Oct 17, 2005 02:50 PM
5839 Views
(Updated Nov 21, 2005 12:18 PM)
I recently bought the new fully loaded Thunderbird in Delhi and it has been an experience riding the same. I earlier test-rode 2 more pieces of same model, but the rattling vibrations scared me to an extent that I was on verge of buying a Karizma instead. Just a day before I was about to buy the Karizma, I chanced to visit Jhandewalan in New Delhi. So just thought of taking another test-ride at Ess Aar motors, the largest sellers of Royal Enfield in India. And, my perceptions were completely changed. The ride was fabulous, I rode on the most bumpy roads around, but the ride was smooth as cake. There were no irritating vibrations and the seating was as comfortable as it could be for a 6 feeter like me. I later came to know that earlier I had rode untuned bikes so felt so scared about vibrations. The new Thunderbird I felt had much less vibrations, more deeper and melodious grunt, extremely fabulous shock absorbers and the comfortable ride as usual.
Its now 15 days with my Bird and am enjoying every moment with it. The looks are awesome and catch attention everywhere. The Red-Silver Royal couch is quite regal and makes you feel like a king on road.
I would come up with further insights into this royal machine as I spend more time with it. But as of now, no significant problems.
I filled my tank with 14 litres of Speed and got 500 kilometers when I refilled another 3 litres. So the mileage is at least 36 kmpl before first service. This is in city driving conditions.
For those having any apprehensions about this bike, do take a test ride once more. In Delhi, visit Ess Aar Motors and talk to Mr RMS Rawat. The roads around offer ample scope to test Thunderbird in toughest road conditions as well. And Mr Rawat arranged for a properly tuned Thunderbird for testride.
Another caution - do buy a strong leg-guard. I had a near-fatal accident in Highway, and the leg-guard saved my leg and my engine.
If you really want a comfortable royal ride and ample head-turns, look nowhere else. Its price is higher than fiber bikes and Avenger, but in long run and as a personality statement, it would payoff much more.
