The Royal Enfield Archive Collection

An incredible photograph displaying one of the first Royal Enfield motor bicycles ever produced

Photographed in 1902. This bike was available for the 1903 season and features some very advanced technology for such an early machine, including a water cooled 277cc engine where the first tank compartment is for holding the water, and the rear tank for holding the petrol. The final drive featured a roller chain, the first Royal Enfield motorcycle to do so and very unusual for it’s time where a drive belt was more commonly used. It was said to weigh just 64kgs with all fluids, and claimed an impressive top speed of 30mph.

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Photographed is a rather smart looking shop front, with a number of Royal Enfield bicycles taking prime position in the window surrounded by advertisements.

This photograph dates all the way back to the year of 1917 capturing two very different forms of transport. The bike, is a Royal Enfield V-Twin thought to be an early 770cc JAP engine Model 180 complete with sidecar.

A Royal Enfield Model Z2 Cycar, thought to be captured back in 1933 as a publicity shot. These unusual looking bikes were fitted with a 148cc single cylinder engine and 3 speed gearbox with hand control.

Model Z2 Cycar, thought to be captured back in 1933 as a publicity shot. These unusual looking bikes were fitted with a 148cc single cylinder engine and 3 speed gearbox with hand control.

A top class period photo displaying a well presented gentlemen sitting on an early 1930’s twin port Royal Enfield. Photo dated October 1935.

A young lady sits posing on a 346cc Royal Enfield Model CO. This RE model was for the 1931 season and features OHV and a total loss oil pump mounted externally on the timing cover.

1934 488cc 4 valve Royal Enfield, one of the first machines to carry the Bullet name, officially known as the “Model LF 500 Bullet” for this production year.

Royal Enfield’s 4 valve 488cc TT race bike, factory photo dated 1934! What an incredible looking bike with such a great level of detail.

"A small selection of some original new old stock parts“The Enfield Cycle Co. Ltd. Redditch, Made In England“ “Made Like A Gun” “Joesph Lucas Genuine Spare Parts” “Hepolite Motor Cycle Piston Rings” "

A series of 1140cc V-Twin Royal Enfields with sidecars destined for Liverpool (England) Police force. Photo taken during the year of 1938.

Royal Enfield shows off their current (back then) line up, including motorcycles, a diesel engine and even a lawn mower! Earls Court, London.

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Period photo of a Royal Enfield Model G from 1946, check out the cutaway sections of the engine displaying the internals.

A batch of Royal Enfield motorcycles are loaded into the back of an RAF truck outside the factory (check out the number plate on the truck).

October 1950, a batch of Royal Enfield RE125’s ordered by the Ministry of Supply can be seen going through inspection. Lined up behind is a row of identical bikes with corresponding registration marks.

Royal Enfield war time model. With details such as the 8” headlamp, style of girder fork, and off side mounted speedo drive, the bike is believed to be a Model WD/G.

Royal Enfield service department back in March 1948.

December 1948, A Mr Stokvis and Mr Mountford can be seen aboard the then new 500 Twin and 350 Bullet. These two bikes were groundbreaking developments of their time, and would set solid foundations for Royal Enfield to build on for the future.

October 1953, this photograph captures a behind the scenes photoshoot at Royal Enfield displaying the all new 700 Meteor. Check out the white sheets covering the floor, and the bricks used to prop the motorcycle in position.

December 1952, Royal Enfield delivery van. This would have been from the old RE factory when it was based in Redditch, England. On the driver’s door, the writing “THE ENFIELD CYCLE CO LTD, REDDITCH. WORCESTERSHIRE”

Factory shot of the 500 Twin engine for the 1952 season.

Dating back to November 1950, Royal Enfield motorcycles can be seen being loaded into the back of The Enfield Cycle Co Ltd delivery trucks outside the Redditch factory

Mr Gibson and his coworkers can be seen on the assembly line of the Royal Enfield factory in Redditch, England, as they assemble the engines. Pictured below is his wage packet marked from September 1961.

"An interesting set of photos from the Royal Enfield factory dating back to August 1953. A series of tests are recorded labelled ""breaking point"" and show a 50lb and 100lb weight being suspended from the brake pedal"

"An interesting set of photos from the Royal Enfield factory dating back to August 1953. A series of tests are recorded labelled ""breaking point"" and show a 50lb and 100lb weight being suspended from the brake pedal"

July 1955, a fleet of special Police Force Royal Enfield 700cc Meteors are lined up waiting for dispatch to Cape Town, South Africa.

March 1948, outside the Royal Enfield factory in England, photographed is a prototype version of the then new “500 Twin”

Factory photograph of the Royal Enfield 500 Bullet engine, dated 8th October 1952.

November 1951, a Mr Sankaran of Madras Motors Ltd, India, looks over a line up of the traditional Bullet engines in England, to be supplied on special order for the Indian Army. Who would of known the impact this order would have for the continuation of the legendary Royal Enfield name!

July 1955, capturing a special order Royal Enfield 700 Meteor. This particular bike was destined for Cape Town Police Force, South Africa with additional equipment including the panniers for radio equipment and crash bars both front & rear.

A glimpse inside the Enfield India factory during its early days, dating back to January 1959.

April 1958, a group of enthusiasts from the Royal Enfield Owners Club are seen posing on their RE motorcycles for a photograph after a factory visit.

Dated the 4th of April 1958, a group from the Royal Enfield owners club are photographed at the Enfield Works grounds. The enthusiasts pose with joyful grins as they surround a Royal Enfield 700 Super Meteor Twin.

The year is 1959, Enfield India have their motorcycles lined up and ready for despatch including some 3 wheeler versions.

Original 1960’s Royal Enfield factory shot, in colour! This photograph was taken outside the original English Royal factory displaying a 1963 750 Series 1 Interceptor in U.K. spec.

Original publicity shot from the late 1960’s, displaying a model posing on a Series 2 Royal Enfield Interceptor! Check out the crates in the background packed with new bikes ready for shipping.