Royal Enfield is synonymous with thrilling horsepower, vintage styling and the thumping engine sound. With every product launch, the maker of iconic motorcycle Bullet has reinvented itself coming up with new technologies carefully fitted with traditional design that RE bikes are known for.
The legendary Thunderbird cemented Royal Enfield’s position as the leading cruiser brand when it was launched a decade back. It was the first bike in the RE portfolio to offer fresh & modern design that stole more hearts across the country. With the new Thunderbird series, 350 and 500, it looks like the waiting period is just going to get longer.
The next generation range of cruiser motorcycle – Thunderbird has never been exported and is produced exclusively for Indian market. Now all new Thunderbird comes with a powerful 500 cc engine, LED tail lamps, digital meter console, a 20 liter tank and three striking shades of black, giving a new definition to Highway cruising.
Royal Enfield recently launched a face-lifted version of classic looking Thunderbird 350 featuring modern technologies, an iconic style and a comfortable riding position. Out of Thunderbird series, the Thunderbird 500 is one of the much anticipated models of the decade and is poised to enhance the joy of leisure motorcycling amongst the young touring enthusiasts.
Let’s take a look at some notable features of iconic Thunderbird that worth being mentioned!
Technical Specifications
As far as power of Thunderbird 500 is concerned, this legendary bike is powered by a strong 499 cc, 4 stroke, twin-spark, single cylinder, air cooled engine and is an agile and pretty fast roadster which lives up to everything that you demand of it. With an average mileage of 34 kmpl, Thunderbird’s refined & powerful engine is mated to a 5-speed sequential gearbox which sends power to the when through a chain drive.
On the other hand, powered by a single cylinder, 4 stroke, twins-park engine, Thunderbird 350 generates a power of 19.8 bhp at 5,250rpm and 28nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Mated with a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox with one down and four up shift pattern its air-cooled engine is undoubted powerful & responsive even at high speeds. Its fuel efficiency is also decent with an overall mileage of 42kmpl.
Style & Design
The style factor is a key element of all models of Royal Enfield and Thunderbird is not an exception. In fact, the company has given a 360-degree design language to the new Thunderbird 500 which means it has got styling refreshes all around the bike. Thunderbird 500 is the first Royal Enfield motorcycle to get a 240 mm rear disc brake along with LED tail light.
The Thunderbird 350 continues to carry the same silhouette as before. Some of its notable features include a digital meter console, a 20 liter tank, LED tail lamps and split seats with a removable rear seat which can be used as a luggage carrier.
Ride & Handling
No doubt, a ride on Thunderbird with its easy-rider ergonomics and laid-back handlebars makes it an absolute delight to cruise on open highways. The Thunderbird 500 is certainly the best handling new generation bike from Royal Enfield so far. It’s slightly forward placed foot pegs and the handlebar placement put the rider in a comfortable upright position. Apart from styling preferences, the Thunderbird is a ‘many roads’ bike which can tackle highway slog, city streets and a little dose of dirt very proficiently that can’t be found on any other bike in Royal Enfield’s stable.
Bike’s Main Competitors
In India, there is not any direct competitor of RE Thunderbird. With limited presence of competitors like Bajaj Avenger 220 DTSi, Thunderbird is a superb option in a very niche segment.
Royal Enfield’s Thunderbird is a bike that’s hard to miss with a large number of hard core fans as well as those bike enthusiasts seeking pleasure of a powerful engine in the most stylish cruise in the market. Thunderbird portfolio has been major hit with the Indian market since its inception and its latest upgraded version is expected to explore new heights for its high market share.
On Road Price Royal Enfield Thunderbird TB 350
| Delhi: | Rs. 138,000 |
| Chennai: | Rs. 141,000 |
EX-Show Room Prices Thunderbird TB 350
| Delhi: | Rs. 124,000 |
| Chennai: | Rs. 127,000 |
| Bike Specification | |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Make | Royal Enfield |
| Model | Thunderbird TB 350 |
| Engine | 346/C |
| Max Power (ps) | 19.8 |
| Max Torque (Nm) | 28 |
| Gears | 5 |
| Front Tyres | 90/90×19″ |
| Rear Tyres | 120/80×18″ |
| Front Brakes | 280D |
| Rear Brakes | 240D |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 2060 |
| Width | 790 |
| Height | 1205 |
| Wheelbase | 1350 |
| Ground Clearance | 140 |
| Kerb Weight | 192 |
| Features | |
| Tachometer | Yes |
| Electric Start | Yes |
| Digital Speedometer | Yes |
| Odometer | Yes |
| Mileage Indicator | N0 |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes |
| Tripmeter | Yes |
| Projector headlamps | Yes |
| LED Tail lamps | Yes |
| Alloy Wheels | No |
| Tubeless Tyres | No |
| Clip-on Handlebars | No |
| Gas Charged Shock absorbers | Yes |
19 Comments
I’m using thunderbird 350cc bike since 2015, with passion and love I buyed. I found the chain and sprockets system is complete failure. It creating irritated noicy sounds which is also created leakage at seals. I found difficulty to maintain.
Gys Buy this bike If you have any doubt on this bike ask me I will Let you know I dont think there is any one better than me who can explain you.
I have driven RE bike from Standard , Classic , TB and GT.
I have driven this bike in all condition city, highway, Hill , rough road . trust me you can buy the bike.
this is the best bike and it can cruise easily at 90kmph u will feel like u r not riding a bike you are riding a car…
I am planning to buy this bike.I listened that it becomes noisy after 90 kmph .Is it true??? Plz tell me
I want to buy thunderbird 350 but some people say, it noising after speed 100-120 & engine maintenance come early it is true? so I confused…..
Still confused,as out of 10 only 1 customer is satisfied
I have to take my delivery of Thunderbird 350 stone black in this week there are so many negative thoughts about it on net .after reading this I am mently upset whether to buy it or not
So anil what you thought abt purchase?
Hey dont believe anyone this is good bike nd mahh suggetion is buy this bike i also ride this bike and alots riders gives a good review nd buy this bike without ask anyone .. because so many bullshit people are change your mind and making your mind to cancle this bike
That’s correct. I too had the same situation. On the day of delivery, I cancelled the bike and since then I am feeling much relieved.
It’s compete waste of money on RE bikes. They are surviving in the market because of no competitor. Believe me or not, if any other brand launches any cruiser on 2 to 3 lac range, people will happily prefer that brand.
Everything is based on how you love it and maintain it don’t mind reviews ask anyone who has the bike take a ride then decide
Is there a problem of bike shutting down engine while ridding????
yes, i have also the same problem with my tb 350
Can i buy this bike or not because fuel efficiency is more important for me
Hi,
A good write up. However, i believe the fuel economy as described by you for 350 & 500 has been cross changed. 350 gives a better mileage for sure ie around 40 however, 500 settles around 30-32.
Cheers!
Dug dug bullt, love it!
Thanks Ankit, Updated..
Hey Ankit..i hav booked tb350 stone black.. Can u pls tell abt its milage before 1st service
Mileage of max 35kmpl is what you could expect. However it highly depends on whether you use the bike more for city or highway rides. After the service too do not expect it to increase significantly. At max TB350 would give an overall average of 40kmpl if you drive it wisely and more between 40 – 60kmph.
My dream bike….. I loved this bike