Despite being one of the most successful motorcycles of all time, the Royal Enfield Bullet has had a very chequered history. Its story begins in the 1930s and by the 1950s it was at the height of its popularity in post-War Britain. Then it became a stalwart of the Indian Army and manufacture transitioned from Britain to India. The near-collapse of the Royal Enfield marque in the 1990s almost meant the end of this classic motorbike, but with the involvement of the Eicher Group from 2001 onwards, the updated Bullet generated new interest and renewed its original commercial success, just like a phoenix rising from the ashes. With over 200 photographs, this book describes the origins of the Royal Enfield company and the pre-war Bullets from 1932 and the relaunch of the Bullet in 1949 with its radical swinging-arm frame. Derivative models such as the 350 and 500, as well as those for competition and road are covered as well as specials such as diesels, V-twins, Egli and big-bore Bullets. The development story behind the lean-burn, electric-start and 5-speed updates is discussed as well as the UCE - the all-new Bullet from 2008 and the Classic and its design story. Finally, the evolution beyond the Bullet is covered which includes the Continental GT and Himalyan 650 twins.

Although aimed at those interested in the Bullet model, or those Royal Enfield enthusiasts, this is a book that should be read by those intrigued by modern motorcycling. Royal Enfield will undoubtedly be around for a long time as they have been and will not just be a headline brand allegedly rising from the ashes of a glorious past. It is a definite ‘must-have’ book for any enthusiast bookshelf. For a very modest £25 for a quality product, it is available from all good bookshops or direct from the publishers Crowood at www.crowood.com -- Ian Kerr * Desmo magazine *

Peter Henshaw has had an enthusiasm for anything with wheels - from bicycles to 500bhp tractors - from an early age. He was editor of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure for five years before going freelance, and now contributes to a range of transport magazines and websites including The Vintagent, Bike Social, Tractor & Machinery and A to B. He has also written over sixty books and is an all-year round motorcyclist who does not own a car but does own an Enfield Robin Diesel and too many bicycles to count.