It’s surprising the motorcycle brand of Royal Enfield isn’t better known in the United States.

After all, the name dates back to 1890 and the colorful history traces its roots to a company that initially built its reputation on making weapons. Why even the ‘Royal’ part of the name was licensed from the British crown when the first models took to the road.

The latest producers of the Royal Enfield line have announced plans to ensure that the riders who may not have heard of the historic motorcycle may see more of them in showrooms and hopefully, on the open road.

Royal Enfield Motors has announced capital investment plans to increase capacity and expand capabilities at its primary production facility for its new fuel-injected product line. Production at Royal Enfield has been running at full capacity for over a year, with demand generated by domestic and international markets continuing outpace supply.

The expansion plan will nearly double Royal Enfield’s production with progressive increases in capacity over the next three years, allowing the brand to continue to keep pace with the brisk sales of its new model line. The plan forecasts unit production growth from Royal Enfield’s 2010 unit volume of 52,000 to as much as 70,000 units for 2011, followed by up to 90,000 units for 2012 and finally 100,000 units or more for 2013.

Although the motorcycles birthplace was Great Britain it was one of the countries former colonies that took Royal Enfield where it is today. Riders, businessmen and even the government in India began a love affair with the Bullet model in 1955. The motorcycle was wholly manufactured under license in India by 1962.

With Enfield of India buying the rights to use the Royal Enfield name in 1995, the Royal Enfield production (based in Chennai) continues making it the oldest motorcycle brand in the world still in production with the Bullet model enjoying the longest motorcycle production run of all time.

The latest expansion plan will also provide capital for the progressive development of Royal Enfield’s production capabilities, including a modern paint studio, die and tooling upgrades, aesthetic and sheet metal refinements and an even sharper focus on new model development.

Royal Enfield first introduced its G5 (pictured above) and C5 model lines in the United States in 2009. The new model lines, which pair Royal Enfield’s famous retro aesthetic with the brand’s robust and reliable new Unit Construction Engine, have been a resounding success. Strong enthusiasm from consumers and industry press has created unprecedented demand for Royal Enfield in the United States and around the world.

“Royal Enfield has made a strong commitment to meeting international demand and responding to the needs and expectations its growing customer base,” said Kevin Mahoney, President of Royal Enfield USA, “Consumer response to the new model line in the United States and elsewhere has been remarkably strong and it’s very encouraging to know that Royal Enfield will be ready as the market continues to grow.”