Five things you need to know about Royal Enfield’s Thunderbird X

• Published On: 1 March 2018
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Here’s what you can expect from the new urban-centric Thunderbird models.

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.