[Betis70]

Did some poking around and came across this:

1892 - The Royal Enfield Brand coined. RW Smith and Albert Eadie take control of Townsend’s, rechristening it "The Eadie Manufacturing Company". Soon, they stumble upon a contract with Royal Small Arms factory in Enfield, Middlesex to supply precision rifle parts for the making of Enfield rifles. Meanwhile, they make their first new bicycle - called the "Enfield". The Enfield is marketed through a new company - The Enfield Manufacturing Company Ltd. A year later, the cycles were launched publicly and the company added the word "Royal" to the name. With that, the legendary trademark - "Built Like A Gun" appeared for the first time.

So I guess the Enfield gun and Enfield motorcycle were made by the same company.

http://www.royal-enfield.com/history.htm

[Eagle9]

Thanks so much, for the links and the research. That motorcycle has an interesting background and used to have a loyal following. I read at that other link you gave, the company in India is going to export a retro model called the 'Bullet 65 S' to the U.K. next year. In the picture, it looks great. The British bikes had their own unique sound, nothing like a Harley, but totally different than the 4-stroke Japanese bikes.

[processing please hold]

So I guess the Enfield gun and Enfield motorcycle were made by the same company.

I think the Enfield rifle factory closed up shop in '57.