15. Royal Enfield WD/RE
Source: Steve Glover, flickr
In 1939, Royal Enfield was commissioned to specifically develop several different motorcycles for WWII. However, the WD/RE was by far the best and most memorable. British troops affectionately dubbed it the “Flying Flea”, because it was tiny and lightweight. The 125 cc powered motorcycles were designed to be dropped into hot zones via parachute. Once on the ground, they would be used by British paratroopers behind enemy lines to establish and maintain safe communication with each other. Flying Fleas were the troop favorite because their two-stroke engines could run on any type of gasoline. In addition, they were light enough to be picked up and carried over obstacles or squeeze through tight spaces.