After so much of leaks and spyshots, Royal Enfield has finally launched its new Thunderbird 350X and 500X at Rs 1.56 lakh and Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively. The 350X and 500X are available in four colours – Getaway Orange and Drifter Blue on the 500X, Whimsical White and Roving Red on the 350X. Both the bikes also feature a few other cosmetic updates.
In terms of pricing, both the 350X and 500X are expensive than the standard Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 500 by around Rs 7500. However, there are multiple upgrades that set it apart from the standard model. A few upgradations are it’s handlebar and seats. The headlamps, however, remains the same but now they showcase LED Drls along with an LED tail lamp. The motorcycle features 9-spoke alloy wheels and tubeless tyres — a first for a Royal Enfield. Disc brakes are standard at the both the ends but without ABS. The first Royal Enfields to sport ABS is expected to be the upcoming Interceptor/Continental GT 650 twins.
The 350X features nearly same visual and ergonomic upgrades as the 500X does. The digital analog twin-pod instrument cluster gets the blacked-out job with a chrome garnish around the dials. As mentioned above a noticeable change is the all-new seat, unlike the split-seat on the regular Thunderbird this one is the single-piece unit. The grab rail is also a noteworthy point. It is neatly mounted next to the pillion seat and ends in the tail-lamp unit. The exhaust and the telescopic fork also come with a matte-black garnish. The top and bottom ends of the dual shock-absorbers also gone through the same finish.
Both new Thunderbird variants i.e., 350X and 500X use the same power plant and gearbox as the standard Thunderbird’s does. The 350X comes with the 346cc motor which makes 19.8hp and 28Nm of torque; while the 500X is powered by the 499cc motor which produces 27.2hp and 41.3Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to five-speed gearbox.
In terms of competition, both thunderbirds compete against the UM Renegade Sports S.
