Royal Enfield launched the much anticipated Thunderbird 500 for Rs 1,65,708 (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The T’bird 500 is powered by a 499cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke petrol motor, churning out 27.2bhp and 4.17kgm of torque. The new cruiser shares its engine with the RE Classic 500.

Available in three shades of black, the new Thunderbird gets several first-time features for Royal Enfield including a projector headlamp, digital-cum-analogue instrument console, hazard lamp in the switch gear, 20-litre fuel tank, blackened engine unit, oval-section swingarm, bungee anchors to accommodate luggage, LED tail-lamps and a rear disc brake, among others.

The company has also introduced a revised Thunderbird 350 for Rs 1,30,086, and it now comes equipped with the fresh features borrowed from the T’bird 500. However, unlike the Thunderbird 500, the smaller cruiser from the same family will continue to be powered by the traditional carburettor-fed 346cc engine.

Royal Enfield has also launched their own range of riding gear during the motorcycle launch which includes riding jackets, riding trousers, helmets, eye wear, motorcycle boots and gloves. Also included in the range of the riding gear is the open and full face helmets sourced from AGV.

Read Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 review, test ride