Description
The Royal Enfield Silver Bullet Twin Port 500 is a classic motorcycle that embodies the spirit of the golden era of motorcycling. First introduced in 1932, these are the longest-production motorcycles in the world, having never left the market and instead subtly evolved over the decades while maintaining a heritage appeal.
Of course, of all the bike's 92-year-long history, it's those earlier models that bikers truly strive for; and none more than those stunning early magazine testers, with their fishtail exhausts and gleaming chrome.
This particular model has been painstakingly restored to match one of these - featured in a 1938 article by the famous Graham Walker. The bike's restoration was carried out by a Porsche engineer, and has been done with a complete dedication to quality, character and authenticity. The resulting bike looks like it's rolled fresh from that photoshoot.
History and Paperwork
• Built in 1937 by Royal Enfield in Redditch, Worcestershire
• Purchased in parts in 1998 and meticulously restored
• Has been in the current registered keeper's possession for over 20 years
• All metal parts handcrafted from scratch
• New chromed in one of Germany's best chrome shops
The Condition
• Runs well with a perfect oil supply
• All metal parts are handcrafted and newly chromed
• The tank was ruined and has been replaced
• Cosmetically, the bike is utterly superb
• The dyno does not work so head light runs on battery
• Fully new paintwork as part of restoration
• Paint work has usual marks of use since the bike was frequently ridden since restauration
• Period-style number plate to the front, while a legal plate sits behind
• No rips or tears to the seatThe Mechanics
• 499cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine
• 4-speed Albion gearbox
• Engine and frame were purchased in parts and have been meticulously restored
• The exhaust was not the original and has been replaced
• The head was missing and has been replaced
• Transmission leaks a bit of oil, but can be resolved with grease
• Brakes are fairly weak, as per the original model
• No mechanical issues to note with the bike starting and riding as expected
