The rock-hopper returns
Back in grandad’s day, Trials, in either
Observed or Reliability form, were big. Manufacturers supported both versions as they offered a very public demonstration of the true capabilities of what were essentially standard production motorcycles. In Britain, Observed ‘Feet-Up’ Trials were the winter sport, when road race and scrambles tracks were frozen over. It was a great way to keep fit too. All the big British makes – BSA, Norton, AJS/Matchless, Ariel and Royal Enfield – plus many of the lesser known names – placed big value on success. In the case of Royal Enfield, the famous Bullet model, launched in 1932, was a favoured mount, not just in Britain but in the annual ‘Olympics of Motorcycling’, the International Six Days Trial. When the completely redesigned Bullet became available post-war, it broke new ground by employing a full spring frame, with telescopic front forks and RE’s very efficient swinging arm rear suspension. The results piled in, and when 18-year-old Johnny Brittain joined the company in 1950, he instantly became a trials supremo on a works-prepared Bullet, and the model became a byword for its ability to handle challenging terrain.
By 1957, Johnny Brittain was well-nigh unbeatable, and the company finally released a Bullet closely based on his works machine for 1958 – the 350 Trials Works Replica. With an all-welded chrome-molybdenum frame, light alloy mudguards, small fuel tank, high level exhaust, competition
Lucas magneto and special gearing, the new model was a weapon. Finished in distinctive polychromatic grey with an aluminium alloy cylinder barrel and head, the Bullet Trials gathered trophies from the moment of its release.
Even though Royal Enfield’s famous Redditch factory closed in 1967, the now Indian-based Royal Enfield company has never lost sight of its roots. Now, in 2020, the new Bullet Trials Replica joins the model range, albeit in very limited production. The bikes are finished in colour schemes reflecting the heyday of the ‘fifties trials irons, but with the latest unit-construction 500cc engine, priced at $9,190 ride-away, which includes 2 Years Warranty and Roadside Assistance.
For serious rock-hopping, the Replica sports 135mm of ground clearance and weighs just 192 kg with fuel and oil. Although it looks deliciously retro, the Replica is right up to date with Dual Channel ABS, Digital Elecronic Ignition, Fuel injection, Halogen headlamp and a five-speed gearbox.
Stocks of the Trials Replica will be strictly limited, so if you fancy reliving the glory days of Johnny Brittain and the other Enfield stars, see your Royal Enfield dealer without delay.