Royal Enfield launched its new bike the Thunderbird Twinspark in 2008. But it was under some serious scrutiny by Bajaj Auto Ltd because of the name and the twin spark technology. Bajaj patents the twin spark technology and it had previously filed a suit against TVS motors for the same reason. But according to Royal Enfield they have not breached the patent copyrights as it holds good for 75 and 250 cc engine bikes whereas the Thunderbird is of a 350 cc version and they plan to incorporate the same technology in their future series of bikes too.
Looks
In terms of design and style the new bike has nothing new to offer, it remains the same as the previous model. There are only few things that add to the bike's 'new look'- two badges are adhered to the side flanks and the twinspark decal on the rear side. The bike's engine is mainly engineered by Royal Enfield and the European design experts have tested the internal combustion and NVH of the engine. The bike on the whole has a macho look and is quite appealing. It has shifted the chain drive to the right, bears new stickers, seat and a rear splashboard. The instrument panel can be easily read even during bright sunlight. The bike also sports new Halogen lamps for longevity and the rear brake wire is move to the right side of the bike.
Engine
The new Thunderbird has a 350 cc UCE (Unit Construction Engine) that requires minimum manual interference and improves the efficiency of the engine. The engine sticks to the Euro III norms and is made to look compressed and better. But the kick-start lever does not look great. To add power to the engine they have a new trichoidal high flow pump, hydraulic tappets, better-devised clutch and the twinspark technology. The engine reduces the vibrations but remember once you cross 80 kmph it does vibrate. The engine can be easily activated with the automatic decompressor that initiates at 250 rpm. On the inner side of the UCE there is the electric motor to avoid any clutch related problems.
Handling
The new bike has an integrated gearbox that produces only 10% more power and torque compared to the previous Bullets. So, there is not much to rejoice. It generates a maximum power of 20 bhp and the maximum torque is 28Nm. For an instant halt the bike requires 150/280mm brakes. And the fuel efficiency ranges anywhere between 45-50 kmpl. The shifting of the rear brake has become easier. The suspension is not satisfactory; it is slightly stiffer but gets better with a pillion rider. Stability on straight lanes remains good but riding into curves isn't any great. The front tyre seems to skid while breaking that causes some kind of discomfort. The bike is recommended for city riding and for a rare long drive too.
Price
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark is available in three colours: Silver, Black and Red and is handsomely priced at Rs 103000.
Popularity Rating of Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark In India
The new Thunderbird Twinspark will not have a mad following like we see for Pulsars or Karizmas but is liked by people who already own a bullet and those who do not have one but have a liking for the brand. You might not see 100s and 1000s of these on roads, but one on road and it is a head turner.
Written by Harikumar Varma.
Last updated on 09-05-2012. Published on 24-04-2009.
Published by Bikes4Sale in category Reviews
Last updated on 09-05-2012. Published on 24-04-2009.
Published by Bikes4Sale in category Reviews
My email is baskaran19@gmail.com
dont go for silver i have silver and i see how it gets fade day by day
i suggest you to go for red
can u suggest me which colour looks better ...
mostly i have to ride my TBT inside the city ..
Still do u have ur TB in hand .
If so where is it , is it in chennai
regards,
Prasanna
this is munish.i m so much freak about cruiser bikes.i already have yamaha entinceer. now i want to have thunder bird .any body from punjab side interested to sell his thunder bird kindly contact me .i m frm gurdaspur and my cell no is 7896635420.if u dont able to make a call Kindly leave a msg in inbox.
thanks
folks give ur valuble suggestions plzz
get me ur details
Also, is the selection of the Petrol tank optional or fixed as displayed on the website (for Classic & Electra Models)
RAKESH
I have a desire to own a thunderbird, but my height is 5 feet 4 inches, therefore i am a bit hesitant of it. can anyone advice, if i would be able to drive it, my feet would touch ground, when seated. i own a cbz presently.
Jatin
I wanted to purchase RE TBTS 2010-2011 model.
If anyone wanted to sell please let me know ASAP.
My mail ID is jignesh.nagar@syngeneintl.com
Thanks
i from gujarat
kya price main deni hai muje call ya sms kerna ya mail kerna
DONE ONLY 12000
CONTACT:9905155558
which colour have u chosen?
I am ready to give Rs 5000 for that
Call me 8144684056```````
Experience the "Great Machine"
i am really confused whether to buy RE TBTS or CLASSIC 350.
Which bike is better? RE TBTS or RE CLASSIC 350 or CLASSIC 500?
please guide me as soon as possible. Waiting for your reply.....!!!
if you look out for real driving pleasure, royal appearance ,long rides ,heavy muscular look ...go for thunderbird.
Pravesh
i'm looking for thunderbird twin spark model.
Please help me !!!
my id - premixz@gmail.com
I wanted to buy a Thunderbird. I live in Bangalore. Could you let me in on more of the bikes details and where are you stationed.
1) in my knowledge there is no service center of RE in KOLKATA. How can i get servicing assistance here?
2) as i used to go long drive(700km-1000km) at least once in a month, i want to know the milege of TBTS on highway at a avg. speed 50kmph-80kmph?
3) milege in city traffics?
4)how is the overall performance in hilly roads?speacially milege & road gripping in hilly roads?
5)how long(in km) can i ride it non stop on highways getting good milege & satisfactory performance?
6)WILL IT BE A PERFECT CHOICE FOR LONG AS WELL AS CITY AS WELL AS HILLY RIDES?
7)what is its overall on road price here? (show room price+taxes+if any others)
PLzzzzzzz PLzzzzzzz PLzzzzzzzz reply all my quaries as soon as possible. i am waiting for your reply. my mail id-- [ arsimnihut@gmail.com ]
Paul
problem!!!!! It makes noise on pressing and holding clutch( the sound comes
from engine where the clutch wire attached to the engine(may be inside the engine).
Thanking you
Post me right suggestion
i booked up TBTS day before yesterday and they told it would be delivered after 3 months, perhaps i wouldn't mind at all to wait for such a long time to get tht bike, but i wanna know which of the royal enfield bikes is better, thunderbird twinspark or classic 350, am really confused.
plzzzzzzz reply.....
my is giving 50/58perlit. at the speed of 45/50.
How good is the performance of its Self Start, I stay in B'Lore not a very cold place, just wanted to know how good is the Self Start in Thunder Bird?
comments will come like higher price,lesser mileage,oil leakage,
but still no other bike could compete RE.
ITS AN ASSET which you could drive,your off springs could also drive.
For a previous question, no problem with self start, even on very cold days in bangalore. Once the oil gets heated the bull will roar.
Guys go for it, u will never turn back.
I am bit concerned regarding the oil likege problem with RETBTS.
kINDLY GUIDE FOR THE SAME.
i`m looking for new RETBTS so plz give me advice about its milesge,pickup.
My name is Manik and i am a working professional.
I read a number of mixed reviews regarding this bike and was confused at one point of time. Not only reviews, but most of the people i took suggestion from also had some mixed kind of views regarding the bike.
I was thinking to buy this bike for the last couple of years, even before the TBTS was launched. but every time i plan to buy the bike someone changed my mind and my program was delayed.
I even testdrove the bike and even i feel that there a re a number of limitations in the bike, like the kind of vibration it has is annoying.
Also i noticed one thing which i did not see in any of teh reviews. The black colour of the bike fades very soon (may be in a year or 2).
As mentioned by one of the friends above, if you want to buy a RE, never ask for suggestion. You will always get the answer as overprice, maintainance, oil leakage, gear shift problem etc etc...
So now i believe that if you want to own a RE, you have to have a passion for that. i agree it is a big investment for a bike, but trust me it is a asset for life.
Finally i am going to book the bike today. I hope it will fulfill my expectations.
cheers
i am really confused whether to buy RE TBTS or CLASSIC 350.
Which bike is better? RE TBTS or RE CLASSIC 350 or CLASSIC 500?
please guide me as soon as possible. Waiting for your reply.....!!!
commented by S.p hota
interested viewers can suggest me. ph 09937673728
Its nice pickup super riding bike.
It is look like a ghost rider..........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is a lion.........!!!!!!!!!!!
lit vibration at 90++..
amazing pickup,raw power,and obsoviously the evergreen RE charisma
truly once an enfield always an enfield