Royal Enfield WD/RE(Flying Flea)

Manufacturer                                  Royal Enfield

Also called                                 Flying Flea

Production                                 1939–1941

Predecessor                                 DKW RT100

Successor                                 RE125

Class                                         Military

Engine                                        126 cc air-cooled two strokesingle

Top speed                                45 mph

Power                                        3.5 hp @ 4,500

Transmission                                four-speed, chain final drive

Suspension                                fixed

Brakes                                       drum

Dimensions                               L: 75 in

                                                      W: 26 in

Weight                                       130 lb (59 kg)

The best known Royal Enfield produced for the Second World War was the WD/RE 125 cc which was known as the Flying Flea and designed to be dropped by parachute with airborne troops.

After the German authorities stopped the Dutch franchisee of the DKW RT100 motorcycle from receiving any more supplies in 1938, preferring a non-Jewish company, Royal Enfield was contacted by the displaced importer about producing a similar motorcycle.  Royal Enfield's version of the bike was produced by Ted Pardoe, who expanded the engine. Two prototypes under the name 'Royal Baby' were shown at Rotterdam in April 1939.Using a less sophisticated but increased-capacity two-stroke engine in the same frame, a few of these RE motorcycles were made before the outbreak of the Second World War.

As with other British motorcycle manufacturers, the Royal Enfield factory production was turned over to the war effort. Military motorcycles included the Royal Enfield WD/C 350 cc sidevalve, the Royal Enfield WD/D 250 cc sidevalve and the Royal Enfield WD/L 570 cc.

In early 1942, the War Office ordered twenty WD/RE motorcycles from Royal Enfield for testing. Based on their 1939 civilian pre-war design, the prototype had a right hand brake and was fitted with an Amal carburettor and had a low-mounted toolbox. The trials went well and led to some modifications, including fitting a twin-box exhaust system to help silence the noisy two stroke engine, a Villiers carburettor (indicated by a 'V' on the engine), raising the toolbox and fitting a folding kick-start, footrests and even folding handlebars, so that it could be packed into the smallest possible space. A Miller lighting system was added, together with a sealed vent on the fuel filler to prevent spillage when the motorcycle was packed in a drop carrier. The foot brake was also relocated to the left side.

Seen a REAL one in Jaipur Rajasthan India