[Warwithwheels]

The much awaited Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 was recently unveiled in the Auto expo. It was slated for a Mid 2012 launch and a there's been a lot of speculation about the launch dates and pricing.

Many diehard RE fans (including me) who where in the verge of getting their other RE models delivered in late 2011/ early 2012 were reasonably confused if they should wait for the TB 500 or go ahead and buy one of the existing models from the RE Stable.

In this backdrop, I would like draw your attention to the latest development in the RE website Welcome to Royal Enfield Motorcycles | Motorcycle India

The "to be launched" model (TB500) was showcased in the website under the MOTORCYCLES tab immediately after the unveiling ceremony. However when I checked the website few moments back, the bike has gone missing from the website.

A little bit of research threw up some discussion board messages which reveal that many RE freaks are puzzled about this development.



Just wanted to know what could be the reason for the sudden vanishing of the model from the website.

Are they updating the webpage?

Have they planned to put launch on back burner?

This development is very crucial because, many RE enthusiasts have postponed their purchase to have a touch and feel of the newly launched model before they decide to take the plunge!

What do you guys have to say?

[KA18]

RE is pretty serious about the TBTS500. Maybe there is a problem with the website or they are planning an update on the bike.

However, the TBTS500 model is available for comparison on the RE website. Do check it if you need the specifications.

[navpreet318]

So the Thunderbird 500 makes another appearance. Check the following link and carefully see the bike, the headlight and the engine below which has been painted black. The cylinder head is typical UCE 500 painted black. This is the Thunderbird 500 for sure:

On the sets: SRK, Anushka's motorcycle diaries

[Bazinga]

I think this should be available soon. I enquired with a dealer in Pune and they have no clue when the bookings would start or when they can finally talk about it.

[buntydey]

Dedperately waiting for the release of Thunderbird 500. Come on RE, bring it on soon.

[bradhey]

had a word with one of their dealers and his opinion is that the bike would go into production in December 12, and would show up in Feb 13. Of course this is the feedback he has.....!!

[buntydey]

Originally Posted by bradhey

had a word with one of their dealers and his opinion is that the bike would go into production in December 12, and would show up in Feb 13. Of course this is the feedback he has.....!!

Thats really disheartening to hear. Why on earth did RE launch it at the Auto Expo 2012 then .

[Voyager]

Originally Posted by bradhey

had a word with one of their dealers and his opinion is that the bike would go into production in December 12, and would show up in Feb 13. Of course this is the feedback he has.....!!

That is the usual RE way of doing things .A prototype usually built by an external agency is displayed and then they get to figuring things and it takes an year to get the bits in place and start delivery of the bike and about 2 more years to fix the niggling problems .

Offering a new color on is treated like launch of a new bike , the desert storm is an example.

Essentially there is not too much of new development on the Thunderbird ,just some enhancements to the old Thunderbird

Prashanth

[Tgo]

I saw the trailer of an upcoming movie today. You might be interested in seeing this.

Shahrukh Khan’s bike act with Anushka Sharma | Cinema 24 Hours | Movies Updated

Everything is so Bollywood oriented in India, be it the designers, the guys making music, advertising .... Its hopeless.

[iron]

RE might coincide the launch with the release of the movie.

Here is the trailer for the same Forward to 1.15.

A Yash Chopra Romance - Official Trailer | Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma - YouTube

[racingmachine]

Could this be the reason for delay in the launch of TBTS 500 :

Royal Enfield struggles with patchy service, long waiting periods - Corporate News - livemint.com

Another interesting read. Though I highly doubt the actual price would be anywhere close to the price mentioned in the article:

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 to be launched soon : India, News - India Today

[lohithrao]

Well RE seriously should worry about the service/spares quality, none of thier ASC inspire confidence and most of them care a nut about thier customers...

atleast for me no more RE's in this regard!

Once TB500 islanuched it would be interesting to see, what will be the waiting period, hope not 2 years!

Originally Posted by racingmachine

Could this be the reason for delay in the launch of TBTS 500 :

Royal Enfield struggles with patchy service, long waiting periods - Corporate News - livemint.com

Another interesting read. Though I highly doubt the actual price would be anywhere close to the price mentioned in the article:

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 to be launched soon : India, News - India Today

[Nilesh5417]

I'm so tired of waiting for the TB500. It didn't excite me much as a product but what excited me was RE actually churned out something new to keep the excitement going. But am too bored of it all now.

And even if they did launch it, it will take us ages to lay our hands on one. If they didn't anticipate demand for the classic models or the AVL500s, did they have any confidence in their products? Its been ages since RE has been facing these issues and they haven't done a thing to fix these. So either they want to create an artificial scarcity or they don't have a clue about the pulse of their customers.

And +1000 to all the comments about A.S.S. Cause what A.S.S? Forget about the authorized service centers, even good old outside the official RE network are absolutely impossible to find. They have all retired and the new ones don't make enough money so don't work with RE bikes anymore.

And with a retail price of a nano, frequent break downs and service charges of an Alto, what am'i getting in return? I was such a fan of RE and still own an Electra. But i'm holding on cause i already own one. If i was a new customer out there to get a bike, i wouldn't bet my money on RE.

Owning an RE is like owning that wedding suit. You are stuck with it until you die really. You can't sell it cause everyone wants their own and its heart over mind for you, you don't wear it enough cause its so expensive to get it dry cleaned, there are not enough good dry cleaners around and those that are, charge you a fortune!

Fix it RE! For the sake of those who still love you!

[flyboy747]

Royal Enfield seems to be going the Govt. of India way...(5 year plans) for all their projects ! My (not so) friendly neighborhood dealer says that the Thunderbird 500 and Bullet 500 are only for the export market (The Bullet 500 already is). Anyone else hear the same thing?

[bradhey]

Originally Posted by flyboy747

Royal Enfield seems to be going the Govt. of India way...(5 year plans) for all their projects ! My (not so) friendly neighborhood dealer says that the Thunderbird 500 and Bullet 500 are only for the export market (The Bullet 500 already is). Anyone else hear the same thing?

What kind of dealer is that ? He either wants to sell only the Electra and TB (as it may be easier to manage spares stock) or he is just too sleepy