2012
Royal Enfield Thunderbird
The most stylish, futuristic and
technologically advanced Royal Enfield Thunderbird was launched in the
year 2012. It had everything to impress the Royal Enfield fans and even
those who are not fond of the motorcycle. The new Thunderbird 500 has
all the modern touches in the motorcycle that was much needed so that it
could cope up with its competitors from the modern era. The new
Thunderbird has been equipped with more sophisticated Twin Spark unit
and Royal Enfield successfully blended the classic look of the
Thunderbird and added the modern touches to it simultaneously.
The
Thunderbird 500 is powered by a 499cc, single cylinder, Twinspark, air
cooled engine which generates 27.6 PS of maximum power at 5250 rpm and
41.3 Nm of maximum torque at 4000 rpm. The Thunderbird 500 also has
Keihin electronic fuel injection in the Motorcycle. Let’s get to know
some more details about this motorcycle.
Design
When
one looks at the new Thunderbird 500 it may look like the old
Thunderbird but once one looks minutely at the Motorcycle they will find
lot of changes and modification has been made to the new Thunderbird.
The front headlamp received a major change; the new Thunderbird has been
fitted with a H7 55/55 W Projector headlamp with the BMW styled Halo
around the headlamp. The instrument cluster looks stylish and soothing
with the blue lit back-light display with a digital display which
displays the odometer, tripmeter and fuel gauge. The chrome rings
surrounding the instrument cluster enhances the look of the instrument
cluster. The wide handlebar now has the Royal Enfield logo curved in the
middle and looks classy, the switches and the plastic quality are of
good quality too.
The
most significant change that has been made in the Royal Enfield is its
fuel tank. The fuel tank looks muscular with the Unique ‘Black’ styling
and the 3D motifs. The seats are comfortable enough for long journeys
after all it’s a cruiser and the rear split seats can be removed to
carry luggage also. The rear tail lamps now gets a LED treatment too,
the vertical LED tail lamp gives the rear of the Thunderbird an unique
appeal. The most boring part of the new Thunderbird is its exhaust pipe
although its tip has been covered with heat shield, this is a good
safety measure adopted by Royal Enfield. The engine has been painted in
black which makes the motorcycle looks more muscular and stylish.
The external Dimension of the Royal Enfield are as follows:
| Wheelbase | 1350mm |
| Ground Clearance | 140mm |
| Length | 2060mm |
| Width | 790mm |
| Height | 1205mm |
| Seat Height | 775mm |
| Kerb Weight | 195 Kgs |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 Ltrs |
Engine and performance
The
Thunderbird 500 is powered by 499 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled,
4-stroke, twin-spark unit which also powers the Classic 500. The engine
also has electronic fuel injection system and generates 27.6 PS of
maximum power at 5250 rpm and 41.3 Nm of maximum torque at 4000 rpm, it
has been mated with a 5 speed gearbox. Switch on the ignition and you
will be greeted with the same Thump roar of the engine which sets the
Royal Enfield apart from rest of the motorcycles on Indian roads, but
the new engine is much more refined compared to the other engines of the
Royal Enfield.
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird is a powerful
Motorcycle and one can easily realize that with the flick of a throttle,
there is plenty of power and torque available and the Motorcycle can be
easily ridden in City traffic as well the highways without any
complain. The Motorcycle claims to return good mileage also.
| Type | Single Cylinder 4stroke Twinspark Aircooled |
|
| Displacement | 499 cc |
|
| Maximum Power | 27.2 bhp |
|
| Maximum Torque | 41.3 nm |
|
| gnition System | Digital Electronic Ignition |
|
| Clutch | Wetmulti-plate |
|
| Gearbox | 5 Speed Constant Mesh |
|
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
|
| Fuel Supply | Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection |
|
| Air Cleaner | Paper Element |
|
| Engine Start | Electric Kick |
|
Ride and handling
The
Thunderbird 500 has been provided with Telescopic, 41mm forks, 130mm
travel at the front and Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step
adjustable preload, 80mm travel at the rear as its suspension setup. The
modern suspension setup works well on this cruiser and absorbs potholes
and provides a comfortable and smooth ride.
The motorcycle has
also been provided with 280 mm discs at the front and 240 mm at the rear
which gives the cruiser some serious stopping power. The new
Thunderbird is a improved motorcycle with comfortable riding posture,
its wide handlebars and comfortable front seats makes long journeys less
stressful and the improved and refined engine increases the confidence
of the riders during long journeys.
pricing
The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 has been priced at RS. 1,57,300 (Ex-showroom) (Delhi).
Competition
The
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 has no specific competitor for its
segment which is a great advantage for Royal Enfield, but it does get
some amount of competition from the recently launched
Aquila pro 650
Which
is powered by a 650 cc engine and generates more power than the Royal
Enfield Thunderbird.The motorcycle is even costlier than the
Thunderbird?
Conclusion
The
new Thunderbird 500 is a much improved machine although it weighs 5 kg
more than the existing motorcycle but still this new motorcycle handles
much better than its predecessor. The Royal Enfield has taken a huge
leap with the Thunderbird 500, they have created a modern machine with
some retro elements and styling still intact on the Motorcycle, the
cruiser handles extremely well on the straights and is stable even at
high speeds.
If someone is looking for a cruiser and is a Royal Enfield fan then they should definitely give this Motorcycle.
Quotes
“On
the cusp of evolution, is what the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500
is. And in being so, it is also the perfect precursor to things to come
from the maker of the legendary Bullet”—Zigwheels.
The new design elements
Projector Headlamps
Expensive
Lack of color option
Press Release
Highway
cruising gets a new definition with the launch of the Royal Enfield
Thunderbird 500 today. Perhaps one of the most anticipated models from
the Royal Enfield stable, Thunderbird 500 is poised to enhance the
pleasure of leisure motorcycling amongst the touring enthusiasts.
Combining distinctive “black” styling with a powerful 500cc Unit
Construction Engine and a 27.2 bhp power output being fed through an
electronic fuel injection system - the Thunderbird 500 makes a distinct
statement on the Indian roads.
Launching the Thunderbird 500 at
the 2012 Auto Expo, Mr Siddhartha Lal, MD & CEO Eicher Motors Ltd.
said, “When we launched Thunderbird in 2002, it was a one-of-its kind
model on the Indian roads that redefined the cruiser segment. With the
long running success of Thunderbird 350, the Thunderbird brand has built
its own cult following amongst the Royal Enfield customers, as a
comfortable touring motorcycle. Today, with the launch of the
Thunderbird 500, fitted with the UCE and a host of design enhancements,
Royal Enfield has again upped the ante in leisure motor cycling which we
have been pioneering for over half a century in India. With touring
enthusiasts forming the core of our customer base, the Thunderbird 500
gives them more power, comfort and style for long - distance riding.”
Speaking
on the occasion, Dr Venki Padmanabhan, CEO, Royal Enfield said, “Royal
Enfield has set its sights firmly on delivering traditionally progressiv
e motorcycles around the world- motorcycles that are practical;
motorcycles that beg you to ride into a life of leisure. At this 11th
Auto Expo in Delhi, we eagerly share the Thunderbird 500 with our
customers , looking for the expression of delight. We listened very
closely to the needs of highway cruisers in India and covered
improvements on a variety of fronts – range, ergonomics, looks,
braking, night riding visibility, luggage carriage capability, even
clothing and accessories. We hope also that our customers will see this
as a firm affirmation of the fact that Royal Enfield is a company bent
on listening, imagining and delivering. We invite everyone coming to
Pragati Maidan this January to visit us and experience the oldest
motorcycle company in the world.”
The visual appeal of the
Thunderbird 500 is marked by the ‘black’ engine, the first of the
several styling elements that characterize the motorcycle. The seat has
been completely redesigned to suit the new foot pegs position. It 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 handle bar too has received changes for better reach and ergonomics.
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. Other small styling
elements that a keen enthusiast will notice include the Royal Enfield
logo on the all new foot-pegs, new design mirrors and the LED tail lamp.
The
redesigned front end with its 41mm thick forks greatly improves
handling besides adding to the muscularity of the Thunderbird 500. The
instrumentation also includes two digital trip meters, allowing riders
to keep a track of total trip mileage as well as i
ntermediate mileage between tankfulls. 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 new headlight
with a 55W projector lamp for its low beam and a 55W halogen bulb for
the high beam, addresses the biggest challenge of night time visibility
faced by most motorcyclists while cruising on the highway. 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. 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. Add to this, the large 20L fuel
tank that does away with the need to stop frequently for fuel- highway
cruising will no longer be the same! The tank cap is placed
asymmetrically on the top right hand side of the tank, instead of the
conventional central mounting; another distinctive styling element of
the Thunderbird 500.
To complete the package, s topping 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.
Royal Enfield
also previewed a range of well crafted, meticulously detailed, purpose
built motorcycle gear at the Auto Expo. Designed and developed
indigenously, the Royal Enfield accessories both add flair and enhance
the riding experience. On display is the inaugural “BLACK” range of
merchandise, celebrating the launch of the Thunderbird 500 . The
collection includes biker apparel, bike and riding accessories.
The
highlights include flagship leather riding jackets with design details
that take into account not just the rider’s comfort but also safety
with CE approved impact absorption protectors that pass the stringent
European norms of EN1621. In addition, there is ample usage of 3M
Scotchlite reflective piping and branding at the back with Schoeller
reflective for high visibility during night rides . The all weather high
density nylon riding jacket wi th breathable and waterproof membrane
provides rain proofing, while the removable thermal lining takes care of
cold weather riding and nylon mesh on the outer shell keeps the rider
cool during summer rides. Similar features are also on the riding pants
with hip protectors adding to the rider’s safety. Also showcased are CE
approved Modular eye wear with ‘anti fog’ treatment and 100% genuine UV
protection and many added features for riding, in association with
NANNINI from Italy, original Buff multipurpose headwear with safety
reflectors from Spain, motorcycle utility luggage system with
interlocking mechanism, back packs with EVA high density back support
and state of the art air bag cushioning for the first time in India.
The
Royal Enfield riding gear also includes motorcycle boots with dual
lacing and zipper puller and heavy duty oil and water repellant sol es
for sure grip on the tarmac, while head protection in association with
world renowned AGV helmets adds to the style quotient. Fashionable
protective
riding pants, for the first time in Indian motorcycling history, made from high abrasion resistant
Toughmax
denim with T400 lycra from Invista with removable CE protectors at hip
and knees makes riding a breeze. In addition, Royal Enfield tee shirts ,
logo pin badges, key chains, motorcycle clocks, leather riding gloves
with carbon fiber knuckles are also previewed.
