The upcoming Thunderbird 500X will be launching in January 2018. Our Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X vs Thunderbird 500 comparison here lists out all the differences
Royal Enfield has been busy updating their model lineup, their dealership design and even their business model over the past few years. The company plans to introduce fresh models each year and has taken to younger colours and limited editions to boost sales amongst the millennials. Royal Enfield has been increasing its dealer base both in India and abroad! The Bullet lineup was amongst the first models to feature new younger colour options and limited editions that sold in mere minutes. This went along with the development of Himalayan and since these two products are clocking satisfactory numbers now, the company has finally given the Thunderbird some much-needed attention. Read on for our Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500x vs Thunderbird 500 comparison.
The outgoing Royal Enfield Thunderbird was introduced back in October 2012 featuring many revolutionary changes including a shift from a semi-unit motor setup to Unit-Construction Engines (UCE) and this time with twin spark plugs named Thunderbird Twinspark. This upgrade featured a long list of visual and mechanical updates including a new headlamp, taillight, fuel-tank, seat with backrest for pillion amongst other alterations.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X vs Thunderbird 500 Design Comparison
| Thunderbird 500 | Thunderbird 500X |
| High Handlebar | Straight Handlebar |
| Black engine with silver fins | All Matte-black engine |
| Old colour options including Black, Olive green etc. | New colour options like Blue, Orange, Yellow etc. |
| Split seat | Single Seat with new design |
| Chrome exhaust | Matte Black exhaust |
| Spoke Rims | Alloy Wheels |
| Tube Type Tyres | Tubeless Tyres |
| Chrome coloured wheels | Black wheel with body paint highlight line |
| INR 1.98 lakh ex-showroom | INR 2.10 lakh (expected) |
The current Thunderbird 500 features a flowing design with the raised handlebars to the well-chiselled fuel tank leading to the comfortable seat. Thunderbird 500 has always been the ‘premium’ product for the company and enjoyed several perks over time. The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 was the first bike from the company’s stable to receive the projector headlamp with DRL, an LED tail lamp with a unique design, alloy wheels amongst others.
The upcoming Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X employs familiar design philosophy as with the Bullet Redditch edition which was launched earlier this year. The upcoming Thunderbird features young and dynamic colours like Red, Yellow, Blue and Orange to appeal to the younger audience. The alloy wheels feature an accent line matching to the colour of the tank. The traditional handlebar gets replaced with a straight one aiding city manoeuvrability. The seat is now a single unit with a chiselled out section for the rider. The pillion backrest is now smaller but well integrated into the design providing a neater look to the rear.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X vs Thunderbird 500 Specifications Comparison
| Engine | 499cc, single-cylinder |
| Maximum Power | 27.2 BHP @ 5,250 RPM |
| Peak Torque | 41.3 Nm @ 4,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| Suspension | Telescopic Forks (Front), Twin Shock Absorbers (Rear) |
| Brakes | 280mm Disc, 2-Piston caliper Disc (Front), 240mm Disc, Single piston caliper Disc (Rear) |
The upcoming Thunderbird 500X carries over all the mechanical parts with the current Thunderbird 500. The 500X employs the same 499 cc single-cylinder engine that does its duty in the current Thunderbird. The engine churns out 27.2 bhp of power and 41.3 Nm of torque. Front features a 41mm telescopic suspension with 130mm of travel while the rear benefits from twin gas-charged shock absorbers with 80 mm worth of travel.
The new peppy coloured fuel tank holds 20 litres of fuel giving the Thunderbird 500X an edge when it comes to the range. Stopping power comes from disc brakes at each end and the front and rear disc brake spanning 280mm and 240mm in diameter respectively. The current Thunderbird 500 weighs 197 kg wet but the upcoming 500X is expected to weigh a couple of kilos less.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X vs Thunderbird 500 Price Comparison
The current Royal Enfield Thunderbird retails for INR 1.98 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. Royal Enfield did increase the price slightly when they launched the Bullet 350 Redditch edition. Similarly, the upcoming Thunderbird 500X is expected to retail for a slightly increased price of around INR 2.10 lakh ex-showroom. The company is expected to launch the Thunderbird 500X in January 2018 as several units have been spotted at certain dealerships and service centres. Stay tuned for more info.
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