LOT 621

c.1954 Royal Enfield 500 Twin Registration no. YSL 150 Frame no. G2/27809 Engine no. T3230

Sold for £3,450 inc. premium

Lot 621

c.1954 Royal Enfield 500 Twin
Registration no. YSL 150 Frame no. G2/27809 Engine no. T3230

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

c.1954 Royal Enfield 500 Twin
Registration no. YSL 150
Frame no. G2/27809
Engine no. T3230

Launched in 1948, Royal Enfield's 500cc Twin followed orthodox lines, though the use of separate barrels and cylinder heads, and the oil tank's incorporation within the crankcase - a feature inherited from the firm's singles - was unusual. The new engine was installed in what was basically the Bullet frame: the latter an advanced design featuring swinging-arm rear suspension. Just like AMC, BSA, Triumph and Norton, Royal Enfield went on to enlarge the Twin, eclipsing its rivals with the (nominally) 700cc Meteor for 1953, Britain's largest vertical twin at that time. The crankcase remained fundamentally unchanged but the bore/stroke dimensions and engine top-end were those of the 350 Bullet, doubled up and restyled. The 500 Twin continued in the range, latterly as the Meteor Minor and Sports Twin, until 1962. Believed to date from around 1954, the year the distinctive fork-top 'casquette' was introduced, this Royal Enfield 500 Twin was purchased by the vendor in April 2010. The Enfield is offered for re-commissioning, or possibly more extensive renovation, and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns). Accompanying paperwork consists of two old MoTs (most recent expired 2011) and old/current V5C Registration Certificates.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The Frame is believed to be that of a Royal Enfield 350cc Bullet, as denoted by the frame number prefix 'G2/' Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 621: click here

Additional information

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