Royal Enfield’s Electric Revolution: The Launch of the Flying Flea C6

Royal Enfield, a name synonymous with classic motorcycles, has embarked on a new journey with the launch of its electric vehicle brand, Flying Flea. This monumental step marks the “so called” beginning of a new chapter in the company’s history, as it aims to blend its rich heritage with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.

The first model under this new brand, the Flying Flea C6, is set to hit the market by…

early 2026.

Enfield explains the Flying Flea brand draws its name from the original Flying Flea motorcycle, a small, lightweight bike designed for military use during World War II… as if we care…

The C6, a classically styled electric motorcycle, is designed to cater to urban mobility needs while offering a premium and exciting riding experience. The Flying Flea C6 is built on a forged aluminum frame, providing a lightweight yet strong structure. This frame, combined with a magnesium battery case, ensures optimal weight saving and cooling.

The C6 is equipped with a circular TFT instrument cluster, displaying essential information such as speed, trip meter, battery status, and range. Additionally, it features Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and other connected features.

One of the standout features of the Flying Flea C6 is its advanced safety systems, including traction control, cornering ABS, and cruise control. The motorcycle also offers five ride modes, allowing riders to customize their riding experience based on their preferences.

The narrow tyres… (OMG… narrow tyres??? why??? why???)… enhance agility in urban environments and help maximize range by reducing rolling resistance… (in Nana Patekar voice… milage… milage… milage… aakhir “kitna deti hai?” sawal ka jawab dena hi padta hai… this is actually petrolhead mentality).

The Flying Flea C6 is powered by a mid-mounted e-motor and features disc brakes on both ends.

The company has not yet revealed details about the battery pack or e-motor, but it is expected to have a battery pack larger than 5kWh, providing a real-world range between 150-200 km on a full charge2. The motorcycle also features 10-spoke alloy wheels and a solo seat, with an optional pillion seat or a twin-seat variant.

Royal Enfield’s commitment to electric vehicles is evident in its investment of over Rs 1,500 crore in its electric vehicle business.

The company has set up a dedicated team of over 200 engineers in India and the UK to focus on research and development for electric vehicles.

The first set of electric vehicles will be produced at the Orgadam (Tamil Nadu) facility, with a new electric vehicle facility in Cheyyar (Tamil Nadu) set to have a capacity of 1.5 lakh units per annum.

The Flying Flea C6 will initially be launched in international markets such as Europe and the US, where there is better traction for premium electric motorcycles.

Royal Enfield plans to eventually introduce the C6 in the Indian market as well. The company believes that the retro-styled EV will cater to a new segment below its mid-sized petrol-powered bikes, offering a unique and exciting riding experience.

In conclusion, the launch of the Flying Flea C6 might look like a significant milestone for Royal Enfield but its too muted and too delayed… by the time it launches… it will have to compete with Ultraviolette F77, Ola Roadster and Revolt. But Enfield has a very good design team.

Couple of years ago the company CEO himself was not sure if India was ready to go electric.

Moral of the story is that you cannot depend upon petrol vehicle companies to give you EVs. Tata Nano had displayed the Nano Electric in 2012 Auto Expo… it never saw the light of the day.

So when the Royal Enfield guys talk about making EVs take it with a pinch of salt.

The launch itself was not in India but in Milan… which itself tells you a lot about the intention of the CEO and absolute lack of understanding of the Indian market. India currently is the biggest hotspot of the Electric revolution in 2Wheelers. But CEO prefers not to showcase in India but in different country.

The launch was quite subdued, absolutely lacked energy had almost no-to-low audio and kind of apologetic… that they cannot make a long range bike etc… that EVs have quite a few limitations… etc.

The Company’s YouTube channel seems to have deleted all the negative comments and what was left was Enfield Fans complaining about “ALL the negative comments” … on one side and other fans complaining that… “a silent Enfield will no longer be a Royal Enfield”.

So all the best Enfield… launch the bike whenever you feel like it… and where ever you want to… we are not gagging for it… as there are more than one option available right now…

Better not to launch but keep testing and burn shareholders money… and listen to your fanboys… after all… “a Silent Enfield will no longer be a Royal Enfield” … right?

The YouTube live comments were more fun to read than the actual launch…hahahaha