Hi Ken
That limited edition is an interesting idea that I have had also with another "modern" Royal Enfield Classic 500 limited edition "despatch" issued 3 years ago (so RE's previous military limited edition before this "Pegasus" one) and that I am modifying to make it look as close as possible to an authentic WW2 despatch. This previous limited edition was far away from looking like the inspiration model with lots of inconstitencies like very shiny rims that I had to sandblast and paint, etc, etc. With all the changes made (haven't finished, it's quite a big work) it is already beginning to look like an authentic one, at least for non specialists, and that's the most important: honoring the memory of WW2 despatch riders. Some may find this is a heresy, but not everyone has the chance to own an authentic WW2 despatch motorbike, and it will be more and more difficult to find/afford one. The prices for restored WLA's or WLC's start now at a crazy 20.000 euros and are closer to 25.000 ! I fear british despatch motorbikes will reach these summits in the (close ?) future... It's also useful to ride a "modern" motorbike with a regular 100/110 km/h speed that allows you to ride in today's traffic and doesn't need to put it on a trailer for long distances. I live 500km from Normandy, so going over there for historical trips and commemorations is easy and quite secure by small roads.
So I find RE's idea excellent. I just regret that- a usual- they don't go all the way with the concept, as they could have added more WW2 looking parts that would have made the model much more WW2 look-alike than it is: top yoke, headlight, seat, pannier's frame, rear light, etc- in fact all parts that I'm changing on mine to really give it a WW2 look, with the exception of girder fork - that by the way didn't have Matchless G3L's - , front disc brakes or rear suspension that can't be modified/added/removed due to security/insurance/MOT reasons. Hitchcock motorcycles produces for RE's Classic 500 models numerous of these WW2 looking parts, so no need for RE to create them ex nihilo, and IMHO extra costs (probably a few hundred euros) would'nt have been an issue for this 1000 units limited edition.
That said, RE is the only motorcycle brand that continues to honor the dangerous and remarquable life of despatch riders during WW2, and even if marketing issues are of course their main consideration with this edition, at least they help with the duty of remembrance.
That said, I also hope to own one day an authentic despatch motorbike (I'm dreaming on Stuart Bray's motorcycles videos...), because nothing is worth the original !
Jean-Marc
Jean-Marc, you can buy a REAL WW2 Royal Enfield WD CO for similar money to this current farrago from India. And the REAL Royal Enfield will hold its value and interest. Yes, Harleys are now silly money, driven by hype.
Hi FerG3
You're right nothing is worth a real one. The issue here in France is to find a restored one, very rare. The option can be to buy and bring one back from the UK, but then it's a nightmare to obtain a french collection V5 (only document allowing to drive and get insurance) that should be issued from the english V5. Officials here do all they can to get rid of old vehicles military or not, and the best way they found is to deny the obtention of official papers.
Still we have 2 or 3 profesionals selling old british motorbikes with french V card, most of them not military, but sometimes a Matchless G3L or a M20 pops-up. I'll probably choose this option even if it's more expensive
About Harleys I'm not surprised and have the same impression. We have more and more reenacters who choose US airborne troops (it seems that US 101 and 82 airborne were the only military units that landed in Normandy and Provence...) And, while not having any military culture, they parade in ridiculous brand new battledresses during ceremonies -I call them christmas trees- , then become drunkards all night at their camps. Just hate this mentality and surely much prefer the british troops, reenactors and equipment
