Team-BHP > Motorbikes


Reply
  Search this Thread
150,135 views
Old 6th July 2019, 18:21   #31
BHPian
 
gigatech2006's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: B'lore/Chennai
Posts: 163
Thanked: 149 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Quote:
Originally Posted by jailbird_fynix View Post
Looks like a twin engine design? I’m in a lot of confusion. Whether to wait for the updated classics or go with the 650 twins. I’m also in love with the Himalayan; but for the 411 cc engine. If they come up with an Himalayan that produces around 40bhp, I’d like to consider that for the Chennai Bangalore trips (coz I can confidently off road in Bangalore).
gigatech2006 is offline  
Old 6th July 2019, 20:22   #32
Senior - BHPian
 
tharian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SBC
Posts: 3,978
Thanked: 8,005 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sutripta View Post

You are right about the pushrods. Lots of misconceptions in this forum about pushrods, DOHC, and SOHC.

Regards
Sutripta
Himalayan has a 410cc OHV engine and doesn't have a thump. Wondering how the new 350cc featured here is going to have one.

My technical knowhow is limited to reading stuff online, forgive me if it's a dumb question.
tharian is offline  
Old 6th July 2019, 20:56   #33
Senior - BHPian
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Calcutta
Posts: 4,668
Thanked: 6,213 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

The Himalayan (and the twin) have a SOHC head.

If you could take a RE CI engine, jury rig some setup, Pushrods, SOHC, DOHC, Solenoids, whatever, to operate the valves maintaining original valve timings, and keeping everything else the same, you would get the original thump.

It is useful for brand recall. And in that worth it's weight in gold. Much like Bajaj's multiple plugs. Or Ducati's desmo setup. Technically dubious, but great for advertising.

A modern engine is very unlikely to produce that thump. Also there are noise pollution norms nowadays. But sound is an important emotive aspect, esp so with RE. So I think some R and D effort would have gone into getting something acceptable but different from the thump soundwise. Maybe RE will try singing a different tune. Amongst bikes sold in India, the Benellis sound great. Whether by accident or design I don't know.

RE has its work cutout. Otherwise as just another 300+ single cylinder, it is very likely to loose it's identity.

Regards
Sutripta

Last edited by Sutripta : 6th July 2019 at 21:11.
Sutripta is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 6th July 2019, 21:30   #34
Distinguished - BHPian
 
ArizonaJim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Phoenix, Ariz.
Posts: 1,200
Thanked: 2,836 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Quote:
Originally Posted by Motard_Blr View Post
The thump is not a result of the pushrod setup. A bit of trivia I learnt just a few days ago: Vehicles in Britain used to be taxed according to the bore size and not according to the total displacement. This resulted in a variety of very long stroke engines in both cars and motorcycles. Technology at that time did not permit high engine speeds with long stroke engines because of the limitations of materials and processes used. So most engines were slow speed by modern standards, and required heavy flywheels to maintain momentum. Pushrod valve train was the most common technology at that time. Chain-driven valve train was reserved for racing engines. This then is the reason for the thump - a deep bass, slow engine beat.
Also note that had RE continued to be in business like Triumph, Norton, etc. They too would have moved on to more modern designs to keep up with the competition.
In my opinion, RE are very aware of attraction that "The thump" holds for loyal bullet fans and they wouldn't want to upset their loyal fanbase. So their new bike, if it's going to be called "Bullet", will have to be similar in character and sound to the existing bullets.
You are absolutely correct.
The British taxed vehicles based on their calculated horsepower but their method of calculating horsepower was more than a little unusual.

The formula used was, 2/5 (D squared) n = HP or 0.4 (D squared) n=HP
where D=size of the bore in inches and n= the number of cylinders.

Notice that because the size of the bore is squared, a little increase in its size makes a big increase in the final answer. Also notice, the length of the stroke doesn't have anything to do with the answer.
This drove the engine designers towards using the smallest bore that would produce any useful horsepower coupled with a very long stroke to give the engine enough displacement to produce enough power for the job at hand.

A long stroke engine can not rev as high as a short stroke engine and runs best at low RPMs. This is the reason for the old British engines long stroke, thump, thump, thump sound we all love to hear.

This method of calculating horsepower also gave some pretty silly answers.

Take for instance a 4 cylinder engine with a 2 inch bore and a 3 inch stroke.
It's RAC horsepower would be 0.4 (2 squared)4= 0.4(4)4=6.4 horsepower. Notice, if we increase the stroke to 5 inches, the answer does not change.

A increase in the bore size to a 4 inch size gives us 0.4 (4 squared) 4 = 0.4 ( 16) 4 = 25.6 horsepower.

Last edited by ArizonaJim : 6th July 2019 at 21:59.
ArizonaJim is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 15th July 2019, 18:38   #35
Senior - BHPian
 
TusharK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Pune
Posts: 6,177
Thanked: 55,001 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Next-gen Royal Enfield Thunderbird caught testing

A video of the next generation Royal Enfield Thunderbird has surfaced online. It gives us a better look at the changes made to the new bike.

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-thunder3.jpg

Looking at the video, it seems like the new Thunderbird is likely to switch to a double-cradle frame. The test bike has telescopic fork suspension at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The engine, crankcase and the exhaust are finished in black. Unlike the outgoing Thunderbird, the disc brakes are mounted on the right hand side, while the chain sprocket has been moved to the left. It does not have a kick starter, indicating that the bike might be offered only with an electric starter.

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-thunder2.jpg

The test bike has a split seat with a split grab handle and a circular tail lamp at the rear. The front foot pegs appear to have been positioned further ahead. The bike appears to have a redesigned headlight, side panels and front and rear mud guards.

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-thunder1.jpg

The new Thunderbird is expected to be offered with updated 350cc and 500cc BS-VI compliant engines. Dual-channel ABS is also expected to be offered as standard.



Source: santhosh kumar / Youtube

Link to Team-BHP News
TusharK is offline   (6) Thanks
Old 15th July 2019, 23:09   #36
BANNED
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: JALANDHAR
Posts: 84
Thanked: 79 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Another thing evident on both the bikes is the "Double Cradle Frame" which is a new thing altogether from RE. This setup looks like the engine is no longer held as the stress member in the bike instead its sitting happily on the cradle frame. This will definitely solve the vibration of the engine getting transmitted to the handle bar, ending up in the skeleton of the rider.

PS: I like the way of the brake lever activation no longer fouls with the ground while taking right hand side slanted maneuver .

Last edited by The King : 15th July 2019 at 23:21.
The King is offline   (3) Thanks
Old 16th July 2019, 12:22   #37
BHPian
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Pune
Posts: 269
Thanked: 977 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Got to know from the guys at SVC, the new frames are modified versions of the 650 twin's dual cradle frame. The engine does not have push rods anymore, they have a SOHC cofiguration with a counter balancer.
Will be BS6 compliant and will launch next year before the new norms kick in.
With the push rods gone, I wonder if there will be any "Thump" left in them.
ishan12 is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 22nd July 2019, 12:28   #38
BHPian
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: delhi
Posts: 147
Thanked: 592 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

2020 Royal Enfield Classic spied on test

Source
Attached Thumbnails
Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-2020royalenfieldclassic350spied2.jpg  

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-2020royalenfieldclassic350spied.jpg  

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-2020royalenfieldclassic350spied12.jpg  

mayanksabharwal is offline   (5) Thanks
Old 28th August 2019, 17:59   #39
Senior - BHPian
 
TusharK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Pune
Posts: 6,177
Thanked: 55,001 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

More images: Royal Enfield Thunderbird spied

More images of the next-generation Royal Enfield Thunderbird have surfaced online. The latest images reveal the bike's new instrument cluster.

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-royalenfieldthunderbird168329.jpg

The next generation Thunderbird is likely to get a new single-pod instrument cluster that has a small digital display. Besides this, the test bike has black alloy wheels and redesigned chrome exhaust. It also has a shorter rear fender with circular tail lamp and turn signals.

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-royalenfieldthunderbird168326.jpg

The new Thunderbird is expected to be offered with BS-VI compliant 350cc and 500cc engines. The bike is likely to get telescopic fork suspension at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The test bike is also equipped with disc brakes at both ends.

Source: Bikewale

Link to Team-BHP News

Last edited by TusharK : 28th August 2019 at 18:01.
TusharK is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 15th October 2019, 04:46   #40
Senior - BHPian
 
rajushank84's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Chennai
Posts: 1,116
Thanked: 1,092 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Personally I am very excited about this. Here's why: I am a big fan of the classic motorcycle shape, you know the traditional shape. Not sportbike, not cruiser, not adventure, an old-school motorcycle shape. It works well not only for rider ergonomics but also is very useful in India for family people, with regards to pillion seat height and slope. Our previous generations had a lot of options in this space, like the RX, KB, RD, Rajdoot, Suzukis and so on.

Unfortunately we have very few bikes satisfying such a wide need now. I was excited for Jawa until I saw the tiny pillion seat. It is such a missed opportunity in my opinion. Other than Royal Enfield, if you want a usable family bike then you have to go for something like a Splendour or an Activa (coincidentally guess what sells really well - RE, Splendour, Activa). Even the likes of Pulsar and Unicorn have relatively raised and sloped seats, the same can be said of Dominar or Mojo. Cruisers don't work for me either, with that unnatural riding stance that is better for posing than anything else. I don't understand how product heads at motorcycle companies fail to recognize such a basic need. In a country where ladies still sit side-saddle, isn't it kind of obvious?

Anyway, this bike looks all-new including the engine case. If the 650 twins are anything to go by, modern Enfields will be good - not just relatively good, but actually good. Hope so, let's see. Fingers crossed.

Last edited by rajushank84 : 15th October 2019 at 04:51.
rajushank84 is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 15th October 2019, 05:10   #41
Senior - BHPian
 
Sebring's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Dubai/Bengaluru
Posts: 3,550
Thanked: 11,033 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

I think the RE is doing really well. Saw five of these bikes standing back-to-back, for tank protectors on JC Road. The bike has solid presence. ABS in big and bold too. I saw one with a solid brass 'Indian Army' motif being mounted, and the guy was 'as civilian as civilians go' (asked him in fact, much to his embarrassment). LOL
Attached Thumbnails
Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-img_3361.jpg  

Sebring is offline  
Old 15th October 2019, 08:20   #42
BHPian
 
tchsvy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Hyderabad
Posts: 236
Thanked: 733 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Few more Thunderbird test mules, courtesy rushlane. I guess RE is experimenting with different exhaust setups as can be seen in these pics.

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-2020royalenfieldthunderbird350spiedindiatrio4.jpg

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-2020royalenfieldthunderbird350spiedindiatrio1.jpg

https://www.rushlane.com/2020-royal-...-12326398.html
tchsvy is offline   (3) Thanks
Old 15th October 2019, 08:45   #43
Senior - BHPian
 
tharian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SBC
Posts: 3,978
Thanked: 8,005 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Quote:
Originally Posted by tchsvy View Post
Few more Thunderbird test mules, courtesy rushlane. I guess RE is experimenting with different exhaust setups as can be seen in these pics.
The exhausts look the same on all bikes, except that the coating is different. Matt and chrome.

The length of this exhaust reminds me of the 2004 Electra were they launched a glasswool muffler which was short compared to the long ones seen on the Classics and Bullets now, which was originally seen from 2002. They need to invest more on acoustics.
tharian is offline  
Old 16th November 2019, 20:33   #44
BHPian
 
Hamza123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Poona
Posts: 208
Thanked: 1,166 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

Hate the back of the new Thunderbird. It looks like the one from the Imperiale. Also the lovely projector headlamp and the ring drl seems to be history. In my opinion the current Thunderbird seems to be the best looking 'RE out there and has massive road presence. Even more than the Interceptor. Am at crossroads. Should I buy the current Thunderbird which hopefully after being for 8 years on sale has lost all it's flaws. Or wait for the new one which going by the test mules I don't like that much. Or buy the Interceptor and make it touring friendly. Too much to think about !!!
Hamza123 is offline  
Old 25th November 2019, 10:52   #45
Senior - BHPian
 
TusharK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Pune
Posts: 6,177
Thanked: 55,001 Times
Re: Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied

More images: Next-gen Royal Enfield Thunderbird spied

New images of the next-generation Royal Enfield Thunderbird have surfaced online.

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-2020royalenfieldthunderbirdspied3696x447.jpg

The spy images suggest that the new Thunderbird is likely to get a smaller round headlamp with a circular instrument cluster. The bike also appears to have a new fuel tank, redesigned side panels, stepped seat with split grab rails and a new circular tail lamp. The test bike has black alloy wheels, a front crash guard and a saree guard.

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-2020royalenfieldthunderbirdspied2.jpg

Reports suggest that the new Thunderbird could come with a 400cc engine, which could replace the 350cc and 500cc units offered on the outgoing model. It is expected to get disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS.

Updated Royal Enfield Classic & Thunderbird spied-2020royalenfieldthunderbirdspied4.jpg

Source

Link to Team-BHP News
TusharK is offline   (6) Thanks
Reply

Most Viewed
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Team-BHP.com
Proudly powered by E2E Networks