Royal Enfield has launched its new Thunderbird 350X and 500X at Rs 1.56 lakh and Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively. After a number of spy shots and leaks, the launch officially confirms all of the information we reported a few days ago. The 350X and 500X are available in four bright colours – Getaway Orange and Drifter Blue on the 500X, Whimsical White and Roving Red on the 350X – and also feature a few other cosmetic updates.
In terms of pricing, the 350X and the 500X are both more expensive than the standard Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 500 by around Rs 8,000. There are multiple changes that set it apart from the regular model – such as the new handlebar and seats. The bikes feature 9-spoke black alloy wheels and tubeless tyres (a first for a production Royal Enfield). The headlamp and tail-lamp are the same units as the standard model, replete with an LED daytime-running light, as well as an LED tail-lamp. Disc brakes are standard at the front and rear; although without ABS. The first Royal Enfields to feature ABS will be the upcoming Interceptor/Continental GT 650 twins.
The 350X sports identical visual and ergonomic revisions as the 500X. The digi-analogue twin-pod instrument cluster also gets the blacked-out treatment with a chrome garnish around the dials. A major change is the all-new seat, a single-piece unit – unlike the split-seat on the regular Thunderbird – which looks modern and in tune with the rest of the motorcycle’s appeal. The grab rail is also a noteworthy feature – it is neatly integrated next to the pillion seat and ends in the tail-lamp unit. The exhaust and the telescopic fork also have a matte-black finish, as do the top and bottom ends of the dual shock-absorbers.
Both new Thunderbird variants use the same engine and gearbox as the standard Thunderbird range. The 350X employs the 346cc motor from the Thunderbird 350, which makes 19.8hp and 28Nm of torque; while the 500X is powered by the 499cc motor from the Thunderbird 500, which produces 27.2hp and 41.3Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to the same five-speed gearbox.
In terms of competition, both bikes compete against the UM Renegade Sports S.