Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X ABS

What’s Good:

The 2018 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 is an improved iteration of the standard Thunderbird model with modern touches. It received a host of alterations over the Thunderbird model which offers it a more appealing and sportier stance.These modifications not only enhance your riding pleasure but also endows a distinct appearance in the crowd. The opted new colour schemes that encompass Whimsical White and Roving Red in contrast with blacked out cycle parts (chassis, engine and the exhaust) attracts an audience like a magnet. The remaining factors which make the new RE Thunderbird 350X desirable among the crowd are listed down:

• New Handlebar
• Matte Black Finished Exhaust
• New, Comfy Seating
• Upright Riding Posture
• New LED Tail Lamp
• No Pillion Backrest

Power and Mileage:

Beneath the fuel tank, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 X is laden with the same, sourced 346cc, air-cooled, single cylinder engine of the regular Thunderbird 350 model. The power output from the mill mated to a five-speed gearbox is 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm along with 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm. Reportedly, it is clear that no enhancement made to the powertrain for an improved exertion of churn juice and fuel efficiency. The 350X Thunderbird model will continue to return the travel distance of 30kmpl in the city conditions and 40kmpl on the highway.

The Complete engine specs are as following:

• 346cc Engine Displacement
• Single-Cylinder, Air-Cooled Unit
• Max Power: 19.8bhp @ 5250rpm
• Peak Torque: 28Nm @ 4000rpm
• Mileage: 30Kmpl (City)

Handling and Riding:

The transformation of regular Thunderbird model into the Thunderbird 350X definitely affected the handling and ride quality of the motorcycle in a favourable way. With the changes such as the emergence of flat wider handlebar instead of pull back unit of the last previous model, the motorbike has become more proficient in terms of handling with the changed seating.

The ride quality of the motorcycle that is based on the similar single downtube of the Thunderbird model, not witness any improvement as the setup like suspension and braking are as it is carried from the last model though, in this new Thunderbird 350X model, the automaker has introduced a rear disc brake option for ensuring precise braking and life safety of the rider and its pillion companion.

Safety:

In terms of safety, it is a step ahead of the older Thunderbird model. The new Thunderbird 350x model is safer owing to the enhancements made on the bike offers a firm grip or control on the bike from the short handlebar unit to new safety features such as LED Headlamp, LED Tail Lamp, promising suspension setup, durable chassis and obviously the disc brake setup which with the equipment of front disc offers confident and safe ride.

Verdict:

Available on sale at the price sticker of INR 1.56 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the RE Thunderbird 350X that is around INR 8-9K dearer than the last model, is a worth buy motorcycle in the segment. As it does not only give you an outstanding appearance in the crowd but also offers a better and much-improved riding position that is favourable for both city and highway conditions.