Motorcycle modification in India has come a long way from its humble beginnings, deeply rooted in necessity and cultural evolution. What started as a utilitarian practice in rural areas during the 1950s and 70s—modifying motorcycles like Royal Enfields and Jawas to carry goods, endure long commutes, or increase durability—has blossomed into a vibrant subculture. By the 1980s and 90s, the influx of imported motorcycles such as the Yamaha RX100 and RD350 ushered in an era of performance tuning, as enthusiasts began experimenting with engines, exhausts, and bodywork to achieve higher speeds and smoother handling. Bollywood films, which often portrayed motorcycling as a symbol of rebellion and style, further amplified the popularity of customisation.
Indian biking festivals, like the iconic India Bike Week which kicked off early this December, have played a pivotal role in bringing this burgeoning culture to the forefront. These events are no longer just meet-ups for enthusiasts but platforms where custom builders and bikers alike showcase their creations and commissions, often to a global audience. “We’ve always made it a priority to give builders a stage to shine,” says Martin da Costa, Festival Director. “The quality of bikes has stepped up massively over the last few years. Builders now have access to amazing platforms like the Royal Enfield Interceptor and Shotgun, and these festivals allow them to showcase what’s possible,” he says. The festival’s impact isn’t limited to showcasing bikes but also in bringing together communities. “It’s about the people and the stories as much as the machines,” da Costa adds. “We’ve created a space for builders to meet, collaborate, and learn from each other, which is crucial for the culture’s growth.”
A prime example is Bombay Custom Works’ Royal Enfield Scram 411, a project which was showcased at the 2022 Motoverse festival. Back then, I had the opportunity to marvel at this stripped-down neon-hued ode to Mumbai in person—skyline, lingo and references aplenty everywhere from the fuel tank to the rear fender. The bike didn’t just wow attendees in Goa but also made its way to prestigious events in North America, including the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show in Wisconsin and the Bangkok Hot Rod Show. Their team has been hard at work on two motorcycles on display at IBW 2024—a sidecar-mounted Harley Street Bob ‘J-One’ special made for Jameson Whiskey (which we spotted offering rides across Goa’s Hilltop every now and then) and an asymmetrical tank stripped-down bobber with lean, mean details and a killer twin-underseat exhaust.
Running a custom motorcycle workshop in India is not without its unique challenges, as Shail Sheth, the cheery founder of Bombay Custom Works, can attest. "The business model itself is flawed," Sheth admits candidly with a smile, pointing to the constant juggling act required to manage costs, timelines, and client expectations. Space constraints, particularly in a city like Mumbai, further complicate operations.
“Our workshop in Byculla may only be 1,000 square feet,” begins the 12-year veteran of the bike modding scene, who studied automotive design in Coventry, England, before transitioning into a full-time ‘bikesmith’. The modest space comes with its own set of challenges, especially when crafting entirely bespoke motorcycles. Logistical limitations aside, the unpredictable nature of client demands—like a sudden colour change request just two days before delivery—adds another layer of complexity. “We never cut corners,” he emphasises. “It’s not just about reputation; it’s about ethics and the love of the craft.” Running such a workshop, he notes, takes more than design expertise—it requires patience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Despite these hurdles, Sheth’s workshop has become a beacon of innovation. Bombay Custom Works has created custom bikes that range from bobbers and scramblers to vintage-inspired classics, catering to both individual clients and big brands, from Mahindra to Enfield and more. For Sheth, it’s the craftsmanship and collaboration that keep him motivated. “Every build is different,” he says. “It’s like a puzzle, figuring out how to bring the client’s vision to life while keeping the integrity of the build intact.” This includes general references, colour palettes and personal touches, of course, but a wide spectrum of budgets—according to Sheth, a solidly-made build will cost around two lakh, but he’s put together projects ranging from ₹35,000 to well over ₹15 lakh—touching the on-road prices for the costliest rides sold in Indian showrooms.
With customers willing to go above and beyond, the identity of the Indian mod scene has evolved in wholly unique directions. Sheth observes that while early trends focused on imitating Western styles—think choppers and bobbers—the scene has now evolved into something distinctly Indian. “Scramblers and street-naked bikes are the big thing now,” he notes. “This reflects the growing interest in motorsports and trail riding in India. Builders aren’t just copying what’s trendy elsewhere; they’re creating bikes that are functional and suited to Indian conditions.” Technology has also transformed the space. With resources like YouTube and Instagram, budding builders can learn from others’ processes and techniques, accelerating skill development across the board. “When we started, it was all trial and error,” Sheth recalls. “Now, there’s so much information available, and the skill level in workshops has skyrocketed.”
What sets Indian modding apart is what Sheth describes as the ethos of “Jugaad”—the ingenuity to create something extraordinary from limited resources. While Western workshops might rely on precision tools, easy parts availability and vast vendor networks, Indian builders often operate with creative solutions and an intimate, hands-on approach. This doesn’t mean compromising on quality; rather, it fosters a kind of innovation that’s uniquely Indian. Many of Sheth’s competitors in the mod scene displayed this en masse; whether through custom brasswork channelling the motifs of oxidised desi jewellery or notably, the twin Jatayu and Sampati Harleys featuring the entire Ramayan classically illustrated across two bikes.
“We build with a flow,” Sheth explains. “It’s not about following a strict rulebook; it’s about creating something that feels right.” For Sheth and his peers, it’s not just about creating beautiful machines but about fostering a culture that celebrates artistry and innovation. “It’s not just a product; it’s a piece of who we are.”
