For more than a century, Royal Enfield has defied motorcycle industry traditions. The first Enfield motorbike was built in Redditch, England, in 1901. It was built like a cannon by engineers devoted to accuracy and industrial perfection. Although civilian motorcycle production ceased during World War I, Royal Enfield continued to create a number of bikes during the 1920s. It expanded the line to include sports models, V-twin machines, and even open frame women. Royal Enfield’s greatest racing triumph came in the 1920s at the legendary Brooklyn circuit and the Isle of Man TT in 1932, when the first Bullet was produced, a monument to endurance adaptability and speed, and a bike that represented Royal Enfield culture.
Royal Enfield in WW II
With the covert factory being developed in Southern England during World War 2, the most known and full product of the period was the flying flea a 1 to 5, which was light enough to parachute into enemy territory. When Madras Motors was tasked with purchasing motorcycles for the Indian Army in 1953, there was only one option: 750 bullets, champions of the hard climate. In the figure of Jolly, a tremendous talent sat on a Royal Enfield at the time. He was the human personification of Royal Enfield: beautiful, modest, and tenacious. His demeanor and accomplishment in the grueling 6-day testing of a further demonstrated the Royal Enfield’s guts and that these bikes were built to last.
With the creation of the Crusader and constellation by 55 Madras motors got a license to manufacture the Bullet. The 1950s saw some amazing engineering marvels. In the 1960s, Enfield India Limited introduced the 750cc interceptor as well as the iconic Continental GT Cafe racer. The GT was a response to a shift in public perception of motorcycling among young men. It helped to build an exciting and appealing bike in areas where young men are now taking to the roads. Meanwhile, Bullitt manufacturing soared in India, with 77 Indian-made motorcycles being sold in the UK to fulfil demand from a burgeoning antique motorbike movement.
Royal Enfield – Made like a Gun
Enfield’s export markets grew in the 1980s, with European distributors offering the bike to a new generation of riders. The 1990s were a decade of reassessment, with new motorcycles, owners, and attitudes. A worldwide tourism business sprung up around the classic Bullitt, with tour operators offering to transport parties into the Himalayas, over the Rajasthan desert, and into Kerala’s backwaters. For many bikers, riding a Bullet in India has become a must-do experience. The Indian plant marked 50 years of operations in 2005, and the iconic bullets are still an emblem of Indian roadways. The current technology-driven economic development in India has generated a new generation of Royal Enfield Riders known as Bullet years. Their bond with their motorbike and its tradition has evolved into more than a pastime; it’s a way of life for these riders.
On November 24, 2011, a new chapter in the history of this renowned brand began when the foundations for the company’s second facility were placed in a site on the outskirts of Chennai’s industrial center, finished in a record pace of 11 months. The Aero Garden factory has been intended to optimize cost production through suitable automation. And maintaining the human artistry that is unique to the legendary Royal Enfield brand. The site also includes a ground-breaking new CED Paints shop with a daily painting capacity of 600 bikes. Robotic painting and powder coating technology to maintain uniformity and reduce waste. With the capacity to produce one motorbike per minute that is over 800 per day over two shifts. But procedures like the famed pinstriping are still done by hand to give each motorcycle that has distinctive personal touch.
From 2013 to 17
Royal Enfield’s classic design from the 1960s is making a comeback in response to a new attitude toward life on two wheels. The Continental GT was acquired by Royal Enfield in September 2013. The cutting-edge facility, which includes a robotic paint facility, served as the foundation for Royal Enfield’s global expansion plans. Royal Enfield unveils the all-new Continental GT, 48 years after inventing its first production café racer.
Royal Enfield North America is created by 2015. It is the company’s first direct distribution subsidiary outside of India. To improve its engineering and product design capabilities, the business purchases Harris Performance, a famous British motorcycle design and manufacturing firm. Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, near Leicester in the United Kingdom, has hosted the new Royal Enfield Technology Centre in 2017.
Across Asia
Over 100 engineers, designers, and testers working on product research, development, and long-term strategy. The company’s third factory begins production. This world-class manufacturing plant, located near Chennai at Vallam Vadagal, is dedicated to making Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles. At the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy, and Rider Mania in Goa, India, the new 650cc Royal Enfield Interceptor and Continental GT twins were presented. The Royal Enfield Garage Café, the company’s first café, opens in Baga, Goa. Make-It-Yours (MIY), a one-of-a-kind motorbike personalization effort, has launched in 2020. The Meteor 350 cruiser makes its debut in India to rave reviews. It boasts a completely new chassis and engine, as well as the Royal Enfield Tripper turn-by-turn navigation system.
The Royal Enfield Bullet is the world’s longest-running motorbike model, a monument to its design and personality. It is also another evolutionary stride for Royal Enfield, as they have produced a stunning machine for the future that is both traditional and modern. And will continue the Royal Enfield legacy…