THE BEGINNING
The Enfield Cycle Company made motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines under the name Royal Enfield out of its works based at Redditch, Worcestershire. The legacy of weapons manufacture is reflected in the logo comprising the cannon, and the motto "Made like a gun". Use of the brand name Royal Enfield was licensed by the Crown in 1890.
THE EARLY YEARS
In 1909 Royal Enfield surprised the motorcycling world by introducing a small Motorcycle with a 2 ¼ HP V twin Motosacoche engine of Swiss origin. In 1911 the next model was powered by a 2 ¾ HP engine and boasted of the well known Enfield 2-speed gear. In 1912 came the JAP 6 HP 770 CC V twin with a sidecar combination. It was this motorcycle which made Enfield a household name. 1914 saw the 3 HP motorcycles this time with Enfield’s own engine which now had the standardised Enfield paint scheme of black enamelled parts and green tank with gold trim.
BETWEEN THE WARS
At the time of the outbreak of WW I Royal Enfield supplied consignments of their 6 HP sidecar Outfit motorcycles with Stretchers to the Crown. This same motorcycle also came with a Vickers machine Gun sidecar attachment which could also be turned skywards and used against low flying aircraft. Royal Enfield supplied large numbers of motorcycles to the British War Department and also won a motorcycle contract for the Imperial Russian Government.
THE INDIA CONNECTION
Royal Enfield motorcycles were being sold in India ever since 1949. In 1955, the Indian government started looking for a suitable motorcycle for its police forces and the army for patrolling duties on the country's border. The Bullet 350 was chosen as the most suitable bike for the job. The Indian government ordered 800 of these 350 cc motorcycles, an enormous order for that time. Thus In 1955, the Redditch Company partnered with Madras Motors in India to form what was called 'Enfield India' to assemble these 350 cc Bullet motorcycle under licence in erstwhile madras (Now called Chennai). As per their agreement Madras Motors owned the majority (over 50%) of shares in the company. In 1957 tooling equipment was also sold to Enfield India so that they could manufacture components and start full-fledged production. The Enfield Bullet dominated the Indian highways and with each passing year its popularity kept rising.
THE EICHER CHAPTER
In 1990, Enfield India entered into a strategic alliance with the Eicher Group, and later merged with it in 1994. It was during this merger that the name Enfield India changed to Royal Enfield. The Eicher Group is one of India's leading automotive groups with diversified interests in the manufacture of Tractors, Commercial Vehicles, Automotive Gears, Exports, Garments, Management Consultancy and Motorcycles. Since then, the Company has made considerable investments in modernizing its manufacturing technology and systems. In 1996, when the Government decided to impose stringent norms for emission Royal Enfield was the first motorcycle manufacturer to comply, a tradition which has stuck on thus making emission norms being one of the most important factors the company focuses on.
THE EARLY YEARS
When the first Royal Enfield motorcycle rolled out in 1901, it was the beginning of an endearing story that would turn into a legend by the turn of the century. Aptly christened - Made Like a Gun - the phrase epitomize the simple, resilient and dependable machines that have stood the test of time and terrain. It continues to be one of the key inspirations for everything that Royal Enfield builds.
THE EARLY YEARS
THE INDIAN CONNECTION
THE INDIAN CONNECTION
The British roots of Royal Enfield got an Indian soul in 1955, when Madras Motors started manufacturing the motorcycles in Chennai. Six decades later, it has led the leisure motorcycling culture in India from the front. The iconic motorcycles have been accomplices to a thousand adventures and the dependable steed of the men in uniform. The upbeat response to the latest models is testimony to the fact that motorcycles are still trusted, loved and rode upon.
THE PURSUIT OF EXPLORATION
The forty bravehearts who rode their Royal Enfields to Khardung-la for the first time in 1997, set off a culture of explorations. Since then, Royal Enfield motorcycles have been allies to many such epic trips. This active pursuit to ride to new places, in a simple and unhurried manner, is what makes for Royal Enfield’s purpose of delivering pure motorcycling experience.
THE PURSUIT OF EXPLORATION
INSPIRED BY A MOTORCYCLING WAY OF LIFE
INSPIRED BY A MOTORCYCLING WAY OF LIFE
When the first Royal Enfield motorcycle rolled out in 1901, it was the beginning of an endearing story that would turn into a legend by the turn of the century. Aptly christened - Made Like a Gun - the phrase epitomize the simple, resilient and dependable machines that have stood the test of time and terrain. It continues to be one of the key inspirations for everything that Royal Enfield builds.
