During the 1950s and 1960s Royal Enfield was well known for off road motorcycling, particularly in trials competitions. Though the Bullet Trials 500 paints itself as a modern homage to those historic bikes, there's a certain flair of the original competition machines design elements and design cues imbedded within its styling. But that connection to racing of old has led to arguments over whether the Trials 500 is really an ode to the days of yore or just a case of sly marketing. Others say the bike's lack of off road capabilities when compared to modern dirt bikes make it more a style exercise than a true successor to RE's competition heritage. But some argue the Trials 500 is a special mix of classic looks and current manufacturing that ensures making dirty off road motorcycles in the way they were before the industry became inundated with highfalutin machines. Most discussions of retro styled vehicles also explore broader themes of authenticity and how to balance honouring heritage with contemporary expectation.