Royal Enfield launches Thunderbird 350X, 500X in India

Royal Enfield has launched the Thunderbird 350X and 500X. The new variants are priced at Rs. 1,56,849 and Rs. 1,98,878 (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively. 

The Thunderbird 350X and 500X are the newest addition to the Royal Enfield’s Thunderbird range. The bikes are based on a single down tube chassis with 41 mm front forks and twin gas charged shock absorbers with adjustable preload in the rear. The overall length is 2,040 mm, while the width and height are 830 mm and 1,140 mm respectively. Both versions have an identical wheelbase of 1,350 mm. The 350X weighs 195 kg, while the 500X tips the scales at 197 kg. Fuel tank capacity is 20 litres.

The 350X and 500X come in dual-tone colour schemes. The 350X is available with Roving Red or Whimsical White fuel tank, while the 500X comes with a choice of Getaway Orange or Drifter Blue. Both bikes come with black, 9-spoke alloy wheels with colour-matched rim highlights and black parts including the front and rear fenders, front forks, engine and exhaust. 

The same circular headlamp has been carried over from the Thunderbird, which has an integrated LED DRL ring and chrome bezel, while the twin-pod instrument cluster is finished in black. The bikes also feature black handlebars that have been re-positioned for a more laid-back riding style. In the rear, the bikes get an LED tail lamp and redesigned grab handles. The Thunderbird 350X and 500X get a single-piece stepped seat and miss out on the rear seat back rest.

Mechanically, both bikes are identical to their respective standard versions. The 350X is powered by a 346 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that delivers 19.8 BHP @ 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The 500X employs a 499 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with electronic fuel injection that makes 27.2 BHP @ 5,250 rpm and 41.3 Nm @ 4,000 rpm. Both bikes come equipped with a 5-speed gearbox. 

The bikes ride on 19-inch and 18-inch alloys in the front and rear respectively, shod with 90/90 front and 120/80 section tubeless tyres in the rear. Brakes come in the form of a single 280 mm ventilated front disc with 2-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear disc with a single piston caliper.