A new spy video of the 2020 Royal Enfield
Thunderbird captured somewhere near Tamil Nadu has surfaced online. The latest
sighting revealed revised ergonomics for the Royal Enfield Thunderbird that
match the conventional cruiser bikes.
The motorcycle uses relatively
forward-set footrests on the test mule that gives it the typical cruiser-style
ergonomics. The saddle appears to be further away from the handlebar to aid the
revised riding stance. The seat has a split-style setup, while a close
inspection of the video reveals split-style pillion grab rail hidden under the
camouflage stickers. We have already seen the setup in the spy photographs of
the next-generation Thunderbird X range. The test mule is equipped with alloy
wheels instead of wire-spokes, which confirms tubeless tyres on the bike.
The switchgear isn’t visible in the spy video but we
may see a revised design that the next-generation Thunderbird range would share
with the new Classic series. The BS-VI Classic motorcycle was seen with
rotary-style switches and adjustable levers in a recent spy photograph.
The test mule of the Thunderbird in the video could
be a new variant that would join the standard and the X versions. Apart from
the revised ergonomics, most of the specifications would be shared with the
next-generation Thunderbird range. The motorcycle will be built around the
company’s new J architecture. The hardware list on the BS-VI models will retain
the conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin-sided springs at the
back.
The next-generation model range may retain the same
displacement as the existing models. For reference, the current generation 346
cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which uses a carburettor system, makes
20.07 PS of power at 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The bigger,
499 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled motor, which benefits from a fuel injection
system, delivers 27.57 PS of peak power at 5,250 rpm and 41.3 Nm of max torque
at 4,000 rpm. The next-generation models would use fuel injection system as
standard along with an O2 sensor and catalytic converter to comply with the
more stringent emission norms.
Braking department would include single discs on
both wheels that would be governed by dual-channel ABS as standard.
