Royal Enfield has brought one of the most remarkable names in motorcycle history back to life, and this time the Flying Flea is leading the manufacturer’s journey into electric motorcycling.
The new Flying Flea C6 arrived in Britain following its European launch in September, with October deliveries planned and a starting price of £5,300, offering riders an entirely different take on the modern electric motorcycle.
For a company that has been building motorcycles for 125 years, the move into electric power represents a significant new chapter, but one that retains a genuine connection to its past.
The original Flying Flea was developed during the Second World War as a lightweight motorcycle that could be transported by aircraft and parachuted into the field, giving soldiers a practical means of getting around.
Its modern successor carries that same spirit of simplicity and lightweight engineering, wrapped in a design that manages to look both wonderfully traditional and unmistakably contemporary.
Perhaps its most distinctive feature is the beautifully engineered girder front suspension, inspired by the original wartime machine and recreated using modern forged aluminium.
There is something refreshing about a motorcycle that celebrates its mechanical details rather than hiding everything behind acres of plastic.
The exposed frame, sculpted battery housing and traditional round headlamp give the Flying Flea a character of its own.
Beneath that classic styling sits a 3.91 kWh battery and an electric motor producing approximately 21 horsepower, with a claimed top speed of 72mph.
Royal Enfield quotes a range of 65 miles under the official urban testing cycle, while charging from 20% to 80% takes just over an hour.
At 124kg, the C6 is also remarkably light by modern motorcycle standards, making it particularly appealing for riders who enjoy an agile, manageable machine.
There is plenty of modern technology too, including a circular touchscreen display, connected navigation, riding modes, traction control and sophisticated braking assistance.
Three colour options are available, with Flea Green, Storm Black and Parachute White each giving the motorcycle a slightly different personality.
Early independent road tests have praised its responsive performance, easy handling and distinctive design, suggesting Royal Enfield has produced something genuinely interesting rather than simply adding an electric motor to an existing motorcycle.
And while the official launch has understandably focused on major European cities, the appeal of a lightweight electric motorcycle need not stop at the city limits.
Across the Highlands, there are plenty of shorter journeys where a compact, easy to manage machine could make everyday riding a pleasure.
For local commuting, visiting neighbouring villages or simply enjoying an afternoon ride, the Flying Flea offers a different way to experience motorcycling.
Its 65 mile official urban range means longer Highland journeys would require careful planning, but that is a consideration rather than a reason to overlook what the motorcycle has been designed to do.
Royal Enfield is beginning its British rollout through London, with further availability dependent on the expansion of its sales and service network.
For Highland riders, a wider dealer network will be important, particularly when it comes to servicing and support.
The Flying Flea C6 also represents something encouraging for motorcycling more generally.
Electric motorcycles do not all have to look futuristic, carry enormous batteries or chase extraordinary performance figures to be interesting.
Sometimes a light, beautifully designed machine with a little history behind it is enough to remind us why we fell in love with motorcycles in the first place.
And if Royal Enfield can bring that character into the electric age, the Flying Flea deserves a warm welcome wherever the road happens to lead.
