Well, I haven’t been on a bike ride yet but I am head over heels for this classic motor vehicle. I will let the readers guess the name as I narrate the journey of the bike that inspires riders.
1891
In November 1891, entrepreneurs Bob Walker Smith and Albert Eadie buy George Townsend & Co. of Hunt End, Redditch. Townsend’s is a well-respected needle manufacturer of almost 50 years standing which has recently begun manufacturing bicycles.
1893
The duo win a contract to supply precision parts to the Royal Small Arms Factory of Enfield, Middlesex. To celebrate this prestigious order, they rename their undertaking the Enfield Manufacturing Company Ltd. and call their first Bob Walker Smith designed bicycle, the Enfield. The following year, their bicycles are renamed Royal Enfields and the trademark ‘Made Like A Gun’ is introduced.
1898
Bob Walker Smith designs the company’s first motorised vehicle. Known as a quadricycle, it is built around two sturdy bicycle frames and uses a proprietary 1 1/2 hp De Dion engine. The company finalises its trading name as The Enfield Cycle Co. Ltd., a name it is to use for the following 70 years.
Royal Enfield delves into motorsport when one of its quadricycles enters the inaugural 1000 Mile Trial. Following a torturous cross-country route from London to Edinburgh and back, the event does much to convince the British public of the viability of motorised transport.
The first Royal Enfield motorcycle is produced. Designed by Bob Walker Smith and Frenchman Jules Gotiet, it has a 1 1/2 hp Minerva engine mounted in front of the steering head. The rear wheel is driven by a long rawhide belt.
1926
A major fire breaks out at the 18-acre Redditch factory. The company’s own fire brigade manages to fight the flames which threaten to engulf the entire plant.
1932
The legendary “Bullet” motorcycle is born. It is first displayed in November 1932 at the Olympia Motorcycle Show in London. Three versions are produced: 250, 350 and 500cc, all with inclined ‘sloper’ engines, twin-ported cylinder heads, foot operated gear change and high compression pistons.
In India, the Royal Enfield Classic is endearingly called bullet for its speed and gun like performance.
1948
The post-war 350cc Bullet prototype, with radical oil-damped swinging arm rear suspension, is previewed in the Colmore Cup Trial of February 1948. Two Bullets form part of the victorious British Trophy team in the 1948 ISDT (International Six Days Trial), held in Italy. Both their riders win gold medals.
1949
The new 350cc Bullet and 500 Twin models are launched in the UK. Both bikes share the same frame, swinging arm suspension, telescopic front forks and gearbox. K. R. Sundaram Iyer launches Madras Motors to import British motorcycles into India, including Royal Enfields.
1997
Forty Royal Enfield motorcycles climb to Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable pass, setting a precedent for epic rides across some of the world’s most difficult terrain and creating a blueprint for the annual Himalayan Odyssey ride.
2005
Royal Enfield celebrates its 50th anniversary in India with the release of commemorative Thunderbird and Bullet Electra models and ‘The Legend Rides On’ coffee table book.
2016
Royal Enfield debuts the Himalayan, its first adventure motorcycle. With an all-new 411cc SOHC engine and long reach suspension, it’s designed to give adventurous riders the right tool for all roads and no roads.
Well, this is just a glimpse from the illustrious history of Royal Enfield. Hope you learnt something interesting reading this. I await the opportunity to ride Bullet soon.
Out Of The Box...... 