royal enfield

Royal Enfield
This article is about the defunct British motorcycle and bicycle manufacturer. For the Indian motorcycle manufacturer, see Royal Enfield (India).
Enfield Cycle Co. Ltd.

Industry Motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers
Successor Royal Enfield (India)
Founded 1893, as Enfield Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Defunct 1971
Key people
Founders Albert Eadie and Robert Walker Smith
Products Royal Enfield Clipper, Crusader, Bullet, Interceptor, WD/RE, Super Meteor
Royal Enfield was the brand name under which the Enfield Cycle Company (founded 1893) manufactured motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines. The first Royal Enfield motorcycle was built in 1901; the original British concern was defunct by 1970. The Enfield Cycle Company is responsible for the design and original production of the Royal Enfield Bullet, the longest-lived motorcycle design in history.

Like other motorcycle manufacturers such as BSA and IZhMASh, the Enfield Cycle Company began business as a weapons manufacturer, most famous for the Enfield rifle. This legacy is reflected in the company logo[disputed ], a cannon, and their motto, "Made Like A Gun".

In 1955, Enfield Cycle Company partnered with Madras Motors in India in forming Enfield of India, based in Chennai, and started assembling the 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle in Madras. The first machines were assembled from components imported from England. Starting in 1957, Enfield of India acquired the machines necessary to build components in India, and by 1962 all components were made in India.

Royal Enfield produced bicycles at its Redditch factory until it closed in early 1967. The company's last new bicycle was the 'Revelation' small wheeler, which was released in 1965.[1][better source needed] Production of motorcycles ceased in 1970 and the original Redditch, Worcestershire-based company was dissolved in 1971.[2] Enfield of India continued producing the 'Bullet', and began branding its motorcycles 'Royal Enfield' in 1999. A lawsuit over the use of 'Royal', brought by trademark owner David Holder, was judged in favour of Enfield of India, who now produce motorcycles under the Royal Enfield name.