[ashwinprakas]

Originally Posted by indigo74

Posting here possibly the best modification that can happen to a bullet.
https://twitter.com/thebetterindia/s...093347328?s=19

A healthy pinch of salt would go a long way. As none of the prior atomizer kits did fare well when it came to real world performance.

Introducing atomized water into the combustion chamber is something that has been out for ages, that is how most of us decarbonize our engines as well, and if it were that dependable then automotive manufacturers would've already implemented it.

[ArizonaJim]

Originally Posted by indigo74

Posting here possibly the best modification that can happen to a bullet.
https://twitter.com/thebetterindia/s...093347328?s=19

There is an old adage that applies to things like the device shown in the above advertisement.

"If it seem to be too good to be true, it probably is."

Face it. Every single manufacturer of motor vehicles wants their vehicle to out preform their competitors in fuel economy and longevity.
If something like water injection would actually improve these things, every maker would have had it on their vehicles years ago and still be using it today.



Actually, water injection has been around for almost 100 years. It is used in aircraft engines to prevent pre-detonation or pre-ignition when the engine is delivering maximum power.
This does not produce or increase any power the engine makes. It just keeps the engine from destroying itself.

[rowonfield]

Experts please advice
My Thunderbird 500 ((50k Km's run and 5 years old) front & rear shock absorbers and tyres are worn out. Bike wobbles and also I sense slippage on turns.
As I need to anyways replace, planning to replace it with below parts

Existing
Suspension – Front 41 mm fork, 130 mm travel & Rear Twin gas charged, 80 mm Travel
Tyre – Front 90/90, 19 & Rear 120/80, 18 spokes

To be modified
Suspension – Front 41 mm fork, 200 mm travel (RE Himalayan) & Rear Twin coil shocks, 88 mm travel (RE interceptor)
Tyre – Front 90/90, 21 (RE Himalayan) & Rear 120/80, 18 Alloy, tubeless (RE 500 x)

Related parts like Disk brakes, Links, T joints, handlebar etc. would also change as per needs.
Addition would be Front ABS.
How would it change the dynamics of bike, steering and balancing capability?
I have had initial discussions with couple of local motorbike modifiers and was told that it would not affect but in fact increase height and have better grip on road and off-road. Its just that I need to get used it with few km's of rides. I was told what I wanted to hear.

[rich_heart]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Have a look at this post from xBhp, the one with Karizma shocks

http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/motorcyc...ml#post1130553

Here is the feedback after running my TBTS, with rear stock shocks absorber replaced with Karizma ones, for around 100+KMS, within city. I didn't realize that there was a gas filled model. The mechanic chose a normal one. It costed me Rs. 3k for the pair.

After initial hardness, I got the pre-tension set to the least position. The bike how handles very easily. Turnings are light and quicker. I get a feel as if I am riding a lighter bike. Due to the added ground clearance, I can now confidently lean more in right turns without fear of rear brake pedal scraping the ground; just a wee bit more. But still is an improvement.
On straights, like the NICE road in Bengaluru, I feel the bike accelerates effortlessly. I am no mechanical engineer and it might be stupid to tie it to the shock absorber change. It could just be a placebo effect
However I did feel rear wheel wavering little more with hard front braking. Again, can't be sure to tie up the reason. There could be multiple other factors. Have since started practicing to apply more rear brakes in emergency. It felt more rigid with the stock setup.

The ride has definitely become more comfortable. Enjoying it!

[rich_heart]

Originally Posted by rich_heart

Hi all,
Will it cause any harm to wiring/battery if I install twin headlights setup instead of a single one? This is for my RE Thunderbird TS. It currently has stock bulb and 7 inch housing. Is it possible to split the single bulb holder into two bulb holder? Thinking about replacing with smaller twin headlight setup like Mahindra Mojo.

I am still interested to do something like this. I can across the Mojo new type headlight unit for sale on OLX for 3.5k.

Is it worth the money? What price can I quote? I am hesitant whether they will have any impact on battery or not.

[ukalia]

Friends,

I have become active after a long time on the thread. I have a TBTS 500 Nov. 2012 model. Has been neglected for a while because of my pre-occupation with the work. Now i have been thinking to reignite my passion for biking. But unfortunately, because of lying idle for a long time and use of a free flow exhaust from day 1, it has started throwing white smoke. In addition, the self starter has stopped working. I checked with both dealer and FNG, both confirmed that the starter motor needs to be replaced. I am planning to now sort of semi restore my bike as i intend to keep this bike for another 5 to 7 years since its production has stopped now.


The dealer is quoting around INR 15,000 for the cylinder kit & pistons + 14,000 for starter motor.

I have following questions:
1. I saw some videos on youtube, where people are talking about fitting 535 piston in TBTH 500. Is it successful? Do i need to change cylinder head along with inlet valves too?

2. Regarding starter motor, it looks very expensive. I checked independently too, it is not a problem of carbon bushes and even FNG confirmed that it is not repairable. Is there a cheaper alternative available?

In addition to the above, i intend to do following modifications:

1. Change to tubeless tires from Avenger , i.e., 130X15 along with alloy wheels. Does it have any drawbacks?

2. Switch to LED headlamp. Are there any recommendations?

3. Side luggage boxes and top boxes. Apart from Studds, which other options are available?

4. Should i continue to use EFI or is it advisable to convert to carburettor for touring?

Looking for answers to above questions.

Thanks

[rowonfield]

Here is my upgraded Thunderbird 500

Details of the upgrade

RE Himalayan front suspension - ₹ 11300

Below were upgraded because Himalayan forks did not fit into existing Thunderbird setup.

RE Himalayan front Disk brakes - ₹ 3250
Front Wheel Axle - ₹ 630
Front Wheel Rim - ₹ 950




RE Himalayan Wheel Hub - ₹ 2600
Reflector on Front suspension - ₹ 500




Front Suspension Gaiters - ₹ 550
Himalayan Front Mud Guard & Bracket - ₹ 1000




Front Wheel Spokes - ₹ 500, along with rim was upgraded as Himalayan hub spoke fitment is forward/rear directions and not sideways like Thunderbird




Main Stand extra pipe welding - ₹ 190 was upgraded as the height of the bike was increased and existing main stand was not able to lift the bike above ground level



RE Interceptor 650 Rear Suspension. - ₹ 16000 was installed to balance the height of the bike as front was lifted too much.



Extra Rear Tail Lamps and Indicators of old Thunderbird ₹ 1500 installed as existing tail lamp and indicators used to get hidden when rear top box was installed.



Side and rear Pannier frames. ₹ 3500 Approx. This helps me fitting the soft saddle bags and hard panniers as well.




Other Upgrades

Tim-Sun Front Wheel TS 819 and Rear Wheel TS 822 - ₹ 8000
Chain Cover Chrome. - ₹ 400
Standard Chain without O ring. - ₹ 900 Approx.
Front LED headlights pair - ₹ 2200

Suspension gripped on T joints

It has been almost 6 months and have rode the bike for 5000 km approximately including 2000 km of long ride.

Advantages
1. Ride is very smooth and don't feel small pot hole jerks.
2. Braking is improved might be because of tyres, front suspension & bigger front disc brake.
3. You don't feel suspension hitting the ground even if you have heavy luggage along with Pillion.

Disadvantages
1. High cost of maintenance if suspension goes bad or for replacement.
2. I feel that there is lots of friction in chain sprocket might be because the chain has extended a bit.
3. Have experienced rear disc brake failure couple of times, not sure if this related to upgrade.

P.S - Apologies for less quality pictures has bike was not washed after ride and please let me know if you have any queries regarding the upgrade.

[ukalia]

I am planning to add the following to my Thunderbird 500:

1. Philips LED Headlight bulbs -- Any ideas which one should be chosen?

2. Allow wheels from Royal Enfield -- Any experience with these alloys? Are these worth the extra money?

3. Ralco Tyres -- Any suggestions or experience with these tires?

4. Battery -- I currently have an Exide battery installed. And I have always installed that battery only. But any better alternatives in dry batteries which are maintenance-free and give better performance than Exide?

5. Should I move over to a Carburettor from FI as my bike is now more than seven years old? I intend to keep it for another eight years. Your comments will be welcome.

[Rennjit]

Originally Posted by rowonfield

Front Wheel Spokes - ₹ 500, along with rim was upgraded as Himalayan hub spoke fitment is forward/rear directions and not sideways like Thunderbird

Is that a 19 inch rim at front or 18 inch?
And were the spokes modified in any way?
Quite an interesting setup it is. TIA.

[rowonfield]

Originally Posted by Rennjit

Is that a 19 inch rim at front or 18 inch?
And were the spokes modified in any way?
Quite an interesting setup it is. TIA.

Its same size rim (19 inch) which is used in original setup, but has 36 spokes.
Spokes are different, which my mechanic found it in Pune market and are a bit short in size compared to original.
If you plan to use the original one's that should be okay as well but you need to cut it and then thread them which is much more work than getting a new one.

[Rennjit]

Originally Posted by rowonfield

Its same size rim (19 inch) which is used in original setup, but has 36 spokes.
Spokes are different, which my mechanic found it in Pune market and are a bit short in size compared to original. ...

Is the rim from any of enfield bikes?
Could you please find from your mechanic that which bikes spokes are those?? TIA.

[rowonfield]

Originally Posted by Rennjit

Is the rim from any of enfield bikes?
Could you please find from your mechanic that which bikes spokes are those?? TIA.

I did check with mechanic today, he said that he got rim and spoke from mumbai dealer and are usually used for Rajdoot.
The make is Mandap.

[rich_heart]

Hi all,
Please suggest headlight and electrical specialist
in Bengaluru for RE TBTS.
I have a few modifications to be done.

Thanks in advance!
-Rich Heart

[rich_heart]

Originally Posted by rich_heart

Hi all,
Please suggest headlight and electrical specialist
in Bengaluru for RE TBTS.
I have a few modifications to be done.

Thanks in advance!
-Rich Heart

Any leads on this please?

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by rich_heart

Hi all,
Please suggest headlight and electrical specialist
in Bengaluru for RE TBTS.
I have a few modifications to be done.

Thanks in advance!
-Rich Heart

I dont know an electrical specialist in Bangalore but the Art of Motorcycling garage seems to be a pretty popular choice for Royal Enfields. Talk to them and see if they are willing to take up the work that you have planned.