JOIN USBike-lovers had expected a lot from Royal Enfield, when the homegrown tough motorcycle manufacturer revealed the 500cc Thunderbird in October 2012.
When DH decided to check out the four-year-old model with respect to the present day’s bikes with updated technology, the Thunderbird 500 remains outstanding in its segment.
The bike was tested for two weeks with everyday regular usage, and an enthusiastic rider. The bike is a good choice for the daily needs of an Indian family.
Be it an office-goer or a student, the bike gives an extra feel where you enjoy every bit of it. You need an extra muscle and more power to handle the bike, when the engine is turned off. Sometimes it will be a great challenge to tow the bike till a filling station, if the engine goes dry.
Performance
Undoubtedly, this is the most powerful variant of Royal Enfield today. The bike feels far impressive than any other machine in this segment. It constantly urges you to take it on highways as it feels best when you pushed harder. Overtaking is also very easy with this bike and it can easily cross a speed of 120 kmphr. It still remains a very responsive bike especially at slow speeds.
The heavy amount of torque helps it move easily in city traffic. The gear ratios are well-matched with this bike and you need less gear shifts than before. The only issue we have with the bike is its heavy weight. In city traffic and with a pillion rider, sometimes you will feel the actual weight of this bike. Otherwise, there are no major concerns related to its performance.
Fuel efficiency
Mileage is still a concern, and the major drawback with Royal Enfield bikes. As the brand new bikes claims to offer 30 kmpl, the old bike’s mileage drops day-by-day.
After few years, this will be the main reason for the rider to get rid of his bike. In a typical Indian customer mindset, a middle-class family will think twice before going for a Bullet.
Depending on the usage, the cushion will loose its power day-by-day. The rider will surely feel the pain on the long rides and traffic jams. Regular servicing from an authorised mechanic will keep the vehicle in good condition.
Verdict
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 is a special bike, but the cost compared with its 350 cc sibling, the biker has to cough up an extra Rs 40,000, which makes anybody to think twice before investing in one. The bike has the capability to sustain any rough handling. Though it becomes rough and old, its sturdiness remains the same.
It is priced at Rs 1,83,000 (ex-showroom Bengaluru).
DH News Service