Royal Enfield has launched the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and 500X in the Indian market at a price of Rs 1.56 lakhs and Rs 1.98 lakhs (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively. While the Thunderbird 350X costs a premium of Rs 6000; the Thunderbird 500X costs Rs 7000 more.
While the designs of the bikes are the same as the standard Thunderbird range, they get a few cosmetic revisions that are inspired by custom motorcycles. The major visual change are the blacked out 9-spoke alloy wheels with colour co-ordinated rim tapes shod with tubeless tyres. Apart from the alloys, the exhaust, engine, suspension, headlamp cowl and other components are finished in matte black. Both bikes retain the LED DRL and projector headlamp ; however the unit now gets a smoked reflector to boost its custom inspired look, The new bikes’ short handlebars and grab rails replace the ape-handlebars and pillion backrest on the standard bike respectively.
Royal Enfield is also offering the bikes in funky colours. However, these colours only feature on the tank, while the rest of the bike is black. The Thunderbird 350X gets white and red colours whereas the 500X gets orange and blue. Also differentiating the bikes from each other is the badging on the side panels.
The powertrain has not been changed and the bikes continue to use the 350cc and 500cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engines respectively. With the new colours and features, Royal Enfield is targeting the urban youth in the Indian market.
