Most Royal Enfield Thunderbird buyers have a particular set of modifications they carry out after getting their bikes - aftermarket alloy wheels and auxiliary lamps. It appears as if the manufacturer knew this and decided to help you out. Meet the Thunderbird 500X – a redesigned, urban-focused take on RE’s famous Thunderbird.
What’s new on the X?
This bike remains mechanically unchanged from the standard Thunderbird model. The manufacturer will also continue selling the standard model alongside this new variant. The bike uses the same motor and transmission as the Thunderbird. The 350X is powered by a 346cc motor that makes 19.8hp and 28Nm of torque while the 500X uses a 499cc engine that makes 27.2hp and 41.3Nm of torque. Handling gearbox duties is a five-speed unit that is also seen in other Royal Enfield models.
With the new X variant, the bike maker has attempted to target urban buyers. The motorcycle has a large amount of blacked-out bits; this includes the 19/18 inch front and rear alloy wheels. One of the first things you notice is the simple paint job on the bike and how simple it is. However, it does look to be inspired by Triumph’s Street Twin. The 500X is available two colours – orange and blue. While, the 350X is available in white and red. Not only does the bike look more modern, it also looks neater. The alloy wheels that can be found on the X also look nicer than the aftermarket options available in the market.
The headlight has been revised on the bike and the lens has a dark surround. The fork on the motorcycle along with shock absorber mounts is blacked out as well. The motorcycle also features a new handlebar which replaces the older high-raised one seen on the regular Thunderbird. The motorcycle comes with a new one-piece seat which looks well-designed. An interesting touch on the motorcycle is the colour-matched stitching that can be seen on the seat. This bike loses out on a back-rest which means the rear of the bike ends in a taillight unit. This unit is the same as the Thunderbird but with a black finish.
How does it ride?
Since this bike remains mechanically unchanged, there isn’t a big difference in the way it rides. It continues to have a decent ride quality and even harsh road surfaces didn’t reduce the overall comfort levels. We did expect the manufacturer to use a 17 inch wheel, but the new 19/18 inch work well too. However, smaller sized wheels would improve the flick ability of the bike in city. The motorcycle also uses tubeless MRF tyres – a first for Royal Enfield. These tyres aren’t the most confidence inspiring. The bike does get disc brakes at both ends but misses out on ABS.
The motor sounds nice and has a muffled thump at low revs. However, at higher revs, the motor begins vibrating and this can be felt through the handlebar and pegs. The gearbox also lacks the mechanical feel. The new handlebar on the X does seem to make the motorcycle easier to handle around town. Also new are the bar-end weights on the X, which are chrome but should have been black instead.
Should I buy one?
Yes, that is, if you aren’t a fan of the smaller-displacement cruisers (like the Bajaj Avenger and Suzuki Intruder) and aren’t a found of UM’s offerings. It is also a good buy because it’s cool and hip while continuing to be a laid-back motorcycle. With a premium of Rs 7,000-8,000 over the regular Thunderbird models, it appears to be a good deal. Considering that you get the alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. The 500X retails for 1.98 lakh and the 350X sells for 1.56 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi).
