The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is a cruiser motorcycle that was introduced as a street version developed from the Thunderbird 500 model in Royal Enfield's cruiser motorcycle lineup. The motorcycle is manufactured and marketed by the renowned Indian motorcycle manufacturer, Royal Enfield. It's a solid road-biased model in the RE cruiser motorcycle lineup that comes with a 500cc single-cylinder engine featuring a retro design.

The motorcycle solely holds an old-day cruiser styling that somewhat reflects 1970s motorcycle design but nicely adopts modern technologies, especially in terms of wheel, brake, and suspension setup. Meanwhile, the motorcycle features a fatter body profile and super relaxed riding ergonomics that also gave the motorcycle a distinctive look and appearance. Thus, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is designed to provide a comfortable riding experience in the long rides and it can also enhance macho styling for modern riders.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X – Physical Attributes:

The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is a street cruiser motorcycle that features retro styling and blends modern enhancements. The motorcycle is introduced as a street version of the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 model.  In the design, the motorcycle entirely reflects old-school design and styling. Along with a puffed body, large fuel tank, lowered seat, extended footpegs, and wider handlebar, the motorcycle translates hooligan styling that smartly lifts Royal Enfield’s legacy.

The core appearance of the motorcycle is sketched from its retro body layout that includes a round-shaped headlamp, top top-mounted round-pit ODO console, wider and upright handlebar, a large oval fuel tank, and a segmented but comfortably cushioned seat. The motorcycle also features modern-styled wheels beholding all-alloy rims, street-oriented tires, and exposed classic-styled shock absorbers. 

The motorcycle features very minimal body panels, therefore, it has very compact side panels, and the engine part remains exposed. Thus, the vertically aligned engine features all-black heat-suppressing fins and a matt-finished black exhaust barrel nicely aligned beside the swingarm. However, the entire motorcycle features solid-color styling where the entire motorcycle holds an all-black theme and the large fuel tank attractively features a solid color scheme. Thus, with an open front and naked tail end the motorcycle sketches simplicity yet showcases a damn-care styling.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X – Frame, Wheel, Brake, & Suspension System:

The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is a retro-neo-styled cruiser motorcycle produced by Royal Enfield India. It’s the street version of the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 model. The motorcycle comes with a downtube steel cradle frame. 

On the wheels, the motorcycle features all-alloy rims and street profile tubeless type tires in measure of 90/90-18 inch wheel in the front and 120/80-18 inch wheel at the rear.  In the braking system the motorcycle is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes in it’s both wheels. 

In the suspension system, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X features a street-riding-focused suspension setup. In the front, it features upright telescopic fork suspension, and at the rear, it holds dual shock absorbers fitted with the swingarm from both sides.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X – Engine Performance & Features:

The new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is a solid street cruiser motorcycle in the Royal Enfield motorcycle lineup. The motorcycle comes with a 499cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC engine. This engine features an electronic fuel injection system and TCS digital spark ignition system.

The engine is paired with a manual multi-plate wet clutch system and a 5-speed gear transmission in the pattern of 1-N-2-3-4-5. The engine starting is featured with both an electric start and a conventional kick system. 

In terms of power and performance, the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X's engine has been tuned for smoother power delivery, sharp acceleration, and efficient fuel economy. This engine is rated to produce a maximum power of 27.57PS at 5,250RPM and a torque of 41.3Nm at 4,000RPM. 

This tuning allows the motorcycle to deliver high torque at low RPMs and cruise comfortably at a top speed of around 130kmph. Additionally, the Thunderbird 500X can offer a decent fuel economy of approximately 25kmpl under standard riding and environmental conditions.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X – Target Customer:

The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is a retro cruiser motorcycle that has profiled with an old-style design. Its exhaust note can make a strong appeal to hardcore cruiser motorcycle enthusiasts. This retro-vintage-styled beefy cruiser is exceptionally designed to fit long travelers who often love to ride for long.

Furthermore, its capable and high torque engine is also equivalent to deal with urban commuting situations and can handle prolonged riding conditions very easily. Therefore, those who desire a stylish, comfortable, and reliable cruiser should consider it as a reliable road companion.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X – Rivals in the market:

Honda Rebel 500

Kawasaki Vulcan 650

Hyosung Aquila Pro 650 

Jawa 42 Bobber