A BRAND new motorcycle sculpture has been unveiled in tribute to Redditch's historical bond with Royal Enfield.

The art installation, located at Arrow Valley Country Park, celebrates the origins of the longest-running production motorcycle in the world.

Redditch is the original home of Royal Enfield and from 1932, the birthplace of its most iconic motorcycle model - the legendary Bullet.

Royal Enfield was one of Redditch’s largest employers between 1901 and 1967. The company originally operated from a 26-acre site off Hewell Road that housed factories, offices, a test track and a sports field.

A partnership agreement with its Indian importer, Madras Motors, was made in 1955, which led to the formation of Enfield India and the building of a factory at Thiruvottyur to assemble Bullets shipped from Redditch in kit form.

The closure of the Redditch plant in 1967 didn't halt production of Royal Enfield motorcycles in India, with Bullets now exported to over seventy countries.

Royal Enfield has said the sculpture is a tribute to the Bullet and the bond that exists between Royal Enfield in Chennai and Redditch.

It was crafted from genuine 1950s Redditch Bullet components by Prashant Kumar, an Indian upcycling artist and Ben Reid-Howells, a Canadian-Scot educator and community organiser.

Together, Prashant and Ben set out from India on the Vasudhaiva Ride in 2017, a three-year project-based overland journey on two Royal Enfield Bullets across India, Nepal, China, Central Asia and Europe before stopping at Redditch to pay homage to Royal Enfield’s origins.

Redditch Borough Council leader Joe Baker said: “I have two motorbikes myself so as an enthusiast I am absolutely delighted that our links with Royal Enfield are being recognised.”

The Council’s Portfolio-holder for Leisure Cllr Juliet Barker-Smith said: “The installation looks fantastic and celebrates the heritage between the Council, the Borough and Royal Enfield.

“Along with our partners Rubicon and Royal Enfield we will be further celebrating these links with an event next month which everyone is invited to.

“In the meantime I look forward to hearing stories and memories from our residents for whom Royal Enfield was an important of their lives.”

Royal Enfield’s European public relations Manager Stephen Cain said: “Royal Enfield are passionate about engaging with the local community of Redditch and celebrating the historical links with the town.”