Royal Enfield to supply British Army with Himalayan 450 bikes

Royal Enfield has revealed a new strategic partnership with the British Army, which will see soldiers given four Himalayan 450 bikes to use for training purposes. 

Specifically, the Himalayan 450 motorcycles that have been provided to the British Army Motorised Adventure (AMA) group, will be used in training exercises such as EX Mudmaster and EX Roadmaster.

The bikes will also be used as an integral part of the Army’s upcoming events calendar, after having already been used during an Army Motorsport Day at the Thruxton Circuit on 10 September. 

The new partnership means Army personnel will be in attendance with Royal Enfield at the upcoming Motorcycle Live show, which takes place at the NEC Arena in Birmingham from 15-23 November.

The British Army’s use of Royal Enfield machinery dates back to 1914, with military-specific motorcycles, bicycles, generators and aircraft gun predictors used in World War II. That includes the Flying Flea bike, which has a rich history with the British Army, as it was also used during the war.

Speaking about the new partnership, Royal Enfield’s UK and International Region Manager, George Cheeseman, said: 

“We are thrilled to provide support to the British Army’s Motorised Adventure initiative. With such a deep-rooted history, we felt compelled to support the programme, which we believe is hugely important. With the Himalayan, we can provide a machine that is truly capable and versatile in the toughest of conditions, while we will also supply personnel with genuine Royal Enfield apparel and accessories too. We look forward to supporting military personnel even further as our partnership develops.” 

Quarterly UK-based training weekends have been agreed as part of the deal. These will be trials that provide serving military personnel with the chance to improve their skills. It will involve technical riding, tactical planning and off-bike skills, as well as physical and psychological preparation.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Foulerton added: 

“We are delighted to partner with Royal Enfield. As part of the Army Motorised Adventure programme, this unique association with a fleet of Himalayan 450s offers serving personnel the opportunity to not only get on to two-wheels, but to learn off-road skills and ultimately go on to participate in some of the great expeditions we embark on both on home soil and abroad. The British Army has an association with Royal Enfield that dates back to World War 1, so we’re delighted to reignite this partnership and look forward to this developing over the coming years."

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