RE Thunderbird X

Thunderbird gets the X factor

Each year Royal Enfield (RE) hosts a global riding event called the One Ride to celebrate the spirit of motorcycling. It takes places simultaneous in numerous countries where fans and RE motorcycle owners participate with enthusiasm, sharing stories, journeys and of course their passion for riding.

We headed to sunny Goa for the ride but most of all, to experience the new Thunderbird X. Royal Enfield’s latest launch comes with both the 350 and 500cc single-cylinder engines and a variety of lively colour options to choose from.

But how different is the Thunderbird X from the regular Thunderbird? The aesthetic changes lend the Thunderbird X a street or roadster style aimed at the urban rider. While the Thunderbird caters to riders looking for a touring motorcycle, the Thunderbird X will offer a stylish alternative to those looking for a city runabout.

Notable changes include the paint scheme where the tank is in

THE RIDING POSITION IS JUST AS COMFORTABLE AS BEFORE WITH A DASH OF SPORTINESS NOW MAKING DIRECTION CHANGES EASIER

a bolder shade than the rest of the motorcycle that’s draped in shades of black.

As a differentiator, the red and white paint schemes for the tank are reserved for the 350cc models while the orange and blue colours are only available on the 500cc models. Most striking of all however, are the new 19-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels, a first for RE. Quality levels are as good as what we’ve seen on Royal Enfields before and on brand new motorcycles, there wasn’t much to complaint about.

The meter console gets analogue displays for the speedometer and tachometer while a small digital display shows basic running data. The tank holds the same 20-litres of fuel and the headlight houses a projector low beam and a halogen equipped high beam just as the Thunderbird.

The riding position is just as comfortable as before with a dash of sportiness coming in from the lower handlebar, now making direction changes easier. The 346cc mill churns out 19.8bhp and 28Nm while packing enough grunt for slow speed riding and building up pace when in the mood for some spirited riding. Being a big-bore single cylinder engine, there is a fair amount of vibration but it’s easy to get used to it after a few kilometres on the road.

The 350cc engine is fed by a carburettor while the 500cc gets a fuel injection system. The 500 develops nearly 8bhp and 13Nm more than the

350 but brings along more vibes too. Fuel-injection definitely smoothens power delivery on the 500 helping it build momentum with ease. The 350 on the other hand, feels comparatively gruff but not substantially slower in building up revs. Of course, smaller and lighter capacity motorcycle may find the edge in acceleration from a standstill but the Thunderbird X isn’t meant for such antics. A more mature ride, the Thunderbird X focuses on riding the wave of torque in its mid-range and settle for an effortless three-digit cruising speed. The 500 impresses even further with the torque coming in much earlier in the rev-range.

Weighing nearly the same, the 500cc model definitely gets more grunt to lug the weight and is quicker but the 350 feels more than adequate to cruise around town and is a tad more refined. The suspension is set on the softer side for both motorcycles and helps maintain a uniform level of

comfort irrespective of the road conditions. The only downside of it though, is the excess dive upon braking and the lack of bite from the 280mm front disc while not much is added to the braking force with the use of the rear disc brake. Nevertheless, narrow streets don’t seem to bother the Thunderbird X as it manages to be effortless to ride and agile enough to handle crowded streets with considerable ease. Just what it’s meant to do. Find an open highway and its stability at speed impresses as the motorcycle remains sure-footed.

VERDICT

The Thunderbird X is Royal Enfield’s solution for riders that wished for a slightly stripped down, city version of the Thunderbird. Both variants bring along unique road presence with a splash of bright colour options to stand out from the crowd. Thus aesthetically, there isn’t much to fault in the new motorcycles and the TB X will surely appeal to a lot of people. Mechanically,

RE still has to get its game up in overall refinement as well as braking to afford more confidence to its riders.

THE 500CC GETS MORE GRUNT AND IS QUICKER BUT THE 350 FEELS MORE THAN ADEQUATE TO CRUISE AROUND TOWN

1. The rider cockpit appears vastly different to the Thunderbird, it’s sportier thanks to the lower handlebar. 2. Vibrations are lesser on the 350cc but on the TB X 500, they render the meter console unreadable. 3. Seat remains as plush as the one on the Thunderbird. 4. 280mm, non-ABS front disc feels spongy and lacks bite thus falls short of offering adequate stopping power

Aptly located on the Arpora-Baga Creek Road, the Enfield Garage Cafe makes for a perfect pit stop for motorcyclists headed towards the Baga beach. Capable of seating 120 people, the cafe serves a delicious mix of European cuisines and Goan delicacies. The decor comprises of motorcycle-inspired wall art, pictures and installations spread across the cafe. There is also a museum and an exhibition area that houses the original 1963 Continental GT café racer and a 1965 MK-2 750cc Interceptor among other motorcycles.

1. Redesigned grab rails look slick and are well integrated with the tail lamp.2. Airbox and utility box finished in gloss black shedding the chrome