Egli-Enfield, A Fritz Egli concept
T
he headline in a recent news story
stated that “India’s TVS Motor snaps
up British brand Norton Motorcycles”
for 20-million dollars. This, of course, has
a familiar ring about it. Royal Enfield, like
Norton, an icon in the annals of British
motorcycle history, also went to India.
The Norton company began in 1902, Royal
Enfield in 1901. Royal Enfield was taken
over by the Madras Motor Company in
1955, and although many parts were still
manufactured in England, gradually more
and more were Indian made. In 1971 Royal
Enfield ceased manufacturing in England,
and the bikes became totally Indian
manufactured, and still are to this day. So
Royal Enfield has been an Indian owned
motorcycle manufacturer for longer than
it ever was under British control, but it
still has the charismatic aura attached to
the great motorcycles from the classic
era. It is a credit to the stability of Indian’s
owners, and I feel sure a relief to the
world wide following of Royal Enfield
owners, that the classic Royal Enfield
appearance, and identity, has survived to
this day. There are dealerships around the
country, Google will tell you where.
Norton’s passage to India was different.
The revered brand went to America, then
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