With unique ‘black’ styling and the 500cc Unit Construction Engine (UCE) churning out 27.2 bhp the Thunderbird 500 stole the show at the Royal Enfield stall at the 11th AutoExpo in Delhi, today.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

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 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.”

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 launch : Mr. Siddhartha Lal, MD, Eicher MotorsRoyal Enfield Thunderbird 500 launch

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Venki Padmanabhan, CEO, Royal Enfield said, “Royal Enfield has set its sights firmly on delivering traditionally progressive 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.”

Changes include :

‘Black’ engine

Redesigned Seat

Lock mechanism to open the seats.

Pillion seat can be removed to carry more bags and ride longer trips!

Handlebar modified for better ergonomics

Royal Enfield logo on the all new foot-pegs, new design mirrors and the LED tail lamp.

The main ignition lock also functions as a central steering lock.

Hazard lamps in the switch gear, 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.

Large 20L fuel tank with the tank cap 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.

Addition of a disc brake at the rear. The braking system is supplied by Bybre, a fully owned subsidiary of Brembo.

Royal Enfield has also launched its branded riding gear, with big names like AGV. More info in subsequent posts.

Royal Enfield Cafe Racer