We have ridden the new Thunderbird 500X. You can read about what we thought of it HERE. But, if you are in a hurry and love a quick guide to everything in life, well here's one for the 500X.
It's still a Thunderbird
And, we are not saying this because it has the same name. It also has the same chassis, same suspension, same brakes, same engine and the same gearbox. There's barely any difference in weight, and as a result there's no perceptible difference in acceleration, braking or even ride between the regular 'Bird and the X.
But, it gets its own visual cues
Yes, it does look drastically different from afar. And that's because it has a fuel tank that's bright enough to be spotted from outer space. While the rest of the bike is black. So, apart from the engine -which was already black on the regular Thunderbird - the X also gets a black surround for its headlamp, blackened headlamp insides, black front fork assembly, black indicator stalks, black tail lamp, and a black exhaust. Phew. I almost sound like a racist here.
And it's a hooligan
It is! I never thought I'd say this about any Bullet, but the 500X does bring out the kid in you. The flatter handlebar gives you better control, whether it be filtering through traffic, sliding it in dirt or pulling wheelies. And yes, wheelies come easy to the 500X as well courtesy of the over-40Nm of torque that's available right from when you crank it up. If you are brave, the X should endo as well.
No wonder, it doesn't like pillions
Other big differentiators between the regular 'Bird and the X include a new seat, and a no sissy bar. And this presents its own challenge. The new one-piece seat slopes downwards. That means every time you open gas, you can feel the pillion sliding away. And because there's no sissy bar, there's nothing to stop the pillion from disappearing completely if you get all too excited with your right wrist.
My son loves it
Well, that's the thing with the 500X, it doesn't matter if it doesn't ride like a modern machine or if it isn't comfortable. It also doesn't matter if it doesn't have the finesse one expects at this price point. The USP of the new Thunderbird 500X is its bright appeal; its ability to draw eyeballs and get grown men to behave like boys in front of their wives demanding one. And that's one area where Royal Enfield has got it spot on with the X.
