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Long story short: Royal Enfield brand has a rich history ; many do not know the unknown facts about the company and its models. Want to know those facts and royal enfield evolution? It’s time to check those.
Founded in 1901, This is among the world’s oldest motorcycle brands. History and evolution of royal enfield traces back to its origins in Redditch, Worcestershire, UK. Initially, the company produced bicycles, gun parts, and stationary engines. Still, it transitioned to motorcycles, with its first motorbike hitting the road in the early 20th century. The Royal Enfield evolution represents a journey from classic designs to modern engineering while maintaining its iconic charm. Over the years, the evolution of Royal Enfield has seen significant advancements in performance, technology, and rider comfort. This evolution has allowed Royal Enfield to maintain its classic attraction while meeting the expectations of modern motorcyclists.
The brand’s association with India began in the 1950s when the Indian government procured this Bullet for its army and police forces, primarily for patrolling the country’s rugged border terrains. This led to the establishment of Enfield India in 1955 in Chennai (then Madras), initially to assemble the motorcycles from imported kits. However, by 1962, complete production had shifted to India. Despite the original UK company closing its operations in 1971, the Indian entity rebranded as “Royal Enfield”, continued to thrive and evolve.
Company has a rich and vivid history and a vast brand of die-hard fans. However, many do not know the lesser-known facts about the company and the models. Want to know those facts? So, let’s delve deep into those unknown facts now in detail.
Unknown facts about the Royal Enfield brand
1. Royal Enfield brand Bicycle Origins
Before creating iconic motorcycles, the company commenced as a bicycle manufacturer in 1893 in Redditch, Worcestershire. These bicycles were named ‘Enfield Cycle Company’ and showcased the company’s commitment to precision engineering.
2. Military Contributions of royal enfield brand
This played a significant role during both World Wars, supplying motorcycles to the armed forces. In World War I, their sidecars carried machine guns.
3. The Lightweight’ Flying Flea’
Amidst World War II, the company produced the RE/WD 125cc, colloquially called the ‘Flying Flea.’ Due to its lightweight frame, it was air-dropped behind enemy lines to assist paratroopers.
4. Bullet’s Legendary Run
This Bullet is the longest-running production motorcycle in the world, having been in continuous production since 1948. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless design and reliable performance.
5. Indian Government’s Choice
‘Enfield India’ took shape in 1955 after the Indian government chose the Bullet 350cc for its police and army forces. While initially assembling bikes from British components, by 1962, end-to-end production had shifted to India.
6. Gun-making Heritage
Before venturing into motorcycles, the company was involved in weapon manufacturing, notably producing the Enfield rifle. history of royal enfield is reflected in its original logo, which featured a cannon and the tagline “Made Like A Gun.”
7. Royal Enfield brand is older than Harley-Davidson
The company is one of the oldest motorcycle brands in the world, predating even Harley-Davidson. This longevity speaks to the brand’s enduring appeal and robust engineering.
8. Hand-Painted Emblems
A cherished company tradition, especially for the classic models, is the hand-painted fuel tank emblems. This handcrafted touch adds a unique charm to each machine.
9. Testing in Extreme Environments
The company extensively tests its bikes in extreme environments like the Himalayas and the Rajasthan desert. This rigorous testing ensures that their motorcycles can handle various challenging conditions.
10. Royal Enfield brand Re-entry into Racing
After an extended absence from the racing circuit, the company marked its re-entry in the 2010s. The brand celebrated its racing past by participating in classic race events with the Continental GT.
11. Diesel Motorcycle Experiment
During the 1980s and 1990s, a unique diesel variant named the ‘Taurus’ was introduced in the Indian market. Although not a commercial success, it showcased the brand’s willingness to innovate.
12. Investment in Electric Future
The company has invested $60.22 million in the Swedish brand Stark Future to aid in the design and development of future electric motorcycles. This strategic move highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
13. Rebirth of the Interceptor
The Interceptor, a beloved classic from the 1960s, was revitalized in 2018 as the Interceptor 650. This reintroduction marked the company’s re-entry into the twin-cylinder category after decades.
14. Royal Enfield brand Redditch Inspiration
Honouring its roots, the company unveiled the ‘Redditch Series’ for the Classic 350 in 2017. The series drew design inspiration from the 1950s paint schemes used when the motorcycles were still produced in Redditch, UK.
15. First Manufacturing Plant Outside India
2020 the company established its first manufacturing plant outside India in Argentina. This expansion reflects the brand’s growing international presence and commitment to serving a global market.
16. Concept Store in Delhi
Royal Enfield India has a unique concept store in Delhi that resembles a rider’s living room. One of its walls features a disassembled Continental GT, creating a distinctive shopping experience.
17. Lawnmower Production
The company once ventured into selling lawnmowers, demonstrating the brand’s diverse engineering capabilities. Interestingly, the original logo with the cannon was also used on these lawnmowers.
18. Global Exports
The company exports its motorcycles to 42 countries worldwide, including the US, Japan, and Germany. This global reach underscores the brand’s international appeal.
Other related articles from Bikeleague India
- Royal Enfield India
- Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
- Top 5 cruising bikes or cruisers in India under 5 lakhs
- A Clash of Eras: New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 vs Old Bullet 350
- Oldest motorcycle brands that have stood the test of time
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have discussed unknown facts about the Royal Enfield brand and its history in India. Let’s conclude by summarizing these facts.
First 9 unknown facts
- Royal Enfield commenced as a bicycle manufacturer in 1893.
- During both World Wars, the company supplied motorcycles to the British army.
- Amidst World War II, Royal Enfield’s 125cc was called the ‘Flying Flea and was air-dropped behind enemy lines to assist paratroopers.
- The Bullet, introduced in the 1930s, is the motorcycle with the most extended continuous production.
- ‘Enfield India’ took shape in 1955 after the Indian government chose the Bullet 350cc for its police and army forces.
- “Made like a gun, goes like a bullet” slogan reflects Royal Enfield’s earlier involvement in producing gun parts.
- The first motorcycle from the company was crafted in 1901.
- The hand-painted fuel tank emblems are a cherished company tradition, especially for the classic models.
- Testing of Royal Enfield bikes extensively in extreme environments like the Himalayas and Rajasthan desert.
- After an extended absence from the racing circuit, the company marked its re-entry in the 2010s.
Next 9 unknown facts of royal enfield brand
- During the 1980s and 1990s, a unique diesel variant named the ‘Taurus’ was introduced in the Indian market.
- Committing to future technologies, the company’s leadership will develop electric motorcycle prototypes.
- The Interceptor, a beloved classic from the 1960s, was revitalized in 2018 as the Interceptor 650.
- Honoring their roots, in 2017, the company unveiled the ‘Redditch Series’ for the Classic 350.
- 2020 saw the company establish its first manufacturing plant outside of India in Argentina.
- The Company has a unique concept store in Delhi that resembles a rider’s living room and has a disassembled Continental GT on one of its walls.
- The Company once ventured into selling lawnmowers, demonstrating the brand’s diverse engineering capabilities.
- The Company exports its motorcycles to 42 countries worldwide, including the US, Japan, and Germany. This global reach underscores the brand’s international appeal.
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