ROYAL ENFIELD
‘Made like a gun’ was the Royal Enfield motto, appropriate for a company that made its first impact making firearm parts for the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield. Starting off with sewing needles, then bicycles and parts for military guns, the company moved into motorcycles in 1901. The 350cc Bullet was introduced in 1931 and this has been built in various versions ever since, first in Redditch, now in Chennai, India. British Royal Enfield singles were known for being respectable and sensible, as well as for their inability to contain lubricant, gaining the nickname Royal Oilfield. The pre-unit models used an Albion gearbox that wasn’t known for its slickness and which was fitted with a neutral selector – handy as there are lots of unexpected neutrals in there. While the original singles were staid, the later unit models were a good deal sportier, and they also made a handful of two-strokes. Their 500-750cc twins were beefy beasts, with the last model, the Interceptor Mk2, being one of the best big British bikes. Spares availability is excellent thanks to a few dedicated specialists.
Clipper
248cc ohv single || 350lb || 85mpg || 60mph || 1953-57
A primitive single, Clippers did not sell well and are hard to find. As a cheaply made utility model, it’s not exactly earth-shattering in the performance department and the gearbox is terrible.
Prices: low £1750 || high £3000
Bullet
346cc ohv single || 365Ib || 70mpg || 70mph || 1949-63
The availability of large numbers of Indian Bullets has helped maintain interest in the British models. Enfield’s version of the traditional Brit single is distinguished by the use of intriguing design details. The less common 500 British version has more torque and is the best Bullet. Handling is good, but like most 1950s and 1960s bikes, the brakes may not be up to modern riding conditions. While British-built Bullets are much more valued than Indian ones, they can benefit from upgrades using later components from Indian machines, notably in the braking department. Tremendously practical machines for the classic rider.
Prices: low £2000 || high £4500
Royal Enfield Continental
248cc ohv single || 320lb || 65mpg || 80mph || 1962-67
Restyled version of the Crusader, with more power, vibration and oil leaks. It came with the five-speed gear cluster and replaced it with a four-speed set. With semi-racer styling on the GT model, it was a bit of a stunner but wasn’t a motorcycle you would want to ride a long way unless you are extremely flexible or have a masseuse on hand. Teenage buyers loved it. The name lives on in the current new Indian offerings, which are easier to live with.
Prices: low £3000 || high £5500
Crusader
248cc ohv single || 330Ib || 75mpg 75mph || 1956-66
Alongside its traditional models with separate engine and gearbox, Royal Enfield also offered a unit construction single with good handling and more oil leaks. Also offered with a five-speed gearbox as the
