Description
Royal Enfield 1925 Model “201” 2¼ HP 225 cc two stroke frame # 15211 engine # 14537
The Redditch based Royal Enfield firm entered the motorcycle business as early as 1898. In the early days engines from De Dion powered their tricycles and quadricycles; Minerva supplied the power for the first motorized cycles. In the years before WW I the company was very successful with light Motosacoche-engined V twins. These machines were equipped with the famous Enfield two-speed gear, involving twin primary chains. In the rear wheel hub a rubber cush drive was fitted, to take the punch out of the chaindrive. This feature was to be incorporated into all Royal Enfields until the very end. In the 1914 Junior TT eight out of nine Royal Enfield twins finished, with a very creditable five in the first twenty places. Directly after the Great War Enfield marketed two successful models: the light 2¼ HP two stroke and the V-twin sidecar machine. Actually the little two stroke had already been presented to the public at the end of 1914, but due to the war few machines were made before 1919. The simple, cheap and reliable Model 201 would be part of the Enfield range up to 1930, albeit with regular updates. The machine’s frame is remarkable in that the top rail is set at an angle down from the headstock to the saddle tube. This gives a low saddle position without the necessity to bend (and weaken) the top tube. This arrangement also results in a graceful, wedge shaped petrol tank. The power from the engine is transmitted through Enfield’s own foot-operated two speed gear. The rear hub is fitted with Enfield’s patented cush-drive.
This vintage lightweight has been restored a number of years ago and has been a static display for quite some time. She is in running condition, but will require some recommissioning (video available).