The brand’s famous tagline, ‘Since 1901’ pays testament to just how important the concept of heritage and embracing the richness of the past is to Royal Enfield, and ‘Project Origin’ embodies this sentiment wholeheartedly. The year 1901 also carries considerable weight within the motorcycling world, as it consequently makes Royal Enfield the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in production to this day.

The conception of ‘Project Origin’ came about after a challenge was laid down to the Royal Enfield design and engineering teams by Gordon May, Royal Enfield’s in-house historian, during a historical presentation to celebrate the brand’s 120th anniversary. Part of the presentation focused on the very first prototype Royal Enfield motor-bicycle that was developed back in 1901 by Frenchman Jules Gobiet, working hand-in-hand with Royal Enfield’s co-founder and chief designer, Bob Walker Smith. As the infant motorcycle industry was not sufficiently well established to have its dedicated exhibition, the prototype was consequently displayed at the Stanley Cycle Show in London, in November 1901. This was the very first time any two-wheeled engine-powered Royal Enfield had ever been displayed to the public.