Spicers Auctioneers Ltd
Lot 627
1990 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 499cc. Registration number H310 YAT. Frame number OB5237H. Engine number OB5237H.The Bullet, Royal Enfield's signature machine, was introduced in Britain in 1949 as an about-town errand runner and daily commuter. The company went racing and racked up a number of victories in motocross, road racing and trials, proving its worth and cementing status as a legitimate, competitive brand. By 1954, the Bullet's versatility and dependability attracted the interest of the government of India. With the duty of patrolling its border with Pakistan in mind, 800 units were ordered. Evidently, the Indians were pleased enough with the motorcycle's performance to place sizable orders the next two years. This led to the British manufacturer opening a factory in the east to better accommodate this new, vital customer. Within two years, the plant was producing the Bullet entirely from scratch in Madras, India.Ironically, in 1967, as Royal Enfield was thriving in India, the original company collapsed in Britain, falling victim to the onslaught of the burgeoning Japanese marques. But, by then, Enfield India was operating as its own entity, with a steady homegrown demand for its product that ensured fiscal stability and continued growth. This was certainly helped along by the country's population surging toward one billion. The result of this unusual reversal of fortune is that Royal Enfield remains the oldest motorcycle manufacturer still in business with an uninterrupted history of trading.Owned by our deceased vendor from new it passed to his wife on his demise in 2017, there is an MOT on file at 97 miles in 2015 and the odometer now reads 192 miles. We are unable to verify or confirm the mileage.Sold with the V5C, owners manual and afore mentioned MOT.
