Royal Enfield unveiled the new Classic 500 Pegasus at a gala event in UK on Tuesday. The new motorcycle is inspired by the Royal Enfield Flying Flea, which was used by British paratroopers during World War II. The limited edition motorcycle has been built in collaboration with the British Army's Parachute Regiment. We list down the five most interesting details about the new motorcycle.
It’s a tribute
The new Royal Enfield Classic 500 Pegasus pays homage to the Royal Enfield RE/WD 125, more popularly known by the moniker, Flying Flea. The Royal Enfield Flying Flea was a compact 125cc, 2-stroke motorcycle that was part of many battles during of World War II, including D-Day and Arnhem. Given its 59kg kerb weight and compact dimensions, the Flying Flea was air-dropped at battlefields by parachute in a protective steel cradle. More than 4,000 units of the Flying Flea were ordered by the War Department and it was used for reconnaissance, communications and carrying soldiers into battle. The light-weight body also allowed soldiers to lift the bike over a fence or a ditch.
What’s different?
The first thing that you will notice about the Royal Enfield Classic 500 Pegasus is its distinctive paint shades. Internationally, the motorcycle is offered in two colour palettes - Service Brown and Olive Drab Green (wartime colours of the Flying Flea). However, the Classic 500 Pegasus will be only available in Service Brown in India as the Motor Vehicles Act restricts civilians from using the olive green shade, reserved as it is for the armed forces. All the bikes will feature a maroon and blue Pegasus emblem on the fuel tank, which is the insignia of the official Parachute Regiment. Also, a unique serial number will be stencilled on the fuel tank. Other custom additions augmenting the period look are brown handlebar grips, a leather strap with brass buckles across the air filter and military-style canvas panniers. Completing the period look are blacked-out elements like the exhaust muffler, engine, rims, handlebar, kickstart, pedals and headlight bezel.
Production will be limited
To maintain exclusivity, Royal Enfield announced that only 1,000 examples of the Classic 500 Pegasus will be manufactured. As for India, which is its biggest market, 250 units have been allotted. Royal Enfield has reserved 190 units for UK and the rest will be distributed across other countries where RE has a presence. This would make the Classic 500 Pegasus among the most exclusive Royal Enfield offerings to go on sale.
No mechanical changes
All the changes made on the new limited edition motorcycle are cosmetic and no mechanical changes have been done. Powering the motorcycle is the same 499cc motor as seen on the standard Classic 500. The air-cooled engine delivers 27.6hp at 5,250rpm and 41.3Nm of peak torque at 4,000rpm. Frame, suspension and braking hardware is also similar to the standard motorcycle.
Expected pricing and launch
The Royal Enfield Classic 500 Pegasus has been launched in UK and it’s available for an on-road price of GBP 4,999 (approx. Rs 4.56 lakh), which is roughly six percent more than the standard Classic 500’s pricing in the UK. The Classic 500 Pegasus will go on sale in India next month and it will command a slight premium over the standard bike, with an expected price tag of around Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom). Royal Enfield will sell the limited edition motorcycle online on the same lines as the Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet. We are expecting RE to make an announcement regarding the sales of the bike soon. Do watch this space for updates.
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
Dinshaw Magol
Vishal Venugopal
