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Flying Flea Spotted Testing

Nepal Auto Trader

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Highlights

  • Royal Enfield announces the launch of its first electric motorcycle, the Flying Flea C6, for Nepal.
  • Production‑ready model confirmed after road tests in Chennai and cold‑weather trials in Ladakh.
  • Classic cruiser styling paired with a grid‑fork front suspension – first for an electric bike.
  • Features include belt‑drive, multiple ride‑modes, double‑disc brakes, corner‑ABS and a TFT display.
  • Expected public reveal in April 2024, according to Indian media.
  • Targets riders who love the heritage of the original Flying Flea but want zero‑emission performance.
  • Signals Royal Enfield’s push into the fast‑growing electric two‑wheel segment in South Asia.


Royal Enfield readies the Flying Flea C6 for Nepal

The Kathmandu office buzzed this week as Royal Enfield India confirmed that the Flying Flea C6 is no longer a prototype hidden behind camouflage. The bike has been running un‑masked on the streets of Chennai, and the company says the production version is now locked in. That matters because it moves the model from a test‑track curiosity to a market‑ready product.

The company also disclosed that the bike endured a winter stint in Ladakh, proving its battery and motor can cope with sub‑zero temperatures. Cold‑weather performance is a make‑or‑break factor for Nepal’s mountain routes, so the successful test is a strong signal.


Why an electric classic matters

Royal Enfield built its reputation on the Flying Flea – a simple, high‑performance petrol bike that dominated the 1970s and 80s. The new Flying Flea C6 borrows that name, but swaps the carburetor for a silent electric motor. The decision to keep the classic silhouette while adding modern tech is a deliberate strategy.

Riders who cherish the thrum of a single‑cylinder engine will miss that sound, yet they gain instant torque and zero‑emission cruising. The brand is betting that nostalgia plus practicality will win over a new generation of urban commuters and adventure seekers alike. This changes things for the whole segment, because no other Indian classic‑style manufacturer has announced an electric model in this form factor.


Key features and tech at a glance

  • Belt‑drive transmission – low maintenance, smoother power delivery.
  • Customisable ride modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and a new ‘Classic’ setting that softens throttle response.
  • Advanced connectivity – Bluetooth pairing, navigation prompts, and remote diagnostics.
  • Traction control and corner‑ABS – safety suite for wet or slippery roads.
  • Double‑disc front brake – improved stopping power over the old drum setup.
  • TFT colour display – shows range, speed, mode, and battery health.
  • Grid‑fork front suspension – first grid‑fork on any electric motorcycle, borrowed from the 1940s cruiser line.

That matters because each of these items pushes the bike beyond a simple city commuter and into the realm of premium two‑wheelers.


Spec sheet

Specification Detail
Motor type Permanent‑magnet synchronous motor
Power output Not disclosed publicly yet
Torque Not disclosed publicly yet
Battery capacity Integrated into the frame, exact kWh not released
Range (WLTP) Estimated 150‑200 km depending on mode
Charging time Fast charge to 80% in ~1.5 hours, full charge ~3 hours
Weight Approximately 210 kg (wet)
Dimensions (L×W×H) 2100×800×1100 mm

The spec table reads sparse because Royal Enfield has kept power‑train numbers under wraps. That is typical for a launch‑phase announcement, but the promised performance and premium build quality are already being touted in media briefings.


Market positioning and next steps

Royal Enfield aims the Flying Flea C6 at riders who currently own a Classic 350 or Bullet 500 and are eyeing an upgrade to electric without abandoning the brand’s heritage look. In Nepal, the electric two‑wheel market is still nascent – only a handful of imported e‑bikes are registered, and most are low‑cost commuters.

By introducing a premium‑priced classic‑styled electric bike, Royal Enfield hopes to create a new tier of aspirational owners. The company’s pricing strategy has not been disclosed, but competitors such as TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak sit in the NPR 150,000‑200,000 range. If the Flying Flea C6 lands above that, it will be positioned as a lifestyle product rather than a budget commuter.

The rollout plan includes a public unveiling in April 2024, followed by test‑ride events in major Nepali cities – Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar. Pre‑orders are expected to open shortly after the launch, with first deliveries slated for Q3 2024. This timeline aligns with the Indian market debut, which is also pencilled in for April.


Outlook for electric two‑wheelers in the region

South Asia is witnessing a rapid shift toward electrification, driven by stricter emissions norms and rising fuel costs. Nepal’s government recently announced incentives for electric vehicle imports, including reduced customs duties and tax rebates for battery‑powered two‑wheelers. That creates a fertile environment for the Flying Flea C6 to gain traction.

If Royal Enfield can deliver on its promise of classic appeal and solid performance, it could spark a wave of heritage‑styled electric bikes from other manufacturers. The brand’s global reputation for durability will also help overcome range‑anxiety concerns among rural riders.

The next few months will reveal whether the Flying Flea C6 can translate its hype into real‑world sales. For now, the announcement alone is enough to shift the conversation about electric motorcycles in Nepal from niche to mainstream.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the Flying Flea C6 be available in Nepal? A: Royal Enfield plans a public reveal in April 2024, with pre‑orders opening shortly after and first deliveries expected in the third quarter of 2024.

Q: What is the expected price of the Flying Flea C6? A: Pricing has not been announced yet, but analysts expect it to sit above the NPR 150,000‑200,000 range occupied by current electric commuter bikes.

Q: How does the range compare to other electric motorcycles in Nepal? A: Royal Enfield estimates a WLTP‑based range of 150‑200 km, which is higher than most entry‑level e‑bikes that offer 80‑120 km per charge.

Q: Are there any special incentives for buying the Flying Flea C6 in Nepal? A: The Nepali government currently offers reduced customs duties and tax rebates for electric two‑wheelers, which should apply to the Flying Flea C6 once it is officially imported.

Q: What safety features does the bike include? A: It comes with double‑disc front brakes, corner‑ABS, traction control, and a grid‑fork suspension designed for better handling on varied road surfaces.

Q: Will there be a service network for the electric model? A: Royal Enfield intends to leverage its existing dealer network across Nepal, adding dedicated service bays and training for electric‑specific maintenance.

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