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Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500



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  • Overview
  • Expert Opinion
  • Similar Cruiser Bikes
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  • Mileage
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Thunderbird 500 Model Image

Max Power

27.2 bhp

Kerb Weight

195 kg

Seat Height

775 mm

discontinued

Variant

ABS
City
Show price in my city
₹ 2,06,747
Last known Avg. Ex-showroom price
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 Colours

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 is available in the following colours in India.

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(+17)

      • 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(+15)

      • 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(+42)

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      Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 User Reviews

      4.3/5

      (119 Ratings) 63 Reviews

      4

      Design and styling


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      4

      Comfort


      3

      Service experience

      3

      Value for money

      TORQUE MONSTER

      1 year ago


      M Abdul Kareem

      Very much surprised about the negative review of this Macho 500cc. I own this machine For 10 years, mine is a 2013 model and Today is 2023 almost the year's end but still, this bull Never ever gives up and makes me feel shit and done. The fact is that I own this bull as my family member. I care for this bull. My maintenance is just 3000/- a year and I have just changed my tires and clutch wire now . No major issues so far I have ridden to 25000kms. The torque of this bull is no match with any bike. I have touched 150+ with a curd weight of 200kg of this bike + mine 95kg. The only drawback is weight apart no major issues.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Design and styling


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Comfort


      4

      Service experience


      4

      Value for money

      About the Reviewer

      Ridden for (If Owned)

      15000+ km

      Got mileage of

      30 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Change oils every 5000kms , chain sprocket every 15kms and carburettor if if want a lesser power but more durability

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      0


      No Quality

      1 year 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

      Design and styling


      3

      Reliability


      2

      Comfort


      1

      Service experience


      3

      Value for money

      About the Reviewer

      Ridden for (If Owned)

      15000+ km

      Got mileage of

      24 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Verry Un Comfortable

      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

      Design and styling


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Comfort


      5

      Service experience

      About the Reviewer

      Ridden for (If Owned)

      0-5000 km

      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

      Birdie yaar

      2 years 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

      Design and styling


      4

      Reliability


      3

      Performance


      3

      Comfort


      4

      Service experience

      About the Reviewer

      Ridden for (If Owned)

      15000+ km

      Got mileage of

      80 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      0

      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

      Design and styling


      1

      Reliability


      2

      Performance


      3

      Comfort


      1

      Service experience

      About the Reviewer

      Ridden for (If Owned)

      15000+ km

      Got mileage of

      30 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Get service done every alternate day

      Was this review helpful?

      4


      2

      Thunderbird the perfect cruiser cum scrambler

      3 years ago


      Gaurang Zalariya

      Bike is in excellent condition rarely used. Timely services done. It was with me like a baby with full of care. Perfect acceleration perfect comfort made for long routes nice pickup. Hassle free ride. Ride it like a king. The thing I want to say that you have to maintain your bike or vehicle as each and every vehicle required. So that the bike mileage will boost up second thing is that everyone suggest you to service your bike timely and by professionals that means in registered company service centers only.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Design and styling


      5

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      5

      Comfort


      4

      Service experience

      About the Reviewer

      Ridden for (If Owned)

      5000-15000 km

      Got mileage of

      24 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      2


      0

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