[parrys]

On January 5th 2012, Royal Enfield launched the much awaited Thunderbird 500.
Its powered by a 500cc engine generating a 27.2 bhp power output through an electronic fuel injection system.

High Points:

- Matte black finished engine
- Seat has been completely redesigned to suit the new foot pegs position.
- Separately mounted pillion seat can be removed to accommodate luggage.
- Bungee hooks are provided to strap up that extra luggage during those long rides.
- The most noticeable is the tail lamp which is LED, unlike the earlier round shaped tail lamp. We found this to be a little out of sync with the design of the bike.
- The trip meter is now digital and a projector lamp is provided for low beam along with a halogen lamp for high beam.
- Rear Disc Brake.


Thanks to jalsa777 for the pictures

[parrys]

Royal Enfield also displayed their Café Racer Concept at the Auto Expo 2012.

Highlights:

- Guys at RE mentioned that they might consider manufacturing Café Racer by mid 2012 or early 2013.
- The pricing will be a little over the current RE Classic 500.
- The Clip on Handle-Bars add to the character of the bike.
- Has Ohlins Suspension at the rear.
- Rear view mirrors clamped to the handle bar weight balancing joints looks neat.
- Classic tacho and speedometer.
- Forged clutch and brake levers.

[parrys]

Other attractions at the RE stall.

[Rehaan]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line section.

[anekho]

What a beauty that Café Racer is! Absolutely stunning! Thank you for the photos

I really hope it makes it to the production line.

[one-77]

Oh! The Cafe Racer has me drooling!
I gave up biking a little over a year ago, but this beauty begs me to start over.
Royal Enfield is one company that has really reinvented itself over the last few years.

[arvi86]

All I can say after seeing the pictures of the Cafe Racer is 'WOW'! There are so many folks out there who I know (in Team-BHP and outside) who are just waiting for Royal Enfield to announce that the Cafe Racer will go into production to plonk in their money. Once that announcement is made, I can see the Cafe Racer becoming an even bigger success than the Classic series with waiting lists extending to months.

As one-77 said it, this is one company that has really reinvented itself in the last gew years. Hats off to the management team! If only companies like Hindustan Motors could learn from them, Ambassador will not die a slow death as it is doing right now.

[theMAG]

With real competition threatening them unlike ever before for the first time, Royal Enfield seems to be making efforts to stride across their image of a reluctant manufacturer to one that embraces market sentiments. The similarly themed products showcased above - the TB 500 and the Cafe Racer, are definitely a step in the right direction.

Now, if they're able to bell this cat, their next focus has to be their service experience - which is currently on-par of the Premiers and HMs of yore.

[Rahulkool]

If they make the cafe racer i will be first to buy it, but seriously RE matt black engine on a thunderbird. They now trying to copy modern bikes, the LED tail lamp is totally out of place on Tbird. They have conpletely ruined the design.

[Hammer & Anvil]

When are they going to manufacture these? I checked with the RE Dealership - 18 months for delivery for the RE Classic 350...
Maybe they held up production to produce these beauties?

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by anekho

I really hope it makes it to the production line.

Hopefully.

Though do remember that it was also shown as a concept at the Auto Expo 2 years ago (2010), and there were talks of it making it to production even back then. Anyway, it looks a lot sexier now!

cya
R

[saargoga]

Thanks Parrys, I was waiting for this.
Did anyone got information regarding the accessories esp the leather bags and gears? How is the quality of that?

[changaez]

Originally Posted by Rahulkool

If they make the cafe racer i will be first to buy it, but seriously RE matt black engine on a thunderbird. They now trying to copy modern bikes, the LED tail lamp is totally out of place on Tbird. They have conpletely ruined the design.

I agree TB 500 looks like grown up version of the bajaj avenger esp in the rear seat, back rest and tail light. Inspite of the 500 cc engine i would not want to be seen on that

But the Cafe Racer is mind blowing... reminds be of the bike in the movie "The Fastest Indian "

cheers

[jalsa777]

Originally Posted by saargoga

Thanks Parrys, I was waiting for this.
Did anyone got information regarding the accessories esp the leather bags and gears? How is the quality of that?

Here are some pictures of the merchandise

[rowhun]

The cafe Racer looks stunning.
I hope they do put out a production version. But they could have displayed a few more bikes and given us some insight about the direction of the companys future.

Those helmets in the accessories section look pretty good. Wonder where they are available.