Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500
Royal Enfield, the Chennai-based
manufacturer of motorcycles that exude an old world charm, has just launched
the new Thunderbird 500 today at the Auto Expo here in Delhi.
The Thunderbird has always been
the tool of choice for those who persevere to ride into the sunset and this one
will get you there a whole lot faster, all thanks to that unit constructed and
fuel injected 500 cc motor that makes good for a wholesome 27.2 bhp.
Available in 3 shades of black
for the body work and a blackened engine with polished fins, the motorcycle
also features a redesigned seat to compliment the new positions for the meaty
footpegs. Speaking of seats, the pillion pad can now be removed to accomodate
more expansive panniers.
The handlebars have been tweaked
to improve ergonomics, the forks are a girthy 41 mm and finally now you have
hooks to er, hook up your bungee cords to tie down those bags, rather than
looping them around the tail light bracket or such. Oh, and the forks have
grown in girth to end up at 41 mm.
The headlights are really
important on our roads and more so for the touring folk. Royal Enfield has
endowed the Thunderbird 500 with a new headlight that incorporates a 55W
projector lamp for the low beam and for the high beam, it works in conjunction
with a 55W halogen. Also adding to the safety factor, the new T'Bird 500
features a disc at the rear, so when you do spot something in your way, you now
have an increased capability to stop.
To keep you riding further with
the least amount of discomfort, the comfortable riding position works very well
with the increased capacity 20 litre petrol tank.
The Chennai based company has
also launched its own line of riding kit and clothing, all of which will appeal
to fans of the marque.