Remnants of the factory in Redditch

 We have mentioned that the Royal Enfield factory on Hewell Road has been largely demolished. There now are plaques on a little house (red arrow) that was never quite part of the factory (it belonged to Terry's Springs), although it was later acquired by the E. H. Smith conglomerate, which acquired control of Royal Enfield in the final 1960's years. However I had overlooked that two buildings (green arrow), including the one that had "Royal Enfield" written on the roof till the early 2000's are still standing and in good shape. The roof has been renewed. Notice the distinctive asymmetric shape of that roof. The two buildings to the right of it (behind the main building in the old picture) are also there.

Royal Enfield Pilgrimage

 

Urban Rider

Since 2023 Urban Rider has a neat store in Chelsea, next to Eel Brook Common. The building has a retro vibe.

The 1903 bike

 We have discussed the 1903 lineup that included three new motorcycles, much improved over the the original 1901 one. One of them was water cooled with a water tank in the front and the petrol tank in the back. Now, thanks to the Royal Enfield Archive Collection, we have a picture of it.

Himi 450: better than expected

"The Himalayan 411 was a competent motorcycle when the filter of a Royal Enfield was applied to it. The Himalayan 450, on the other hand, is such a big step ahead that it can qualify as a European or Japanese product with ease. This is thanks to bits like a wholly liquid-cooled engine, a twin-spar frame, specially tuned Showa suspension, and features like switchable ABS. All the while, it does not let go of the things about Royal Enfields that appeal to us: a low retail price, simplicity, and the low cost of ownership. The Himalayan 450 manages to do all of this while keeping up with all its rivals, no filter required. That is why it is the Royal Enfield that is better than anyone expected." According to this article.