In the world of custom motorcycles, where the scent of motor oil is practically a fragrance, each bike’s origin story is a wild ride. The tale of Goonj, born from the hands of the visionary craftsmen at TNT Motorcycles, a design and engineering studio in New Delhi, embodies a unique blend of passion, resilience, and two-wheeled wizardry.
Founded by mechanical engineers Naveen Nandal and Nitin Sharma, TNT Motorcycles is dedicated to crafting designs that deeply resonate with riders. The studio has emerged as a key player, collaborating with major OEMs in India, making a significant impact in this ever-innovating industry. The journey of Goonj began with an unexpected twist when Nikhil, an intrepid rider with a love for conquering the Himalayas on his Royal Enfield Electra 350, met with an unfortunate accident during an adventurous escapade. What started as a short hiatus from riding transformed into an extended period of reflection. Nikhil’s beloved Electra, a witness to countless adventures, sat dormant, patiently waiting for a renaissance.
During the era of pandemics and existential crises, Nikhil decided to resurrect his Electra. He approached TNT Motorcycles with a challenging mandate, demanding, ‘Build me an art piece that you would build for yourself.’ This commission ignited the creative spirits at TNT, pushing them to surpass their own standards in craftsmanship and design.
At the core of TNT Motorcycles lies the philosophy of ‘new old school,’ seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with the soulful traditions of classic motorcycling. The transformation of Nikhil’s Electra into a mutant lovechild of a café racer and a board tracker was set in motion. The catch? It had to be made of stainless steel, brass, and aluminium to combat the arch-nemesis of motorcycles — rust.
Meticulously selected materials resisted corrosion, ensuring Goonj became a cherished heirloom within Nikhil’s family. Goonj’s design philosophy is akin to a rebellious teenager — refusing confinement, with fluidic lines on the stainless steel chassis acting as rebellious brush strokes on a canvas, declaring, ‘I’ll go where I want, thank you very much.’ It embodies authenticity and purpose on two wheels, with a touch of cheeky rebellion.
Addressing the front, TNT recognized conventional forks wouldn’t suffice, and springer lines were unsuitable. Their inventive solution involved crafting a unique girder from scratch, using stainless steel and basic tools for simplicity. Adorning the motorcycle, including wiring and cable covers, Trip Machine draped Goonj in Tobacco Napa leather, turning it into the James Bond of motorcycles — sophisticated, stylish, and possibly capable of seducing other bikes in the garage.
In crafting Goonj, TNT Motorcycles hasn’t just built a motorcycle; they’ve meticulously designed and engineered a narrative of dreams, resilience, and artistic expression. It stands as a symphony of metal and purpose, a testament to the enduring spirit of both the rider and the machine. As Goonj graces various motorcycle show stages, it proudly exemplifies the artistry emerging when passion meets craftsmanship.
