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 the evolution of Royal Enfield? It’s time to check those.
Founded in 1901, this is among the world’s oldest motorcycle brands. The history and evolution of Royal Enfield trace 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 known as Madras), initially to assemble 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” and continued to thrive and evolve.
Company has a rich and vivid history and a vast brand of die-hard fans. However, many people are unaware of the lesser-known facts about the company and its models. Want to know those facts? Let’s delve into those unknown facts in detail now.
Unknown facts about the Royal Enfield brand
1. Oldest Motorcycle Brand in Continuous Production
Established in 1901, Royal Enfield is the world’s oldest motorcycle brand, continually producing bikes.
2. Origins in Needles
Before creating iconic motorcycles, the company started as George Townsend & Co., a needle and bicycle manufacturer in 1893 in Redditch, Worcestershire. These bicycles were named ‘Enfield Cycle Company’ and showcased the company’s commitment to precision engineering.
3. Royal Connection
The “Royal” in the name comes from a contract to build parts for the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield—thus, Royal Enfield was born.
4. Military Contributions
Royal Enfield played a significant role during both World Wars, supplying motorcycles to the armed forces. During World War I, their sidecars were equipped with machine guns.
5. The Lightweight’ Flying Flea’
During World War II, the company produced the RE/WD 125cc, commonly known as the ‘Flying Flea.’ Due to its lightweight frame, it was air-dropped behind enemy lines to assist paratroopers.
6. 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.
7. Indian Government’s Choice
‘Enfield India’ took shape in 1955, following the Indian government’s selection of the 350cc Bullet for its police and army forces. While initially assembling bikes from British components, by 1962, the entire production process had shifted to India.
8. Rifle Myth
Though famous for the “Made Like A Gun” slogan, Royal Enfield never mass-produced firearms. It supplied precision parts, which anchored its reputation for rugged reliability.
9. The 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.
10. Hand-Pinstriped Tanks
For years, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Bullet 350 models in Chennai were detailed by hand, each tank receiving a craftsman’s touch, before automation was introduced.
11. Testing in Extreme Environments
The company extensively tests its bikes in extreme environments, such as the Himalayas and the Rajasthan Desert. This rigorous testing ensures that their motorcycles can handle various challenging conditions.
12. Extreme Endurance
Standard production Himalayans have summited the Karakoram’s Khardung La in winter, starting at –30°C.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. The “Royal Babe-E” or “Flying Flea”
In 2025, Royal Enfield confirmed the debut of its first full-production electric motorcycle, rumoured as the “Royal Babe-E,” developed in collaboration with European partner Stark Future and leading domestic suppliers. The Flying Flea FF.C6 is the first electric bike by Royal Enfield with design roots tied to their WWII glory.
13. Rebirth of the Interceptor
The Interceptor, a beloved classic from the 1960s, was revitalised in 2018 as the Interceptor 650. This reintroduction marked the company’s re-entry into the twin-cylinder category after decades.
16. 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.
17. Manufacturing Plants Outside India
In 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. Beyond its Indian plants, Royal Enfield now operates assembly facilities in Thailand and Bangladesh, with another facility set to open in Brazil to cater to the South American market.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. J.D. Power India 2025 Top Rank
In a testament to improved reliability, Royal Enfield topped the prestigious J.D. Power India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study in 2025, outpacing global and local competitors.
22. Record-Setting Stunts
Indian Army teams have built human pyramids atop multiple Royal Enfields and set global records for the most men (58) on a single Bullet, as well as for ladder-riding over 170 kilometers.
FAQs about Unknown Facts About Royal Enfield
1. Was Royal Enfield originally a motorcycle company?
No, Royal Enfield began as a needle and bicycle parts manufacturer called George Townsend & Co. in Redditch, England. The “Royal” association came after they won a contract to supply parts to the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield.
2. Did Royal Enfield ever make firearms?
Common myth, but Royal Enfield never mass-produced firearms. They made precision components for rifles, which inspired their famous slogan “Made Like A Gun”.
3. What was Royal Enfield’s first motorised vehicle?
Surprisingly, Royal Enfield’s first vehicle in 1898 was a four-wheeled “Quadricycle” powered by a De Dion engine—predating its first motorcycle by three years.
4. What is special about the Taurus Diesel Bullet?
The Taurus Diesel Bullet was the world’s only mass-market diesel motorcycle, offering exceptional mileage. Still, it was later banned in India due to stricter emission norms.
5. Are any Royal Enfield motorcycles hand-painted?
Yes, for decades, Royal Enfield’s iconic pinstripes on tanks were hand-painted by artisans in Chennai until automation began after 2014.
6. Did Royal Enfield play a role in military transport?
Absolutely. Royal Enfield supplied motorcycles to the British, Russian, and Indian armies—most famously the lightweight “Flying Flea,” which could be parachuted with soldiers during World War II.
7. Did Royal Enfield close operations in the UK?
True. Royal Enfield’s UK factory closed in 1971, but the Indian branch continued producing motorcycles. By the 1980s, India exported Bullets back to England, reviving the brand overseas.
8. Which Royal Enfield model has the longest production run?
The Bullet holds the record for the longest continuous motorcycle production in the world, having been in production since 1932. It remains highly popular in India and globally.
9. Is Royal Enfield now exporting back to the UK?
Yes, after achieving great success in India, Royal Enfield now exports motorcycles—including the Interceptor 650—back to the UK, where the brand was once shut down.
10. Has Royal Enfield achieved any digital or speed records?
Yes, the 2021 online launch of the Classic 350 set an Indian record for live viewers during a motorcycle reveal. On the technical front, the Continental GT 650 has set land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
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. If you have any other doubts or queries, please email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com or share your thoughts in the comments section below. We are always eager to help and assist you. Additionally, there are several social media platforms associated with Bikeleague India that may raise your suspicions.
