Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Ex-Showroom Price

₹ 2,07,000
* Delhi. May vary.
Discontinued
Colour Options and Price in India
Bike Variant 2019 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 ABS
Availability Status in India Discontinued
2-Wheeler Type Cruiser
Latest Price in India 2019 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 price was Rs 2.07 lakh before being discontinued.
Fuel Type Petrol
Colour Options Marine, Stone, Flicker
Official Tagline New Definition to Highway Cruising
ENGINE AND GEARBOX
Engine Details 499cc, Single Cylinder, Air Cooled, 4 Stroke
Fuel System Electronic Fuel Injection
Cooling Air Cooling
Engine cc (Displacement) 499 cc
Maximum Power 27.2 HP @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque 41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Number of Cylinders 1
Emission Norms BS4-Compliant
Ignition Digital Electronic Ignition
Lubrication Wet sump
Compression Ratio 8.5:1
Bore 84 mm
Stroke 90 mm
Oil Grade 15 W 50 API, SL Grade & Above, JASO MA 2
Air Cleaner Paper Element
Number of Gears 5
Clutch Wet, Multi-Plate
BRAKES AND TYRES
Front Brake 280mm Disc, 2 Piston Caliper
Rear Brake 240mm Disc, Single Piston Caliper
ABS Yes, (Dual Channel)
Front Tyre 90/90-19
Rear Tyre 120/80-18
Wheel Type Spoke
KEY FEATURES AND COMPETITORS
Braking System Anti-lock Braking System
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
Front Suspension Telescopic Forks
Rear Suspension Twin Gas Charged Shock Absorbers with 5-Step Adjustable Preload
Frame (Chassis) Single Downtube, Using Engine as Stressed Member
Front Wheel Travel 130mm travel
Rear Wheel Travel 80mm travel
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Overall Length 2060 mm
Overall Width 790 mm
Overall Height 1205 mm
Ground Clearance 135 mm
Wheelbase 1350 mm
Kerb Weight 199 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity 20 litres
INSTRUMENT CONSOLE FEATURES
Speedometer Analogue
Tachometer Analogue
Trip Meter Digital-2
Fuel Gauge Digital
BATTERY AND LIGHTING
Pass Light
Battery Type Maintenance Free
Capacity 14Ah
Voltage 12V
Head Light Projection Type Headlamp, H7 55 / 55W
Tail Light LED Lamp with Position Light Guides
Turn Signal Light (Front) 12V, 10W x 4nos
Turn Signal Light (Rear) 12V, 10W x 4nos
Automatic Headlamp On (AHO)
COMFORT FEATURES
Electric Start
Pillion Footrest
Step-up Seat/Split Seat
Pillion Backrest
Pillion Grabrail

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Review

19 Jul, 2016 12:51 PM

Quick Review by Maxabout Team

Royal Enfield Thunderbird is exclusively crafted for Indians. The bike has been a huge hit ever since its launch. Royal Enfield displayed the 500cc variant of this bike for the first time at Delhi Auto Expo 2012. Now, they have officially launched this variant and expect the brand Thunderbird to reach new heights of success.

Design and Style

The original design of Thunderbird remains the same. Royal Enfield has made minor changes in this bike which are hard to notice at first glance. The bike lacks visor and cowl and with its upraised handlebar, it looks like a true cruiser bike when seen from the front. It has a circular LED projector type headlight which has never been seen before in any Enfield bike. Tiny round shaped side indicators are placed on the both sides of this headlight. Its hand levers and naked instrument dials are chrome finished. This new variant has beefy front forks which along with its short front fender makes it look macho and aggressive.

Move to the side of this bike and you will notice the familiar long and heavy chrome silencer. Its huge fuel tank sports a 3D logo and classic black styling on it. This new variant features split seat and backrest for the rear passenger. Side panel of this bike features its name while the tool box is chrome finished which is placed just next to the rear suspension. Thunderbird 500 became the first Enfield bike to get rear disk brake and LED tail light. The chain drive is placed on the right side while the disc brake is placed on the left side which is a unique characteristic of this bike. Its rear fender is compact and wide and sports hazard light and big side indicators on it.

Instrument Console

Commendable changes are made in this department. This is the only bike in Royal Enfield family which features a combined analogue-digital meter console. The twin circular dials are surrounded by chrome rings and uses blue color for illumination. It has an analogue speedometer and tachometer while it has LCD for its digital odometer, clock, 2-tripmeter, and fuel gauge. The dial which houses tachometer also features other LED indicators.

Engine and Gearbox

The bike shares its engine with the recently launched Classic 500. It’s a single-cylinder, 4-stroke 500cc engine. This Twin spark, air cooled engine churns out a power output of 27.2 bhp at 5250 rpm. The torque output arrives at 4000 rpm which is of 41.3 Nm. The five-speed manual gearbox of Classic 500 makes its way to this bike and works on a one gear down and four gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

Undoubtedly, this is the most powerful variant of Thunderbird. The bike feels far impressive than ever before. With this engine, we feel the cruising abilities of this bike have taken a big leap forward. It’s a very responsive bike especially at slow speeds. The heavy amount of torque helps it to move easily in city traffic. The gear ratios are well matched with this bike and you need less gear shifts than before. It constantly urges you to take it on highways as it feels best when you push it hard. The high speed cruising comes without any vibrations and harshness. The refinement level of this engine is commendable. Overtaking is also very easy with this bike and it can easily cross the speed mark of 130km/hr. The only complaint we have is its heavy weight. In city traffic and with a pillion rider, sometime you will feel the actual weight of this bike. Otherwise, there are no major concerns related to its performance.

Mileage

The bike isn’t impressive when it comes to fuel economy. Expect it to return a mileage of around 30km/ltr on highways while these figures get reduced in city traffic.

Comfort while Driving

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 has a highly cushioned seat which even offers nice under-thigh support. The split seat and rear backrest for pillion rider makes it the most comfortable bike for two people. Thunderbird is equipped with a vibration free wide and angled handlebar. It gives the most important, cruising feel to the rider. You also get a firm palm grip with high quality of plastic buttons and engine kill switch on its handlebar. Its front-set foot pegs adds to the comfort ability of this bike. The knees always stay free and relaxed.

Storage Space and Safety Features

There is almost no storage space apart from its tool box. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 comes fitted with front leg guard, pass button and powerful halogen headlight for your safety.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension and braking system of Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 is specially designed keeping its heavyweight (195kgs) in mind. It sports front telescopic forks of 41mm and twin gas charged rear shock absorbers. As far as its braking is concerned, this new variant features disc brakes on its both wheels. It has a front disc brake of 280mm while it has a rear disc brake of 240mm.

Ride and Handling

The new braking and suspension system has improved its ride and handling significantly. This heavy machine now feels more stable and under control at high speeds. Its suspension and rear wide tyre gives you a good grip of roads. Its wheelbase (1350mm) and ground clearance of 140mm helps it to turn easily. However in city traffic, you can’t move frequently as it lacks stability while turning at slow speeds. The bike remains grounded at high speeds and steers as per your need.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 has spoke wheels of different sizes. It has a 19inch spoke wheel at its front and 18inch wheel at the back. The only variant of this bike is available in 5 different shades - Stone, Marine, Lightning, Flickr, and Asphalt..

Verdict

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 is priced at INR 1.63 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)) which makes it almost 30K costlier than its regular variant. This bike has its own league and it’s not meant for every other bike rider. Yes, it certainly feels overpriced but to compensate, company has stuffed this bike with many new features and a powerful engine. It’s a complete value for money bike for those who are hard-core fans of Thunderbird and loves comfortable and high speed cruising.

Infographic

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500: All You Need to Know

User Reviews for Royal Enfield Thunderbird (2019)

Reviews Submitted by Maxabout Community

I have got 60km/l from my thunderbird and i have the proof for it

Shashank verma | 4 years ago
helpful 0

My thunderbird gave 56km/l for 279km, I have taken a snapshot of my instrument panel... Nobody believes it ... But believe me, its royal Enfield don't just buy ..feel it

Best Features: Mrf zapper best for indian roads

Pros: Cruising posture

Cons: Tubeless tyres

Mileage
Looks
Value For Money
Customer Service

Warning. D.O.N.T. B.U.Y

Javid Farooqi | 5 years ago
helpful 9

It starts with 2 years of experience. Do check out my 6th review 1. Fuel tap was not working. Had to push the bike in the first month of purchase. 2. Went for free service and made a complaint which was ignored 3. Again fuel tap issue. 4. I had to fight with service person(velavan motors) to get it replaced. 5. Chrome plating of front wheel came off after 3 months for which the wheel was replaced. 6. Major issues was with clutch. I have 6 bills of clutch cable which gets cut very easily. This was very painful during emergencies or middle of the nights twice. 7. Rear disk failures. Which is the main reason for me to sell the bike at a cheap rate. Beware it will come day like a cancer in this bike 8. Suspension lasts well only for an year after that say bye bye to your conformating spines. 9. The service engineer, sales engineer are the worst of them all. False promises, ignoring the old customers, money is all they are obsessed about rather than delivering the qualify.. 10. Oh! The chain . I have changed it 4 times in 2 years. Why they get noise inspite of using chain spray once in a month. 11. I service my bike very often, change oil filter , brake oil etc . Still it was let down. Selling my bike with all disappointment. Don't get fooled by its comfort. It doesn't last long. 12. Lastly the fuel gauge, the digital timer all those are just fancy. They don't work.

Best Features: Handling, nothing else

Pros: The bike is comfortable. Dot

Cons: Everything except comfort which lasted for 1 year max

Mileage
Looks
Value For Money
Customer Service

Best Decision I have ever made..

Ashwin Malhotra | 5 years ago
helpful 4

Royal Enfield was my childhood love as I used to get amaze by its powerful sound. So when I got enrolled to college, I bought Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350. Its looks and sound is the main reason I bought it. Its seating position is comfortable but it is not suitable for short riders. Back rest for the pillion rider allow pain free ride on long distance to the back passenger. Yeah, handling in city traffic is a bit tiring but its braking system is really good. Suspension is smooth and it gives me 35 kmpl average on city which is okay for me. As fuel mileage is never a issue for me I just want to own my dream Royal Enfield.

Best Features: Appearance and Seating Posture

Pros: Style, Performance, Comfortable Ride

Cons: Mileage...

Mileage
Looks
Value For Money
Customer Service

Truly Royal

pulkit mishra | 7 years ago
helpful 2

It is a very stylish bike and it has got a dominating style which seems to have a bold look on the road compared to other bikes. It offers a pretty good riding position thanks to the ergonomically designed handlebar. The huge 20 litres fuel tank, LED tail lamps, digital meter console and retractable foot pegs are the other impressive features which proves to be a good competitor for other bikes. The only drawback is that it has fragile indicator lights. Overall the bike is very good. It may not have a huge followers like for Pulsar but is liked by people who want a classic vintage ride experience.

Best Features: Fuel efficient & Stylish

Pros: Huge fuel tank, comfortable seat for pillion and rider, fuel efficient, stylish

Cons: Fragile indicator lights

Mileage
Looks
Value For Money
Customer Service