Despite being one of the most successful motorcycles of all time, the Royal Enfield Bullet has had a very chequered history. Its story begins in the 1930s and by the 1950s it was at the height of its popularity in post-War Britain. Then it became a stalwart of the Indian Army and manufacture transitioned from Britain to India. The near-collapse of the Royal Enfield marque in the 1990s almost meant the end of this classic motorbike, but with the involvement of the Eicher Group from 2001 onwards, the updated Bullet generated new interest and renewed its original commercial success, just like a phoenix rising from the ashes. With over 200 photographs, this book describes the origins of the Royal Enfield company and the pre-war Bullets from 1932 and the relaunch of the Bullet in 1949 with its radical swinging-arm frame. Derivative models such as the 350 and 500, as well as those for competition and road are covered as well as specials such as diesels, V-twins, Egli and big-bore Bullets. The development story behind the lean-burn, electric-start and 5-speed updates is discussed as well as the UCE - the all-new Bullet from 2008 and the Classic and its design story. Finally, the evolution beyond the Bullet is covered which includes the Continental GT and Himalyan 650 twins.

Royal Enfield's famous motor - 'made like a gun' - hints at the factory's origins, but few appreciate that it is the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in existence that can boast of continuous production. In addition, its famous Bullet can claim the longest motorcycle production run of all time. Greg Pullen charts the rise, fall and rise again of Royal Enfield, from the company's pre-motorcycle beginnings in Redditch, through the impact of two World Wars, the importance of exports to India and subsequent establishment of factories there, to changes in ownership, recently launched models and new concept bikes for the future. With 190 colour photographs, this book includes: the V-twins, from the 1930s K and KX range to a glimpse of the concept V-twin shown in 2018; the singles, from 2-strokes to side-valve 4-strokes, and the ohv version that first used the Bullet name, through to the new singles built in India. The British Bullet: its arrival in 1948 and production in the UK, the original orders from India and subsequent setting up of production there are discussed. The 250s, (1958-68), including the Turbo Twins, and the big twins, from the 1948 500 Town to the final interceptor in 1970, including the 800cc prototype and the Clymer Indians are covered. The new twins: the 650cc Royal Enfield interceptor and Continental GT twins and the Bobber concept bike are discussed. Competition success is covered, with notable ISDT achievements, star rider Johnny Brittain and racing the big twins, and Geoff Duke in the GP5. Finally, the British factories and the new opportunities with the Indian factories are remembered.

In the past few years, Enfield has come to represent successful business turnarounds even as its bikes have found newer and newer converts.

This step-by-step guide to buying a secondhand Royal Enfield Bullet includes everything a buyer needs to know: assessment of engine, transmission, frame, paintwork and chrome, tinwork, wheels and tyres, brakes, electrics, and even an explanation of engine and frame numbers. Included is a run down of the various Bullet models, and an assessment of which of these offers the best investment potential, including the rare diesel and Fritz Egli versions. Plus, there’s detailed advice on auctions, paperwork, problems due to lack of use, and useful contacts.

"A total of 8,400 miles from Manchester, UK, to Chennai, India, in just under seven weeks. A challenge for most vehicles, but on an antiquated 1953 Royal Enfield... In Overland to India, Gordon warmly describes the build up to his departure, the larger-than-life characters he met and the many challenges he faced. He also recounts the more personal hights and lows of life on the road."--Back cover.

This book should be read by anyone still holding back from taking a risk and pursuing their dreams. When her conventional life fell apart, Jacqui Furneaux responded in a way that surprised many. Her random global wanderings for seven years stride an apparently obsolete motorcycle brought beauty, friendship, laughter, and romance on the road; when she wasn't fending off amorous sea-dogs or facing some other adversity with quiet courage.

Bitten By The Bullet is the story of how Steve Krzystyniak and Lily, his partner - both long-time global wanderers who now live Waiheke Island in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf - came to set up and operate an innovative motorcycle tour company that takes small parties through the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan. One of the heroes of this story is the Royal Enfield Bullet, a classic fifties-style motorcycle that is still produced today in India and which is Steve and Lily's bike of choice. A fast-paced narrative with two storylines - the main one follows a particular tour group's adventures over a three-week period, which is underpinned by Steve Krzystyniak's account of how he and Lily took on the bureaucracy of India in order to achieve their dream - Bitten By The Bullet will be of enormous interest to armchair travellers and devotees of the colourful and dramatic Indian sub-continent, keeping them breathlessly involved until the very last page.