If you’ve not yet discovered the joys of Vintage-era motorcycling, it can seem like a daunting thing to get into. The technology, though beautifully simple, may seem crude and the actual riding experience challenging but rewarding. They shouldn’t be daunting it all – just make sure you allow yourself a bit of time to get used to their characteristics – and in many ways they’re better to own and live with than much newer bikes. 

As a case in point, the 2¼hp Royal Enfield is both small and light and not especially thirsty, so if you have to make do with a cramped garage and are worried about fuel prices, it makes a lot more sense than a more modern 500 or 650.

Founded in 1901, Royal Enfield was one of the oldest names in British motorcycling until its demise in 1971. Early machines raced with some success at Brooklands and the Isle of Man, and before long the company offered a varied range of motorcycles for all tastes and needs, up to a 976cc twin, but it was the humble 225cc, 2¼hp single which was one of the most popular and longest-lived. Introduced in 1914, its usability and economy ensured that it continued to sell well for a long time into the 1920s.

This example must be one of the nicest for sale anywhere, being essentially ready to use after a spot of recommissioning, but resplendent in a beautifully patinated and highly original condition. With such character as this one has, the best thing you can do is ride it and let other people see it. It will be in good company among other Veteran and Vintage motorcycles in Sunbeam Motorcycle Club events and the VMCC’s Banbury Run, and it’s sure to find lots of admirers.

Sadly, none of this bike’s history is known, except that it was acquired by the vendor in 2018 and since then has been on display in his private motorcycle collection. The only paperwork on file is the current V5.

Without knowing anything of this Royal Enfield’s past, we can only speculate about some aspects of its condition, but you hardly require us to tell you that it looks fantastic. The beautiful, time-honoured patina lends it a rich character which just can’t be matched by a gleaming restoration, and we’re sure it would have a lot of stories to tell, if only it could talk.

The bike is either totally original, or else it was the recipient of a restoration many years ago, probably in the 1950s  or 1960s. Either way, the finish is genuinely historic, and there can be no doubt that that enhances its value and attraction.

The Gough saddle has a few cracks in its leather and, in places, the leather has started to split and come away from the base, but it still remains in very good condition for its age. It should, of course, be preserved for as long as possible, so we would advise applying some leather conditioner and then enjoying it as it is.

Underneath all the patina, the frame and wheels look to be in very good, sound condition.

While we have not been able to see the Royal Enfield run, we are satisfied that it is generally in good mechanical condition and unlikely to need much more than basic recommissioning before it is ready for the road. The refreshingly simple engineering is, at least, easy to work on should any work be required.

Although patinated, the engine looks from the outside to be in excellent order. There are no obvious trickles of oil or fuel, so we don’t imagine leaks are going to be a problem. We can confirm that brake worked well as we were wheeling the bike around, although we would advise that bidders satisfy themselves as to its efficacy before venturing onto the road.

The only MoT test on record was undertaken in 2016, when the Enfield passed with no advisories.

After four years in a collection, it would be wonderful to see it back on the road and being used again, and whatever straightforward recommissioning may be required should make for some enjoyable work over the course of a few afternoons.

In a world where digital technology seems to be inescapable, there’s nothing like taking some time to enjoy a simpler way of living, and we can think of few more pleasant and therapeutic ways to escape the rush of modern life than to spend an afternoon tinkering on or riding an early motorcycle.

This Royal Enfield should be just the thing. After you’ve done a spot of fettling to get it back on the road, which probably won’t amount to more than a service, you can enjoy some riding which is visceral and always engaging. The act of operating Vintage machinery provides a unique kind of satisfaction, which we’re sure you’ll appreciate. It won’t just benefit you, either – with its charming patina, this bike is sure to put a smile on the face of everyone who sees it.

Notice to bidders