Royal Enfield has pulled off a big surprise for highway cruisers by launching the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 at the 2012 Auto Expo today. Designed for touring and leisure riders, the Thunderbird 500 is one of the most anticipated models from the company and is said to deliver superb riding experience. The Thunderbird 500 is all set to make a mark on Indian roads with its outstanding ‘black’ styling and powerful 500 cc Unit Construction Engine. The electronic fuel injection system of this Royal Enfield engine generates a power output of 27.2 bhp.
After unveiling the Thunderbird 500 at the 2012 Auto Expo, Siddhartha Lal, MD & CEO Eicher Motors Ltd., said, “When we launched Thunderbird in 2002, it was a one-of-its kind model on the Indian roads that redefined the cruiser segment. With the long running success of Thunderbird 350, the Thunderbird brand has built its own cult following amongst the Royal Enfield customers, as a comfortable touring motorcycle. Today, with the launch of the Thunderbird 500, fitted with the UCE and a host of design enhancements, Royal Enfield has again upped the ante in leisure motorcycling which we have been pioneering for over half a century in India. With touring enthusiasts forming the core of our customer base, the Thunderbird 500 gives them more power, comfort and style for long-distance riding.”
Talking at the launch event, Dr. Venki Padmanabhan, CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “Royal Enfield has set its sights firmly on delivering traditionally progressive motorcycles around the world- motorcycles that are practical; motorcycles that beg you to ride into a life of leisure. At this 11th Auto Expo in Delhi, we eagerly share the Thunderbird 500 with our customers, looking for the expression of delight. We listened very closely to the needs of highway cruisers in India and covered improvements on a variety of fronts – range, ergonomics, looks, braking, night riding visibility, luggage carriage capability, even clothing and accessories. We hope also that our customers will see this as a firm affirmation of the fact that Royal Enfield is a company bent on listening, imagining and delivering. We invite everyone coming to Pragati Maidan this January to visit us and experience the oldest motorcycle company in the world.”
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 boasts of a ‘black’ engine, the first of many design inserts used by the company to add to the visual appeal of the motorcycle. In order to suit the new foot peg position, the seat of this new bike has been redesigned. The new Thunderbird 500 features a lock mechanism for the seat, which can be accessed from the side panel, enabling riders to unlock the motorcycle with ease.
Riders can create dedicated space to accommodate luggage in this 'touring friendly' motorcycle by removing the separately mounted pillion seat. For better accessibility and improved ergonomics, the handle bar has also been redesigned. The pillion grab rail, which is a completely new pressure die cast component, imparts a modern design to this bike.
This motorcycle is also loaded with bungee hooks and points, which assure ease of tying luggage. Royal Enfield logo on the all new foot-pegs, new design mirrors and the LED tail lamp are some of the other highlights of this iconic Royal Enfield Model that add to its style element.
Besides adding to the ruggedness of the Thunderbird 500, the redesigned 41 mm thick forks ensure better handling of the vehicle. The manufacturer has included two digital trip meters in the instrumentation to enable riders to check the total mileage of the bike during a trip. With this advanced instrumentation, riders can also keep a record of the intermediate mileage delivered by the motorcycle between tankfulls.
Another highlighting feature of the Thunderbird 500 is the set of trendy analogue clocks, placed in all-new twin pods at the front. Riders can keep an accurate track of the speed as well as engine rpm delivered by the vehicle using the clocks. For locking the steering centrally, riders can use the main ignition lock of this motorcycle. Another highlighting feature of the new Thunderbird 500 is the set of hazard lamps in the switch gear, which makes it stand apart in its league.
Eliminating the problems of night time visibility, this Royal Enfield model is loaded with a new headlight with a 55 W projector lamp for low beam and a 55 W halogen bulb for high beam. The bright lighting of the high beam combined with projector lamp assures sufficient spread and penetration, thus making highway cruising a pleasurable experience even during night.
In order to provide optimum riding comfort, the Thunderbird 500 possesses high rise handlebars, forward placed foot-pegs and a low-height seat. In addition, this motorcycle boasts of a large 20-litre fuel that eliminates the need of refuelling, making the bike suitable for long drives. Instead of the conventional central position, the tank cap is positioned asymmetrically on the top right hand side of the tank, which further adds to the style statement of the bike.
The disc brakes at the rear enhance the braking power of the motorcycle and give total control of the bike to the rider. This highly effective braking system is supplied by Bybre, a wholly owned arm of Brembo. This braking system is placed on the new and improved oval section swing arm.
At the Auto Expo, the company also showcased a wide range of well-designed, meticulously crafted and purpose-built motorcycle gear. The carefully chosen accessories for the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 not only give it a style element but also improve the riding experience. At the auto Expo, visitors can see the “BLACK” range of Royal Enfield for the first time. This range of merchandise consists of biker apparel and bike and riding accessories, which has been presented to commemorate the debut of the Thunderbird 500.
The flagship leather riding jackets will be the biggest highlight of this collection at the Royal Enfield stand at the Auto Expo 2012. These leather riding jackets not only render optimum rider comfort but also ensure their safety. The safety aspect is ensured by the CE approved impact absorption protectors of these jackets, which meet all the set European norms of EN1621. Assuring high visibility during night rides, these leather jackets are designed using 3M Scotchlite reflective piping and branding at the back with Schoeller reflectives.
These multi-purpose jackets are suitable for all seasons and weathers. The breathable and waterproof membrane of the high density nylon riding jacket makes them suitable for rainy seasons. On the other hand, the removable thermal lining of these jackets protects the riders from cold during winters. The nylon mesh designing on the outer shell keeps these jackets cool during summer rides. Such features are also included in the riding pants with hip protectors that are showcased at the Royal Enfield stand, adding to the safety of riders.
Other highlights of this range include the CE approved modular eye wear, which assures 100% UV protection, along with NANNINI from Italy. The company is offering ‘anti-fog’ treatment for this eye wear, making it easy to ride amidst fog. At the event, the company is also exhibiting the original Buff multipurpose headwear with safety reflectors, procured from Spain and a motorcycle utility luggage system with interlocking mechanism. Apart from these, visitors will also find backpacks with EVA high density back support and airbag cushioning at the Royal Enfield stand. These items have been showcased for the first time in India at 2012 Auto Expo.
The riding gear showcased by the company also comprises motorcycle boots with dual lacing and zipper puller. These boots have durable soles, which offer a firm grip on heavy duty oil, water and tarmac. The AGV helmets exhibited at the Royal Enfield pavilion assure optimum head protection and enhance the style quotient.
In addition, the company unveils protective riding pants, which are designed using high abrasion resistant Toughmax denim and T400 lycra from Invista. These riding pants are designed with removable CE protectors at hip and knees, which make riding pleasurable. Moreover, Royal Enfield also showcased tee shirts, logo pin badges, key chains, motorcycle clocks and leather riding gloves with carbon fibre knuckles at the launch event.
Royal Enfield made its début in the Indian auto market in 1901 and is the oldest bike manufacturing company in the world. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, it has set up its base in Chennai, India. Since 1955, Royal Enfield has been a pioneer of powerful four stroke technology in India. With a diverse range of models, the company fulfils the requirements of the traditional segments, namely biking enthusiasts, leisure bikers and urban youth.
Bullet 350, Bullet Electra, Classic 350, Classic 500, Classic Chrome, Desert Storm and the Thunderbird Twinspark complete the domestic portfolio of Royal Enfield. In all, the company has 11 brand stores and 180 dealers present in all major cities and towns of India. Moreover, the company has over 100 authorised service centres located across the country.
Serving up to 30 countries, this iconic motorcycle manufacturer has made its presence felt in the auto markets of USA, Japan, UK, several European countries and the Middle East. Enthusiast activities, events and rides organised by the company attracts several Royal Enfield riders from all across the country. Amongst several others initiatives, Rider Mania and Himalayan Odyssey are two of the most prominent rider events supported by Royal Enfield. The Himalayan Odyssey, the largest motorcycle ride event, enables enthusiasts to explore some of the toughest roads and highest mountain passes across the region of Himalaya and Ladakh.
