1950 Royal Enfield RE125 Solo Motorcycle

Royal Enfield, well known for producing engines, bicycles and firearms (hence the motto "built like a gun, goes like a bullet") turned their hand to motorcycles way back in 1901 and, by the war, had established themselves as one of Britain's most popular brands. The first Royal Enfield to use the Bullet name was a four-valve single announced in 1931, while the Model G introduced in 1935, was the first of a series of new-generation motorcycles, with fully enclosed valve gear, vertical cylinder and cast-in pushrod tunnel. With the advent of World War II, Royal Enfield built a number of motorcycles for military use, including the 350cc and 570cc side-valves and the famous "Flying Flea", a lightweight 125cc bike that was parachuted into battle inside a tubular cage. Post-war saw a resumption of production for the civilian market, including the "Flea", alongside the famous "Bullet". Although production in Redditch ceased in 1970, Enfields continue to be built under licence in India today and the brand has a loyal following around the world amongst bike enthusiasts.