The 63rd edition of Salone del Mobile, also known as Milan Design Week, took place last month at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center. The event showcased the latest designs from renowned design houses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès. One of the most striking installations was a custom Royal Enfield Flying Flea electric bike, transformed into a sculpture by Los Angeles-based artist Mattia Biagi.
The Flying Flea is a vintage-style electric bike inspired by the World War II-era Royal Enfield Flying Flea, which was air-dropped alongside paratroopers. Mattia’s vision was to treat the bike as a canvas, creating a unique piece of art that combines natural materials such as travertine, ceramics, and wood. The bike’s chassis, drivetrain, and running gear remain intact, but it’s adorned with handmade pieces that reflect Mattia’s Italian heritage and personal style.
The bike’s faux fuel tank is made from travertine, a type of limestone that Mattia has been fascinated with since childhood. The tank’s design mimics the contours of a parachute, nodding to the Flying Flea’s history. The bike also features ceramic pieces, including handmade clay adornments on the fork legs and a matching belt guard. The front and rear fenders are made from clear resin, with leaves cast into the material to symbolize life and growth.
Mattia also worked with a glassblower in Murano, Italy, to create a unique headlight lens. The taillight is another handmade glass piece. Other materials used in the bike’s construction include brass, which was used to create custom grips and footpegs molded from Mattia’s own hands.
The custom bike, dubbed “Motototem,” was showcased at Salone del Mobile with the support of Royal Enfield’s Custom World program. The bike will now be exhibited at various events, including art exhibitions, where it’s sure to turn heads. With its unique blend of natural materials and artistic flair, this Flying Flea is a true showstopper that would be just as at home in a living room as it would be on the road.
Mattia Biagi’s work is highly sought after, and his background in fashion and interior design is evident in the bike’s meticulous attention to detail. As a motorcyclist himself, Mattia has created a truly one-of-a-kind piece that showcases the potential for motorcycles to be seen as works of art. The “Motototem” Flying Flea is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation, and it’s sure to inspire anyone who sees it.