Royal Enfield is one of the oldest and most iconic motorcycle brands in the world. It has a rich history and a loyal fan base that spans across continents and generations. If you are a fan of classic motorcycles, you probably know a thing or two about Royal Enfield. But do you know these 10 amazing facts about the brand?
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1. Royal Enfield started as a bicycle manufacturer.
The origins of Royal Enfield can be traced back to 1891, when two entrepreneurs, Bob Walker Smith and Albert Eadie, bought a bicycle company called George Townsend & Co. in Redditch, England. They renamed it as the Enfield Manufacturing Company Ltd. and started producing bicycles under the brand name Enfield. In 1893, they won a contract to supply precision parts to the Royal Small Arms Factory of Enfield, Middlesex, which inspired them to adopt the name Royal Enfield and the motto “Made Like A Gun”.
2. Royal Enfield built its first motorcycle in 1901.
In 1901, Royal Enfield produced its first motorized vehicle, a quadricycle powered by a 1.5 hp De Dion engine. The following year, they launched their first motorcycle, which had the same engine mounted in front of the steering head and a belt drive to the rear wheel. The motorcycle was designed by Bob Walker Smith and a Frenchman named Jules Gobiet, and it was showcased at the Stanley Cycle Show in London.
3. Royal Enfield supplied motorcycles to the military in both World Wars.
During World War I, Royal Enfield supplied motorcycles to the British, Belgian, French, US, and Russian armies. Their most popular model was the 770cc 6 hp V-twin, which was used for reconnaissance, dispatch, and ambulance duties. During World War II, Royal Enfield developed a lightweight motorcycle that could be parachuted with airborne troops. This model was called the Flying Flea, and it had a 125cc 2-stroke engine and a rigid frame.
4. Royal Enfield entered the Indian market in 1955.
In 1955, Royal Enfield partnered with Madras Motors in India to form Enfield India, a company that would assemble, under license, the 350 cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle in Chennai. The Bullet was chosen by the Indian government as the preferred motorcycle for its army and police forces, and it soon became a popular choice among civilians as well. By 1962, Enfield India was producing all the components for the Bullet in India, and in 1971, it acquired the rights to use the Royal Enfield name and logo.
5. Royal Enfield is the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production.
Despite facing financial difficulties and competition from other brands, Royal Enfield has managed to survive and thrive for over a century. It is the oldest motorcycle brand in the world that is still in production, and it still uses the same basic design of the Bullet that was introduced in 1932. Royal Enfield has also expanded its product range to include modern motorcycles such as the Interceptor 650, the Continental GT, and the Himalayan, which cater to different segments and markets.
6. Royal Enfield has a cult following around the world.
Royal Enfield is not just a motorcycle brand, it is a lifestyle and a culture. Royal Enfield enthusiasts form clubs and communities where they share their passion and stories. Some of the most famous Royal Enfield clubs are the 60-year-old Royal Enfield Owners Club in the UK, the Royal Enfield Riders Club of Australia, and the Royal Enfield Bullet Club of India. There are also annual events and festivals that celebrate the brand, such as the Rider Mania in Goa, the Himalayan Odyssey, and the One Ride.
7. Royal Enfield has a unique sound and feel.
One of the most distinctive features of Royal Enfield motorcycles is their sound. The thumping sound of the single-cylinder engine is often compared to a heartbeat, and it is said that you can tell the model and the year of a Royal Enfield by its sound. The sound is also influenced by the exhaust system, which can be customized by the riders. Some of the popular exhausts are the Goldstar, the Indore, and the Wild Boar.
Another characteristic of Royal Enfield motorcycles is their feel. The bikes are heavy and sturdy, and they require a lot of maintenance and care. They are not meant for speed, but for cruising and enjoying the ride. Riding a Royal Enfield is an experience that is hard to describe, but easy to love.
8. Royal Enfield has a museum and a storehouse in Chennai.
If you want to learn more about the history and the heritage of Royal Enfield, you can visit the Royal Enfield Museum and the Royal Enfield Storehouse in Chennai. The museum showcases the evolution of the brand and its models, from the earliest bicycles to the latest motorcycles. You can also see rare and vintage bikes, such as the Flying Flea, the Fury, and the Explorer. The museum also has interactive exhibits, such as a simulator, a customizer, and a timeline.
The storehouse is a place where you can buy Royal Enfield merchandise, such as apparel, accessories, and collectibles. You can also book a test ride, enroll in a riding school, or join a riding tour. The storehouse also hosts events and workshops, such as the Garage Cafe, the Reunion, and the Bootcamp.
9. Royal Enfield has a record-breaking stunt team.
Royal Enfield has a team of professional stunt riders, called the Throttle Extreme, who perform breathtaking feats on their bikes. The team holds several Guinness World Records, such as the longest motorcycle ride through a tunnel of fire, the longest motorcycle ride on one wheel, and the most people on a moving motorcycle. The team also performs at various events and shows, such as the Auto Expo, the India Bike Week, and the Royal Enfield Rider Mania.
10. Royal Enfield has a custom motorcycle division.
Royal Enfield has a division called the Royal Enfield Custom Program, where they create unique and personalized motorcycles for their customers. The program allows the customers to choose from various options, such as the paint, the graphics, the seat, the handlebar, the wheels, and the accessories. The program also collaborates with renowned custom builders, such as Rajputana Customs, TNT Motorcycles, and Inline3 Custom Motorcycles, to create exclusive and limited-edition bikes. Some of the examples of the custom bikes are the Mo’ Powa’, the Nought Tea GT, and the Green Fly.
Royal Enfield is more than just a motorcycle brand. It is a symbol of heritage, passion, and adventure. If you are a proud owner or a curious admirer of Royal Enfield, you can appreciate the amazing facts that make this brand unique and legendary.
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