[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/40364317644/[/flickr]
No one would’ve anticipated the Thunderbird to come in such a charming avatar!
Verdict – Truth be told, the Thunderbird 500X is an honest attempt from Royal Enfield as it gets a good amount of changes to differentiate it from the regular model without losing on the basic character. Agreed, the Thunderbird has lost its old-world charm due to the introduction of alloy wheels, grab rails and the blacked-out theme in particular but considering it as a retro-modern motorcycle straight out of the factory, this one does make some sense. It’s not for those who are after performance, reliability or refinement and the Thunderbird 500X is way too far from all these aspects anyway. For its asking price of over Rs. 2 lakhs, we genuinely won’t recommend one until the company decides to pull up its socks and work out something to improve the gearbox and control those awful vibrations. But if you’ve already made your mind to go for a Thunderbird, we do recommend splurging a bit more cash and opting for the X variants for their more involving ride experience as well as added practicality.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/41030912212/[/flickr]
RE Continental GT 535, anyone?
What’s Cool
* Looks attractive in bright colour shades
* New handlebar makes it a better handler
* Fuel-efficient engine, offers enormous amount of torque
* Absorbent suspension gobbles up the worst of broken patches
What’s Not So Cool
* Lacks refinement, gearshift quality is terrible
* Engine runs out of steam at triple-digit speeds
* Overpriced for what it offers
* Brakes lack feel, no ABS
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/41030911102/[/flickr]
Even though these grab rails are good enough for the job, RE offers the regular model’s backrest as optional
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Specifications
* Engine: 499cc, Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder, 4 Stroke
* Power: 27.2 BHP @ 5250 RPM
* Torque: 41.3 Nm @ 4000 RPM
* Transmission: 5-speed Manual
* 0-100 km/hr: 13 seconds (Est.)
* Top Speed: 130 km/hr (Est.)
* Fuel Consumption: 30 km/litre (Est.)
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Single Down Tube
* Suspension: 41 mm Telescopic Forks (Front), Twin Shock Absorbers (Rear)
* Tyres: 90/90/19 (Front), 120/80/18 (Rear), MRF Tubeless
* Brakes: 280 mm Disc (Front), 240 mm Disc (Rear)
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2040 mm x 840 mm x 1140 mm
* Wheelbase: 1350 mm
* Ground Clearance: 135 mm
* Seat Height: 775 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 20-litres
* Kerb Weight: 197 kgs
[wp-review id=”212248″]
