Fabrizio Di Bella, who brought us the McDeeb series of Royal Enfield specials inspired by early classic British designs, has been hard at work and using the Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFI as the platform, brings us a new classic motorcycle, only this time the inspiration comes from Italy. The new Taurus G28 is inspired by the original 500cc Taurus G27 built in the 1940s by Vittorio Guerzoni.
Here’s Fabrizio’s story of how it came about:
I was a fan of this antique brand since I was a child when my dad bought a small Taurus racing bicycle for my Chistmas present: the old man who sold it to us was one of the two makers of that awesome bike: the Taurus 500 G27.
After looking at a picture of this old bike in the Taurus bicycle company office, I started to search photos, drawings and all roots of this forgotten Italian motorcycle brand. I contacted the nephew of the factory founder, still involved in bicycle manufacturing, but also very passionate about motorcycles, and together, we decided to bring the G27 back to life, so some months ago I started to work on a new re-edition, the G28.
Based on a modified Royal Enfield Classic 500 EFI, this bike has the same output and maximum speed of the ancient version: 32 HP and 100 mph (160kmh). We improve the engine power through a higher fuel pump pressure to 3.4 bar, a modified injection system, a special air filter, but mostly thanks to our own stainless steel pipe and silencer complex you can see in the photos (copied from the original Taurus item).
We also focused on weight distribution and rolling chassis: the front fork has progressive spring, modified hydraulic and different oil, while the rear shocks, (entirely machined in our workshop with an aircraft alloy body) are 25 mm longer than standard equipment.
But the most obvious upgrading is the look: all the body is re-worked through the finest handcraft process, to make a perfect surface finishing, then polishing and nickel plating (instead of the more common chrome) to give a “warmer and antique” aspect to all parts.
After the above process, we make the paint and pinstriping exactly the same as the original Taurus, with the suggestive brand name then a final process (glass-look) of seven clear coats.
Smiths classic cockpit gauges and other vintage items give our “instant classic” the final touch, but also the customer, as in the old Taurus, will have a large choice on optional equipment like lower or higher sport pipe, leather seat covers, 540cc overbore, different rims and tire sizes and bike sizing, too.
A Taurus “signature” merchandise collection is already scheduled for the next months and some orders for the bikes were already taken during the EICMA show in Milan, just ended.
The first bike is running and already sold (a few minutes after finishing it) and we are taking orders and working on other versions (a “vintage” with a girder fork, another with a rigid tail, really evocative, then maybe a sport version with a 540cc carburetor engine, too …)
The Taurus G28 retail price is 11.000 euros, tax included.
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Well, it looks like Fabrizio and the Classic Farm team have done another fine job of transforming a Royal Enfield into a brand new classic. I think the Taurus may find greater interest in Italy or from those countries where knowledge of the history of the Taurus brand would be a strong consideration, as opposed to the more universal appeal of the retro British look of their other designs. The workmanship and design, however, are as high quality as ever and that is always in demand.
The Royal Enfield continues to impress as a very flexible and affordable platform for all sorts of custom work and Fabrizio Di Bella has a pretty good eye for what can be done with it. Nice job!
Link: Classic Farm Motorcycles
Willie says
Strokers in Dallas is building a bike based on the Enfield. It’s in the tear down stage now for paint, etc. 21″ wheels it kinda has a street tracker look. Got some mods to the frame for the tail section. Waiting on the finished product. Otta be interesting.
Carlos says
I love this! What a gorgeous bike, I really love the work this guy does. No surprise this bike sold immediately. I know what kind of bike I want to ride!
B50 Jim says
Top-notch job! I think I’d go with a low pipe — just my personal preference.
Is Chummaji working on Fireball kit for this engine? That would make a bike worth reckoning with. The R-E is the perfect platform for all kinds of builds. I look forward to each new R-E-based bike from fertile imaginations all over the world.
Daoud says
An Enfield by any other name is still an Enfield!
Steve says
The original G27 is really handsome.
Jon Hutchison says
I wish manufacturers would offer a base rolling chasis and engine set up from which to build custom bikes. With Enfield you get to pay twice for tanks, pipes and soforth which adds a couple thousand to final prices. They have the right idea with offering after production kits, but the wrong approach with selling only street ready bikes. Harley, Triumph, Suzuki, Ducati and others have the “bones” for starting custom/semicustom bikes. This would also avoid the issues with air qulaity certifications and special construction limitations…..although this open issues with product liability.
WRXr says
Nicely done. If I were to find fault it would only be with the exhaust path which is a tad winding and awkward.
Klaus says
Spot on! If you want to copy the Taurus you have to copy the most impressive features, and the dual straight exhaust is the first thing I saw.
Cutting corners around RE frame obstacles is cutting corners!
luSca custom design says
Hi,
as designer of this project, I’m very proud to collaborate with Fabrizio and his team!
zipidachimp says
here’s what I don’t get, and it’s not just these guys but many other car and bike manufacturers: it doesn’t cost any more to design a beautiful object than a mediocre or ugly one, so why not do it? why a non-conventional handlebar clamp/riser ? the web is chock-ful of beautiful re-dos of oem bikes. about time for some of them to come from the likes of royal enfield, especialy now that they have a somewhat modern engine.
end of rant, sorry!
bob wark says
This could just be my personal anti-chrome feeling talking (just too bling),,,but. It does not look like the original bike at all in my opinion and differs in a most important area, too much chrome! Oh, and an Enfield for 11,000 Euros, sure sign me up.
gunner says
I agree with Bob, too much chrome (or nickel). And the old G27 is a much nicer bike in every aspect. This look just like … another dressed up Indian RE.
Tanshanomi says
I see a slightly altered Enfield. It has absolutely nothing in common with the Taurus 500. The forced and inappropriate use of the name cheapens an otherwise agreeable motorcycle. Why not just call it an Enfield custom and leave it at that?
Nortley says
Does a tweed cap come with it?
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
I added a rendered image above that shows the optional high pipe routed like the original G27 which makes the G28 look more like it. Since the photo of the original shows a white bike with pinstripes, that might be a better option compared to the nickel, though I don’t know what finishes were offered on the G27.
As Fabrizio notes in his description, he is planning a vintage version with a girder fork. That one change, along with the high pipe option, already available, would dramatically change the appearance and address many of the comments here saying it doesn’t look much like the old bike. I do agree, however, the changes in this bike as configured in the photos here, don’t look anywhere near as striking as the retro British versions.
Carlos says
Hmmm, in that case I would love to see the retro British versions, they must be amazing. I am going to go look that up
Fabrizio says
Hi mate,
I will send to Paul the image of the girder fork and rigid tail version soon.
About some “professional critics” , we have introduced at this step a lightly modified version called “inspired by the true Taurus” due the budget of the “donor bike” owner allowed only this level of kustomization, but we are going to make a true replica (also with white painted fenders to make some people happy…) during the next months..
The guy who spoke about “unappropriate use” of the Taurus name , lost a possibility to remain silent for several good reasons 1) We already signed a written agreement with Taurus company (still running and headed by the nephew of one of the founders, who like the project and supports it) , 2) Riccardo Ferniani, a well known attorney in Bologna, but a strong motorcyclist , grandson of Vittorio Guerzoni (manufacturer of Taurus engines) visited our booth during the same exhibition, taking some shots seated on the bike. He really likes it . 3) Only the earlier version of the original Taurus had the slooper cylinder showed in that pic. 4) Only the sport G27 SS (as Super Sport) model was fitted with a twin port exhaust. Unfortunately , the only good quality images are about the twin port head version. while we are workin’ on the G27, more dufficult to see in high resolution image (but you can find it in my own FB page for your reference)
Isn’t it enough ?
Chatting is a bit easier as making something good…. 🙂
Cheers.
Fabrizio
'37 Indian says
Let’s say I bought a new Sportster 1200, hardtailed the rear, installed a girder fork, a cool exhaust, and wrote “Vincent” on the tank. What would I have? A Vincent? This Taurus is as close to the original as the ’55-’59 Indian Enfields were to the real Indians made in Springfield, MA. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a cool bike, but it’s an Enfield.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
If the original company has given their blessing to badge it as a Taurus, why should anyone else find this an issue?
Harley used to take an Aermacchi and call it a Harley, changing nothing much more than the paint and badging. Was it “really” a Harley or an Aermacchi?
The Royal Enfield, as we’ve said many times, is a great platform to begin with, no matter what you’re building. If you’re not a fan of them, that’s fine, but it’s certainly not a reason to get upset about someone else using them for their own projects and expanding the possibilities of what an RE can become.
Fabrizio says
Yes, nevertheless we don’t say it is a Taurus but “A Taurus lookalike special based on a Royal Enfield platform” . In our bikes the engine is always tuned up (injection, air filter, pipe, muffler, fuel pump, evnetuallly sportster cams and CDI ) and a 540 high CR is avaiable,too. To be precise, also the Taurus engine wasn’t made by Taurus in its factory, but by another man in a different place, a few hundred miles far from…
Now, the family who still owns the Taurus brand is a partner of ours in this enterprise, the nephew of the old engine manufacturer gives his approvation and we are also think to “turn” a bit the engine in the frame by working on its mounting.
We don’t like to make a precise copy of the original bikein two pieces to satisfy only two rich customers who can pay it 35,000 or 40,000 USD but an affordable bike to drive daily.
Dont’ worry about, mate: it’s a joke! 🙂
Ciao
Fabrizio
B50 Jim says
Hmmm…. the R-E version makes the same horsepower and top speed as the original. Even given that it’s a R-E, and speaks well of the Taurus, you’d think that 65 years later we could do better with the architecture.
I also like the girder forks, even with their shortcomings. You can see everything working.
barry says
Okay, firstly: I’ve never seen a bike here that I wouldn’t change. Of course. There is no doubting the integrity of Fabrizio’s builds, but theyrr’e for customers, obviously well made with an eye for detail, well finished, efficient and (Ta Daaa…) daily rides; try that with an old race bike. As for styling: even Chunna’s Fireball 10 I would have a different (slightly) theme, even Aniket’s amazing Musket. It is obvious that Fabrizio could build you a bike to the highest standards, at an (apparently) decent price, gotta pay the bills, but only whats good.
Thank you Paul, for introducing me to all these people,; Tom Lyons, Mule; Tod, Phoebe and, lately, Carlos. Isn’t it wonderful?
Barry in Germany
Carlos says
It is wonderful Barry, it is, I actually love reading all the comments good and bad. I find it amazing how much technical knowledge there is out there, and I admire Pauls philsophy on life in general as a doer. I am in awe. I recently learned how to change a tire, sounds very small I know, but for me it was huge, because up until now I havent been allowed to touch anything. I am floored by what can be done, and really dissappointed in myself I never took shop class in High School, I really missed out. And I am guessing by the bikes that that have caught my eye so far (besides those amazing cycle cars I would die for one of those babies) I like Enfields. So hello to you from Carolyne in Ottawa.
skelton says
All those bikes look like capable off roaders.
cowpieapex says
In a world where virtually every manufacturer has built an HD wannabe, (hello Ducati Indiana) I really love to see any homage to other classic styles. Having restored a few of the originals I know that the delicate antique parts often composed of inferior and fatigued alloys are ticking bombs that make these originals unsuitable for the use I give a motorcycle. Keeping these beautiful forms alive is in itself a wonderful public service, thank you!
Scotduke says
Interesting idea and it’ll look all the better once the girder fork is ready.
Hierlekin says
I bought a R-E thinking I could modify/customize the little bugger into a sweet little ride, unfortunately I am finding that my original ideas aren’t going to work as I envisioned.
However, thanks to Kneeslider and the folks at Classic Farm Motorcycles, I get to see other folks new ideas that inspire me to keep plugging along. I would love to put a girder front fork on & take it for a spin, can’t wait until those are available!
Thanks for another great idea!
Fabrizio "McDeeb" Di Bella says
Hi guys,
We are talkin’ as a group of bike passionates who meets at a pub and discuss about their own tastes and opinion about the best model (or the fastest rider…but this I am surely…LOL ).
About the above argument: it’s funny we introduced two years ago the McDeeb RE special range , and about the Velocette lookalike Thruxton 99% of comments were great. That bike has the following parts changed or radically modified: frame, shocks, engine piston, cilinder, head and valvetrain, crank, rod, camshaft, carburettor, velocity stack, foopepgd, wheels, brakes, rims and spokes, tires, handlebar, tacho and round meter, fuel tank, seat, half fairing, engine plates, kcikcstarter, handlebar lever and throttle, switches, handgrips, pipe, Brookland type silencer, sidepanels, electric, cables. This bike manufacturing was a terrific job for us and all magazines and blog has appreciated…but only two were sold, so it was good for our image but a really bad business !
Look at the old Kneeslider post to see and you surely understand what I mean.
Somebody claimed also this bike was “too modified and expensive”, too… 🙂
I like let the people known about what we can do at our peak and I checked this job some years ago due to my passion…but we also need to make bikes and to sale it to survive, ah ah ah.
A great thanks to Paul and to all motorycles passionates, all over the world.
Ciao
Fabrizio
Willie says
Here’s some more on Strokers’ Enfield. They are trying to get it ready for the IMS in December. Gunna be a tight deadline.
http://www.strokersdallas.com/2011/11/rick%E2%80%99s-royal-enfield-unveiling-12311-ims-show-dallas/
They building another Enfield that isn’t gunna be as showy.
paul says
can you please tell me where you got that chrome headlight casing ??? i’d be grateful to you………..thanks