Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1919 Royal Enfield RE201
No Reserve
Registration No: SV 4932
Frame No: 1638
MOT: Exempt
Early post WW1 two stroke 225cc
Fitted with P&H Carbide lighting
Supplied with a current V5C
The first Royal Enfield motorcycle was built in 1901 by the Enfield Cycle Company of Redditch having previously manufactured bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines. Under various ownership, the name has continued through to the present day, making it one of the longest-lasting names in the two-wheeled world. Initially called Enfield, in 1911 they added Royal to the company name and during WW1 they supplied large numbers of motorcycles to the British War Department and also to the Imperial Russian Government. Royal Enfield used primarily their own 225cc two-stroke single and 425cc engines in the smaller capacity bikes and JAP engines for the larger models, before developing their own 976cc V Twin engine. The 225cc RE201 was part of the company's range offered to the general public after WW1. It was initially presented in 1914, but production was delayed due to the war, with few civilian machines produced before 1919.
This RE201 model, being offered at no reserve, is from a deceased estate so unfortunately not much is known of its history. It has been part of a small private collection of early post WW1 models that the vendor enjoyed maintaining and using on vintage runs and rallies. It looks to have been restored at some point in its life, keeping a good degree of originality, fitted with period P&H carbide lights and a typical for its time wicker rear basket. A Banbury Run eligible bike, it has not been run for a while, so it will need recommissioning and is supplied with a current V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
