Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is a new variant based on the popular model; gets bright colour, updated seats and alloy wheels
Royal Enfield has been introducing new colour schemes of the existing models lately to lure more young customers. In the process of doing so, we have seen various interesting touches applied to its best-selling range and topping them off is a brand new version that arguably looks to be the sportier of the lot.
The retro motorcycle manufacturer has introduced a new variant of the Thunderbird cruiser in the Indian market and it has been as Thunderbird 500X, The X does add the much wanted aggression to the Thunderbird nameplate and it’s more than just a stylish makeover.
Also read: Would You Buy An Electric Royal Enfield Classic 500?
In recent times, Royal Enfield is showing its eagerness to become a global leader in the middleweight motorcycle market. The brand unveiled its 650 cc twin models at EICMA 2017 in Milan that grabbed everyone’s attention and positive response as well. The 500X is believed to be another strong weapon in the arsenal. After numerous spy shots and brochure leaks, the real deal is finally out!
Here is everything you need to know about the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X:
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X has been launched in the country finally and it will be a good way to kick off the year for the brand as two new heavyweights – the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 – are likely to be introduced in the due course of the year.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Price
| Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Price | Rs. 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom) |
It has been priced a bit higher compared to the regular version that gets a price tag of Rs. 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
As we expect, all the changes command a premium of just around Rs. 8,000. The popular motorcycle brand is clearly aiming at young buyers of the country with this new variant.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Engine and Specifications
| Engine | 499 cc single-cylinder four-stroke air-cooled fuel-injected engine |
| Power | 27.2 bhp at 5,250 rpm |
| Torque | 41.3 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Mileage | Around 35 kmpl |
| Transmission | Five-speed constant mesh |
While in terms of design, the Thunderbird 500X comes distinctive looking compared to the standard model, Royal Enfield will sell this motorcycle with the same 500 cc engine that works in regular Thunderbird.
It gets powered by a 499 cc single-cylinder four-stroke air-cooled fuel-injected engine which is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 27.2 bhp at 5,250 rpm and 41.3 Nm of peak torque delivered at 4,000 rpm. It is connected to a five-speed constant mesh transmission.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Dimension
| Wheelbase | 1350 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 135 mm |
| Length | 2060 mm |
| Width | 790 mm (Without Mirrors) |
| Height | 1205 mm (Without Mirrors) |
| Kerb Weight | 197 Kgs (with 90% Fuel & Oil) |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 litres |
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X measures the same as the regular model we suspect. It has a length of 2,060 mm, width of 790 mm and height of 1,205 mm. The Thunderbird 500X tips the weighing scale at 197 kilograms and it features a tank capacity of 20 litres with 1,350 mm wheelbase and 135 mm ground clearance.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Exterior and Features
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X variant appears with distinctive design elements that make it more appealing compared to the regular model. The exterior changes are largely striking and visible to the eye and you will be forgiven for thinking that it is an aftermarket mod job. It sports revised seats, bright colour options that look funky in every sense of the word and black alloy wheels as well.
Royal Enfield has added more updates to this new model apart from the above mentioned ones. Thunderbird 500X gets a new handlebar that wears a full black paint scheme. Also, there are fully blackened engine block and a matte black painted exhaust as well. The alloy wheels are wrapped with tubeless tyres, first for production RE, and there are sporty body-coloured rim decals that young customers would fantasise. The suspension setup too wears matte black finish.
Also Read: RE Continental GT 650 To Reach All Showrooms Across India By End-2018
Overall, the Chennai based motorcycle manufacturer didn’t let loose any chance to make the new model a very stylish and attractive one. To add premiumness to the motorcycle, Royal Enfield has added LED daytime running light to the headlamp, while the taillight comes bearing LED unit. The motorcycle gets 19-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. For braking duty, it gets disc brakes on both front and rear wheels.
With these updates, the upcoming Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X looks more or less similar to the Triumph Bonneville, instead of a Thunderbird model that we have been seeing for years.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Colours
The RE Thunderbird 500X is offered in paint shades such as Getaway Orange and Drifter Blue.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Tyres, Suspension and Brakes
| Type | Single downtube, using engine as stressed member |
| Front suspension | Telescopic, 41mm forks, 130mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload, 80mm travel |
| Tyres Fr. | 90/90 – 19 |
| Tyres Rr. | 120/80 – 18 |
| Brakes Front | 280mm Disc, 2-Piston caliper |
| Brakes Rear | 240mm Disc, Single piston caliper |
Having all the mechanical bits same as the standard version, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is shod on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear tyres and have ten spokes. Up front, the braking duty is done by a 280 mm disc with two-piston caliper and 240 mm disc with single piston caliper at the rear. It is sprung on 41 mm telescopic front forks with 130 mm travel and twin-gas charged shock absorbers with five-step adjustable preload and 80 mm travel at the rear.
Also read: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 India Launch Expected In Mid-2018
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Images
