Highlights
- Matching numbers
- In wonderful original and unrestored ‘Oily Rag’ condition
- Only 258 miles covered since 2007
- An ideal classic bike for long-distance rides
The Appeal
You’ve heard of the Royal Enfield Bullet which, thanks to Indian Royal Enfield production, is still built today, the Bullet name having been in continuous use since 1931. Perhaps, though, you have not yet been introduced to its sister, the Model G. The Model G was built from 1936 to 1954, and shared the Bullet’s 350cc engine but had a slightly less sporty specification (the Model G, for instance, retained a rigid rear end and cast-iron head while the sportier Bullet gained hydraulic rear shock absorbers, a tuned engine and alloy cylinder head in 1949), which allowed to be sold at a lower price.
In essence, the Model G was the bike for the working man, priced to reflect that, and it happened to be good value for money. Costing in the region of £90 to £150, you got a bike which was powerful, comfortable and good-looking. Although it was the cheapest 350cc single on the British market bar the BSA B31, it was still good for 69mph, just 5mph short of the Bullet, and the small Amal carburettor was intended specifically for fuel economy. Its specification was improved in 1951, the year after rationing ended, when its compression ratio was increased to the Bullet’s 6.5 to one.
Although it was cheap to buy when new, nothing about the bike suggests cheapness. It is very solidly made and had a reputation for giving good, reliable service. This example has formed part of a large private motorcycle collection since 2019 and is offered for sale needing only straightforward recommissioning. Presented in splendidly characterful original, unrestored condition, it’s not only as good-looking as some of the more glamorous big bikes of the ’50s, it’s also much more usable than most – an unsung hero of the bike world, as it were.
The History and Paperwork
- Acquired by the vendor, a prominent motorcycle collector, at auction in 2019
- Sold with its current V5, old RF60 logbook and RE Owners’ Club dating letter
The Condition
- Lovely unrestored bike with lots of patina
- Frame, wheels and seats all in very good condition
- Ideal condition for regular use
This bike is positively dripping with character. The Model G was always intended to be something of a workhorse and, so far as we can see, this one has earnt its keep without being overworked. Regular use in the past has helped cultivate a superb patina, but it has not fallen into disrepair or ever required restoration.
You will be able to see for yourself just how nice the paint looks with its superficial patina, and the wheels are really in very good condition with only minor pitting around the rims. The seats also look to be very good, although they look as if they may have been recovered at some point in the past. The leather pannier bags are as patinated as the rest of the bike and make for a very attractive and useful accessory.
As far as we’re concerned, the Oily Rag appearance of the bike adds enormously to its charm and we wouldn’t want to alter the way it looks at all. However, we did notice the rear light lens is cracked and may benefit from replacement.
The Mechanics
- Strong and sturdy 350cc single-cylinder engine
- 6.5 to one compression ratio shared with the Bullet
- Requires light recommissioning
Having been without an MoT since 2008, and kept as part of a large collection since 2019, it has been some years since the Royal Enfield last ran, so we are unable to comment on exactly how well it starts, runs and rides. However, we would mention that it passed its last MoT in 2007 with no advisories, and, since it has only covered 258 miles since then, we think it’s extremely improbable that anything should have worn out.
With the lack of use, it is likely that the Enfield will require some degree of recommissioning, but since it was in such good condition when it was last used on the road and has been stored well ever since, we think it should only require minimal work.
Mechanically, these bikes are as robust as they come and, once it’s on the road again, it should be good for miles and miles before it requires any further attention.
The Summary
Sadly, the Royal Enfield Model G has always lived somewhat in the shadow of the sportier Bullet, but it’s high time more people came to appreciate for the important contribution it made to post-war Britain. As a low-priced 350, it was immensely important for mobilizing Britain once again, especially so for the thousands of families who couldn’t afford a car.
If we were the owners of this bike, we’d be sorely tempted to use it as everyday transport, just as it was intended to be. If you sort out the recommissioning and get it running well, it won’t let you down. One day, it will receive the recognition it deserves, and then you’ll regret not buying one when you had the chance…
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