Royal Enfield has teamed up with Frontwheel Motors, an acclaimed Indonesian custom motorcycle workshop, to build a one-off flat track machine based on the Guerrilla 450. Known as the Groove FT450, the project demonstrates how a stock street motorcycle can be stripped down and transformed into a purpose-built racing tool.
This is not a production model. Instead, it represents Royal Enfield’s support for independent creativity and the potential of global collaborations in the custom scene.
Stripped to the Core
The project began with a standard Guerrilla 450, which was quickly reduced to its bare frame. Instead of the factory black coating, the frame now wears a raw silver finish, lending a race-bred character. From here, Frontwheel Motors replaced, upgraded, or fabricated almost every visible component.
Short Summary Table
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
Name |
Groove FT450 |
Builder |
Frontwheel Motors (Indonesia) |
Base Bike |
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 |
Category |
Flat track, track-only custom |
Key Upgrades |
Öhlins suspension, 19-inch wheels, Brembo rear brake |
Engine Mods |
Race ECU, revised ignition, billet aluminium throttle body |
Bodywork |
Aluminium monocoque with slim subframe |
Styling |
NASCAR-inspired blue & gold with checkerboard accents |
Weight |
Just under 174 kg |
Road Legality |
Not street legal |
Suspension, Chassis, and Wheels
To handle the demands of flat track racing, the bike features Öhlins suspension front and rear, paired with a custom swingarm for improved stability.
Rolling stock has been upgraded to 19-inch Lowery Racing wheels, wrapped in Shinko tyres, a standard specification for flat track competition.
In a nod to racing tradition, the front brake has been removed entirely, while the rear has been enhanced with a Brembo caliper and disc, mounted via a CNC-machined bracket and supported by custom hose guides.
Power and Performance Enhancements
The Guerrilla 450’s standard 452 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC engine produces about 40 hp and 40 Nm of torque. For the flat track build, the motor received several upgrades:
-
A race-spec ECU for optimized fueling.
-
A revised ignition system for sharper response.
-
A 44 mm billet aluminium throttle body to improve air intake.
These modifications sharpen throttle delivery and boost performance while keeping the machine reliable under track conditions.
After extensive weight reduction measures, the Groove FT450 tips the scales at just under 174 kg, a significant cut compared to the road-ready Guerrilla 450.
Bodywork and Design
The bodywork is one of the highlights of the build. Frontwheel Motors fabricated a monocoque aluminium structure from 3 mm sheets, seamlessly integrating the fuel tank, side panels, and tail section.
Other details include:
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A slim subframe to support the minimalist seat pad.
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A WR3 Performance gas cap.
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A custom exhaust system, tuned for both performance and visual impact.
The controls have also been rethought, with Renthal 843 handlebars, angled risers, an Acerbis throttle, and ProTaper grips replacing the stock setup.
Styling Inspiration
The Groove FT450’s livery draws inspiration from NASCAR race cars. It sports a blue-and-gold paint scheme, accented by a subtle checkerboard pattern and red tank badges, while leaving portions of bare aluminium exposed for contrast.
Since this is a track-only motorcycle, all road equipment headlights, tail lamps, indicators, and mirrors have been removed. In their place sits a traditional flat track number board mounted above the forks.
From Guerrilla 450 to Groove FT450
To appreciate the transformation, here is a comparison between the stock Guerrilla 450 and the custom Groove FT450:
Feature |
Stock Guerrilla 450 |
Groove FT450 |
|---|---|---|
Engine |
452 cc liquid-cooled single, ~40 hp |
Race ECU, revised ignition, 44 mm billet throttle body |
Weight |
~185 kg (kerb) |
|
Wheels |
17-inch alloys |
19-inch Lowery Racing wheels with Shinko tyres |
Suspension |
Standard telescopic fork, Showa monoshock |
Öhlins front forks & rear shock, custom swingarm |
Brakes |
Front & rear disc with ABS |
No front brake; rear Brembo caliper + disc |
Bodywork |
Steel tank, road-legal trim |
3 mm aluminium monocoque body, custom subframe |
Road Equipment |
Lights, mirrors, electronics |
Removed; flat track number board |
Styling |
Street motorcycle |
NASCAR-inspired blue-gold scheme with checkerboard accents |
Why This Build Matters
The Groove FT450 highlights three important aspects:
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Creative freedom – Independent workshops like Frontwheel Motors thrive when allowed to push the limits of design and engineering.
-
Cross-border collaboration – By working with international builders, Royal Enfield continues to strengthen its global footprint.
-
Flat track revival – Projects like this keep the spirit of dirt oval racing alive, drawing new audiences to a sport with deep heritage.
FAQs
Q1. Is the Groove FT450 available for purchase?
A. No, it is a one-off custom motorcycle, not a production model.
Q2. Who built the Groove FT450?
A. It was built by Frontwheel Motors, a custom workshop in Indonesia, in collaboration with Royal Enfield.
Q3. What modifications were made to the engine?
A. The bike received a race-spec ECU, revised ignition, and a 44 mm billet aluminium throttle body.
Q4. Why was the front brake removed?
A. Flat track racing traditionally uses only a rear brake, so the front brake was deleted to align with racing standards.
Q5. How much does the custom bike weigh?
A. The Groove FT450 weighs just under 174 kg after modifications.
Q6. Where can I find details on the standard Guerrilla 450?
A. Official specifications are available on Royal Enfield’s website: Guerrilla 450 Technical Specifications.
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