Thunderbird TwinSpark. Review on Bullet ThunderBird

Last couple of weeks I have gone fida over the new Thunderbird Twinspark. At Rs.1, 02, 500/- (Onroad Cochin Price), I feel they charged a 'bit' for their 'ROYAL ENFIELD' brand value!

Well last 10 years or so I have been a pure Bajaj rider with Kawasaki 4S being my first bike then moving on to Pulsar 150 and then the newer DTSi 150. What indians basically look for is mileage as the first criterion and then the power, looks although as a bare minimum as well!

Royal Enfield has always had admirers in its own ways. For the very reasons I have disliked it! See how can u allow some freaky 100cc bikers to fly past u just like that ? Then comes the low mileage, higher maintenance (or rather more caring required).Thunderbird Twinspark (TBTS) was born to change all these for ever.

Firstly the change in design -

UCE engine which we all know by now which features TwinSpark technology similar to pulsar in many ways ;) . Next the biggest factor - mileage. YEAH such a heavy (182kgs to be precise) bike gives approx 45 mileage! And tell you what I know some one who got 50+ in long drives. It is a wonder buy! Add to it the amazing pick up. ALL BULLETS till date had one thing in common - Bullets ride you rather than u riding a bullet!But this one is different!

POWER - At 19.8 bhp its a sec quicker than the old leanburn thunderbird in 0-60.

PICKUP - TBTS has an amazing pick up. 0-60 in just 6 secs man its fast! (Unicorn is 5 +secs FYI). And I feel it should touch 100 in under 20secs. Once the bikes revs up beyond 4000 its sounds more like a Harley. No joke ! I realy felt so .. its sound at higher rpms are too good with the long silensor. If you dont beleive me check out the TBTS 'roaring video' in Youtube. And plz note that unlike bullets(100kmph) TBTS has a top speed of 120kmph.Man now thats a real Cruiser since it can be maintained at speeds in excess of 90kmph for long duration! The aluminium engine wont have heating problems as well.

Comfort - ohhh what to say - it simply has the best shock absorbing ability in india now.Has rear gas filled shocks.

I felt very comfortable riding it over 'idli' shaped patch works on the road.Handling - Those guys who fear a RE is too heavy, try out the TBTS. All through out my ride of 3kms I never felt it heavy. The center of gravity is low. Slight tilting wont make you feel its heaviness. I did drive it through a heavy traffic stretch and never once found it 'more' tough than my Pulsar. Sharp turns are very easy. May be the radius is a bit longer but still its maneuverability is great.On straight stretches the pick up was amazing as well.

BEST PART - all through the 3kms of my ride one thing I got in abundance is ATTENTION from everyone around ... oh ma god I wanted to buy the bike then and there.Amidst traffic just turn the throttle and 'smaller' bikers around just envy your presence!

The whole point here is - At 1lakh we have R15 and TBTS. But how would R15 look after say 3 yrs? TBTS would be all the same. Might need some chroming but can such a thing be done for the coslty fairings of a R15?

DOUBTS - After sales service is a big factor to consider before choosing a bike which doesnt sell in numbers similar to pulsar or unicorn. And its not like a Hero Honda Splendour where you fill fuel and drive for 5-6yrs! TBTS will need some maintenance and special care. Its iron parts might get rusted too soon if left uncared for.

Admit that the original bullet owners will never like TBTS for lack of thump and many other features. But one thing is for sure - This bike is for the Indo-Japanese bike loving freaks like me who want mileage, power looks and BRAND all in a new package which is lately being called Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark!!!

Sam

Cochin