Royal Enfield has launched it’s eagerly anticipated a 500cc Thunderbird at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi. The company is targeting touring enthusiasts with this cruiser. The bike gets distinctive ‘black’ styling and it is powered by a 500cc Unit Construction Engine (UCE) that makes 27.2bhp.
“When we launched Thunderbird in 2002, it was a one-of-its kind model on the Indian roads that redefined the cruiser segment. 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 motorcycling 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 at the launch, Siddhartha Lal MD & CEO of Eicher motors said.
Powered by a Fuel Injected, 500 cc engine with Max power: 27.2 bhp @ 5250 RPM & 41.3 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Which essentially means that the engine of the Classic 500 has been shared here.
The Thunderbird’s ‘black’ engine is the first of several new styling elements on the bike. It gets a redesigned seat. The seat is split section seat where one can remove the pillion seat to rack-up more luggage, as well as new bungee points are provided to strap down the luggage. The handle bar has been changed to improve the bikes ergonomics, the pillion grab rail is also new and the bike also gets bungee points to tie luggage. The company is proud of their new creation, one can notice the company logo embossed on the LED tail lamp, foot pegs and Mirrors.
The 500 also gets two digital trip meters to keep a track of total trip mileage and intermediate mileage. It comes with a 20-litre fuel tank and it also gets hazard lamps in the switch gear, which is a first for a motorcycle manufactured in India. Rear disk brakes mounted on the new oval section swing arm, supplied by Bybre, add to the stopping power of the bike. The price has not been officially announced so far.
3 Shades available in Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 –
- Midnight black
- Matt Metallic Black
- Arctic Winter Black
Enfield also showcased the Cafe Racer which is almost in final production form and will go on sale next year. Also revealed was a new range of accessories for riders, which include jackets boots and more.
Also see – Bigger Bullets & diesel variants on Royal Enfield’s pipeline
