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Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X



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Thunderbird 500X Model Image
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Side
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Side
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Front Three-Quarter
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Front Three-Quarter
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Rear Three-Quarter
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Front
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Rear
discontinued
Variant
ABS
City
Show price in my city
₹ 2,14,241
Last known Avg. Ex-showroom price
Royal Enfield has discontinued the Thunderbird 500X and the bike is out of production.

Thunderbird 500X Key Highlights

Engine Capacity499 cc
Mileage
31 kmpl
Transmission5 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight197 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity20 litres
Max Power27.2 bhp

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Summary

Royal Enfield saw a need in the market for an urban cruiser, and this is the result: the Thunderbird 500X. It gets a driveline similar to the regular Thunderbird 500, but there are a few changes. One, it is available in bright, single-tone colours in the same vein as the Classic Redditch series. The 500X is available in light blue or bright orange. The handlebar is a flatter, wider one, which helps with manoeuverability in the city. It gets all-black treatment, which extends to the alloy wheels. This is the first time a Royal Enfield has been shipped with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres from the factory. It gets the same 499cc fuel-injected single-cylinder air-cooled engine from the Thunderbird 500. It generates 27.2bhp and 41Nm and transmits it via a five-speed gearbox. The wheels are a 19-inch front and an 18-inch rear. There are disc brakes at both ends, with a 280mm front disc and a 240mm rear one. ABS is a Rs 14,000 option. The seat of the Thunderbird 500X has been changed – it is a more modern-looking one. The rider’s seat is wider, and the pillion seat is smaller. The pillion backrest has also been left out.

The pricing of the Tbird 500X makes it the most expensive single-cylinder Royal Enfield on sale today. The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X competes with the likes of the Bajaj Dominar 400 ABS and UM Renegade Sports S directly. Bikes like the KTM 250 Duke and TVS Apache RR310 are priced similarly, although their target audience is a very different one.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Review

  • Good Things

    • Great motorcycle for city commuting
    • 500cc engine offers plenty of torque
    • Gets cool-looking colours
  • Could be Better

    • Quality of parts isn't upto the mark
    • Engine has vibrations
    • Costs a bit too much

BikeWale's Take

The Thunderbird 500X is a retro urban version of Thunderbird touring bikes. The 500cc engine offers great torque that results into fantastic rideability. The comfort level is pretty good. But Royal Enfield should work on improving the quality of the parts.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Expert Opinion

This is new Royal Enfield Thunderbird. It has the same engine, the same chassis, the same brakes, and the same performance as the older Thunderbird. Which, by the way, is still on sale. 

What is it?

Why would I buy the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 X?

Is 'the' hooligan bullet, makes filtering through traffic a breeze, draws eyeballs.

Why would I avoid the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 X? 

Vibey nature, poor brakes, needs better suspension setup.

This is new Royal Enfield Thunderbird. It has the same engine, the same chassis, the same brakes, and the same performance as the older Thunderbird. Which, by the way, is still on sale.  

But, the new bike gets an extra moniker, a brighter fuel tank, no rear back rest, and a new handlebar. Nevertheless, the thing I appreciate the most is the inclusion of alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. 

Sure, spoke wheels look great. But given the life of convenience we lead these days, tubeless tyres are just easier to live with than tubed versions. Who in their right mind would want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a puncture just so one can polish a set of chrome wheels on any given Sunday?

How is it to ride?

The new Thunderbird X is almost identical to ride as the regular Thunderbird, which isn't a surprise given that it's the same mechanically. 

So, it still has a light throttle, the gear shifts are reasonably precise, and it still feels happiest when ridden between 2,000-3,500rpm. At these engine speeds, the vibrations are well contained and there's enough grunt to haul the bike around without it feeling lazy or sluggish. What’s more, whacking open the throttle produces a nice intake roar instead of unwanted flat spots. 

But, rev it past that, and things turn bad quite fast. The vibrations, which can be felt via the seat, footpegs and handlebar, become unbearable past 4,000rpm. Plus, the rate of acceleration drops significantly post this, leaving you with no motivation to rev the bike anymore. The redline is around 5,000rpm and it cuts in quite rudely.

 

In fact, the Thunderbird 500X is best ridden between 80-90kmph in fifth gear. This also allows you to work around the wooden feel of the brakes. The front ones, in particular, offers very little feel, and I found myself using the rear brake quite often to compensate for an unexpected locked front wheel. And yes, there's no ABS on the 500X to save you from that. 

The ride again is a mixed bag. The bike handles minor road undulations and bumps and potholes without troubling the rider much. But, in the face of something more severe, the rear bucks around like a bull. The latter isn't very good for your back.

 

Considering that its suspension, chassis, the wheel and even tyre sizes are the same as the regular Thunderbird, there's very little difference in machine handling between the two bikes. But, the X gets a flatter handlebar. And that means it has a slightly more forward-bias seating ergo.  As a result, the motorcycle's response to steering input is surer and more connected than the ape-handled older version.  

And yes, the new one piece seat is certainly more comfortable than the split unit on the older bike.

Anything else I should know?

For starters you can have the 500 X in any colour you like as long as it's black. But yes, you can have the cherry in either blue or orange. 

Also, this approach of putting on a bright fuel tank and giving the resultant bike a new name isn't new for Royal Enfield. It did the same with the Classic Redditch editions. And, the interest there must have been huge for RE to give it a go on its not-so-successful Thunderbird range.

 

If this clicks, it will get even more difficult for the likes of fashionably late entrants to this space like Honda, TVS and Triumph, to catch up with RE.

 

And did we mention just the handlebar change has made it a hooligan? Well, it has! You can go play with on dirt, wheelie it or just filter through traffic like it were standing still!

Should I buy one?

If you were in the market for the Thunderbird, but didn’t get around to buying it for obvious reasons - like an uncomfortable seat, tube type tyres and the dowdy styling - the 500 X might just change your mind. It's definitely more attractive now. I also like the new one-piece seat more. And, when it comes to riding, the new flatter handlebar does give the X a racier, more connected feel than the older Thunderbird. 

Where does it fit in?

The new 500 X competes against the UM Renegade range and the Mahindra Mojo in terms of price and product description. But, it's also an alternative to the likes of the RE Classic and the Himalayan. And if you are feeling adventurous, you could also test the X against the Apache RR 310; that's of course if you still haven't completely bought into the supersport dream.

Gear Check

1- Shoei X-Fourteen Helmet : Rs 50,000

Meant essentially for track use, it does have good ventilation. Comfort levels though, aren't very high. 

2- Helstons Sonny Mesh Jacket : Rs 15,990

A little heavy for mesh jackets, the Sonny with its CE Level 2 protection does score high for safety, style and quality. 

3- Helstons Wind Mesh Gloves : Rs 5,990

A blend of leather and mesh and light in weight, these fit well and have enough ventilation to keep hands cool even on the hottest days.   

4- Helstons Corden Stone Riding Jeans : Rs 17,990

These armoured denims come with CE Level 2 protection and offer daily wearability and high resistance to impact and abrasion.

5- Daytona AC Pro Boots : Rs 19,990

Short riding boots for everyday wear, these use a mix of authentic leather and of the perforated PU variety. Titanium toe sliders are standard. 

Photography by Kapil Angane

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Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X mileage

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X mileage

The average of the Thunderbird 500X is 31 kmpl, as per the owners of the bike.

Thunderbird 500X mileage details

Thunderbird 500X Specifications & Features

ABS

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  • Specifications
  • Features
  • Specifications
  • Features

      Specifications

      • Power & Performance

        • Displacement
          499 cc
        • Max Power
          27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
        • Max Torque
          41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
        • Mileage - Owner Reported
          31 kmpl
        • Riding Range
          620 Km
        • Top Speed
          -
        • Riding Modes
          -
        • Transmission
          5 Speed Manual
        • Transmission Type
          Chain Drive
        • Gear Shifting Pattern
          -
        • Cylinders
          1
        • Bore
          84 mm
        • Stroke
          90 mm
        • Valves Per Cylinder
          2
        • Compression Ratio
          8.5 : 1
        • Ignition
          -
        • Spark Plugs
          2 Per Cylinder
        • Cooling System
          Air Cooled
        • Clutch
          -
        • Fuel Delivery System
          -
        • Fuel Tank Capacity
          20 litres
        • Reserve Fuel Capacity
          3.5 litres
        • Emission Standard
          BS4
        • Fuel Type
          Petrol
        • View More(+20)

      • Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

        • Front Suspension
          41mm forks, 130mm travel
        • Rear Suspension
          win gas charged shock absorbers
        • Braking System
          Dual Channel ABS
        • Front Brake Type
          Disc
        • Front Brake Size
          280 mm
        • Rear Brake Type
          Disc
        • Rear Brake Size
          240 mm
        • Calliper Type
          Front-Dual Piston, Rear-Single Piston
        • Wheel Type
          Alloy
        • Front Wheel Size
          19 inch
        • Rear Wheel Size
          18 inch
        • Front Tyre Size
          90 / 90 - 19" - 52 P TL
        • Rear Tyre Size
          120 / 80 - 18" - 62 P TL
        • Tyre Type
          Tubeless
        • Radial Tyres
          No
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • View More(+15)

      • Dimensions & Chassis

        • Kerb Weight
          197 kg
        • Seat Height
          -
        • Ground Clearance
          135 mm
        • Overall Length
          2040 mm
        • Overall Width
          830 mm
        • Overall Height
          1140 mm
        • Wheelbase
          1350 mm
        • Chassis Type
          Single down tube
        • View More(+4)

      • Manufacturer Warranty

        • Standard Warranty
          -
        • Standard Warranty
          -

      Features

        • Touch Screen Display
          -
        • Instrument Console
          -
        • Odometer
          Digital
        • Speedometer
          Analogue
        • Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Digital Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Hazard Warning Indicator
          -
        • Average Speed Indicator
          -
        • OTA Updates
          -
        • Call/SMS Alerts
          -
        • Geo Fencing
          -
        • Distance to Empty Indicator
          -
        • Tachometer
          Analogue
        • Stand Alarm
          Yes
        • No. of Tripmeters
          2
        • Tripmeter Type
          Digital
        • Gear Indicator
          -
        • Low Fuel Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Oil Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Battery Indicator
          Yes
        • Clock
          Yes
        • Service Reminder Indicator
          -
        • Battery
          12V 14Ah
        • Front Storage Box
          -
        • Under Seat Storage
          -
        • Mobile App Connectivity
          -
        • DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
          -
        • AHO (Automatic Headlight On)
          -
        • Shift Light
          No
        • Headlight Type
          -
        • Brake/Tail Light
          -
        • Turn Signal
          -
        • Pass Light
          Yes
        • GPS & Navigation
          -
        • USB Charging Port
          -
        • Riding Modes Switch
          -
        • Traction Control
          -
        • Cruise Control
          -
        • Hazard Warning Switch
          -
        • Start Type
          Electric Start
        • Killswitch
          Yes
        • Stepped Seat
          Yes
        • Pillion Backrest
          No
        • Pillion Grabrail
          Yes
        • Pillion Seat
          Yes
        • Pillion Footrest
          Yes
        • Front Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Rear Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Additional Features
          -
        • View More(+45)

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      Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X User Reviews

      4.8/5

      (104 Ratings) 27 Reviews

      4

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      4

      Comfort


      4

      Service Experience

      3

      Maintenance cost


      4

      Extra Features

      Multi purpose bike

      3 years ago


      Venkatanaathan

      It is as smooth as car. Not so stylish but very good looking bike. It performs upto your expectations. Maintenance and servicing cost will be high. It is a multi purpose bike, you can use it as daily commuter, off road, long tourer. Its exhaust is controlled, no big noise. One biggest demerit is pillion rider has to be careful because its pick up is too fast.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience


      3

      Maintenance cost

      4

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      29 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      3 months once get it serviced and go for a long drive.

      Was this review helpful?

      1


      0


      Go royal

      4 years ago


      Rakesh Kumar Sahu

      This is not just a bike this is my life saver i love it .........I have the best experience after riding this bike, best for the long drive, has a very powerful and massive engine power. Overall it is the best bike one should have.Best for long trips. Who wants to go a long trip then you buy a royal enfield bike. Such a great motorcycle.I love it...

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      5

      Comfort


      4

      Service Experience

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Tours

      Owned for

      6 months-1 yr

      Ridden for

      < 5000 kms

      Got mileage of

      45 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      0


      Tbx 500 conqueror

      4 years ago


      Khanip Barman

      About buying this 500cc beast is quite great the moment i entered the showroom i can feel the presence of an attractive looking bike like its appealing me i am yours just take me with you and that's how i decided to take this bike with me. I made a cash payment which in total cost me 2,48,000 for tbx500 quite costly but when it came to riding this bike i can feel the beast in it. Its tough enough to conquer the hard highways and for long tours its attractiveness just makes people turn their heads mostly 80 percent of the people would definitely turn their head which is quite a road presence and makes a rider delightful and forgets all the other problems related to it such as during the top gears mirrors use to shake and fall down from their respected positions but i tightened the screws and its all fine. During long rides screws in silencer pipes & stands lossens which were required to check timely or you will loose some screws beside its vibrating nature i am in love with this bike. It consumes 28km per litre. When it comes to discuss about its meters they don't do their job well because they jump up & down and clamps lossens and breaks down and that's the main reason their will be changes of meter panel in new thunderbird. Servicing: i got a three service for free and 4th service was also to be free but i have ridden much and i crossed the limits of free servicing... It will cost around 1500 if you pay while servicing.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      4

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      3

      Performance


      4

      Comfort


      4

      Service Experience

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      28 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Definitely change oils after every 3000 km. Tight your brakes and disc plates during every long ride. Use leg guards. Take care of chain and if you buy this bike chain lubricant would be quite essential or you chain will get damaged soon.

      Was this review helpful?

      1


      1

      A best monster

      4 years ago


      Rajkot Rajkot Rajkot

      It was a pleasure to buy a thunderbird 500x. It have an amazing style, looks and features. I had never experienced this much comfort in any of the bike. I had never felt tiredness while riding this bike. This bike is a prefect all-rounder, because it is best for occasional riding,for long distances, for routine etc.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      4

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      5

      Comfort


      5

      Service Experience

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      < 5000 kms

      Got mileage of

      30 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Change oil after every 1000 km for better mileage.

      Was this review helpful?

      3


      0

      Only for the devils------- thunderbird x

      4 years ago


      Prashant

      This bike is awesome when you first time start the bike then you will feel the heart touching sound with vibration. Good torque and good power output allover bike is very very good.First time me and my friend ride the bike i was feeling that how perfect is this bike. I was feeling that their is no load on the bike awesome feeling guys. I advise you to once take test ride of this bike.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      5

      Comfort


      4

      Service Experience

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Occasional Commute

      Owned for

      3-6 months

      Ridden for

      < 5000 kms

      Was this review helpful?

      4


      1

      Best bike ever

      4 years ago


      Shoeb

      The best bike i ever ride this is bike i feel that i am riding a bike best bike ever best colour best edition not much expensive like other bike models they are giving 390 more than 2.5 lakh and we are get the almost same cc bike in the lowest range so i prefer and i suggest that we should buy bullet instead of buying any other brand i suggested to my friend and many of my friend are owned bullet.

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Was this review helpful?

      3


      0

      Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X Expert Reviews

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      Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X News

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