ROYAL ENFIELD’S 125TH YEAR COMMEMORATED WITH UNVEILING OF A WORLD ORIGIN SITE PLAQUE IN REDDITCH
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Richard Hammond and Redditch Mayor Susan Eacock perform unveiling
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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
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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
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Full high definition imagery accessed on the Royal Enfield UK Media Site: https://royalenfieldmedia.co.uk/folders/281/.
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View the video with Richard Hammond captured on the day here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ7Qm_lIVDT/?hl=en
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Richard Hammond is pictured riding the ‘Smallest Cog’ restored 1970 Interceptor 750 Series 2.
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Classic 650 125 Year Limited Edition photos here: https://royalenfieldmedia.co.uk/folders/183
DROP ALERT: REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR THE LIMITED EDITION ROYAL ENFIELD SHOTGUN 650 x ROUGH CRAFTS MOTORCYCLES
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nly 100 units available worldwide via an exclusive drop between July 27 – 30, 2026
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Global registrations open July 15, 2026
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UK price confirmed at £8,150
Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-sized motorcycle segment, today commenced the registrations for its limited edition Shotgun 650, created in collaboration with the celebrated custom builder – Rough Crafts. Inspired by the bespoke custom motorcycle ‘Caliber Royale’, this limited-edition Shotgun 650 was first showcased at EICMA 2025 followed by its showcase at Motoverse 2025, and has since generated excitement globally.
Limited to just 100 individually numbered motorcycles across India, Europe, North America and APAC, with each region having 25 units available, the Shotgun 650 x Rough Crafts Drop is a true collector’s piece.
The exclusive, limited edition Shotgun will be priced at £8,150 in the UK, as part of the EMEA Sales Day.
The motorcycle drop will be phased region wise between July 27-30, 2026 as per the below details:
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July 27, 2026 | EMEA Sales Day | 7PM CET | Units: 25
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July 28, 2026 | Americas Sales Day | 10AM EST | Units: 25
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July 29, 2026 | APAC Sales Day | 7PM AEDT | Units: 25
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July 30, 2026 | India Sales Day | 7PM IST | Units: 25
This exclusive drop will be available to Royal Enfield enthusiasts worldwide, with the first 25 customers in each region earning the privilege of owning this limited-edition Royal Enfield Shotgun 650.
To be eligible to participate on the sale day, users are required to pre-register themselves online between July 15, 2026 to July 27, 2026 (EMEA).
Born from a culture of custom motorcycles, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, with its modular design philosophy, is a perfect canvas for self-expression and a standout platform for customisation. The collaboration with Rough Crafts brings forth exclusivity and craftsmanship, reflecting Royal Enfield’s lasting connection with the culture of customisation.
Speaking on the limited edition drop, Adrian John Sellers, Head of Custom & Motorsports, Royal Enfield, said:
“An elegant new expression of the Shotgun 650’s custom-first philosophy, this latest edition carries a distinctive design language inspired by the ‘Caliber Royale’ custom build—aligning perfectly with Rough Crafts’ signature black and gold aesthetic. With this limited-run motorcycle, we are proud to bring the artistry, craftsmanship, and understated yet aggressive silhouette of the original Rough Crafts custom build to our global community of riders, proving once again the limitless creative potential of the Shotgun 650 platform. This edition stands out as a collectible icon that inspires desirability while reaffirming Royal Enfield’s deep-rooted connection to the culture of personalisation.”
Styled with a combination of Gloss Jet Black and Matt Stealth Black, the motorcycle features a striking Gold Leaf stripe with a subtle grey accent flowing seamlessly across its panels, complemented by limited-edition numbering on the tank. A cast brass collaboration badge, identical to the one adorning the original custom, reinforces its authenticity. The other premium additions such as matching black bar-end mirrors, quilted leather seats, contrast-cut alloy rims, and gold fork inner tubes elevate both desirability and road presence. In addition to the motorcycle, owners will also receive a numbered limited edition gold on black artwork of a Caliber Royale custom build sketch, designed and signed by Winston Yeh of Rough Crafts.
Caliber Royale was custom-built by Rough Crafts with the Shotgun 650 as its base. It featured stretched proportions, signature fairing, hand crafted finishes in gloss and matte paint, gold leaf accents, and minute changes to the frame. Taking inspiration from the Caliber Royale, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 x Rough Crafts Drop elevates the Shotgun’s muscular stance with exquisite design elements.
Registrations open on July 15, 2026: prospective customers can register through the dedicated website link below: www.royalenfield.com/shotgun-roughcrafts-edition/