Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Price, Features and Specifications

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.

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 high rise handlebars, forward placed foot-pegs and a low seat height enable a rider to cover distances comfortably for longer periods of time. Other small styling elements that a keen enthusiast will notice are the Royal Enfield logo on the all new foot-pegs, new design mirrors.

Seats :

The seat now opens using a lock mechanism, accessible through the side panel. True to its design concept as a more touring friendly motorcycle, the separately mounted pillion seat can be removed to accommodate luggage. The pillion grab rail is an all new pressure die cast component and lends to the modern design of the motorcycle. Bungee hooks provide the much needed bungee points to tie luggage.

Instrument cluster :

The new front end lends itself nicely to the muscular stance of the bike. 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. The main ignition lock also functions as a central steering lock. The inclusion of hazard lamps in the switch gear is a first for a motorcycle manufactured in India. The tank cap is placed asymmetrically on the top right hand side of the tank, instead of the conventional central mounting; a distinctive styling element of the Thunderbird 500.

Engine :

It now comes loaded with a 500cc Unit Construction Engine (UCE) and additional power makes covering distance an easier task. The seamless torque delivery will keep the rider entertained through the twisty sections. A flick of the right wrist is all it takes now to overtake a slower moving vehicle or climb up a twisty section. When it was time to build a Thunderbird 500, Royal Enfield decided that it had to offer more than what customers were used to seeing from the Thunderbird in its current guise. Apart from the larger engine, the bike now features 41mm thick forks in front and an oval section swingarm at the rear to allow the rider to handle the additional power. The inclusion of a rear disc brake will now allow the rider to confidently explore the upper limits of the motorcycle’s performance capabilities. 

Fuel tank :

Since Royal Enfield's are mainly associated with tour and leisure purpose and to tackle this issue Thunderbird 500 comes equipped with a massive 20-litre fuel tank for an enhanced range.

Ergonomics :

The designs are now oriented to the cruiser character of 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. True to its design concept as a more touring friendly motorcycle, the separately mounted pillion seat can be removed to accommodate luggage. The pillion grab rail is an all new pressure die cast component and lends to the modern design of the motorcycle. Bungee hooks provide the much needed bungee points to tie luggage.

Headlight and Tail light :

Night time visibility has been the biggest challenge faced by most motorcyclists while cruising on the highway hence the new headlight with a 55w projector lamp for its low beam and a 55W halogen bulb for the high beam addresses that issue. The lighting is at its brightest with the high beam on, working in combination with the projector lamp giving ample spread and penetration on the road. Tail lamp comes with LED lamp with position light guides which is new for Royal enfield family.

 

Brakes:

The bike comes loaded with front 280mm Disc, 2-Piston caliper brakes. Stopping power has been aided with the addition of a disc brake at the rear. The braking system is supplied by Bybre, a fully owned subsidiary of Brembo. It is mounted on the new improved oval section swing arm. These changes will enhance the riding experience of the motorcycle on the highway. 

Price :

The price of the Thunderbird 500cc is expected to be ten thousand higher than the Classic Chrome which makes the bike the flagship motorcycle of Royal Enfield’s portfolio.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Specifications:

Engine	Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Air cooled, and Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection
Displacement	499 CC
Bore x Stroke	84 mm x 90 mm
Maximum Power	27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque	41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed constant mesh
Ignition	Digital Electronic Ignition
Dimensions
Ground Clearance	135 mm
Width	895 mm
Wheel Base	1350 mm
Length	2060 mm
Height	1300 mm
Seat Height/ Saddle Height	Information not available
Tyres
Front	90/90 - 19
Rear	120/80 - 18
Electricals
Electrical System	12 Volts - DC
Head lamp	Projection type headlamp, H7 bulb 55 / 55 W
Instrument cluster	Digital cluster with LCD
Tail Lamp	LED lamp with position light guides
E-Start Starter Motor	0.9 KW, DENSO
Brakes
Front	280mm Disc, 2-Piston caliper
Rear	240mm Disc, single Piston caliper
Maximum Speed
Speed	130 Kmph
Suspension
Front	Telescopic 41mm forks, Stroke 130 mm
Rear	Twin gas charged shock absorbers , 80mm stroke
Vehicle
Fuel Tank Capacity	20 ltr
Compression Ratio	8.5 : 1
Air Cleaner	Paper Element
Engine Oil Grade / Qty	15W 50 API, SL Grade JASO MA
Weight(Kerb)	195 Kg (with 90% fuel & oil)

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