Royal Enfield Turns 120
Celebrating 120 years of resilience and strength, Royal Enfield is the world's oldest motorcycle brand still in production. If you're thinking about adding a piece of history to your garage, stop by Sky Powersports Sanford. Located in Sanford, Florida, we also serve Daytona Beach and Deltona.
The Very Beginning
While Royal Enfield began making motorcycles in 1901, the company started a decade earlier. In 1891, innovators Albert Eadie and Bob Walker Smith bought a former needle company and began to venture into bicycle making. They were based in a modest factory in Hunt End, Redditch, England.
The Royal Enfield® Name
The pair scored a partnership with the Royal Small Arms Factory to supply precision parts. To celebrate, they changed their name. Enfield, Middlesex, home of their new partner, inspired the company’s new name, the Enfield Manufacturing Company Ltd. Shortly after, they began to name their bicycles “Royal Enfields.”
A Turning Point
The company’s first motorized vehicle came by way of the quadricycle. Designed by Bob Walker Smith, it was constructed from two bicycle frames. Renamed The Enfield Cycle Co. Ltd., Royal Enfield entered the motorsport world with one of its quadricycles. The next year, the first Royal Enfield® motorcycle was produced. It was designed by both Bob Walker Smith and Jules Gobiet.
Providing for the War
After many early competition wins, the company begin to focus on its biggest motorcycle, the 770cc, 6-horsepower V-twin. This was during World War I. At this time, Royal Enfield would supply motorcycles to the British, U.S., Imperial Russian, French, and Belgian armies. The manufacturer also produced numerous supplies during World War II. It expanded from military motorcycles to generators, anti-aircraft gun predictors, and bicycles.
Revolutionizing the Motorcycle World
Royal Enfield played a major part in the culture and heritage of motorcycles. With several models added to its inventory, the company certified motorcycles to be a viable mode of transportation. Now based in Chennai, India, it continues to set the standard in the industry. In 2019, Indian Army and Royal Enfield riders reached the top of Karakoram Pass in the Himalayas. The feat set them as the first to reach the summit by motorcycle.
Remaining Resilient
Remaining resilient is one of the key factors in Royal Enfield's success. After supplying instrumental parts during both World Wars and risking the loss of the company on many occasions, this company has proved that it can withstand the test of time.
As it commemorates its 120th anniversary, Royal Enfield remains a pioneer in the biking world. For a closer look at some of this brand's motorcycles, visit us at Sky Powersports Sanford in Sanford, Florida, also serving Daytona Beach and Deltona.