Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Might Not be Launched Before Mid-2013

Many ‘Bulleteers’ out there have been eagerly waiting for the launch of the all new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500. The new variant of the popular cruiser looks very promising and many bike enthusiasts have delayed their bike buying decision till the launch of the new bike. We first saw the Thunderbird 500 at the Delhi Auto Expo held earlier this year and spy pics of the new bike keep pouring in on to the web world. Now, it has emerged that thanks to the bike maker struggling to keep up with the immense demand for other motorcycles in its portfolio, the launch of the new Thunderbird 500 might be delayed. Apparently, the waiting period for the Classic 350 and Thunderbird 350 are as long as more than 6 months in some parts of the country. Operations at Royal Enfield’s new manufacturing facility at Oragadam are expected to begin only by the middle of next year and the new plant will be capable of churning out as many as 150,000 bikes per annum. All this means that the Thunderbird 500, which was earlier slated to be launched in this festive season, might come to us only by July next year.

Technical specification

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:   499cc
Engine:   499cc, 4-Stroke
Maximum Power:   27.2 Bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque:   41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Gears:   5 Speed
Clutch:   NA
Bore:   70
Stroke:   90
Cylinder Configuration:   NA
Engine Block Material:   NA
Chassis Type:   NA
Cooling Type:   Air Cooling
Carburetor:   NA

DIMENSIONS
Length:   2060.00 mm
Width:   895.00 mm
Height:   1300.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:   195.00 kg
Ground Clearance:   135.00 mm
Fuel Tank:   20.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:   1350.00 mm
Electrical System:   NA
Headlamp:   55W projector headlamp
Battery Type:   Maintainance Free
Battery Voltage:   12V
Battery Capacity:   14Ah
Horn:   NA
Wheel Type:   Spoke
Wheel Size:   90/90-19 – 120/80-18 mm 

Source LiveMint