Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 ABS Launched

Both the Thunderbird 350 and the Thunderbird 500 have been equipped with a dual-channel ABS as an optional extra

• Royal Enfield quietly rolls out Thunderbird 350 ABS and Thunderbird 500 ABS
• The launch makes the regular Thunderbird models compliant with upcoming safety regulations
• Both motorcycles are equipped with a dual-channel ABS unit

When Royal Enfield launched the Classic 350 Signals Edition, the first RE to get ABS as standard, a couple of months ago, it had mentioned that it would introduce the safety net across its portfolio before the 1 April deadline. Now, the Chennai-based manufacturer has launched the Thunderbird 350 and the Thunderbird 500 with dual-channel ABS.

The Thunderbird 350 ABS retails for Rs 1,54,547, while the Thunderbird 500 ABS has been priced at Rs 2,05,189 (both, ex-showroom Pune). Another interesting fact is that the Thunderbird 350 ABS carries a premium of just Rs 4,797 over the standard model, making it the most affordable, dual-channel ABS-equipped bike in the country.

Apart from the addition of ABS, the popular cruiser remains unchanged in terms of mechanicals. Powering the Thunderbird 350 is a 346cc, single-cylinder motor that produces 20PS at 5250rpm and 28Nm of peak torque at 4000rpm. The Thunderbird 500 is powered by a 499cc, single-cylinder powerplant pumping out 27.5PS at 5250rpm and a peak torque of 41.3Nm at 4000rpm. Both motorcycles employ a 5-speed gearbox. Other major components, including the brakes, frame and suspension hardware, are identical on both motorcycles. With the launch of the Thunderbird ABS, it’s only the Bullet that doesn’t get the safety net in Royal Enfield’s current lineup.