The Royal Enfield Bullet factory
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The Royal Enfield Bullet factory |
| Calcutta and the Austin Ambassador factory |
| Whilst in Calcutta, we had
wanted to visit the factory where one of the icons of Indian roads is
produced. When the Morris Oxford finished its life in England, it got a
new lease of life in Calcutta as the Austin Ambassador produced by
Hindustan Motors. Despite all the efforts of one Taj Hotel employee (thank
you Dixon), we were not able to visit the factory because it was an NPD -
Non Production Day. Disappointment.
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An Austin Ambassador in the gardens of the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta
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| Jaipur and the Royal Enfield factory |
| That disappointment was not
to last too long as, on our way to Jaipur from Delhi, we drove past a
Royal Enfield factory ! This was unexpected as the main Royal Enfield
factory is located in Madras, on the east coast of India. The Enfield
Bullet that is being produced today is the same motorbike that was
produced in the 1950s. This vintage bike is still made new ! It must be
the equivalent of Morgans on 2 wheels.
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The production line
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The finished products
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| The Bullets have evolved very
little over time. They still have one cylinder engines, available in 350
and 500 cc and make a gorgeous thumping sound ! Purists will be horrified
to know that a diesel model has been brought out. The Enfield Bullet is a
favourite amongst foreigners who want to tour India a different way. It's
a wonderfully durable bike, easy to maintain and economical to run. One
drawback is said to be the lack of an effective front brake on the 350 cc
model...
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The first part of Christian's future set of wheels : the Enfield emblem ! |
We are doing well !
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| Calcutta to Jaipur | Back to Trip page | Rajasthan |
