[indian21r]

Originally Posted by vijay_k

The sheer power of 500 makes me go for one but end of the day the question is where would I be using that power and torque?

This power is really useful when you want to get away from the crowd at Signals. That way you get a more or less free stretch until next signal (unless it is bumper to bumper traffic).

I used to have a Classic 500 and it always brought a smile on my face when I just left the rest of the traffic behind . Anytime you want to do a Highway run 500 is relaxed and will be a better to overtake compared to the 350.

[Randhawa]

Hi Randhawa! Good to have you on the thread. I am not sure what you mean by TB, please elaborate.

TB means throttle body. Try to source the clamp which goes on the pipe.

[vijay_k]

Thank you ArizonaJim, Apachelongbow, Insearch and indian21r for your comments.

I have test driven both these bikes some time back. Now after going through all of your comments I think buying a TBTS500 makes more sence.
I will book one next week and guys any idea what is the waiting period of 500? I heard that waiting period of all RE bikes have come down after their new plant has started production is that true?

Vijay

[Insearch]

Originally Posted by vijay_k

...I will book one next week and guys any idea what is the waiting period of 500? I heard that waiting period of all RE bikes have come down after their new plant has started production is that true?

Vijay

I visited the RE showroom today. The waiting period quoted for the 500 was two months and 4 months for the 350. That is down from 3-4 months and 8 months, respectively, for the two models. A major shift.
Sidharth Lal has already hinted that they would like to bring the waiting period down to less than a month. So for an enthusiast, a little push may help bring the waiting down further from the quoted two months .

[arjun.r]

Hi

Fair bit of warning for those going for the matte look StoneBlack. It's not covered by the company warranty (as opposed to 1 yr warranty on the glossy paints). You probably know this n it's mentioned in the manual as well.

What some of you may not know is why. That paint scratches like crazy. There is no coating on it to protect it since its matte. And even minute scratches are extremely visible on the black surface. My two week old TB500 tank already looks worn out (though, to be fair, thats the look matte paint will give eventually... just didnt expect it so soon)
It's definitely high maintenance as far as paint finishes go.

Also, dumb dealer put the leg-guard too low, so the wheel traveled up the shocker on a bump colliding with the leg-guard. And now has a nice big dent on the front mudguard at the back. Check the clearance between the leg guard and front mudguard in your PDI.

[rki2007]

Originally Posted by Insearch

I visited the RE showroom today. The waiting period quoted for the 500 was two months and 4 months for the 350. That is down from 3-4 months and 8 months, respectively, for the two models. A major shift.
Sidharth Lal has already hinted that they would like to bring the waiting period down to less than a month. So for an enthusiast, a little push may help bring the waiting down further from the quoted two months .

Thats really a very good news but i heard it the other way round today from the Showroom guys in Jayanagar, Bangalore. I was told that still the production isn't commenced fully and again nothing can be assured.

[TheARUN]

Seeing so many TBs on the road nowadays, I feel the CLASSIC crowd has now moved to the TB. This is the best iteration of the TB that RE has got to date, very practical and very comfortable

[rki2007]

Originally Posted by TheARUN

Seeing so many TBs on the road nowadays, I feel the CLASSIC crowd has now moved to the TB. This is the best iteration of the TB that RE has got to date, very practical and very comfortable

Yes this is infact very true. I was one among them when i decided with the TBTS over Classic when i booking one.

I feel below are the reasons why i opted with TBTS 350 rather than Classic 350 and the justifications for the 12 k difference are:

1) Refreshed looks.
2) Rear disc
3)20 ltr tank
4) Digital speedo console
5) Better seating comfort
6) Lesser waiting period!!!!

[Insearch]

Originally Posted by rki2007

Thats really a very good news but i heard it the other way round today from the Showroom guys in Jayanagar, Bangalore. I was told that still the production isn't commenced fully and again nothing can be assured.

As I said, Sidharth Lal has mentioned about a reduced period. Also with production being up, if not to full capacity, how can the waiting period be the same (unless there is a substantial jump in demand)? Watch him comment on the waiting period in this interview with AUTOCAR. You could straight away move to minute 3, in the video. Not sure how to embed the video, so posting the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=P0yoxmQFfjc

Originally Posted by TheARUN

Seeing so many TBs on the road nowadays, I feel the CLASSIC crowd has now moved to the TB. This is the best iteration of the TB that RE has got to date, very practical and very comfortable

Originally Posted by rki2007

Yes this is infact very true. I was one among them when i decided with the TBTS over Classic when i booking one.

The Thunderbird has it's own fan following, dare I say:"true bulleteers" (those who have owned bullets with a certain passion for it and it's heritage) do not see this as a bullet. They would rather buy the Classic. The Classic, looks and feels like the "Original" thing for all it's modernity. It is akin to the VW Beetle, where Volkswagon has retained the original/Vintage looks, albeit with modern technology as the underpinnings.
While I myself chose to buy the Thunderbird for some of the reasons mentioned by rki2007 (and the fact that I have a long cruise on my mind), I do feel a sense of empathy, with those who feel that the Thunderbird is the beginning of the end of Bulllet's vintage appeal. In fact whenever I see the Classic on the road, I just fall for it's vintage looks. The Thunderbird would be hard pressed to attract that kind of attention.

I do not know the break up details, but I doubt that the Thunderbird outsells the Classic.

[Insearch]

Another weekend, another ride! Thanks to Mobike008 for inviting and organising the ride to Medak Church. 2 Classics, one TB and a Karizma. The total ride was 250 kilometers on my tripmeter. That would be higher than the others due to the extra distance I had to travel to the rendezvous point.
We started out early morning and arrived at the Church at about 9 am. Stopped on the way for some snaps and rehydration.


This photograph captures the mood. From left to right: A4anurag, Xydon and Mobike008.



AT the beautiful Church:


And the Church itself. Built in 1914:


We had a nice ride overall and I tried out the Classic. It is a very different ride from the Thunderbird. The seat of the Classic does not feel comfortable for a long ride. The sitting posture also is not very relaxed and initially I felt that if I breaked too hard, I will flip over the front mudguard (as an exaggeration). But Mobike008's Classic has an altered exhaust that has to be heard and makes the ride worthwhile. Just when you are getting some attention from passerbys you open the throttle and there eyeballs get glued to you and the bike, giving an immense satisfaction. Why? Well because the thump of the bike just overpowers everything in range, peoples' eyes open up and you pass by as if dropping nuclear bombs is second nature to you. That's why.
I wore all my gear except for the gloves and have paid the price for it. My hands are completely sunburnt, no scorched. I wanted to put up a picture of the same, but they looked too ugly .

Thanks Mobike008, it was fun.

Nice ride report, Insearch.

Originally Posted by Insearch

I wore all my gear except for the gloves

How did you feel wearing the jacket in the scorching sun? I could not wear mine in the afternoon heat; but wore in the night only when the weather turned chilly, during my recent solo ride from Chennai to Bangalore.

[Insearch]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

Nice ride report, Insearch.



How did you feel wearing the jacket in the scorching sun? I could not wear mine in the afternoon heat; but wore in the night only when the weather turned chilly, during my recent solo ride from Chennai to Bangalore.

Thanks Ravi jee.

It is ok, while you are on the move. Wherever we had to slow down for traffic movement, it was uncomfortable. Even a 2 minute stop for a traffic light means that your back, sides and face will get wet. The saving grace is that movement after the stop gives an immediate cooling effect to the whole body.
My feeling is that the extra layer reduces the impact of hot air and overall water loss from the body. You may be surprised, but I wear a full sleave shirt underneath, for this very reason.

I have been thinking of buying one of those cooling jackets to wear under the armoured jacket or maybe the T-shirt is a better choice.
check out this post:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...ml#post2757148

Regards.

[azm@bpl]

Highly stimulating thread.
Even those who dislike RE would be tempted to ride atleast once.
I am thinking of some minor changes, need experts opinion regarding the same.
Would it be possible replacing the handle bar of TB with that of avenger
and secondly can I fit the 130/80 18 tyre in the rear without doing any modifications to the swing arm and 90/90 18 in the front?

[Insearch]

^^^ I have been thinking of changing my rear tyre too. The plan was to replace it with Pirrelli, in the hope of better grip for leaning into corners and breaking. But it seems that the experience with it has not been satisfying, overall. Have a look at this post and the answers: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...ml#post3118768
In fact for your specific query, it may be better to post it on the above thread.

[Insearch]

Recieved the replacement saddle bags from Dirtsack. They guided me on the phone as to how they need to be put up. I have put up an initial review of the bags on the appropriate thread, please have a look:
bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/131891-saddle-tail-bag-reviews-viaterra-claw-nelson-rigg-spirit-30-cramster-colt-3.html#post3144201

After trying out various panniers I think these are the ones that will accompany me to Ladakh. They look and feel ready for the job. Now, if I could say the same about myself...

Here are some snaps of the bags:

Rear View:


Side View:


And with the pillion seat bag in place:


Tickets for the flight to north booked. I am one excited boy, right now.