The next-gen RE Thunderbird undergoes some major revisions and features a BS6-compliant engine.
A set of new near-production images of the next-generation Royal Enfield Thunderbird have surfaced online giving away major revisions made to the motorcycle. Taking a look at the pictures it seems that the new Thunderbird will carry a more cruiser-style riding position as the footpegs appear to be 2-3 inches further up ahead of the current model.
The current model has its discs and calipers on the left while the new Thunderbird has the braking mechanism placed on the right side. The chain and sprockets are now on the left side. It also uses a new double-cradle chassis.
The Thunderbird never had any serious problem with its looks but gets a bunch of revised styling elements to keep up with the new kids. It appears that the 2020 Thunderbird gets a new alloy wheel design complemented with Y-shaped spokes. It gets a restyled tank and side panels. Also, the rear fender seems to be shorter than the one offered on the current Thunderbird X. The indicator/brake lamp unit is placed a tad bit lower.
The 2020 Thunderbird bids goodbye to the kick-starter. It also appears to run on a more compact exhaust pipe which ends well before the rear tyre. It is believed that this motorcycle is hiding a catalytic converter in front of the rear wheel (like the Classic).
The leaked pictures reveal what looks like a single-pod instrument cluster instead of the usual twin-pod gauges. It could be a new digital-analog unit to display information like distance to empty, real-time-fuel efficiency, etc.
Yes, it will cost a bit more. Currently, the bike retails between Rs.1.56-2.15 lakhs (ex-showroom). Be ready to shell out somewhere around Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 15,000/- more for the BS6 compliant engine and cosmetic upgrades.
Next-Gen RE Thunderbird
– Will get a new engine without a kick-starter
– Seems to offer a more cruiser-style riding position
– Gets a single-pod instrument cluster instead of the usual twin-pod gauges
Source – AutocarIndia.com