Page 22 - LHR November 2025
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The Royal Enfield Himalayan, traditionally known for its adventure touring prowess
racing, with its minimalist lines and · Additional Features: The
purposeful modifications. The bike was equipped with
bike's appearance evokes the spirit pivot pegs for improved
of classic scramblers, yet it is rider control and a custom
e q u i p p e d w i t h m o d e r n exhaust system to enhance
e n h a n c e m e n t s t o e n s u r e performance and reduce
competitiveness on the track. weight.
P e r f o r m a n c e These modifications transformed
the Himalayan from a touring bike
Enhancements into a competitive dirt machine,
The Genesis of the To transform the Himalayan into a capable of handling the challenges
of the Weston Beach Race.
Silver Surfer capable dirt bike, several key
modifications were made:
The journey began with a 2022
· Suspension Upgrades: The
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, front and rear suspension
purchased for a modest £850 from a were replaced with YSS
UK salvage auction. The bike had components, offering
suffered accident damage, but its improved damping and
core components remained intact. increased ride height. This
The team at 999lazer, led by Max modification enhances
Hind and technician Sean Smith, ground clearance, allowing
envisioned turning this adventure the bike to navigate
bike into a competitive dirt bike obstacles more effectively.
capable of handling the grueling
conditions of the Weston Beach · Weight Reduction: Non-
Race, one of the UK's most essential components such
challenging off-road events. as the ABS system, EVAP
emission system, stands,
Over the course of four days, the and lights were removed.
team stripped the Himalayan down This reduction in weight
to its essentials, removing contributes to better
unnecessary components to reduce handling and agility on the
weight and improve performance. track.
The result was the "Silver Surfer," a
bike that retained the Himalayan's · Engine Modifications: The
rugged charm while adopting the engine was tuned with a
aggressive stance of a classic 1960s performance camshaft, a
scrambler. quarter-turn throttle, and a
custom air filter. These
Design and Build modifications increase
throttle response and overall
Philosophy
power delivery.
The build process was guided by a · Fuel System: A Fuel X Pro
simple yet ambitious goal: to create system was installed to
a bike that could not only survive optimize fuel mapping, The Weston Beach
but thrive in the demanding ensuring the engine runs Race Challenge
environment of the Weston Beach efficiently under various
Race. The team did not adhere to a conditions. The Weston Beach Race is a three-
strict design blueprint; instead, they hour endurance event held annually
· Gearing Adjustments:
made decisions on the fly, adapting on the sands of Weston-super-Mare.
to challenges as they arose. This Custom-made sprockets The race features a six-mile circuit
approach led to a machine that were fitted to modify the that combines high-speed straights
blended modern engineering with bike's gearing, providing with challenging sand dunes, ruts,
vintage aesthetics. better acceleration and top- and mud holes. With over 1,000
end performance suitable
The Silver Surfer's design pays for off-road racing. entrants, it is one of the most
homage to the golden era of off-road demanding off-road races in the
22 NOVEMBER EDITION 2025
