Royal Enfield 3hp

Key facts

Year

1914
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

425cc (originally 346cc)
Cylinders

2
Valves

side valve (originally inlet over exhaust valve)
Maximum speed

60mph/96.56kph
Price new

£53
Owner

Montagu Collection
Manufacturer

The Enfield Cycle Co. Ltd

This motorcycle was ridden to third place in the 1914 Isle of Man Junior TT by F J Walker, who also took the lap record. Following a number of falls on the last lap Walker crashed into barriers after crossing the finish line. Tragically he never regained consciousness and died from head injuries five days later. The original 346cc engine was later replaced by the standard 425cc unit at the factory. It was first registered for road use in 1960.

Royal Enfield’s first Isle of Man TT entry was in 1911 when H Greaves finished fifth in the Junior race. Although moderately successful, Royal Enfield never won a TT race.