Royal Enfield’s solitary launch for 2012 will be the Thunderbird 500, a motorcycle that wowed show goers at the Indian Auto Expo by literally being the showstopper at the Royal Enfield pavilion.
The Thunderbird 500 has been perhaps one of the most anticipated offering from the Royal Enfield stable considering that the Thunderbird 350 has been doing yeoman service for the last ten years. The Thunderbird has built for itself a reputation of being a comfortable touring motorcycle and is often the first choice amongst the Royal Enfield models for touring enthusiasts. The Thunderbird has earned itself the reputation of a capable highway tourer and established itself firmly in the cruiser market. The Thunderbird broke away from the mould of Royal Enfield’s traditional motorcycles and redefined a new lineup. In that direction, the new Thunderbird has come as fresh motorcycle.
Royal Enfield is nothing short of a phenomenon in countries where it’s standing out since the past many generations that have passed. Thunderbird is undoubtedly the most stylish and performance oriented addition to the lineup. The bike is the attractive mix of both retro as well as modern concepts in styling and technology both. The bike falls under the cruiser segment and this time the rider could be sure of more comfortable ergonomics and refiner power coming after that throttle roll.
Design & Styling :
The ‘black’ engine is one of the first styling elements that catch your attention the moment you see the motorcycle. The seat has been completely redesigned to suit the new foot pegs position. The handle bar too has received changes for better reach and ergonomics. The seat now opens using a lock mechanism, accessible through the side panel.
The instrumentation also includes two digital trip meters, allowing riders to keep a track of total trip mileage as well as intermediate mileage between tankfuls. The speed and engine rpm are shown via tastefully designed analogue clocks, housed in all new twin pods at the front.
Engine and Transmission :
The engine is 499 cc 4 stroke, single cylinder version that could make a 27.2 bhp power output through an electronic fuel injection system and delivers a prodigious peak torque of 41.3 Nm torque in the chamber. The bike is said to be featured with Classic’s 500cc UCE engine with EFI. The engine is mated to a five speed gearbox and uses maintenance free hydraulic tappets.
What's new in the Thunderbird 500 ?
The bike comes up with features like digital twin pod LCD console to make tracking speeds smoother in the night and low light conditions.
The saddle height has been reduced to enhance the stability and overall comfort during those long trails with no one else but you under the sun. The front wheel is a 19” spoke rim which has the sturdy grip of 41mm forks to hold them to their place.
The headlight has also got a projection type headlamp of 55/55 W H7 Bulb that could illuminate the roads much brighter than you could imagine. The rear wheel has also been given a 240 mm Disc brake to help it reach a halt in time.
Top Speed
The Thunderbird 500cc could get a maximum of 130 km/h on the road.
Dimensions
The length of the bike is 2120.00 mm, width is 750.00 mm and the height 1080.00 mm.
Shades Available
The color of the bike is only going to be in contours of black like Midnight, Matte and Arctic Winter Black.
Price and availability
Actual sales of the vehicle may begin only near mid 2012. It comes with a price tag ranging between Rs 1,40,000 to 1,90,000 for the Indian buyers.
RE Thunderbird 500 high points at a Glance :
- Matte black finished engine
- Seat has been completely redesigned to suit the new foot pegs position.
- Separately mounted pillion seat can be removed to accommodate luggage.
- Bungee hooks are provided to strap up that extra luggage during those long rides.
- The most noticeable is the tail lamp which is LED, unlike the earlier round shaped tail lamp. We found this to be a little out of sync with the design of the bike.
- The trip meter is now digital and a projector lamp is provided for low beam along with a halogen lamp for high beam.
- Rear Disc Brake
With increasing demand from several locations across the country, Royal Enfield has also embarked on widening its reach and improving after sales services . In addition to production and dealer ramp up, the company is also charting to launch its Thunderbird 500 motorcycle, which was showcased at the Auto Expo, in May or June. With this, it hopes to strengthen the brand position further in leisure motorcycling in the country.
