Royal Enfield will launch a lower-spec variant of the
Thunderbird 350 with a drum brake at the rear and a single-channel ABS. While the launch timeline is not
available, the lower-spec variant of the Thunderbird 350 may arrive very soon
to make most of the high-demand festive season. The relatively budget offering
will help the brand clear its BS-IV compliant stock before launching the
updated BS-VI model by early 2020.
Visual updates to the single-channel ABS-equipped
Royal Enfield Thunderbird motorcycle will include the addition of new paint
options. The upcoming model may also feature blacked-out parts such as wheel
walls, blinker mounts and engine covers. Mechanical changes will include the
drum brake at the back and a single-channel ABS. A similar transformation on
the Classic 350 brought down the price by approximately INR 9,000. We expect to
see a price reduction in the same range on the upcoming Thunderbird 350
motorcycle. The dual-channel ABS version of the Thunderbird 350, for reference,
retails at INR 1,56,658*.
The budget-friendly Thunderbird 350 single-channel
ABS will be powered by the 346 cc single-cylinder air-cooled, twin-spark,
carburetted engine that pumps out 19.8 BHP of max power at 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm
of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is linked to a five-speed gearbox. The
suspension department comprises telescopic front forks and twin-sided
gas-charged springs at the back.
The lower-spec Thunderbird 350 aims to compete with
the Jawa range of products more efficiently and boost sales. The single-channel
ABS-equipped Jawa Classic and Forty-Two retail at INR 1.64 lakh* and INR 1.55
lakh* respectively. Royal Enfield has been suffering from lacklustre domestic
sales performance for nine consecutive months.
While Royal Enfield is expanding its portfolio with
budget-spec models, it is also testing the BS-VI range and the accessories for
the same.
