Next-generation 2020 Royal Enfield Thunderbird X Spotted Testing Once Again

• Next-generation Thunderbird X could get touring accessories. 
• The test mules spotted missed out on the current-gen Thunderbird’s projector headlamp. 
• The motorcycles seem to run on a larger 19-inch front wheel. 

Royal Enfield’s upcoming Thunderbird X has been spotted testing yet again. This time it was not one but three test mules that were spotted testing near Chennai. Of them, one bike had premium components like a chrome exhaust system. It also had rear saddle mounts and a front windshield. The windshield also has a hole in the centre for better ventilation. It seems that Royal Enfield is testing touring parts like the windshield and saddle stays and could offer these as touring accessories along with saddlebags and panniers.

For 2020, the Thunderbird gets a lot of updates, both cosmetic and mechanical. For one it gets a new circular headlamp and circular tail lamp, new fuel tank, new side panels and new rear fender. Know more details about the updates here. It even gets split seats. The motorcycle now sits on a double downtube frame which could be the base for the next generation Bullet and Classic models. 

The new motor looks like it is based on Royal Enfield’s J-platform, similar to the one seen on the next generation Classic 350 test mule. The new motor is expected to see a bump in displacement from the current 350cc to 400cc. It could be BS6-compliant and feature fuel injection. 

We expect the new Thunderbird variants to replace the current Thunderbird X by early next year. Given the changes, we expect the 2020 Thunderbird X to be priced between Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2020 Thunderbird 350 X will compete with the Bajaj Dominar 400.

Image source - Rushlane