[Newfie]

So I was at a flea market over the weekend and came across something I think is pretty cool. The owner has it advertised as a 1947 RE but I think it might actually be a 1954 Royal Enfield Ensign. Anybody know for sure? I am thinking of buying this bike and trying to save it.

[rtillery02]

Love the looks of the rear suspension, long as I aint ridin on it( I'd likely keep it bottomed out)

[malky]

So I was at a flea market over the weekend and came across something I think is pretty cool. The owner has it advertised as a 1947 RE but I think it might actually be a 1954 Royal Enfield Ensign. Anybody know for sure? I am thinking of buying this bike and trying to save it.

1st picture is of a 1948 125cc Flying Flee. The Ensign came after. 2nd picture is of an Ensign which looks more like your picture. For the price asked, I've seen runners sell for around the same in the U.K.

[Arizoni]

The WW II Flying Flea and the 126cc, 1946-1953 Model RE that it turned into all had a ridged rear frame with no rear suspension at all (if you don't include the seat).

 1953 was the first year for the  "Ensign", and it did have that double spring system for the rear suspension so this bike must be a 1953 or later model.

Although it can be dangerous to go by photos in books, the 1955 Ensign was the first year the springs on the rear were enclosed like the one in the OP.