India's Royal Enfield today launched a new limited-edition model of a classic motorcycle inspired by a World War II bike used by British paratroopers behind enemy lines.
The ?Classic 500 'Pegasus' is inspired by the legendary RE/WD Flying Flea 125 motorcycle, which was manufactured at Royal Enfield's underground facility in Westwood, UK, during the war.
?It has been conceived as a chance to own a piece of motorcycle history, with only 1,000 units to be made available globally, of which 190 will be available in Britain. The Pegasus will be open for bookings online from July at a price tag of 4,999 pounds.
"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 grand launch ceremony in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, today.
Describing the Classic 500 Pegasus as a homage to the legendary war stories and to the resilience and pedigree of Royal Enfield, he added: "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 role in both World Wars, earning a reputation for endurance in the toughest conditions."
Speaking about the Flying Flea's role during the D-Day operation, Gordon May, Royal Enfield historian?, said: "The ramp would touch down and out would come the motorcycles. They were used as a means of rounding up troops and getting them forward and also accompanying troops much as a convoy escort rider would have done."
"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."