1948 Royal Enfield Model RE Flying Flea 125cc Motorcycle

Description

Well known for manufacturing engines, bicycles and firearms (hence the motto "built like a gun, goes like a bullet"), Royal Enfield turned their hand to building motorcycles way back in 1901 and established themselves as one of Britain's most popular brands by the First World War.  The first Royal Enfield to use the Bullet moniker was a four-valve single announced in 1931, while the Model G of 1935 was the first of a series of new-generation motorcycles, employing fully advanced technology like enclosed valve gear, vertical cylinder and cast-in pushrod tunnel.  With the advent of World War II, Royal Enfield built a number of motorcycles for military use, including the 350cc and 570cc side-valves and the famous "Flying Flea", a lightweight 125cc bike that could be parachuted into battle inside a tubular cage, although most were landed using troop gliders.  Powered by an air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder developing 3.5 horsepower, the WD/RE used a three-speed chain drive and drum brakes.  Surplus bikes were sold off post-war for civilian use and production of the Flying Flea ultimately resumed; designated the RE 125, a foot-operated gear change was added, along with telescopic front forks and a redesigned frame and engine from 1951 onwards.  Although production in Redditch ceased in 1970, Enfields continue to be built under licence in India today and the brand has a loyal following around the world amongst bike enthusiasts.