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‘It is not too much to say that the 2¼ h.p. Royal Enfield Two-stroke has achieved a more enviable reputation than any other light-weight motor cycle’ – so begins the original owner’s handbook for this early machine.
The 2¼ h.p. two-stroke dates from late 1914 and was a particularly successful model for the factory, which made great claims for its simplicity and practicability. Enfield drew particular attention to the low weight, of 140lbs, and the 28½ inch saddle height, adding that their experience satisfied them that a two stroke ‘is undoubtedly the best type of engine for a light-weight motor cycle’.
The ‘under-square’ 225cc engine, of Enfield design and manufacture, is of 64mm bore and 70mm stroke, the fining being concentric with the bore. And the owner’s manual claimed that ‘The running of our model is characterised by a steady and pleasant “hum”’!
The flywheel is external and the crankshaft was equipped with roller bearing big end. The carburetter was of Brown and Barlow (Birmingham) manufacture and ignition was via a BTH magneto. Transmission includes a two-speed gearbox and Enfield had the wisdom to fit the rear hub with a cush-drive.
The front brake lever operates a calliper, with brake blocks acting against the wheel rim. The rear foot brake incorporates a ‘vee’ block acting against a concentric grooved rim. The tyres, originally by Palmer, are 24 inch by 2¼ inch front and rear.
Lubrication for the two-stroke engine was provided for by a pre-mix of petrol/oil. Earlier versions featured an elaborate fuel tank, with two compartments – petrol was held in the front tank, lubricating oil in the rear. Oil was then measured by a detachable cup, situated beneath the oil compartment (the correct mixing ration used a minimum of 6 cups of oil for one gallon of petrol).
The example in the Hitchcock’s collection, pictured above, is fitted with a one compartment tank – oil in the correct ratio being pre-mixed with petrol before being poured into the tank, in the conventional manner. This model also features a geared kick-starter. Earlier versions, with no kick-start, required to be ‘paddled’ to start.
It is believed the Russian army placed an order for a considerable number of these machines with Royal Enfield in about 1916. When the export licence was refused, the surplus machines were sold at reduced price to British troops, following the end of hostilities in 1918.
