Royal Enfield Motors is the world’s oldest motorcycle company in continuous production, and yet most Milwaukeeans have never – or only recently – heard of it. The India-based company opened in a temporary space on Pittsburgh Avenue in Walker’s Point, painted a large mural of the company logo on the side of the building, and started strategizing and recruiting employees.

This weekend, Royal Enfield finally moved its North American Headquarters into a permanent home in the Third Ward at 226 N. Water St. According to Royal Enfield's North American President Rod Copes, the build-out took about four times longer than they were hoping, but he’s extremely pleased with the outcome.

"It’s been fast and furious and a lot of fun," says Copes.

The new space, which celebrated a grand opening this weekend, serves as both the world headquarters and a dealership that sells motorcycles and merchandise. Within a few weeks, there will be on-site service for bikes, as well.

So why is Royal Enfield headquartered in Milwaukee, and why have so few people heard of it?

The company, which started in the late 1800s as a gun and ammunition business, started manufacturing motorcycles in England in 1901. In 1955, Royal Enfield started assembling motorcycles in India, and in 1970, Royal Enfield in England went out of business like many of the British bike companies due to the introduction of low cost, high quality Japanese bikes.

"Royal Enfield survived since then because of its involvement in India," says Copes. "That’s also why the name is not familiar here. But it will be."

Copes, who worked 20 years for Harley-Davidson, left four years ago to pursue other opportunities. Two years ago, he was offered the position with Royal Enfield, and he accepted the job under one condition: He could stay living in Milwaukee.

"I have three kids in high school; I wasn’t going to leave anytime soon," he says.

Because of Milwaukee’s rich motorcycle history, Royal Enfield agreed to setting up its first North American outpost here.

"We are really excited to be in Milwaukee," says Copes. "Milwaukee is the North American hub of motorcade culture. And we’re excited to be in the backyard of Harley."

Copes says he does not see Royal Enfield in competition with Harley-Davidson because the products are very different. Royal Enfield bikes are less expensive, ranging in price from about $5,000 to $6,000, and are smaller than most Harleys.

"We think we can help complement their business to bring more new motorcyclists into riding," says Copes.

The goal is to grow the brand in the United States and Canada and establish 100 dealers. Currently, there are 30. In the past five years, the brand has grown exponentially. In 2010, 50,000 bikes were manufactured and last year the number increased to 500,000. This year, Royal Enfield plans to make more than 675,000 motorcycles.

"This acceleration in growth in the market has allowed the company to invest in other markets and grow globally," says Copes. "It’s why we’re able to be here."

Here are nine more photos of Royal Enfield Motors:

1. Hey, it's a bike

2. And another bike

3. And more bikes

4. And a jacket

5. And Makoto Endo painting a bike with chopsticks

6. Need for speed

7. Tanked

8. Timeline

9. Hooray!