India’s New Royal Enfield Classic 500 Pegasus Edition Takes Inspiration from World War II
No, you did not just travel back in time. India’s Royal Enfield has in fact launched the limited edition Classic 500 Pegasus, which is inspired by the Flying Flea 125 motorcycle.
(All images taken from Royal Enfield)
“The story of the Flying Flea is both remarkable and inspiring, and it has a history like no other motorcycle,” said Royal Enfield CEO Siddhartha Lal after a launch ceremony in the UK.
Indeed, the Flying Flea was a lightweight, two-stroke 125cc motorcycle that is both compact and capable. A company statement even said that the bike “saw action in some of the greatest battles of World War II, including D-Day and Arnhem.”
The Pegasus is thus a homage to this legendary war machine that added to the resilience and pedigree of Royal Enfield. Siddhartha Lal also said: “Rugged military motorcycles have been an integral part of Royal Enfield’s heritage and continues to be till date, as we endeavour to build classic, simple, enduring motorcycles.
“Our machines have played important roles in both World Wars, earning a reputation for endurance in the toughest conditions.”
To churn out a bike that was historically accurate, Royal Enfield collaborated closely with the Ministry of Defense, and also approached the Parachute Regiment to work together on the project.
“These new Classic 500 Pegasus motorcycles encapsulate a lot of the history and legacy of Royal Enfield. This is something only Royal Enfield could have done. Many brands have military motorcycles in their past but only Royal Enfield has the Flying Flea,” explained Mark Wells, the company's Head of Global Product Strategy and Industrial Design.
So, what are the bikes really like?
Based on the Classic 500, the Pegasus edition features a maroon and blue Pegasus emblem - the official Parachute Regiment insignia - and a unique serial number stenciled onto the fuel tank.
The Pegasus motorcycle markings are also based on a genuine WWII Flying Flea model used by the 250th (Airborne) Light Company, which is now in Royal Enfield’s official collection. Each bike will also include period-correct brown handlebar grips, leather strap with brass buckles across the air filter, blacked out silencers, rims, kickstart, pedals and headlight bezel to give it the authentic military motorcycle look. All the motorcycles will be painted in the wartime colours of Service Brown and Olive Drab Green.
Lastly, the company has also shared that motorcycle gear inspired by the bike will also be made available. According to Royal Enfield, the myriad of gear ranges from apparel to bags and helmets. The limited-production and accessories in the collection will also be adorned by the official military insignia and Pegasus emblem.
Only 1000 units of the Classic 500 Pegasus Edition will be produced, and to own a piece of motorcycle history one would be required to fork out approximately $8,994 SGD (4,999 pounds).