Royal Enfield Flying Flea concept
Electric bike concept design from Royal Enfield
More of the new stuff from the Milan show – this time the new Royal Enfield Flying Flea electric concept bike. The name comes from a very non-electric background: the original Flying Flea was a WW2 military machine, dropped alongside paratroopers to provide basic communications and mobility. And now the Indian firm has launched a whole new brand, called Flying Flea, which will produce electric urban mobility machinery going forward.
WWII Flying Flea Advert
The firm showed off two versions of the concept bike at Milan – an S6 scrambler and a C6 Classic model, with suitable neo-retro styling, girder-style front fork and an aluminium frame. There’s not a lot of clear info on the powertrain, in terms of power, range, charge time, or anything really. Here’s what the firm has to say about the technology:
“Authentic retro-futuristic style – The authentic and unmistakable design is highlighted by the first-of-its-kind contemporary reimagining of the original Flying Flea front suspension, featuring a forged aluminium Girder fork and articulating mudguard. This fork style was synonymous with pre-1930s motorcycles, and the original Flying Flea notably elevated this style with an elegant ‘rubber band’ style girder fork.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea
This focal point of an already distinctive design is not only carried forward with the new Flying Flea but reinvented and completely modernised, a ground-up redesign of which results in a unique riding experience only available on the FF-C6.
The flowing forged aluminium frame provides a lightweight yet strong structure with a timeless silhouette, while the magnesium battery case utilises organic design language for optimal weight saving and cooling. The design theme of the battery fins is emblematic of the Flying Flea’s ethos, fusing tradition and technology.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea
The dynamic front fins, arranged in odd sequences, represent innovation and modern technology while the elegant rear fins, placed in even sequences, embody tradition and legacy. Both clusters of fins twist and turn, eventually merging seamlessly into a graceful wing-shaped motif at the centre. A true round touchscreen cluster maintains classic lines alongside high-tech functionality.
Cutting Edge Technology- Cutting-edge connected features utilise a myriad of native technologies for a seamless experience both on and off the bike – 28 patents have been filed in the last six months alone, with further advancements coming by the day. Bespoke software, developed in-house constantly monitors and optimises riding experience, from improving mileage to creating a captivating riding feel.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea
To leverage the full capabilities of the FF-C6 we have developed a central Vehicle Control Unit, which integrates all the physical and digital touch points, powered by a tailor-made chip made specifically for FF. This VCU enables over 200,000 different ride mode combinations, constantly monitors your bike when you are away to alert if it is disturbed or moved, and is always up to date with Over The Air updates and feature additions.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea
The ride modes allow the user to tailor their experience not just for economy or comfort but for sheer enjoyment through nuanced adjustments to throttle, brake and regen feel – allowing your bike to change as your mood, your roads and your needs do. The phone as a key technology allows you to simply jump on and ride away.”
Royal Enfield Flying Flea
And that, alongside some talk about leaning ABS, cruise control and domestic 240v charging system is about all we have. But the firm is promising more news soon – as early as next year. And we’ll bring you that as soon as we get it. In the meantime, follow the brand at Instagram on @royalenfieldev
