Within the broad church of motorcycling, there are countless owners of "classic" machines helping to keep alive some of our motorcycling heritage.
To earn the appellation classic rather depends on theology. Specialist insurers tend to take "over 15 years" as their benchmark.
Within the world of classics, there are various events run by the Irish Veteran and Vintage MCC; pre-1931 covers the "flat-tankers", pre-1965 includes virtually the last of the British-made bikes. Either way we are talking about "old bikes", mostly makes no longer in existence, part of our motorcycling heritage.
In this classic world, some are more highly regarded than others. Vincent and Velocette tend to be more highly regarded than, for example, Triumph or BSA. Royal Enfield seems to come within the Cinderella category, which surprises us since it is one of the oldest of the British-made bikes, dating back to 1893, and is still producing classic-style motorcycles in India.
We recently had the opportunity to renew our acquaintance with one of their well-known bikes, a Model G built in 1948. This machine is regarded as the father of the modern Royal Enfield Bullet, a timeless machine now in its 49th year of production.
The Model G was introduced in 1938. It has a 346 cc, ohv, dry-sump, single-cylinder engine with 70 mm x 90 mm bore and stroke, and 6.5:1 compression. This produces 18 bhp at 5,750 rpm, which gives a top speed of 74 mph (119 kph). It has an Albion four-speed, right-hand foot change. The frame has a single top and down tubes with duplex under-engine rails.
In the autumn of 1945, telescopic forks replaced the earlier girder forks. In an advertisement of that year the slogan "Built like a Gun" echoed not just the robust build-quality, but referred to Royal Enfield's wartime production; some 50,000 WC/CO models, essentially side-valve variants of the Model G, were produced.
Ignition is by a Lucas Magdyno, the carburettor being a 1" Amal. There is no rear-end suspension - this is a solid rear end machine. There are 6" drum brakes front and rear, 19" wheels shod with 3.25 x 19 tyres. The wheelbase is 1,372 mm, seat height 749 mm. Tank capacity is 16 litres. "Wet" weight is 158 kg.
Of all the classic and retro machines we have ridden in recent years, this particular Model G struck us as being the sweetest-running machine of any classic bike we have ridden from that era. The lack of rear suspension is countered by the well-sprung saddle.
The gear ratios, with just four gears, are fairly widely spaced. It will pull snatch-free from under 18 mph in top gear.
What would surprise many riders who are used only to "modern" machines and vastly superior tyre technology, is how well this particular machine holds the road. In these days when rear tyres more closely resemble garden rollers, it is surprising to find a machine, without rear suspension, that performs so well.
The single-cylinder, long-stroke engine would seem, to those only used to modern multi-cylinder engines, to have a close affinity to a steam engine. The power output may seem decidedly modest, but the torque is impressive.
Ridden with enthusiasm, second gear can be held to 48 mph, third to 65 mph, and maximum speed in top is 74 mph. Perhaps not a machine for motorway work, but still well able to provide years of enjoyable leisure riding. When new it would have cost around £165. Today a machine in this condition in Britain would be selling at around £2,250 to £2,500.
Especially for those of us who have been in the saddle for some years, owning and riding a classic machine such as this has a distinct charm, perhaps bringing back memories of a carefree youth in a simpler world.
TechSpec
ENGINE: 346 cc single-cylinder, ohv two-valve four-stroke. 6.5:1 compression. 18 bhp. Four-speed gearbox.
FRAME: Tubular steel with telescopic front forks, rigid rear end. 6" dia. Front and rear drum brakes. 3.25" front & rear tyres.
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 1,372mm. Seat height: 749mm. Tank capacity: 16 litres. Weight: 158kg.
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed: 74 mph. Fuel consumption: 80 mpg at 50 mph. Braking: 30 mph to rest in 32.5 ft.
PRICE: New: £165 (256), today's value £2,250 to £2,500. (3,488 - 3,875)