Royal Enfield 250 Crusader Sports

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In the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, the British Motorcycle was at the height of its success. Sales were driven by the demand for all forms of two-wheeled transport, the relative cost of running even a small car in those days being too much for large swathes of the population.

The lightweight 250cc class was key, with riders of bikes below this capacity avoiding the hassle of having to bother with a test. Manufacturers hoped that these learners would graduate to bigger and better models from within their own stable.

Royal Enfield were right in the thick of it with their class leading 250cc Crusader. Regarded as great value for money, it gave a similar performance to some of the heavier 500cc machines on offer from other manufacturers and helped sell the larger Bullets, Meteors and Constellation models further up their own range.

This nicely presented 250 Crusader Sports comes with its original buff logbook, an MOT from 1975, spare parts book and original workshop manual. An older restoration, it has had much of its brightwork rechromed and its wheels rebuilt with stainless spokes. Unused on the road since its last MOT, the battery was replaced in September last year and a new float valve fitted in the carburettor has seen it back up and running.

Requiring gentle recommissioning before being presented for its next MOT, this modest sized machine looks very tempting, especially as British bikes of this capacity and era are rapidly gaining popularity due to their ease of handling and refreshing simplicity.