center of the wheel is a classic spoke rim that fits with the overall aesthetic of the design. Around the front and rear wraps a set of Continental tires, with the TKC80 tread pattern. This is an iconic tire design with a proven track record in competition and long haul use. It provides high levels of side stability on softer tracks and has good on-road handling, in line with the design focus on safety.

The front mudguard and rear tail are custom made for the PANDO MOTO X ROYAL ENFIELD model. Integrated into the tail shape is an LED light by Tommy&Sons, whose business focuses on parts for custom motorcycles.

Upgraded suspension for a smoother ride

When buying a new motorcycle one of the first things that many riders change over is the rear shock absorber. On this customized Interceptor that’s been done before the bike even leaves the factory.

The part selected to complete this upgrade is the STX 36 Shock Absorber, developed by industry stalwart Öhlins. A classic monotube design, the Öhlins STX 36 Shock Absorbers enhance comfort and performance. Quality parts are used in the construction and due to the adjustable dampening, riders can fine-tune the suspension to suit their style.

Improved exhaust system

Moving to the exhaust system, the standard Interceptor parts have been changed to make way for an Italian made Zard exhaust system.  There’s a certain appeal to knowing that each system is 100% hand made in Italy, using cutting-edge technology and high quality materials.

Installing the Zard exhaust system requires no change to the ECU, yet it makes a significant difference. There’s a noticeable hard increase in the sound of the engine, which appeals to many motorcycle enthusiasts. The system is made of stainless steel so it is built to last, even when riding in places where the roads are salted or there’s a sea breeze.

The overall design aesthetic of this particular exhaust was inspired by the style of American flat track competition bikes. Surrounding the exhaust system are the exhaust guard and tail which have custom fairing, visually setting them apart from other versions of the Interceptor 650.

Modern inclusions

While the Interceptor 650 has the iconic feel of the original model, the digital dashboard is worlds ahead. Made by Motoscope, the Motoscope Pro has an ultra-flat housing with 734 LED lights that form a self-illuminating display. The contrast adjustment and automatic brightness enables the display to be seen no matter the conditions, whether you’re out in bright sunshine and riding in the dark of night.

The mirrors and indicators are also made by Motoscope, chosen for how they integrate into the sleek look the PANDO MOTO X ROYAL ENFIELD collaboration was working to create.

Stylish and comfortable

Some inclusions and modifications were made simply to improve rider comfort and create a more cohesive, fashionable motorcycle. 

• The seat is handmade with a custom shape
• Handlebars have been upgraded
• Custom plastics around the vintage looking headlight
• Unique paint and graphics that make it stand out from other custom Royal Enfield motorcycles

A dream realized

The custom Interceptor design that Royal Enfield and PANDO MOTO have developed through this collaboration is a true reflection of the dream that Marius Bieliauskas had when starting PANDO MOTO. It is a stylish yet functional motorcycle, engineered by riders for the modern explorer.