Royal Enfield has crowned its third Busted Knuckles Build-Off winner, with Grid Motorcycles’ RE1000 being named the judges choice as the winner. The contest is a prestigious custom bike build competition, organised by the Indian brand.
Created exclusively for their dealership network, it highlights creative engineering and bespoke design. This year, the Shotgun 650, proffered as a truly unique motorcycle born out of raw creative energy, was the inspiration.
Dubbed as a motorcycle inspired by custom, for custom, it made the perfect base, with Australia the first global market to host “season 3” of the event. From an open call for submissions, five participants were given six months to create their entry.
MotoMAX, Moto Machine, Grid Motorcycles, House of Motorcycles and Fast Fuel Motorcycles were given the nod. The first build, wearing the Dirty Purdy moniker, does not try to reinvent the Shotgun, instead, it takes what was already there and turns it up.
The Shotgun 650 arrives with a strong custom-inspired identity from the factory, so MotoMAX chose to lean into that and push it further, making it lower, longer, louder and more aggressive. The defining feature of Dirty Purdy is its exhaust system.
From the outset, that was non-negotiable. MotoMAX knew the bike had to wear a true twin “shotgun” exhaust setup, and that idea became the visual anchor for the whole build. The finished pipes exit high and wide on each side at a 45-degree angle.
It gives the motorcycle an unmistakable stance and a hard-edged silhouette that immediately sets the tone. MotoMAX also reworked the stance with a 40mm lower rear, revised shocks, heavier fork oil, and a low-slung rear guard and seat setup.
They borrowed a rear guard hanger from the Goan Classic 350, as well as fitting a custom guard, and genuine Royal Enfield accessory seat. Finished in raw steel with MotoMAX’s signature piston bolt logo, Dirty Purdy is a stripped-back, aggressive and purposeful custom.
Moto Machine’s Desert Eagle takes the Shotgun 650 into full custom territory as a nitrous-equipped desert bobber with a post-apocalyptic edge. Inspired by Group B rally cars and Dakar machines, the build features a steel-fabricated fuel tank.
There’s a tank-mounted ram air intake, NOS system, custom side-exit twin exhausts, three-row LED headlight setup, custom aero discs, YSS rear suspension, and a long list of fabricated, CNC-machined and 3D-printed details.
It’s a bold one-off that stays connected to Royal Enfield through the frame-loop design, Shotgun silhouette, and references to the brand’s Custom World and military-inspired heritage.
House of Motorcycles built Sawn-Off as its competition entry; a one-of-one Shotgun 650 inspired by classic bobber and drag-bike culture. Built in-house by Cam, it strips the platform back to a harder, lower and more purposeful form.
That’s achieved through a low-profile urban flyscreen, black signature rider seat, XL 10.5-inch rear shocks, 7/8-inch drag handlebars, an up and over riser kit, custom curved number plate frame, integrated Ellypse run/turn/brake lighting, and bespoke turn signals.
The result is a clean, aggressive and tightly resolved custom that stays true to Royal Enfield’s ethos of pure motorcycling, simplicity and rider expression. Built by Fast Fuel, the Royal Enfield Spitfire 650 draws inspiration from the iconic Supermarine Spitfire.
Designed to stay road registrable, reliable and genuinely usable, the build balance’s strong visual identity with real-world rideability. Standout features include afterburner-style flame throwers, ammunition case saddlebags, and a custom LED tail strip.
A hand-brushed bomber teeth clutch cover, candy red powder-coated details, internally wired handlebars, and a sprung, custom upholstered seat complete the look. Rather than reinventing the Shotgun 650, Fast Fuel enhanced its modern design with personality.
As for the winner, GRID Motorcycles’ RE1000 is a ground-up custom based on the 2025 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 and built around a world-first 1000cc parallel twin. Developed with Jesse Robinson, the original engine was transformed internally into a powerhouse.
Dylan Brown hand-built almost everything around it, including a custom chrome moly frame, aluminium tank and fenders, handlebars, grips and triple clamps. Inspired by drag racing and Japanese craftsmanship, it combines extreme fabrication with a sleek, timeless finish.
You can find out more about the Busted Knuckles Build-Off and cast your vote in the People’s Choice award, by visiting the Royal Enfield website.
