Royal Enfield Three new custom 650cc twins

Royal Enfield unveiled three custom motorcycles based on its yet-to-be-launched twin-cylinder platform. These bikes (Lock Stock, Rohini and Interceptor) were displayed at the seventh edition of the Wheels and Waves custom bike show in France.

The Lock Stock and Rohini have used the Continental GT 650 as the platform, while the Interceptor – as the name suggests – has used the Interceptor 650 as its platform.


1) Lock Stock – by Royal Enfield

The LockStock is based on Royal Enfield’s first ever 650-cc engine that will power the upcoming Interceptor and the Continental GT 650. The bike has been transformed into a high-performance dragster. Most of the parts that we see on the bike have been replaced with newer customised parts except for the fuel tank and the engine.

2) Rohini – by Young Guns Speed Shop

The Young Guns Speed Shop has taken the café racer approach to this build. The bike features a strange but interesting paint job that takes inspiration from India’s space program and the Rohini satellites. The bulbous café racer fairing, the flat seat and the boxy tail section give the motorcycle a retro appearance. The bike is finished in bare aluminium and has reflective paint on some of the body work.

                  

 3) The Interceptor – by Old Empire Motorcycles

Old Empire Motorcycles decided to take a different approach to their model. They took an interceptor 650 and took off all of the parts they found unnecessary. The bike features a deep metallic red paint job and a leather seat. This bike also has a lowered stance and a blacked-out motor, which make it look aggressive. Another nice touch is how the custom bike maker has hidden away the bike's wires and cables. This Interceptor also comes fitted with keyless ignition, replacing the metal key one would find on a regular Interceptor.

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Thunderbird 500: Royal Enfield Targetting IT Professionals

Royal Enfield recently said it was targetting IT professionals in the leading metros and various cities for its new launch-- Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500.

'The 20-30 age group people are our main customers. We are selling the bikes mainly in metros and cities likes Hyderabad, Bangalore, Thiruvanantahpuram and Kochi where there is a large IT crowd', Shaji Koshy, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Royal Enfield said.

He was talking to reporters here after launching the bikes in the Kerala market.

"Thunderbird 500 is poised to enhance the pleasure of leisure motocycling amongst tourist enthusiasts with a powerful 500 cc unit engine, 27.2 bhp power output being fed through an electronic fuel injection system and 41.3 Nm torque built in for very accessible power", he said.

The company was looking at new markets like Sri Lanka which has just opened up for the 450 cc bikes, he said.

Last year, Royal Enfield entered the Brazilian and Colombian markets and presently exports to at least 40 countries. This includes 600 bikes a month to US and 500 units to Europe.

On the Kerala market, he said as compared to sales of 300 bikes a month in the state three years ago, the company was now were selling 700 bikes a month.

Countrywide, Royal Enfield sold 75,000 bikes in 2011, he said adding the company was looking at sales touching over one lakh units.

While the Thunderbird 500 is available at Rs 1,82,539 (on road price in Kochi, the Thunderbird 350 is available at Rs 1,35,408 (on road price in Kochi).

Royal Enfield's domestic line up includes the Bullet 350, Electra, Classic 350, Classic 500, Classic Chrome and Desert Storm.

Source(s): http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/two-wheelers/thunderbird-500-new-bike-from-royal-enfield-stable-to-woo-it-professionals/articleshow/16850679.cms

Royal Enfield Bullet CLUB

ROYAL ENFIELD THUNDERBIRD 500cc REVIEW / ROAD TEST / SPECIFICATIONS / PRICE

The Thunderbird 500 has been perhaps one of the most anticipated offering from the Royal Enfield stable considering that the Thunderbird 350 has been doing yeoman service for the last ten years. The Thunderbird has built for itself a reputation of being a comfortable touring motorcycle and is often the first choice amongst the Royal Enfield models for touring enthusiasts. The Thunderbird has earned itself the reputation of a capable highway tourer and established itself firmly in the cruiser market. The Thunderbird broke away from the mould of Royal Enfield’s traditional motorcycles and redefined a new lineup. In that direction, the new Thunderbird has come as fresh motorcycle. 

Styling :

The ‘black’ engine is one of the first styling elements that catch your attention the moment you see the motorcycle. The seat has been completely redesigned to suit the new foot pegs position. The handle bar too has received changes for better reach and ergonomics.The high rise handlebars, forward placed foot-pegs and a low seat height enable a rider to cover distances comfortably for longer periods of time. Other small styling elements that a keen enthusiast will notice are the Royal Enfield logo on the all new foot-pegs, new design mirrors.

Seats :

The seat now opens using a lock mechanism, accessible through the side panel. True to its design concept as a more touring friendly motorcycle, the separately mounted pillion seat can be removed to accommodate luggage. The pillion grab rail is an all new pressure die cast component and lends to the modern design of the motorcycle. Bungee hooks provide the much needed bungee points to tie luggage.

Instrument Cluster :

The new front end lends itself nicely to the muscular stance of the bike. The instrumentation also includes two digital trip meters, allowing riders to keep a track of total trip mileage as well as intermediate mileage between tankfuls. The speed and engine rpm are shown via tastefully designed analogue clocks, housed in all new twin pods at the front. The main ignition lock also functions as a central steering lock. The inclusion of hazard lamps in the switch gear is a first for a motorcycle manufactured in India. The tank cap is placed asymmetrically on the top right hand side of the tank, instead of the conventional central mounting; a distinctive styling element of the Thunderbird 500.

Engine :

It now comes loaded with a 500cc Unit Construction Engine (UCE) and additional power makes covering distance an easier task. The seamless torque delivery will keep the rider entertained through the twisty sections. A flick of the right wrist is all it takes now to overtake a slower moving vehicle or climb up a twisty section. When it was time to build a Thunderbird 500, Royal Enfield decided that it had to offer more than what customers were used to seeing from the Thunderbird in its current guise. Apart from the larger engine, the bike now features 41mm thick forks in front and an oval section swingarm at the rear to allow the rider to handle the additional power. The inclusion of a rear disc brake will now allow the rider to confidently explore the upper limits of the motorcycle’s performance capabilities. 

Fuel tank :

Since Royal Enfield's are mainly associated with tour and leisure purpose and to tackle this issue Thunderbird 500 comes equipped with a massive 20-litre fuel tank for an enhanced range.

Ergonomics :

The designs are now oriented to the cruiser character of the motorcycle. The seat has been completely redesigned to suit the new foot pegs position. The handle bar too has received changes for better reach and ergonomics. The seat now opens using a lock mechanism, accessible through the side panel. True to its design concept as a more touring friendly motorcycle, the separately mounted pillion seat can be removed to accommodate luggage. The pillion grab rail is an all new pressure die cast component and lends to the modern design of the motorcycle. Bungee hooks provide the much needed bungee points to tie luggage.

Headlight and Tail light :

Night time visibility has been the biggest challenge faced by most motorcyclists while cruising on the highway hence the new headlight with a 55w projector lamp for its low beam and a 55W halogen bulb for the high beam addresses that issue. The lighting is at its brightest with the high beam on, working in combination with the projector lamp giving ample spread and penetration on the road. Tail lamp comes with LED lamp with position light guides which is new for Royal enfield family.

Brakes:

The bike comes loaded with front 280mm Disc, 2-Piston caliper brakes. Stopping power has been aided with the addition of a disc brake at the rear. The braking system is supplied by Bybre, a fully owned subsidiary of Brembo. It is mounted on the new improved oval section swing arm. These changes will enhance the riding experience of the motorcycle on the highway. 

Price :

The price of the Thunderbird 500cc is expected to be ten thousand higher than the Classic Chrome which makes the bike the flagship motorcycle of Royal Enfield’s portfolio.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Specifications: 

Engine	Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Air cooled, and Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection
Displacement	499 CC
Bore x Stroke	84 mm x 90 mm
Maximum Power	27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque	41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed constant mesh
Ignition	Digital Electronic Ignition
Dimensions
Ground Clearance	135 mm
Width	895 mm
Wheel Base	1350 mm
Length	2060 mm
Height	1300 mm
Seat Height/ Saddle Height	Information not available
Tyres
Front	90/90 - 19
Rear	120/80 - 18
Electricals
Electrical System	12 Volts - DC
Head lamp	Projection type headlamp, H7 bulb 55 / 55 W
Instrument cluster	Digital cluster with LCD
Tail Lamp	LED lamp with position light guides
E-Start Starter Motor	0.9 KW, DENSO
Brakes
Front	280mm Disc, 2-Piston caliper
Rear	240mm Disc, single Piston caliper
Maximum Speed
Speed	130 Kmph
Suspension
Front	Telescopic 41mm forks, Stroke 130 mm
Rear	Twin gas charged shock absorbers , 80mm stroke
Vehicle
Fuel Tank Capacity	20 ltr
Compression Ratio	8.5 : 1
Air Cleaner	Paper Element
Engine Oil Grade / Qty	15W 50 API, SL Grade JASO MA
Weight(Kerb)	195 Kg (with 90% fuel & oil)

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