As Royal Enfield continues to test its next-gen,
BS-VI compliant models, new spy shots of the 2020 Thunderbird X have surfaced
online. The future model was spotted undergoing road testing in Tamil Nadu. The new spy photographs revealed
the refreshed tail section of the motorcycle. The updated design features a new
stop light that comes in a round shape, along with a chrome surround. The rear blinkers sit closer to the number plate. The split-style
pillion grab rail adds a modern touch to the motorcycle. Moreover, the next-gen Thunderbird will use a split-seat setup. The test
mule features alloy wheels, which are also available on the current generation
Thunderbird X range.
Apart from the rear, not many details are visible in
the spy photographs. However, the sighting of test mules in the past had
revealed the visual and mechanical upgrades on the BS-VI compliant Thunderbird.
The revisions to the motor will take the drive chain to the left side of the
motorcycle, while the disc brake at the back will sit on the right side of the
wheel.
The engine displacement is not likely to change, and
we expect to see 346 cc and 499 cc motors on the next generation Thunderbird
range. The 346 cc single cylinder, air-cooled power mill uses a carburettor
system and delivers 20.07 PS at 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The 499 cc
single cylinder, air-cooled engine, on the other hand, uses a fuel injection
system and churns out 27.57 PS at 5,250 rpm and 41.3 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird will retain the
twin-pod instrument console, although the cockpit may see revision in the form
of adjustable brake and clutch levers. Recent spy shots of the BS-VI Classic
range had revealed adjustable levers on the motorcycle. The hardware specification is not
likely to be much different from the existing Thunderbird range and we expect
to see conventional, right side up telescopic forks at the front and twin-sided
springs at the back perform the shock absorption tasks. Braking hardware will
include disc brakes governed by the safety net of dual-channel ABS. The
next-gen Thunderbird range will use Royal Enfield's new J architecture.
