- May replace Thunderbird X as the urban-segment product
- Features halogen headlight, LED taillight and semi-digital instrument cluster
- “J1-349” on the engine hints at a 350cc motor that’s based on the J architecture
Royal Enfield is rigorously testing its next-generation motorcycles, and we have seen several test mules through spy images in the past. Among the test mules was a motorcycle that had very close resemblance to the Thunderbird X. However, new developments have revealed that the vehicle, which was previously expected to be the next-generation Thunderbird X, could instead be called the Meteor.
The Thunderbird has strong brand value, although the Thunderbird X range did not deliver the expected sales performance. The Meteor, then, may replace the Thunderbird X as the urban-segment motorcycle in the company’s portfolio. We came across a test mule of the motorcycle that appeared to be near production-ready. We managed to click a few photographs of the motorcycle.
In terms of design, the test mule in the photograph looks similar to the current range of Thunderbird bikes. However, closer inspection reveals a different headlight and taillight setup on the test mule. The front, for example, features a halogen headlight with a LED DRL while the Thunderbird range (BS4) used a projector-style illuminator. The taillight, on the other hand, features a round shape instead of the flat-style unit on the Thunderbird series.
The instrument cluster on the test mule is a single-pod, semi-digital display. The speedometer is an analogue unit while the rest of the information is available on the digital display. The right side of the instrument cluster is missing. While the details are scarce, it could house a digital amp meter. The switchgear features rotary-style buttons for the high/low beam controls and the engine kill switch.
Royal Enfield branding is visible on the engine case, which further hints that the motorcycle is near production-ready. The internals have undergone major changes, and the drivechain now sits on the left side of the motorcycle instead of the right. The displacement details are yet to be announced, although the engine has “J1-349” code embossed on it. Regular readers would know that Royal Enfield will have four new platforms – J, P, Q and K. The J architecture will be used on the company’s entry-level model. The 349 could be a hint at the displacement, and the motorcycle in the photograph could be a 350cc model.
The suspension and the braking setup is similar to the current Royal Enfield motorcycles. Thus, shock absorption hardware comprises of telescopic forks at the front and twin-sided springs at the back. Braking setup includes disc brakes on both wheels.
