When it comes to the need for speed, Royal Enfield may not be the first motorcycle manufacturer that comes to mind, but an Interceptor 650 recently set a landspeed record. Nicknamed Sabre, the 650 piloted by first-time salt racer Charlie Hallam smashed the class record at the annual Speed Week run on Lake Gairdner, South Australia. Originally built for Royal Enfield’s “Busted Knuckles Build-Off” in 2019, this crowd favorite illustrates the improved reputation and reliability of Royal Enfield.

Building A Royal Enfield Ready For A Land Speed Run

The construction of Sabre started as part of a custom build by Mid Life Cycles and drew inspiration from land speed record bikes of the past. The build team was led by HRA Geelong (Andrew Hallam) and Hallam Cycle Works (Charlie Hallam) and once finished, they set their sights on competing for a land speed record at the 30th annual Speed Week on Lake Gairdner in 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic delayed those plans. With an extra year to prepare, the team continued work of Sabre and when the 2021 event was announced, they knew the bike was ready to run.

RELATED: 10 Of The Most Iconic Land Speed Record Cars (And How Fast They Went)

As a non-streamlined bike running commercial unleaded fuel, Sabre was officially entered in the 650 class. Their goal was to surpass the 2016 record of 119.961 mph. This was a lofty goal, but on Day One, Charlie exceeded the previous record with an initial pass at 121.782 mph. With only one minor setback, the team continued to build upon the record.

On Day Two, the team found further success when they were able to surpass 130 mph. The bike was then impounded overnight so that an official second run could be performed the following day. With storms looming overhead, Charlie rode Sabre across the salt flats at a mesmerizing speed of 133.779 mph. Combined with the previous day's run, they achieved new record of 132.050 mph.

How Sabre Soared Across The Salt For Royal Enfield

The land speed record team at Lake Gairdner, South Australia.
Via: Royal Enfield

Starting as a stock 2019 Interceptor 650, Sabre served as a testing platform for custom parts. The engine was fitted with performance items including forged pistons, a ported cylinder head, a competition profile camshaft, an updated throttle body, and a modified gearbox. The standard balancing counterweight was also removed from the crankshaft and several chassis mods were applied including a custom swingarm and Öhlins suspension. While the modifications were significant, Sabre never missed a beat and proved to be an incredibly reliable race bike.

By setting this land speed record Sabre has also further illustrated the reliability of the Interceptor platform. Royal Enfield has taken great strides to improve the quality of their product and the new 650 twins are leading that charge. Royal Enfield is showing they are ready to race and are bringing what they learn on the track to consumers. It is an old formula, but Royal Enfield is applying this concept in new and creative ways and the benefits are clearly evident on the showroom floor.

NEXT: Updated Royal Enfield Himalayan Debuts For 2021