It played a pivotal role in many campaigns through the Second World War, and now a special limited-edition of the RE/WD 125 is back in action

Royal Enfield Classic 500 Pegasus

Price £4,999, royalenfield.com

Engine 500cc

This great brute of a motorbike, which is being released by Royal Enfield next month, was inspired by the ‘Flying Flea’, the company’s legendary Second World War motorcycle. The Flying Flea, or to give it its proper name the RE/WD 125, was the first proper motorbike to be dropped behind enemy lines. It was a capable, two-stroke 125cc that proved to be almost indestructible. It was hugely popular on the ground and played a vital role in some of the great battles of the war, including D-Day and Arnhem.

The motorbike was originally manufactured at Royal Enfield’s secret underground facility in a disused quarry in Westwood, Wiltshire, but today is being built at Royal Enfield’s modern base in Chennai, India.

Only 1,000 of the new bikes will be built and each will have a maroon and blue Pegasus emblem – the official Parachute Regiment insignia – on the fuel tank along with an individual stenciled serial number. It comes in either Service Brown or Olive Drab Green and is loaded with a host of accessories and period details. It’s a wonderful retro ride that pays tribute to a motorbike with a big heart.

Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166