Royal Enfield was the brand of the Enfield Cycle Company, a British engineering company. Notable for producing motorcycles, it also produced bicycles, lawnmowers, stationary engines, and even rifle parts for the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield Lock. This legacy of weapons manufacture is reflected in the logo, a cannon, and their motto “Made like a gun, goes like a bullet”. It also enabled the use of the brand name Royal Enfield from 1890. In 1955 Enfield of India started assembling Bullet motorcycles under licence from UK components, and by 1962 were manufacturing complete bikes. The original Redditch, Worcestershirebased company dissolved in 1971, but Enfield of India, based in Chennai, continued, and bought the rights to use the Royal Enfield name in 1995.
Royal Enfield production continues, and now Royal Enfield is the oldest motorcycle company in the world still in production and Bullet is the longest production run model.[1]
Attention Seeker
From my very first time I saw a Bullet, till today, I do not recall a single instance when a passing Bullet vehicle did not get my attention. The sound, the build of the body, or just the sheer wheel span. Everything in it makes a statement. A statement that has stood up to its times and still continues to live on as a living legacy.
A desire
I do not know when I will be in a position well geared up to own a Bullet myself. My friends having it make up for it, but not for too long. The sheer ruggedness makes me want to own it. There is a unique feeling to riding a bullet. Something which is beyond words, and only who rides it knows best.
Epitome of Engineering
I am sure that not many would deny the fact that the Bullet bikes have been an epitome of Engineering over the years. Right for over 50 years now, it has been enthralling its riders all throughout. I wonder if the original makers of this bikes ever predicted the success that it would bring it.
Lighting the way always
Elements of the bike makes it a cult classic. The ever present rounded lights and the boldness that it brings along with itself is a statement in itself.
The Solid Skeleton
Down to the Minimum
One of the most liked things about the Bullet machines is its Engine. It is therefore only natural to get a closer look at the components. the characteristic shape of the parts also makes it a cult classic.
Ruggedness
Close up
It is important to view this engineering marvel from the core.The harmonious placement of elements make it a visual treat, not only from the outside, and its sound, but also at its inside.
Dhug Dhug Dhug
And who would deny that a Bullet is a Bullet because of its silencor sound. The very characteristic sound, which is recognizable even from a distance. I was told in this workshop, that it is these different kinds of silencers that are responsible for the change in the sound of Dhug Dhug Dhug.
Pride and Passion
For many in India, Bullets bikes from Enfield Motors, has been their Harley Davidsons, their Hendersons and their Excelsiors. In places like the United States where Cruiser bikes make up almost 60 of the bikers share, it is common to see Harleys. In India however, the presence of the economical low cc bikes have made it difficult for the cruisers to make its presence felt. Having said that, this could have worked to the Bullet’s advantage. The list of its owners is small, but I am sure that everyone of them is a proud owner of it.
The sound lingers on
Bullets have often been modified to make it look like Harleys, but the essence and the pride remains loyal to the Bullet.The sound lingers on your head for a long time. A friend said the other day, “Once you have experienced the Bullet, there is absolutely no other bike that would even come close in its experience.”
Inspector
These Enfield bikes in my opinion are purchased as a result of a passion for the machine and a passion for the journey on that machine. It is only when that liking from the inside becomes evident, a person decides to buy a Bullet.
With a Bullet, you do not only buy the bike, you buy a Legacy and Live with it.
Bihardays presents Machine Maketh The Man by Kshitiz Anand. Kshitiz is presently working as a Design Strategist at a Social Media Technology firm in Bangalore. A freelance Photographer, an ardent traveler and documentary film maker. He mainly clicks people, portraits and nature.
