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After the very promising, but slightly dissapointing Machismo 500, Royal Enfield is now out with the Thunderbird Twinspark 350cc, which really sounds interesting to me. After having ridden a 1st generation Thunderbird for over 4 years, I know the kind small issues that the bike has. This press release speaks of an Integrated engine - hopefully meaning lesser power losses on the transmission, hydraualic tappets, an all new clutch and more which are exactly what the older Thunderbirds required. About the twin spark plugs, hopefully RE won't get into the same patent hassle with Bajaj as TVS Motors did with the Flame. I hope it is as good to ride as it sounds but that we'll only really know once we ride it. Till then, keep it coming Royal Enfield! ---- Abhi With the launch of the Thunderbird Twinspark 350cc, Royal Enfield has engineered a progressive refinement in the art of motorcycling. Blending the imperial with the practical, the new Thunderbird is Royal Enfield’s first - amongst a series of models - to feature the evolutionary Unit Construction Engine. The Unit construction engine (UCE) marks a dramatic shift in the traditional Royal Enfield engine architecture. While the traditional Royal Enfield engine is distinguished by an external clutch and gearbox; in the UCE, both these elements are integrated within a common crankcase space. Therefore, this new Royal Enfield engine is more compact and offer benefits of reduced transmission losses, reduced friction, lower maintenance and higher reliability. This platform literally is the ‘engine of future growth’. Addressing the enthused gathering, R.L. Ravichandran, CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “With the launch of Thunderbird Twinspark 350cc, Royal Enfield is absolutely primed for the entry of the UCE in the domestic markets. By 2010, India will have other such twinspark models including the Machismo, Electra and the Bullet 350. For the international markets, we are currently test marketing the Bullet Electra EFI and in November this year, the UCE 500 EFI, will be unveiled at auto shows in Cologne and Birmingham. Not only will the new model be comparatively more powerful, technically advanced and environment friendly but it will also sport an authentic classic look that reflects original British motorcycle styling. With the 500cc version of the UCE that powers the Bullet Electra EFI, Royal Enfield becomes the first two-wheeler manufacturer in India to produce and sell a Euro-III compliant motorcycle.” Speaking on the occasion, Siddhartha Lal, MD & CEO, Eicher Motors said, “We have been working on twinspark technology for our type of motorcycle architecture since the late-90's and have found it suitable for mass-production with our new engine platform. All the factors which have made the Thunderbird the favorite that it already is have been retained or improved in the new Thunderbird. The new Thunderbird incorporates hydraulic tappets - which is a first in India and new lean-burn combustion technology with two spark plugs which gives class-leading power, torque and fuel-efficiency. Moreover, the long-stroke and engine construction ensure that the distinctive beat and cruising characteristic are further enhanced. Add to this the twin benefits of improved performance and engine efficiency and you have a package that is hard to beat in terms of pure riding pleasure and visual delight. Undoubtedly, the Thunderbird Twinspark goes beyond the envelope of ordinary commuting to present itself as a real motorcycle.”  We took the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark 350 out of the studio(shot) and put it outside the estate gate to give you an idea of how it would look outside yours! You’ve got the look! The styling and appeal of the Thunderbird Twinspark epitomise a ‘practical cruiser’, chiselled to offer ride delight. Its a motorcycle that does more than just look good on an open highway or under the brazen tones of starry floodlights.
Let’s start with the purposeful 19” front-wheel that enables the Thunderbird Twinspark to glide over any surface. The slim-line metal mudguard is the first splash of paint that greets the eye. A genuine ergonomic high-rise pull back handlebar puts the control in the hands of the lucky rider. The space between the handle and ultra comfortable seat is engaged with a beautiful teardrop fuel tank sporting the Royal Enfield logo as a dimensional graphic. The battery is lodged below the seat and is flanked on either side with triangular panels tapering around air-filters. The seat, which embosoms a graceful pillion backrest, is not only visually inviting but also comfortably snug. The chromed headlight is as accentuating as the urbane twin-pod instrument cluster intact with odometer, speedometer, RPM meter, fuel gauge, resettable trip meter, and tell-tale lights for neutral, high beam, turn signal indicators, etc. Hydraulic pushrods accord a radical singularity to the new Thunderbird; since valve clearance is automatically adjusted rather than manually fine-tuned, the vehicle maintains optimal valve timing in all situations. Moreover, features like the auto decompressor, CV carburetor; powerful disc brakes, the all new 6-plate low effort clutch and the highest payload for any Indian motorcycle (168 kg) distinguish the new Thunderbird as the easiest Royal Enfield to ride. Due to its prodigious 28Nm torque, legendary Royal Enfield solidity and tenaciously agile dynamic behavior, the new Thunderbird can take on anything the Indian roads will throw at it ...be it the smooth tarmac of the golden quadrilateral or the notorious potholes of battered roads, the pyretic plains of Rajasthan or even the freezing desolate mountains of Ladakh.
The Thunderbird Twinspark 350cc will always be more prepared than her rider. You bet, its got what it takes! |
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