Royal Enfield recently launched the Thunderbird X range in India with an aim to further advance the youthful character and the story of self-expression of the Thunderbird family. While the Thunderbird 500X may not have a immediate rival, the Thunderbird 350X faces direct competition — in terms of segment, performance and pricing — from the UM Renegade Sport S. The ex-showroom Delhi prices for both the motorcycles differ by just INR 2,803 with the Thunderbird 350X being the affordable one. So how does the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X match against the UM Renegade Sports S.
Here’s a technical specification comparison of Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X Vs UM Renegade Sports S:
| Specifications | Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X | UM Renegade Sports S |
| ENGINE | ||
| Type | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Twinspark, Air cooled Engine with Carburetor | Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, 4 valve, Liquid Cooled Engine with Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 346cc | 279.5 cc |
| Maximum Power | 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm | 24.8 bhp @ 8500 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm | 23 Nm @7000 RPM |
| Transmission | 5 Speed | 6 Speed |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| Length | 2,040 mm | 2,257 mm |
| Width | 830 mm | 780 mm |
| Height | 1,140 mm | 1,140 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,350 mm | 1,545 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 135 mm | 200 mm |
| Weight (Kerb) | 195 kg | 170 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 Litres | 18 Litres |
| BRAKES AND TYRES | ||
| Front Brake | 280 mm single disc with double piston caliper | 280 mm single disc with double piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm single disc with single piston caliper | 130mm drum |
| Front Tyre | 90 / 90 – 19 Tubeless | 110 / 70 – 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 120 / 80 – 18 Tubeless | 140 / 90 – 15 |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Front Suspension | Conventional 41mm forks | Conventional 41mm forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload | Twin Hydraulic with Spring |
| PRICE | ||
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | INR 1,56,849 | INR 1,59,652 |
In terms of performance, the UM Renegade Sports S has an edge in terms of power, delivering 24.8 bhp against the Thunderbird 350X’s 19.8 bhp. The UM also packs less weight than the thumper, tipping the weighing scale a whopping 25 kg below the Thunderbird 350X, thus delivering better power-to-weight ratio. Moreover, the Renegade Sports S also offers convenience and safety features such as a USB charging port and UM’s 360 degrees illumination and has that big-cruiser persona at a relatively affordable price tag that makes it quite desirable.
However, with an extensive Royal Enfield service network, along with easy availability of spares and a substantial amount of aftermarket accessories, the Thunderbird 350X makes a strong case that overshadows the UM’s performance numbers and big-cruiser inspired styling.
We didn’t get to test the new Thunderbird 350X but you can check out our detailed review of the Thunderbird 500X in the video below:
If you were in the market to buy a motorcycle below INR 2 lakh (on-road) mark, which one of the aforementioned cruisers would you opt for? Let us know your views through the comments section.