We have already posted an article that Shah Rukh Khan rides Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 in Yash Chopra’s latest upcoming untitled film shot in London. Since then the new Thunderbird 500 has been spotted a couple of times in Chennai without a single piece of camouflage. Now sources close to us indicate that the Thunderbird 500 will go on sale very soon, with the launch impending by next-month. And it is expected to be priced around Rs. 1.35 lakhs (ex-showroom).
The Thunderbird is only sold in India and not exported anywhere else in the world. Because in export markets Royal Enfields are bought because of its 1940’s-50’s British bike heritage/styling and the Thunderbird is just a retro styled British bike. Royal Enfield has worked hard for the new Thunderbird 500. But despite the efforts the basic theme/styling of the bike still is same as the current Thunderbird 350.
The upcoming Thunderbird 500 is highly awaited by Bullet fans and many of the it′s styling touches seem to be inspired by the Harley Davidson Sportster series. The Thunderbird 500 has got many changes including the addition of a 55 W projector headlight with LED ring. The instrument cluster has been revised as well and now incorporates a digital display for odometer and twin trip meters. The blue back instrument panel is readable even in bright sunlight. The new Thunderbird twinspark is available in three colours – silver,red and black.
The biggest change in the Thunderbird 500 is the heart, it is powered by the same engine which does duty in the Classic 500. The Thunderbird 500 will feature the four stroke 500cc twin spark, air cooled engine that outputs a peak power of 27.2 Bhp at 5,250 rpm and a peak torque of 41.3 Nm at 4,000 rpm. This will give the Thunderbird 500 very good cruising abilities on Indian highways. The twin-spark engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Another notable feature that will enhance safety on the Thunderbird 500 is the presence of a rear disc brake, which is a first for a Royal Enfield vehicle in India. Also we can expect, the rear disc brake to be offered on other motorcycle models in Royal Enfield’s range. To go with its positioning as a touring machine, the Thunderbird 500 will get a 20 liter fuel tank, hazard lamps, an oval section swing arm, 41mm front forks, split seats and bungee mounts.
To read more information on Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 click here
Also see – Spied – Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 caught in lens at Chennai
SRK rides Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 in Yash Chopra’s Untitled Movie
