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Royal Enfield has finally launched the Thunderbird 500. The Indian automaker first showcased the bike earlier this year and due to production constraints, the launch was delayed massively. The Thunderbird 500 uses the Classic 500’s engine, which is a 499cc unit, producing 27.2 BHP and 41.3 Nm. This half-litre motor is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Royal Enfield has also given the Thunderbird 500 many new features such as digital readout in the instrument cluster, vibrations free handle bar, offset tank petrol cover, rear disc brake, LED headlight with projector, LED tail-lights, stiffer swing arm, 41mm forks, an electronic fuel system and three shades of black paintjob.
The Thunderbird 500 is aimed for those who like to cruise all day long. The motorcycle carries a 20-litre fuel tank, which gives it very good range. In the year 2010, 53,000 units were sold. The following year the numbers went up to 75,000 units. Next year, the target is above 1 lakh units. Thunderbird 500 will now be available for Rs. 1,82,571/- (OTR Mumbai). The 350cc Thunderbird is priced at Rs. 1,43,000/- and has the same features as that of the 500cc bike. The older 350cc Thunderbird bookings have been stopped and the newer version is available now. For all the biking enthusiasts, the company has also launched the riding gear which includes gloves, jacket and a helmet which is being designed in collaboration with the AGV.
The customers will have the option to choose from three different colors – All Black, Matte Black and Twilight Black. The bike will come equipped with the hazard lights. Currently, the company operates through 11 brand stores and 236 dealers across India. The bike is available at the dealerships without any waiting period. The state of Maharashtra alone contributes to 50 percent of the sales of the company. Till date, 1,000 units of the 350cc Thunderbird have been sold. The current capacity for the company is 10,000 units per month from its old plant. The company is planning to launch the Cafe Racer next year. The focus is more towards positioning themselves as a leisure brand in the world.
The company is also working towards making the service experience much better. The new bikes would be serviced using newer technology. Trained mechanics will be appointed. The newer parts that have been added now, will appear on the existing bikes soon. This is all from the launch floor.
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