ROYAL ENFIELD’S 125TH YEAR COMMEMORATED WITH UNVEILING OF A WORLD ORIGIN SITE PLAQUE IN REDDITCH
Richard Hammond and Redditch Mayor Susan Eacock perform unveiling
Classic 650 125th Anniversary Limited Edition displayed with historic machines
Redditch, England: Date 23/06/2026: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc–750cc), has celebrated the brand's historic British roots in Redditch, England, with the installation of a ‘World Origin Site’ plaque, marking the legacy of Royal Enfield’s first factory location in this 125th anniversary year.
The unveiling took place at the site of Royal Enfield’s Hunt End Works, on what is now known as Enfield Road, with motoring journalist and TV personality Richard Hammond joining Redditch Mayor Susan Eacock; flanked by members of the local community, Royal Enfield staff, Riders Club members and surviving workers from the original Redditch manufacturing plant.
Commenting on the unveiling, Richard Hammond said
“My heart lies with two wheels, motorbikes are my private passion and as a local boy by birth, growing up nearby to this area, it's a great pleasure to mark this World Origin Site celebrating Royal Enfield; a longstanding, proud brand that rings with familiarity around the world and continues to honour the workers that laid the foundations here in Redditch.”
Founder of World Origin Site, Martin Wilkie said:
“It’s just a wall in Redditch today, but 125-years-ago, somebody did something that changed the world and we’re here to mark the exact spot.”
Royal Enfield motorcycles from five generations lined Enfield Road, highlighting the brand’s title as the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, with a legacy spanning 125 years. From the modern ‘Project Origin’ replica of Royal Enfield’s first motorcycle, launched in 1901, to a fully restored first edition 1932 Bullet, the iconic model that began Royal Enfield’s journey to manufacturing in India and is still in production today.
The 2026 Royal Enfield Classic 650 125th Anniversary Edition, was also displayed to represent a lineage that began with the first Royal Enfield motorcycle in 1901, spanning multiple generations and continents. The limited edition model, due on sale in Europe from August, is a meticulously crafted physical tribute to the brand’s enduring legacy. Embossed with a 125 Year crest in gold on classic red. This Special Edition employs an 'hypershift' paint application, the unique kaleidoscope-like paintwork highlights the fusion of heritage and celebration, the perfect tribute to Royal Enfield’s timeless, iconic, and evolving spirit.
Royal Enfield has evolved into one of the world’s most iconic motorcycle brands, loved by generations of riders for its timeless design, authentic character, and philosophy of Pure Motorcycling. Today, the brand has a presence across 80+ countries, supported by a growing retail network of over 3,200 stores globally, seven international CKD assembly facilities, and vibrant riding communities around the world.
Its portfolio spans 15 internal combustion engine motorcycles across Heritage, Cruiser, Roadster, Adventure, and Pure Sport categories, each reflecting the brand’s ability to blend heritage with modern relevance for riders across markets. More recently, Royal Enfield has also marked its entry into electric mobility with Flying Flea, its new city+ electric mobility brand, launching the Flying Flea C6.
(ENDS)
Editors notes
What is a World Origin Site? A World Origin Site is somewhere completely unique. It marks the place, people and moment when something truly ground-breaking was invented, discovered or first used. This includes where and when some of the world’s most significant cultural events, familiar brands and global companies originated.
Only one place on the planet can ever lay claim to these landmark moments in the development of our modern world. World Origin Site .Org has been created to record, recognise and celebrate these sites whether they are marked by a monument, museum or are just a humble house, shed or street corner. Every World Origin Site matters. More info here: WorldOriginSite.org
Full high definition imagery accessed on the Royal Enfield UK Media Site: https://royalenfieldmedia.co.uk/folders/281/.
View the video with Richard Hammond captured on the day here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ7Qm_lIVDT/?hl=en
Richard Hammond is pictured riding the 'Smallest Cog' restored 1970 Interceptor 750 Series 2.
Classic 650 125 Year Limited Edition photos here: https://royalenfieldmedia.co.uk/folders/183
For all media enquiries, including press fleet requests, please get in touch with the Motocom team at press@royalenfieldmedia.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1525 270100.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted motorcycles since 1901. From its British roots, a manufacturing plant was established in Madras in 1955, a foothold from which Royal Enfield spearheaded the growth of India’s mid-sized two-wheeler segment. Royal Enfields are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible and fun to ride; a vehicle for exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls Pure Motorcycling.
Royal Enfield’s premium line-up includes the new Bullet 650, Bear 650, Classic 650, Guerrilla 450 modern roadster, Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Super Meteor 650, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 twins, the Shotgun 650, the Himalayan 450 adventure tourer, the iconic Bullet 350, Classic 350 and Goan Classic 350. The company recently unveiled its new city+ motorcycle brand – the Flying Flea – a fresh take on urban mobility, blending authentic design with advanced technology.
Riders and a passionate community are fostered with a rich profusion of events at a local, regional and international level. Most notable are Motoverse (previously Rider Mania), an annual gathering of thousands of Royal Enfield enthusiasts in Goa, and Himalayan Odyssey; a yearly pilgrimage over some of the toughest terrain and highest mountain passes.
A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield operates through more than 3200 stores across all major cities and towns in India, and in more than 80 countries around the globe. Royal Enfield also has two world-class technical centres, in Bruntingthorpe, UK, and in Chennai, India. The company’s two state-of-the-art production facilities are located at Oragadam and Vallam Vadagal, near Chennai. Across the world, Royal Enfield has seven modern CKD assembly facilities, in Bangladesh, Nepal, Brazil, Thailand, Argentina, Colombia.
