The BS-VI compliant Royal Enfield Thunderbird has
been spied by a Rushlane reader. This time around, the upcoming motorcycle was
seen fully loaded with optional accessories. The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird
X will be offered with a range of accessories including a tall windscreen,
broad footpegs and new chrome saddlebag mounts. Interestingly, the footpegs are
not forward-biased unlike on the old model.
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird test unit bears a tall
windscreen, leg guard and new bar-end weights. Besides that, the bike is fitted
with chrome saddlebag mounts and chrome handlebar. Also, the presence of alloy
wheels in the Royal Enfield Thunderbird confirms that this one is the Royal
Enfield Thunderbird Thunderbird X.
Apart from the optional accessories, the 2020 Royal
Enfield Thunderbird X features a new seat and shorter mudguard. The motorcycle
is also fitted with a new circular headlamp which retains the retro charm. The
dual pod instrumentation console has been replaced with a new single pod unit.
This one too gets a mix of analogue and digital readouts. Besides that, both
the front and rear discs are now fitted on the right side.
The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird will be suspended
over conventional telescopic fork up front and twin springs in the rear. The
current model is offered with two engine options, a 350 cc unit and a 500 cc
unit. The 346 cc air-cooled mill produces 20 PS of power and 28 Nm of torque.
The bigger 499 cc engine features fuel injection and produces 27.6 PS of power
and 41.3 Nm of torque. Both the engines are linked to a 5-speed gearbox and
have an archaic push-rod setup.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird' BS-VI compliant engines
may carry the existing push-rods setup. However, we would love to see a newer
overhead cam (OHC) layout. Royal Enfield has used an OHC setup in both its new
engines (Himalayan and 650 Twins). The current Royal Enfield
Thunderbird and the current Royal Enfield Thunderbird X are priced from INR
1.56 lakh and INR 1.64 lakh respectively (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
