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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500 cc for 10k extra seems worth..............
Posted on 3:54:00 PM
Finally! Looks real meaty. A worthy big brother to the TBTS 350.
Posted on 3:55:00 PM
Wow.!! thunderbird 500.
Posted on 4:02:00 PM
it kinda sucks
Posted on 4:05:00 PM
i was waiting for this kinda bullet.... Royal enfield launch it soon !!
Posted on 9:11:00 AM
but havent declared its mileage... i think it is awesome waiting for it..
Posted on 10:27:00 AM
Luks lyk a thump.... Eagerly wating for dis thunder.. mileage,price dose'nt matter...
Posted on 12:20:00 PM
The real king arrives.....beware of this....
Posted on 9:18:00 PM
Hope I will ride it in 2013...
Posted on 12:11:00 AM
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