An immediately visible change is a new headlight featuring a projector lamp. Stylish new instruments display an analogue speedometer and tachometer, with a digital display including a clock also in place. The new grips feel decent and both control levers have a solid, meaty feel to them. A hazard warning switch is standard, making for a Royal Enfield first.
The latest Thunderbird borrows its 499cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled and four-stroke engine from the Classic 500. The large capacity engine belts out a trademark Royal Enfield thump. There’s ample low and mid-range power, but peak power output at 27.2bhp could be more, given such a large capacity engine. The T’bird 500 is good for a top speed of 130kph, but feels best when cruising at speeds of between 80-100kph. A five-speed gearbox shifts in the one-down, four-up pattern.
The riding saddle is comfortable, and the rider’s footpegs have been shifted forward, making for a more comfortable cruising experience.
The T’bird 500 employs a single downtube frame, with an oval-section swingarm used at rear. There’s also a 240mm disc brake at rear, working with a 280mm single front disc for improved stopping power.
Royal Enfield has priced the new Thunderbird 500 at Rs 1,82,571 (on-road, Mumbai). See the first ride report in our shortly releasing Nov 2012 issue for more details.
Fact File
Price Range (in lakhs)*
Ex-showroom price | Rs 1,65,708 (Ex-showroom, Mumbai) |
Engine
Fuel | Petrol |
Type | Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, 499cc |
Power | 27.2bhp at 5250rpm |
Torque | 4.17kgm at 4000rpm |
Power to weight | 139.5bhp per tonne |
Transmission
Gearbox | 5-speed, 1-down, 4-up |
Dimensions
Length | 2060mm |
Width | 790mm |
Height | 1205mm |
Wheel base | 1350mm |
Ground clearance | 140mm |
Chassis & Body
Weight | 195kg |
Wheels | Wire spoke |
Tyres | 90/90x19 inches(f), 120/80x18 inches (r) |
Suspension
Front | Telescopic forks |
Rear | Dual gas-charged shocks, oval section swingarm |
Brakes
Front | 280mm disc |
Rear | 240mm disc |
Economy
Tank size | 20 litres |
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