Sep 16, 2002 05:32 PM
25645 Views
(Updated Apr 23, 2003 09:43 PM)
Finally, after years and years of what I call ''stubbornness'', the 50 plus year old chennai based company Royal Enfield finally has decided to make attempts to refine their thumping power bikes. What? U kidding... This was one of the many reactions it evoked. Royal Enfield and changes... no way. It is pretty shocking at times that such an old company with decades of manufacturing experience refused to innovate or in fact refine their 'killer' bikes. When the Thunderbird was launched in Bangalore, those who saw it and rode it knew things have changed or improved as I would delicately put it. And the credit for these changes would go to their new CEO Mr. Siddartha Lal, who has launched a much needed counter attack to save the company from getting catapulted out of existence by the ''100cc toys'' as hardcore bikers may call them.
Christened ''Thunderbird'', this cruiser was the second launched by Royal Enfield, the first being the 'Lightning'. The lightning was a pretty interesting launch as the name suggests it is ''quick''. An awesome speed machine. They could have thought of a different name as there is a few other bikes and cars by the name thunderbird. As they would like to brand it, the Thunderbird is a cruiser for all those who wish to escape from the chaotic city life and drift away to 'la la land'. An escape to paradise. This bike is powered by a 4 stroke single cylinder 350cc ''ecofriendly'' (yeah, it's in quotes alright) engine. The engine which delivers 18 bhp has a very good pick up with a dash from 0-60 in 6 seconds, also not forgetting the 100 plus speeds which by nature all enfield bikes offer. This monster has a top whack of 120 kms with the legendary high speed stability it offers.
What happens when we take a yezdi roadking and squash it a bit. You get the Thunderbird alright with a little tweak. Of course, they have put the standard cruiser fittings like bucket seats, back rest, tear drop petrol tanks. The tank however is the same regular Bullet 500 tank (think it is the same for all the models) and is angled to give it the typical teardrop cruiser tank looks. Seats are bad especially for the rider...I guess that has to be improved with a lot more foam. It was quite hard. Another key aspect...what is a cruiser without it being chromed. Generously chromed mirrors and speedo units which support a tachometer all adds to making a number of people turn their heads towards it.
Now where are the so called changes which Enfield has churned out. First of all, the gear system has been shifted from the traditional right side to the left and a fifth gear has been added. A CDI kit has gone on to replace the CB points systems... what a big relief. Kick starting now becomes a thousand times easier and would also save on some of the 'default' regular visits to the mechanics and the hospital. Electra though was the first bike where CDI was used. Tachometers, neutral lights are some interesting changes in the bike. And finally, after years (what a shame it took so long), disc brakes have entered into the bike. Quite amazing, a bike which is so powerful did not have disc brakes and Enfield took such a long time to decide to introduce them in spite so much demand for them by their loyal customers. There is an interesting little gadget found in the speedo. Apart from the regular odometer, there is also another meter which calculates the total kilometers travelled within a day. There is a small knob to reset this meter. Now people can easily calculate the total number of kilometers they travel within a day, therefore would be useful during long rides, estimation of petrol levels etc.
The CV carburettor ensures the vehicle delivers around 35- 45 kmpl. This definitely is not a bike for the fuel fanatics but then for a 350cc bike, these figures are excellent. The fuel efficiency is pretty decent for its class and I think it is probably the most fuel efficient bullet vehicle till date becoz of the new CV carb.
The Royal Enfield fleet of bikes is no doubt the most trouble some and requires constant attention but it also evokes a strange and really binding relationship with its owners. Such loyalty can never be seen in any other bike. These are bikes with true character and spirit. If you don't know what I mean, just ask some of the Bulleteers and they will paint the perfect picture. I would say this loyalty and liking is so fierce that they are bonkers over it and would go on to risk loosing every bone for this bike. It is a pretty sight to watch 10-15 bulleteers thumping away on long rides going from one end of the country to the other. A few in fact have gone on across all the way to Europe from here and what makes them do it is their love for this ''thumper''.
Well. am not giving the impression that the Thunderbird is a bike where all the glitches and horrors of the Enfield fleet of bikes are completely eliminated. Nope, they do exist... oil stills leaks as a standard rule, there is considerable vibrations therefore nuts 'n' bolts tend to come off. But all these are far less, they are not eliminated but have been subdued to a good considerable extend. The age old lovable thump of the exhaust has also been subdued a bit. Guess the new pollution norms have forced them to work on the exhaust silencer.
With all this in mind, I would say if you are a bullet lover, then this is a good bike to consider. Though my personal favourite is the 'lightning'', I feel all these small small things which they have worked on will make Thunderbird a better and less troublesome long timer. To end it all. Am seriously happy that Royal Enfield have woken up and are attempting to put away their stubbornness and climb up the ladder again by the providing what real men really ride - the Bullet. I would love to own a Lightning or a Thunderbird but practicalities of living in the city and the lack of time to take constant care of it not forgetting the huge financial load it would leave in my head stops me from doing so. All those lucky 'Bulleteers', get on and ride away. In the words of Metallica, '' Where I lay my head is home... wherever I may roam''.
