Royal Enfield

by John Stumpner

Most people know Milwaukee is famous as the home of Harley Davidson motorcycles. What you may not have known though, is that an older motorcycle company also has a place in Milwaukee. In 2015, Royal Enfield opened its North American headquarters and distribution center right here in downtown Milwaukee.

Eadie Manufacturing Company Limited was a bicycle and precision parts maker in Great Britain. In 1901, two years before Harley Davidson, they started making motorcycles. Since part of Eadie’s business was providing small parts to the Enfield Royal Small Arms Factory, they named the motorcycle “Royal Enfield.” Royal Enfield motorcycles and their sister brand “BSA,” were successful in many early motorcycle competitions, and introduced many improvements in motorcycle designs. Already in the 1920’s, Royal Enfields were being made with 4 stroke engines, saddle gas tanks and center sprung front forks.

In 1955, Royal Enfield started making motorcycles at Madras Motors in India. This was a sound business decision, since motorcycles are a heavily used form of transportation in India, Asia, and China. By 1970, Royal Enfield stopped making motorcycles in Great Britain, but the factory in India continued to send Royal Enfields to Great Britain and the rest of Europe. In 1994, Royal Enfield was bought by Eicher Motors of India, who makes the Royal Enfield motorcycles of today.

For a short time in the 1950’s, Brockhouse Corporation, which owned the Indian Motorcycle brand (a US motorcycle brand, also older than Harley Davidson), sold Royal Enfields as Indian Motorcycles. This was not particularly popular with American bikers though. So, since 1961, Royal Enfields have been sold in the US as Royal Enfield motorcycles.

To increase their popularity in the US, Royal Enfield decided to open a North American headquarters. Of course, the logical place would be the center of motorcycling in North America, right here in Milwaukee. In 2015, Royal Enfield opened its North American headquarters and distribution center on Water Street in Milwaukee. American bikers are so important to Royal Enfield, that this is Eicher’s first factory owned distribution center outside of India.

The Royal Enfield brand has always been known for a decent motorcycle. One of the longest made models of motorcycles ever is the Royal Enfield Bullet. The Bullet has been made, with improvements, since 1932. One of the more interesting motorcycles was known as the Flying Flea. This was a small motorcycle made during the Second World War. It came with a special parachute cradle so it could be dropped from an airplane with the paratroopers. Today, Royal Enfield makes a variety of solid mid-sized motorcycles. Royal Enfields are not the biggest, fastest, or most technically advanced, but are known to be solid, well made and a good value for the money.

As we move through the 21^st century, a variety of people are calling for bans of certain types of vehicles, including many of the iconic motorcycle brands we like. ABATE of Wisconsin is currently working to make sure that we will always be able to enjoy riding our favorite motorcycle, whether it be a Harley Davidson, Honda, or Royal Enfield.

John