Royal Enfield has been on a roll lately. It not only launched the 650cc twins in India but has also been actively updating its products with ABS. The latest one to get the safety net is the Thunderbird 500 which has seen a price hike of around Rs 6,000 over the non-ABS version. Priced at Rs 2.05 lakhs, it competes against its sibling, the Classic 500 ABS which shares the same engine and cycle parts. As a buyer, in case you are confused between them, let’s see what differences they bear against each other.
Design and dimensions:
Royal Enfield’s portfolio majorly consists of modern-classics and the Thunderbird 500 and Classic 500 are no different. Both bikes evoke an old-school appeal with the round headlamp, tear-drop shaped fuel tank, spoke wheels and chrome-finished body parts. However, the Thunderbird 500, being a cruiser, possesses a more laid back styling with lower seat height (775mm) and a long and curved handlebar. The Classic 500, on the other hand, is slightly taller at 800mm and has a more upright stance with straight handlebar.
The Thunderbird 500 has a shorter wheelbase at 1,350mm as opposed to Classic 500’s 1,360mm. Moreover, the Thunderbird 500 has 5mm higher ground clearance at 140mm but it is 5kg heavier than the Classic 500 that weighs 190kg.
Engine:
Both the bikes are powered by the same 499cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor mated to a five-speed gearbox. At 27.2bhp and 41.3Nm, the power figures are also identical but, the delivery mildly differs owing to the Thunderbird 500’s weight.
Cycle Parts:
The Classic 500 and the Thunderbird 500 are nearly identical even in this department. Both bikes ride on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels that are suspended on telescopic forks on the front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is handled by a 280mm front and a 240mm rear disc along with a single-channel ABS.
Features:
Being modern-classic bikes, the Thunderbird 500 and Classic 500 aren’t laden with features. However, the former has an edge over its sibling as it gets a better-illuminating projector headlamp while the Classic 500 incorporates a conventional halogen bulb. The same goes for the instrument cluster as well. The Thunderbird 500 features a twin-pod analogue instrument cluster consisting of speedometer and tachometer while there’s a small LCD display that has odometer, twin trip meters and fuel level indicator. Meanwhile, the Classic 500 has a more retro-looking analogue cluster with a large dial showing speed and analogue trip meter along with a smaller dial sporting fuel indicator and fuel-injection indicator.
The Thunderbird 500 gets a bigger tank at 20 litres which adds to its cruising credentials while the Classic 500 sports a much smaller 13.5 litre fuel tank. Moreover, the former also incorporates a more comfortable seat for the pillion.
Pricing and purpose:
The Thunderbird 500 ABS and Classic 500 ABS are both meant for long hauls with comfortable ergonomics and engine tuned for cruising at around 70 to 100 kmph speed. While the Thunderbird is more cruising oriented, the Classic 500 is suitable for city riding. However, the Thunderbird earns extra points owing to its larger fuel tank, better headlamp and a more modern instrument cluster. All of that demands a slight premium though as it is priced slightly higher at Rs 2.05 lakhs while the Classic 500 retails at Rs 1.99 lakhs. (all prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai)
