2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X, Thunderbird 500X India launch Highlights: Renowned cruiser bike maker Royal Enfield has launched two new motorcycles – Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X in the country today. The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X has been launched at a price of Rs 1.56 lakh while the more powerful Thunderbird 500X can be yours for Rs 1.98 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom, Delhi). The two new Thunderbirds are finally out in the market after a long period of speculation and anticipation. The Thunderbird X comes based on the two cruisers – Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 500. This is the first time that Royal Enfield motorcycles are seen in peppy bright colours with the Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X. While in terms of mechanical components, the Thunderbird 350X and 500X share the same engines with their standard versions, there are numerous parts and features that set them apart, justifying the ‘X’ suffix. Royal Enfield Thunderbird has been one of the most preferred cruisers in India and now with the launch of the Thunderbird X, the brand has something more sporty on offer. We were are at the launch event of the newest Royal Enfield motorcycles and these were the top highlights right from ground zero.
You can read our detailed launch report here:Â Royal Enfield Thunderbird X launched in India at starting price of Rs 1.56 lakh
Here are the Highlights from the new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X India launch including price in India right here:
12:53 PM:Â That’s it from today’s LIVE blog. Thank you for joining in. Stay tuned with us for the review of the new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X as we will be riding the two sporty cruisers soon.
12:44 PM: The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird X motorcycles have been launched in four new colours in total. While colours like Getaway Orange and Drifter Blue have been released for the Thunderbird 500X, Whimsical White and Roving Red shades are now available for the Thunderbird 350X.
12:34 PM: Our colleague is at the Royal Enfield Thunderbird X launch event and she is in conversation with Rudratej (Rudy) Singh, President, Royal Enfield. Here’s what the top honcho has to say.
12:29 PM:Â The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X get the same instrument cluster from the previous models. The unit is the same twin analogue dial layout that comes on the standard Thunderbirds.
12:24 PM: Express Drives had reported the prices of the new Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X a few days back and the revelation came out to be absolutely correct.
12:18 PM: According to a latest update from the Royal Enfield launch event, the deliveries for the new 2018 Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will start next month. As bookings are open already, you can rush to your nearest dealership in case you wish to own one of the two bikes.
12:11 PM:Â For those who have just joined us, Royal Enfield has launched two new Thunderbird models in the country today that go by the names Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X. While the former has been priced in India at Rs 1.56 lakh, the latter can be yours for Rs 1.98 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).
Also Read:Â Royal Enfield Thunderbird X launched in India at starting price of Rs 1.56 lakh
12:05 PM: On the other hand, the more powerful 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X get power from a 499cc, single cylinder engine that has been mated to a five-speed transmission system. The mill is good for churning out respective power and torque outputs of 27.2 hp and 41.3 Nm. That said, the Thunderbird 500X as well, gets no change in mechanicals.
11:59 PM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X sources power from a 346cc, sigle cylinder engine linked to a five-speed transmission. The motor is good for churning out respective power and torque outputs of 19.8 hp and 28 Nm. Having said that, mechanically, there are no changes on the new Thunderbird.
11:56 AM:Â Coming back to the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X, the two motorcycles can now be booked from the company’s dealerships across India. Deliveries to begin in March 2018.
11:51 AM:Â Our colleague will be in conversation with Rudratej (Rudy) Singh, President, Royal Enfield very soon. Stay tuned with us if you wish to know what the company has in store for its customers in the coming months.
11:45 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X have been on display at the company’s Saket Select Citywalk outlet in New Delhi. For those of you who wish to see the motorcycles in flesh, now you know where to head.
11:39 AM: The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will surely step up the desirability of the brand Thunderbird for Royal Enfield in India and overseas. As the two new models will be on sale alongside the standard Thunderbird models, the buyers will get more options to choose from now on.
11:33 AM: The latest update from the RE launch event says that the deliveries for the new 2018 Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will kick-start next month. As bookings are open already, you can rush to your nearest dealership in case you wish to own one of the bikes.
11:27 AM: The bookings for the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X have already begun at the company’s dealerships across India.
11:23 AM: The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will be sold alongside the standard Thunderbird models. Expect the deliveries of the new bikes to begin in the coming weeks.
.@royalenfield #Thunderbird350X has been launched at Rs 1.56 lakh and the #thunderbird500x at Rs 1.98 lakh (prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). #abitofyourself pic.twitter.com/1GCCE8bB3h
— Express Drives (@ExpressDrives) February 28, 2018
11:19 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X have been launched in India at respective prices of Rs 1.56 lakh and Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The prices are exactly the same that we had reported earlier.
11:16 AM: The two bikes come with Gun slinger seat suitable for city riding and will also be comfortable for longer rides. The company is also offering multiple accessories with the motorcycle that include flyscreen, rear back rest and more.
11:15 AM: The new handlebar of the new Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X has been slightly lowered so as to allow a more involved riding style. This means that the comfortable riding position for which the Thunderbird has always been known for takes the back seat slightly.
11:13 AM: The history of Royal Enfield Thunderbird in India dates back to the year 2000. The motorcycle is still going strong in the Indian two-wheeler market and the latest additions to the line up will surely step up the desirability of the brand.
The first @royalenfield #thunderbird was launched in 2000, and today the latest #ThunderbirdX will be launched. pic.twitter.com/0Di9Ng38Sc
— Express Drives (@ExpressDrives) February 28, 2018
11:08 AM: One more colour option of the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X. The blue shade makes the motorcycle look appealing and the candy appeal is indeed like a cherry on the top.
11:05 AM:Â The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X are huge improvements over the previous models when it comes to visual appeal. Not just the candy colours, but other interesting features too set the motorcycles apart from rest of its siblings.
A number of features besides the new paint job set the @royalenfield #ThunderbirdX apart from its standard versions. pic.twitter.com/8T59gNJGIP
— Express Drives (@ExpressDrives) February 28, 2018
11:01 AM:Â The launch event is about to get underway. The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X details to be announced shortly.
We are at the launch of the @royalenfield #ThunderbirdX. Stay tuned for a #abitofyourself with the peppy new styling. pic.twitter.com/KsygxxMmrI
— Express Drives (@ExpressDrives) February 28, 2018
10:52 AM: The images of the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X have started pouring in. First up is the red colour and must say, the bike looks amazing and a significant makeover from the previous model.
10:46 AM: The latest update is that the launch event of the new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird X will take another few minutes to start. Meanwhile, you can enjoy this stunning custom Royal Enfield video.
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10:44 AM: For those of you who have just joined us in this LIVE blog, Royal Enfield is going to launch the all-new Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X cruisers in the country today. The launch event will kick start in a few minutes so stay tuned with us if you do not want to miss any action.
Also Read:Â Exclusive: 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350x, 500x prices leaked: Sporty character, not laidback
10:40 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird X models will have conventional telescopic forks up front along with twin spring shock absorbers at the rear. The set up is most likely lifted from the standard Thunderbird models and hence, the properties are also expected to remain the same.
10:37 AM: The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will have disc brakes at both ends to deliver stopping power. An ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) will not be on offer sadly. The ABS version of the two motorcycles is expected to roll out some time by year end or early 2019.
10:32 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will be launched at an event in New Delhi in the next few minutes. Our colleague has reached the launch venue and the proceedings will kick start shortly.
10:27 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird X will come with four candy colours that are one of their prime USPs. We believe many people will buy these motorcycles just because of the way they look. More details on the two motorcycles to be unwrapped in the next few minutes.
Also Read:Â Royal Enfield Thunderbird X launching today: Differences between the X and standard Thunderbird
10:23 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will come with new seating that will have the same colour stitching on it as the body colour. This makes for a decent change and will surely attract more buyers. More details on the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird models to be revealed shortly.
10:20 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X launch event will start in another few minutes. Keep refreshing this page if you do not want to miss any action. Our colleague will be sending instant updates from the launch event and we will update them here quickly.
10:15 AM: The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will source power from the same engines that run the existing models. The power and torque outputs as well remain identical, which show that the new Thunderbird models are purely a cosmetic job done.
10:10 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will demand Rs 10,000 more than the existing models. All this additional price is thanks to the new elements that give the motorcycles a sporty makeover.
10:07 AM: The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will be launched in India in four colour options namely Yellow, Blue, White and Red. These candy colours will be no doubt one of the prime visual attractions of the new Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X. More details on the motorcycles to follow soon.
10:01 AM: The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and 500X will be launched in India in the next few minutes. The two bikes will be launched at respective prices of Rs 1.56 lakh and Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), as told to us by a source close to the development.
09:55 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will also receive a modified rear fender and it is a part of the sporty upgrade. The motorcycles will come drenched in an all-black theme and the dark shade finds its place in front forks, headlamp cover, side covers and silencer.
09:49 AM: The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will get a flatter handlebar as against the upright unit that comes on the present day models. This will offer a forward-leaning riding position to the rider and hence, the comfort on long distance journeys may take a back seat.
09:41 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will get tubeless tyres so that the rider does not get into worries in case of a puncture. The tyres come mounted over stylish black alloy wheels that also get pinstripe to step up the sporty character.
09:38 AM: The new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will come with a new rear body grab rail and the motorcycles ditch the pillion backrest from the existing model. There also seems some revisions to the tail lamp design and it looks sportier than before. More details in the next few minutes.
09:35 AM: The launch event of the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and 500X will start in the next few minutes. Stay tuned with us as we will be bringing all the updates straight from the launch event.
09:30 AM: The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will have multiple sporty elements that have not been seen in any RE motorcycle will date. For instance, the new two Thunderbirds will get black alloy wheels and this is the first time that the said feature has been employed in a Royal Enfield bike.
09:23 AM: As the launch of the new 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X is still one hour away and we can understand that you can’t hold your breath, you can watch our Royal Enfield Himalayan video review in the meanwhile.
[jwplayer ywv8IFma-DE6UeepY]
09:18 AM: With the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird X edition, the Chennai-based manufacturer intends to give a sporty makeover to the motorcycles instead of the laidback character for which the two motorcycles are originally known for. Now what remains to be seen is whether the new Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will replace the existing models or will they will be sold alongside.
09:11 AM:Â Express Drives had reported a few days back about the price of the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X. According to our little birdie, the two motorcycles will be launched in India at respective prices of Rs 1.56 lakh and Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). If you want to read in detail, here is the link to the story.
09:07 AM: The launch of the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and 500X will take place in another one hour. Our colleague will reach the launch venue in the next few minutes. We will keep updating all the action happening at the venue in this LIVE blog. So, sit back and enjoy the proceedings.
08:30 AM:Â This will be the first time Royal Enfield motorcycles will feature alloy wheels, ever since we first saw them on the DX175 in the 1980s. The brightly coloured fuel tanks of the Thunderbird 500X and 350X will be highlighted even further as the engine and rest of the components will be blackened out.
08:19 AM:Â Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X and 350X will carry a different personality compared to their standard versions. While the bright new colours will add a sporty appeal, the new handlebar will make for a slightly less relaxed riding style in comparison to a typical cruiser, moving towards a sporty ride style.
08:10 AM:Â Royal Enfield Thunderbird X range will come with a new handlebar, black alloy wheels, tubeless tyres and a single-piece seat; the features besides the bright colour options that will differentiate the Thunderbird X motorcycle from the standard Thunderbird 350 and 500.
07:45 AM:Â Sharing its powertrain with the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500, the Thunderbird 500X will come with a 499cc, air-cooled, single cylinder engine that produces 26.8 hp and 41.3 Nm, paired with a five-speed transmission.
07:22 AM:Â Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X will be powered by a 346cc single-cylinder engine that makes 20.7 hp and 20 Nm. The engine will be paired with a five-speed gearbox. This is the same engine that comes mounted on the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350.
