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Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500



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  • Overview
  • Expert Opinion
  • Similar Cruiser Bikes
  • Mileage
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Thunderbird 500 Model Image
discontinued
Variant
ABS
City
Chennai
₹ 2,41,680
Last known Ex-showroom, Chennai
Royal Enfield has discontinued the Thunderbird 500 and the bike is out of production.

Thunderbird 500 Key Highlights

Engine Capacity499 cc
Mileage
28 kmpl
Transmission5 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight195 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity20 litres
Seat Height775 mm

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Summary

The Royal Enfield Thunderbird is the Chennai-based bike maker’s speciality cruiser motorcycle. Launched in 2005 in the 350cc avatar, it got the 500cc engine in 2013 and shares this mill with the standard 500 and the Classic 500.

The Thunderbird 500 is powered by a 499cc single cylinder mill that produces 27.2bhp and 41.3Nm of torque. The engine has been mated to a five-speed gearbox.

The bike is underpinned by a single downtube chassis which uses the engine as a stressed member. In the front, RE has fitted the Thunderbird 500 with 41mm telescopic forks and a 280mm disc brake while the rear gets five-step adjustable gas charged units and a disc brake. ABS is a Rs 14,000 option.

In terms of features, the Thunderbird 500 gets an electric start, full instrument panel with digital trip meter and a host of other sensors like side stand and low oil. The RE Thunderbird 500 is available in four colours. It is priced at Rs 1.9 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). It competes with the Jawa and UM ranges of motorcycles.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Review

  • Good Things

    • Offers a comfortable riding position 
    • Has good amount of torque for highway touring
    • Easy availability of parts
  • Could be Better

    • Has a vibey engine
    • Could get better brakes

BikeWale's Take

The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 is a good touring motorcycle thanks to the comfortable riding position it offers. It gets sweptback handlebars, a well cushioned seat and neutral set footpegs. However, the Thunderbird 500 could do better with a more refined engine and better braking hardware. 

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Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 mileage

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 mileage

The average of the Thunderbird 500 is 28 kmpl, as per the owners of the bike.

Thunderbird 500 mileage details

Thunderbird 500 Specifications & Features

ABS

Change Version

  • 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
          28 kmpl
        • View More(+20)

      • Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

        • Front Suspension
          Telescopic, 41mm forks, 130mm travel
        • Rear Suspension
          Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjus
        • Braking System
          Dual Channel ABS
        • Front Brake Type
          Disc
        • View More(+16)

      • Dimensions & Chassis

        • Kerb Weight
          195 kg
        • Seat Height
          775 mm
        • Ground Clearance
          140 mm
        • Overall Length
          2060 mm
        • View More(+4)

      • Manufacturer Warranty

        • Standard Warranty
          -
        • Standard Warranty
          -

      Features

        • Touch Screen Display
          -
        • Instrument Console
          -
        • Odometer
          Digital
        • Speedometer
          Analogue
        • View More(+45)

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      Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 User Reviews near Chennai

      4.3/5

      (119 Ratings) 63 Reviews

      4

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      4

      Comfort


      3

      Service Experience

      3

      Value for Money

      The worst bike ever

      2 years ago


      Kam

      I bought this bike in 2015 and driven is for 2400 kms. So far I've spent more than 1 lakh for repairs and replacements. I've hardly enjoyed driving this bike. This is one of the most horrible high maintenance bike. There are many other owners of this model regret buying this bike. I rather would recommend honda who gives less maintenance bikes.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      3

      Visual Appeal


      1

      Reliability


      2

      Performance


      3

      Comfort


      1

      Service Experience

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Leisure Rides

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      30 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Get service done every alternate day

      Was this review helpful?

      4


      1


      No Quality

      35 weeks ago


      Jayaraj K Raghavan

      The engine is excellent Overall Quality is very poor. The braking system is Very weak & Non Comfortable. Electrical items are very cheep quality. Material quality is very poor.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      4

      Visual Appeal


      3

      Reliability


      2

      Comfort


      1

      Service Experience


      3

      Value for Money

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      24 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Verry Un Comfortable

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      0


      Birdie yaar

      1 year ago


      Jagannathsamal

      I bought this for 2,00,000on the road market price. My riding experience on this bullet is awesome. It is 4-5 years old. I am still using it. It's worth it. My riding experience is too good. Its look is dashing in black color. I have also bought a black color helmet matching my bullet. Its service mileage is good. You can easily trust.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      4

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      3

      Performance


      3

      Comfort


      4

      Service Experience

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      80 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      0

      Royal enfield thunderbird 500 owner review

      1 year ago


      Vikas

      I have purchased this bike in 2019. It is great to ride it. It is fun to ride it having 500 cc engine. It looks very good. It has great performance. I have served it in royal enfield service center.
      Pros
      1. Very good for riding.
      2. Great torque and power.
      3. Beautiful look.
      4. Tough body.
      5. Fun to ride.
      Con.
      1. Very poor average per liter.
      2. Costly maintenance.
      3. Heavy to handle.
      4. Engine is not refined as compared to other brands.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Comfort


      5

      Service Experience

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Leisure Rides

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      < 5000 kms

      Got mileage of

      25 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Service at an authorized service center. Change oil on 3000 km. Put oil on the chain after 500 km. Check the brake every 500 km. Use tubeless tyres. Ride every 3 to 4 days a week.

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      0

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