Royal Enfield Crusader

Royal Enfield Crusader 1959

Key facts

  • Year

    1959

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    248cc

  • Cylinders

    1

  • Output

    14bhp at 5,750rpm

  • Performance

    70mph

  • Price new

    £170

  • Owner

    National Motor Museum Trust

  • Manufacturer

    The Enfield Cycle Co. Ltd

The Crusader was the first Royal Enfield motorcycle to feature unit construction. In this configuration the engine and gearbox share the same casing. Traditionally the engine and gearbox were in separate casings, connected by chain drive. Unusually for a British motorcycle the valve gear is on the left of the engine. This bike is sectioned and was used by Durham Constabulary as a training aid at their driving school.

Royal Enfield is one of the oldest names in the motorcycle industry, with origins manufacturing sewing needles and machine parts in the 1840s. The company started making bicycles in the 1880s and adopted the Royal Enfield brand name after it produced rifle parts for the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield. Royal Enfield stayed independent until the late 1960s when the remains were split between Norton-Villiers and Velocette.

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Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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