Thunderbird 500: Another Campion from Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield used to be a sensation among the motorcycle lovers of the country during the 70s, 80s and the early half of 90s. Then, with the over abundance of bikes with better technology and mileage this demand slowly burned down. The company went through a severe bad phase with models like the Thunderbird and the Electra failing to make any impact in the motorcycle market. This was, until the release of the Classic series. The Classic 350 and Classic 500, even though priced well above Rs. 100,000 was favourably received by motorcycle lovers. With this model we saw a new life given to the company, and as a phoenix it is rising up again. The company seems to be more determined than ever to regain its throne in the industry. A new addition to its rather small series is the Thunderbird 500. Let at take a look at the bike and see what is new about it.

This upgraded version of Thunderbird comes with a 20 litre tank, digital meter console, LED tail lamps and in three new shades of black. Like in the Classic 500 bikes, the engine is a 499cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, twinspark, air-cooled, Keihin Electronic fuel injection engine that produces 27.2 bhp at 5250 rpm. A five speed constant mesh gearbox with a wet multi-plate clutch is used to capably manage this power. The engine also produces 41.3 Nm torque at 4000 rpm. Unlike any other Royal Enfield models in circulation in the country today, Thunderbird 500s engine is coated in black, enhancing its lean mean look. This bike is also a tad heavier than the present Classic 500. More over at 27.2 bhp the machine is powerful enough to take on most of the home grown motorcycles in the country.

We have to consider the 20 litre fuel tank as an advantage; it sure does compliment the aggressive look of the bike, more than that it helps a lot during long drives. This bike is shorter yet bulkier and taller than the Classic series; it also provides better ground clearance than the latter. In case of long drives where a little extra luggage is a must, the rear split seat can be removed and that extra luggage can be mounted. There is also a back rest that is sure to increase the comfort of the passenger. The new upgraded instrument console has a digital LCD display along with the original 2 independent trip meters. Another well thought feature is the newly given rear disk brakes. It is needless to say that this is a much needed safety and quality accessory that is lacking in many of today’s bikes in the country.

The bike also comes with a totally redesigned head and an all new LED tail lamp with position light guides. This new head lamp is another subtle that the Royal Enfield has entered the modern biking era. This new head lamp console comes with a projector lamp and LED light with guide Halo ring. The 55W projector lamp handles low beam while the 55W LED light provides the high beam for the bike. The extended handle bars, the uniquely shaped rear view mirrors and the circular indicators are all distinguishable touch to the bike’s elegance. But nothing beats the new colour variants of black the company is offering in this bike. These colours alone ought to be capable of making this bike a winner.

Price: Rs. 180,000+
Alternative: Look at other Royal Enfield bikes