Custom-bike builder Maratha Motorcycles has come up with a stunning modification job based around a Royal Enfield engine. Yes, an engine and not really a full bike because what we have here is something that’s a Frankenstien, with bits and bobs from a range of Royal Enfields, and of course a lot of custom-built parts. This bike is called the Leo Mariners Scrambler.
First, let’s look at the visuals. What you have in this custom-machine is a high-riding Scrambler, with a very distinct design. The front end features a unique headlamp that’s offset while upside down forks handling suspension duties at the front.
There are off-road biased knobby tyres at the front and the rear while the tank and the raised rear seat give out some hints of the Himalayan. However, the fuel tank is custom-built, specifically for this bike, and the party trick here is a miniature Jack Daniel bottle that sits on the right-side of the tank. The effect is quite electric, with the bike looking as though it chugs Jack Daniel as fuel. How cool is that? There’s even a compass on the fuel-tank.
To make sure that grunt isn’t an issue on this custom machine, the modifiers have retro-fitted fit a 500 cc, Unit Construction engine from the Royal Enfield Classic range.
Fuel injection has been dumped in favour of a good ‘ol carburetor set-up while the stock airbox makes way for a pod filter. The bike features a custom-built exhaust that runs around the engine, in true-Scrambler style.
The rear monoshock is again a custom-built unit, and so is the rear-swing arm, which seems much lighter than the stock unit. The frame that this bike’s engine is attached to seems to be a mix of that of the Royal Enfield Classic at the front and the Himalayan at the rear. The design is rounded off with a high-rise handlebar and the footpeg position of a stock Royal Enfield Classic, both of which come together for a relaxed riding position.