In the later part of 2017, Royal Enfield introduced two new colour variants of the ever popular Classic - Gunmetal Grey in 350cc and Stealth Black in 500cc. Sporting the dark contemporary shades in a stylish matt finish, these aesthetically designed motorcycles had the engine block, exhaust pipe and silencer powder coated in black, adding to the dark themed look of the motorcycles.
These motorcycles resonated with new-age riders' sense of style, as they continued to embrace the pure motorcycling experience. In that spirit, the new Gunmetal Grey and Stealth Black variants of the Classic came across as a celebration of the dark and the spirit of the various shades of night, the time when a rider reminisces the day gone by, and the day that is yet to unfold.
Royal Enfield, launched the Classic 500 ‘Pegasus’ limited edition motorcycle in 2018. The ‘Pegasus’ was inspired by the legendary 125cc RE/WD Flying motorcycle that played a very significant ‘Airborne’ role during World War II.
Conceived as a tribute to the Flying Flea and Royal Enfield’s military heritage, the Classic 500 Pegasus was a chance to own a piece of motorcycle history with only 1000 units available globally.
The story of the Flying Flea was both remarkable and inspiring, and it had a history like no other motorcycle. Rugged military motorcycles have been an integral part of Royal Enfield’s long-standing legacy, and continue to be till date. The Classic 500 Pegasus was a homage to the legendary war stories and to the resilience and pedigree of Royal Enfield.
Simple, tough and resilient, the Flying Flea (or WD/RE, to use its official title) was deployed extensively as a front line combat machine. An invaluable asset to the elite soldiers of the newly-formed Parachute Regiment, it was dropped by parachute in a protective steel cradle or carried in Horsa assault gliders. On the ground, it was used for reconnaissance, communications and carrying soldiers into battle.
To celebrate the Flea and reveal its fascinating untold tale, Royal Enfield officially teamed up with the British Army's Parachute Regiment. Each of the 1000 new Classic 500 Pegasus motorcycles wore a maroon and blue Pegasus emblem – the official Parachute Regiment insignia – on the fuel tank along with an individual stencilled serial number.
The famous Royal Enfield ‘Made Like a Gun’ decal on the battery box is another reminder of the machine’s lineage. The Pegasus motorcycles’ markings are based on a genuine World War II Flying Flea used by the Airborne divisions during the war. These motorcycles were painted in the wartime colours of Service Brown and Olive Drab Green.
Each of these highly desirable limited edition motorcycles came with a bespoke set of military-style canvas panniers bearing the Pegasus logo. Each motorcycle had authentic markings of military motorcycles, including brown handlebar grips, a leather strap with brass buckles across the air filter, as well as blacked out silencers, rims, kickstart, pedals and headlight bezel to complete the period look. In addition, consumers could also buy a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories that were compatible with the motorcycle.
Later in the year, Royal Enfield launched the Classic 350 Signals edition, a special model that paid a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces Corps of Signals, the division that was responsible for military communications
Envisioned as an ode to Royal Enfield’s 65 years of association with the Indian Armed Forces (since 1952), the Classic Signals 350 was inspired by the Enfields that have been in service, and the men and women who rode them.
The motorcycle was made in two colours, namely Airborne Blue (matte blue) and Stormrider Sand (matte desert brown) with a single brown seat cover. Each one received a unique serial number on the fuel tank along with the Armed Forces division's insignia. In addition, it also got accessories like a large windshield and pannier bags.
On the mechanical front, the Signals had a dual channel ABS, making it the first Royal Enfield motorcycle available with this feature. It complemented the front and rear disc brake setup of the machine. Other than that, this special edition motorcycle remained mechanically similar to the ever popular Classic 350.
