Upcoming Thunderbird 500 spied

Autocar India reader Samir Khan has captured these detailed spy photographs of Royal Enfield’s upcoming Thunderbird 500 cruiser, revealing the eagerly anticipated motorcycle is almost ready to enter showrooms. The T’bird 500 targets touring enthusiasts, and uses a contemporary round headlight and telescopic fork front suspension. The latest Royal Enfield shall offer a handlebar lock system integrated within the ignition key slot, and upgrades from analogue instruments to an analogue cum digital cluster. The Thunderbird 500 will provide a hazard warning facility, and well proportioned fuel tank. The riding saddle has been redesigned, as has the motorcycle grab handle, with a removable pillion seat allowing for carrying luggage.

The Thunderbird 500 will be powered by Royal Enfield’s button-started, 500cc UCE engine making close to 27bhp, with distinctive ‘black’ styling.

The new T’bird also gets a rear disc brake and rectangle section swingarm, with twin shock absorbers deployed at rear. Expect the Thunderbird 500 to debut across India around September 2012.