Royal Enfield has launched a limited edition model inspired by a World War II model used by British paratroopers called the Flying Flea. The new limited edition model, called the Royal Enfield Classic 500 Pegasus. The Classic 500 Pegasus is inspired by the legendary RE/WD 125 motorcycle, more commonly known as the Flying Flea, which was manufactured at Royal Enfield's underground facility in Westwood, UK, during World War II. Only 1,000 units will be made available globally, of which 190 will be available in Britain.
"The Royal Enfield Flying Flea is the most fantastic story. Imagine these motorcycles that could be parachuted behind enemy lines. Nothing like that had happened before. And it's something that's now engrained in both motorcycling and Airborne forces' history," said Gordon May, Royal Enfield historian.
The Pegasus is priced at GBP 4,999 (around Rs. 4.5 lakh) and will be available for bookings online from July. India prices have not been announced yet, although 250 of these limited edition bikes will be sold in India as well.
According to the company, the limited edition Pegasus model will be available in two colours inspired by the original palettes of the Flying Flea during World War II - Service Brown and the other called Olive Drab Green. It's not clear yet whether the military olive green shade will be permitted to be commercially sold in India. Each of the 1000 Classic 500 Pegasus Edition motorcycles will carry a unique serial number stencilled on the fuel tank, reminiscent of the 250th Airborne Light Company that served during World War II. One of the original Flying Flea motorcycles is now in Royal Enfield's official collection at the company's UK Technology Centre in Bruntingthorpe, near Birmingham.