Royal Enfield RE125 Flying Flea?

[Eben]

I am about to buy this RE125 in South Africa for the equivalent of about 300 USD. I have no idea what model year it is, but suppose the plunger rear suspension and foot gear change make it somewhere in the 1950's? Missing parts are the rear tail light and holder, centre stand, chain guard and push pull light switch and surround plate on the headlight. The motor turns over and apparently started some 2 years ago. The climate is dry so nothing rusts around here. Probably of no use, but what would this bike be worth in the USA in the condition it is now, and what when fully restored? Obviuosly I am not looking for a quick buck, but really want to try my hand on the restoring stuff, and thought this to be an easy starter/learner project! Hopefully I can get the missing parts here in South Africa or at least try and make/get something similar or close to original as possible. What was the original colours?

[camjam65]

Hi Eben,

The bike is definately NOT a RE Model RE 125cc motorcycle (nor is it a WW2 WD/RE, also called the Flying Flea - note that only the WW2 military version was called the Flying Flea as it was made for the airborne forces). Your bike looks like a 1956 RE Ensign bike (which were painted maroon), and used a Villiers-made 150cc engine (the Model RE had a 125cc RE-made engine).

The WD/RE "Flying Fleas" are the most valuable model, fetching high prices in Holland from collectors who like to re-enact Operation Market Garden. Your bike is worth want you want to pay - it is a nice little bike, but don't let anyone fool you into thinking its a Flying Flea...

Cheers, Cam