Royal Enfield Thunderbird X range has been launched in India at a starting price tag of Rs 1.56 lakh. Under the skin, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will be the same as their standard versions, which have been quite popular in the Indian two-wheeler market for long now. However, the Thunderbird X twins carry a different personality altogether. While the Thunderbird 350 and 500 come forward as grown-up cruisers, the Thunderbird 350X and 500X in comparison will appeal young riders. This is the first time we’ve seen such peppy colours on a Royal Enfield motorcycles, and hence the overall package steps forward as a sportier version of the Thunderbird 350 and 500. While the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X is priced at Rs 1.56 lakh and the Thunderbird 500X is now on sale at Rs 1.98 lakh.
Not only are the fuel tanks painted in a choice of bright colours, Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X and 350X have also been fitted with a new handlebar, which takes out the typical cruiser and brings in a sportier ride style.
Besides the new handlebar, Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X and Thunderbird 500X will also feature alloy wheels, tubeless tyres and a single-piece seat. These features, besides the candy coloured fuel tanks, set the Thunderbird 350X and 500X from their standard versions.While the fuel tank of the Royal Enfield Thunderbird X is brightly coloured, everything else – the engine and other components – have been blackened out, which highlights the fuel tank even further.
In terms of engine, Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X shares the powertrain with the Thunderbird 350, which is a 346cc single-cylinder engine that makes 20.7 hp and 20 Nm. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X, on the other hand, mounted with the same engine that powers the Thunderbird 500 – a 499cc, air-cooled, single cylinder engine that produces 26.8 hp and 41.3 Nm. Both the engines are paired with five-speed gearboxes.
