Riding position
Two of the biggest changes include a new handlebar and seat. The handlebar is shorter and the seat on the motorcycle is also redesigned – it’s now a single-piece unit. Overall, the shorter handlebar combined with the new seat, make the bikes a more comfortable, laid-back urban riding package.
Styling
There are four bright colours on offer – Getaway Orange and Drifter Blue on the 500X, and Whimsical White and Roving Red on the 350X. There’s a blacked-out headlight dome and it also features an LED DRL. The digi-analogue twin-pod instrument cluster is also blacked-out and there’s a chrome garnish around the dials. The bikes also feature a redesigned grab rail.
Alloy wheels
Both bikes are fitted with nine-spoke black alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. This is a first for Royal Enfield - opting for aftermarket alloy wheels was one of the most popular modifications on Thunderbirds. The X variants take care of this problem.
Engine
The engines remain unchanged. The 350X uses a 346cc motor that puts out 19.8hp and 28Nm, and the 500X is powered by a 499cc engine that makes 27.2hp and 41.3Nm.
Price and competition
The new Thunderbird 350X and 500X cost Rs 1.56 lakh and Rs 1.98 lakh, respectively. They both see a price rise over the standard Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 500 by around Rs 8,000.
