Royal Enfield's bargain Bullet hits the mark
Now in its eightieth year, the Royal Enfield Bullet is the longest running production motorcycle by decades (by comparison Harley Davidson's Sportster has been produced since 1957, making it 25 years younger than the Bullet).
First made in Redditch in 1932 and re-designed in 1949, UK manufacture of the Bullet ceased in 1962. However, a satellite plant had opened in India in 1955 and production continues there to this day. Last year 70,000 bikes rolled off the production line, the majority of them Bullets, and demand is so great that Royal Enfield has started work on a new factory, close to the existing one in Chennai [Madras]. Occupying a 50-acre [20-hectare] plot, production is scheduled to commence there in the first quarter of 2013. Once completed the new plant will increase Royal Enfield’s annual capacity to 150,000 units.
Since 2009 all export models from Royal Enfield have been powered by a new fuel-injected 500cc single cylinder engine, which looks and sounds similar to the 1950's version but meets modern emissions standards and is capable of more than 80mpg.
Spearheading the range for 2012 is the Bullet 500. Launched mid-way through 2011, it mirrors the design of the 1950's model Bullet and is one of the few modern motorcycles to feature metal body parts throughout. It is also the only new 500cc motorcycle available to British riders (most major manufacturers no longer produce machines between 250-600cc).
Priced at £4250 and with low running costs, the Bullet 500 currently accounts for 25% of UK sales. Royal Enfield motorcycles are available through their UK dealer network. Call 01386 700907 or visit royal-enfield.com for details.
First made in Redditch in 1932 and re-designed in 1949, UK manufacture of the Bullet ceased in 1962. However, a satellite plant had opened in India in 1955 and production continues there to this day. Last year 70,000 bikes rolled off the production line, the majority of them Bullets, and demand is so great that Royal Enfield has started work on a new factory, close to the existing one in Chennai [Madras]. Occupying a 50-acre [20-hectare] plot, production is scheduled to commence there in the first quarter of 2013. Once completed the new plant will increase Royal Enfield’s annual capacity to 150,000 units.
Since 2009 all export models from Royal Enfield have been powered by a new fuel-injected 500cc single cylinder engine, which looks and sounds similar to the 1950's version but meets modern emissions standards and is capable of more than 80mpg.
Spearheading the range for 2012 is the Bullet 500. Launched mid-way through 2011, it mirrors the design of the 1950's model Bullet and is one of the few modern motorcycles to feature metal body parts throughout. It is also the only new 500cc motorcycle available to British riders (most major manufacturers no longer produce machines between 250-600cc).
Priced at £4250 and with low running costs, the Bullet 500 currently accounts for 25% of UK sales. Royal Enfield motorcycles are available through their UK dealer network. Call 01386 700907 or visit royal-enfield.com for details.