Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 X ABS Launched

The inclusion of ABS pushes the price to Rs 2.13 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

• Comes at a premium of around Rs 15,000 over the non-ABS-equipped bike
• Apart from this safety feature and a few stickers, the bike remains unchanged
• Goes up against the much-awaited Jawa Perak

Royal Enfield has launched the Thunderbird 500 X with dual-channel ABS in India at Rs 2.13 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The inclusion of ABS comes at a premium of around Rs 15,000 over the non-ABS-equipped bike. With the government safety norms in place, most two-wheeler manufacturers have started equipping their bikes with ABS prior to the April 2019 deadline. 

The ABS mandate dictates that all new two-wheelers above 125cc launched after April 2018 must feature the safety net of ABS. Currently, the only bikes remaining to be equipped with ABS in RE’s lineup include the standard Thunderbird 350 & 500, Bullet range and the standard Classic 350.

Besides the above mentioned update and the ABS sticker, the bike remains unchanged. The RE Thunderbird 500 X is a factory custom bike designed for the masses. It gets a dual-tone paint scheme, blacked-out mechanicals, body coloured rim tapes and a host of accessories to go with it. The factory customisation also makes the X look a lot sportier than the standard Thunderbird 500

Powering the bike is the same 499cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected motor that makes 27.57PS and 41.3Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed transmission. 

In terms of mechanicals, the Thunderbird 500 X employs a single downtube frame with conventional telescopic forks up front and a twin gas-charged suspension setup at the rear. The rear suspension also features 5-step adjustability. Braking duties are handled by a 280mm disc brake at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear. Its 19-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels come wrapped in 90/90 and 120/80 section tyres. 

Priced at Rs 2.13 lakh, the Thunderbird 500 X will go up against the much-awaited Jawa Perak, priced at Rs 1.89 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom Delhi). The Perak is a factory custom bobber, while the Thunderbird 500 X is more of a stylish cruiser.