In a world that is commonly dictated by capitalistic turn and burn tendencies, Flying Flea aims to contest the notion that you must compromise style for functionality and vice versa. I sat down with Chief Growth Officer, Mario Alvisi to chat about the debut model. You’ll find we discussed what it means to wake up excited about your otherwise “routine” journey, and why you don’t have to compromise individuality on your way to your next destination. With artists, community, and design in mind, Flying Flea offers us much more than an innovative take on independent transportation. They’ve invited us into their world, might as well dive in. Don’t worry, they’ve got an extra parachute if you want it.
Cities like London tend to necessitate vast communities of innovators, all bringing individual creative visions to the fore. Despite only launching their newest brand in March, Royal Enfield seemingly found themselves at home for the debut of electronic brand, Flying Flea. Upon witnessing the bike at Aures in the Leake Street Arches under Waterloo station, I quickly discovered that the innovative motorcycle brand is so much more than meets the eye. During our discussion, Mario showcased the myriad ways Flying Flea’s work directly intertwines with artists, community efforts, design, and fashion.
The discourse is changing in creative spaces where gatekeeping used to be commonplace. Innovation becomes stifled if not for a community that is as encouraging as it is challenging. When we seek to lift each individual up, we all thrive. For anyone who dabbles in multiple mediums creatively, they’ll understand just how difficult it can be to pinpoint one’s exact goals and how they will intersect additional prospects. Not only this, but where it can become unreasonably difficult to find your people when you exist along interdisciplinary lines. Flying Flea presents us a middle ground where unique tastes meet practicality, contained in a curated universe that anyone can wander into. In order to present the public with a truly unique and enthralling riding experience, FF pulled out all the stops.
Last month, the brand debuted their latest product in London after being previously witnessed in major cities like New Delhi and Las Vegas. The bike is increasingly ready for the international open road. Many exciting collaborations sit within the brand’s purview, one of those circumvents partnerships brewing with RKIVE City ahead of their next major event, taking place in Mumbai. Brands like RAEBURN are a quintessential example of this kind of ongoing relationship, a fashion label that immediately came to mind when I first came across Flying Flea’s world-building. Creation truly cannot happen in a vacuum, the interlocking areas of design seemingly intersect one another to create something truly unique.
Hoping that it’s clear Flying Flea’s efforts are “more than the vehicle itself”, Mario expressed that its debut will create avenues for conversation to inevitably build into ongoing creative relationships outside of the world of transportation. Mario envisions the motorcycle expanding well beyond the confines of the cities its’ been showcased in so far, taking with it an innovative spirit focused on heritage and community. Noting that the brand wants “creative individuals to collaborate” with them, focusing on “supporting emerging brands and artists”. Mario believes that Flying Flea is a postmark in a cultural shift toward “a different future that is about beauty, self determination, sophistication, and inventiveness”. Inevitably their product will make its way into other capital cities like Mumbai, Barcelona and Milan in future.
Previous events have highlighted the crossroads between creative areas, its New Delhi programming bridged gaps between “enthusiasts, designers, and industry experts” for a first hand account of the bike and its many exciting features. For first time riders, to seasoned professionals, there is something flirtatious and intriguing about its build alone. Existing along fluxing and flowing silhouettes, the mechanics almost compel you toward it. I found this particularly exhilarating about its design. As opposed to the way that more heavy industrial elements may feel nerve wracking to engage with. Considering those who’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, the brand’s design is as accessible as it is stylish.
Towing the line between artistry and practicality, these bikes simply belong in cities like London. Aesthetically, there’s a level of ingenuity that exists amongst creatives, constantly seeking to uncover the next new trend. Flying Flea is that and more, aligning with a culture that is particularly focused on raising consciousness about environmental sustainability, there’s no better place for an entirely electronic system to blossom. The machinery which is not only beautiful to look at, simultaneously grows with you. Adapting to user riding style, its customisable modes, remote diagnostics, smart navigation and connectivity all combine via over-the-air updates. Features consistently tap into what could create better fuel outputs, safety whilst driving, and up to date insight into maintenance before problems even present.
Arriving in a debut teal colourway – featuring pops of neon chartreuse, the bike undoubtedly packs a punch. The build itself is uniquely one of a kind from start to finish. Composed by a team of “200 engineers” the product champions the result of robust creative ideation as it buffets against environmental considerations. Outfitted with charging features that are compatible with standard sockets, you won’t find yourself stressing about where you can take the motorcycle, or rather where it can take you. If anything, you’ll find the answer is endless when it comes to your next journey around the bustling Big Smoke.
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Words: Lauren Bulla