Icon One Thousand Has Its Way With a Shotgun 650
Icon Retrograde Shotgun 650
For those familiar with Icon 1000’s ethos, you already know their custom builds are anything but ordinary. With each bike, they blur the line between function and form, leaving us with machines that look as fast as they ride. Their latest creation, Icon Retrograde Shotgun 650, is no exception. Based on the 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, this build is a wild mix of retro aesthetics, cutting-edge engineering, and the kind of gritty storytelling that only Icon can deliver.
The Build
Starting with a Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, the team at Icon went all-in. The geometry was heavily tweaked, the suspension rethought, and the intake and exhaust freed up for better performance. This wasn’t just a cosmetic overhaul—it was a complete transformation. Icon Retrograde Shotgun 650 boasts modified Yamaha FZ750 Airtech bodywork, a retro RD400 tank assembly fitted with dry-break fueling, and a Buell S2 tail section for a bit of flair.
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 swingarm was heavily modified to fit, complemented by dual Nitron piggyback shocks tucked securely inboard. Vintage Astralite wheels add an extra dose of nostalgia, while ZX10 nitrogen forks keep the front end dialed in. Capping it all off, Icon threw on a custom 2-1 S&S exhaust, giving Retrograde the bark to match its bite.
Trial by Fire
As with all Icon builds, Retrograde’s first outing wasn’t for the faint of heart. During its trial run, a bit of bad luck turned into a crash that required a few late nights back at Icon’s Slabtown HQ. While the Yamaha plastics took most of the damage, the rest of the bike—along with its rider—walked away largely unscathed. It’s this kind of rugged determination that makes Icon’s creations legendary.
“Hey Boss…we dropped the Enfield”.
Why It Stands Out
Icon’s Retrograde isn’t just a custom—it’s a masterclass in engineering with a touch of chaos. From the vintage-inspired bodywork to the handpicked components, every detail screams Icon’s rebellious spirit. While this bike may not be perfect in their eyes, it represents their relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries.
