The British Army has drafted in Royal Enfield to supply motorcycles for its Army Motorised Adventure (AMA) group. The manufacturer is providing four Himalayan 450 models as part of a training and display collaboration project, including publicly attended AMA exercises such as EX Mudmaster and EX Roadmaster.
The British Army Motorsport Association kicked off the new partnership with an Army Motorsport Day at Thruxton Circuit back in September. All nine Army Motorsport disciplines (including five motorcycle disciplines) were in attendance, with service personnel and veterans from across the armed forces invited.
Following this initial event, the Himalayans will be used in further trials, specifically the Mudmaster and Roadmaster off-road navigation exercises, with quarterly training weekends planned.
In addition to these UK-based navigation competitions, the AMA regularly participates in arduous overland expeditions. In April, a 4×4 AMA crew was the first British team to win the Santana trophy in Morocco. In September, AMA delivered a Tri-Service expedition to Morocco, encompassing 26 personnel on motorcycles.
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Foulerton said: “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 not only to get on two wheels, but also to learn off-road skills and ultimately 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 I, so we’re delighted to reignite this partnership and look forward to this developing over the coming years.”
Royal Enfield’s 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. With the Himalayan, we can provide a machine that is truly capable and versatile in the toughest of conditions. At the same time, we will also supply personnel with genuine Royal Enfield apparel and accessories.
“We look forward to supporting military personnel even further as our partnership develops.”