Royal Enfield: Made like a Gun. To many, this slogan originally of the Enfield Cycle Co. Ltd., directly reflects the precision and dependability found in the weapon of choice of the British Empire, the Enfield Rifle. Much like the weapons maker, Royal Enfield Cycle has been the makers one of the most enduring product lines for well over a century.
Starting out as a precision firearm part manufacturer for the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield, the company began production of motorcycles in 1901 and continues production of motorcycles over a century later under the name Royal Enfield of India. The Enfield Cycle Company is responsible for the original design and production of the Royal Enfield Bullet, the “longest-lived motorcycle design in history.”
The 1926 Royal Enfield Model 200 was equipped with a 225cc single cylinder engine, rated at 2.25hp, and capable of 35mph, if road conditions allowed. This 2-speed, tank mounted hand-shift bike was designed with basic transportation in mind. This commuter bike employed a 3 port (1 Intake, 2 Exhaust) 2-stroke deflector piston engine with a large external flywheel to minimize low rpm off-idle stumbles. The “naked” edition of no-frills transportation came without headlamp, turn signals, and only a single tail lamp. Lightweight and simple in design, the Model 200 had a long and successful lifespan.
Specifications
- Country: Great Britain
- Engine: Air-cooled, single cylinder, two-stroke
- Ignition: Magneto
- Displacement: 225cc
- Fuel System: Amal carburetor
- Transmission: Two speed, hand shift
- Suspension: Girder front forks, rigid rear
- Brakes: Front and rear drum
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Speed Top: 35 mph