Oh!!! So, the new Classic is still coming with old shockers? Man, I really want RE to come up with something advanced. I am happy that they have introduced Fi. It's high time that they seek new enthusiasts like me. In future, If RE comes with hi-tech stuff by which I mean not just speedo & others, I would really be interested & so will others

(If wishes were horses, beggars would ride )

Edit: Deej. Your Signature pic looks tempting. I guess that's your pic only on your bike?

below is exactly what I was talking about...

Right deejaay. Shock absorbers are pretty stiff. But can be adjusted according to the requirement (upto a certain limit though...) :P

Am sorry if I am offending any Thunderbird owner/fan.

But personally I can't digest the "Thunderbird" from Royal Enfield. Royal Enfield's are supposed to be Classy, Old School British motorcycles and not a Harley Davidson wannabe. Moreover, the Thunderbird is not an authentic Cruiser. It is confused. It sold well till the real stuff (read Harley Davidson) arrived in India.

There are still fans of the T'bird but I am sure that the Classic 350/500 now outsells the T'bird. The Classic 350/500 is by the way Royal Enfield in it's purest form.

Oh yeah Payeng. I really liked the new Classic design. Even the RE Standard 350 is eye catching. RAW. Thunderbird doesn't appeal to me either. But hey! We aren't true blue RE fans

Whatever era they belong to they are not comfortable
Yes! this is me riding (actually trying to take off) my bike on an air strip!!
Checkout the link

I have got them adjusted to the softest side but still not happy

We might not be RE "owners" (not yet), but we can appreciate what a motorcycle should be/should not be.

If RE is so hell bent at making a cruiser, then why not make an authentic cruiser: Low seat, fat rear tyre, kick out front forks and leg forward riding stance..?? Also with the Black Color theme, RE according to me is trying to project the T'bird 500 as a "Power Cruiser" (la Ducati Diavel, Night Rod).

This is 2012 where thanks to the internet customers/bikers are more savvy and informed. I am more crazy about the Continental GT CafeRacer concept that RE displayed at the 2012 Auto Expo. That is another honest replica of an authentic British bike from the 1950's-60's.

If I have to become an RE owner, it will be a Classic or the Cafe Racer. Defnitely not a Harley Wannabe like the T'bird.

Just noticed that in post...


The bike doesn't seem to have a rear disc whereas the pic posted by Payeng has!
I remember seeing T Bird in Auto expo but DS 500 was the real show stealer.

You are spot on Payeng...it kind of disappointed me to see some of the useful upgrades done on TBird and not classic like rear disc brakes, projector headlamps, one button removable seat, huge petrol tank etc.
If I buy it I would love to convert it into a 'Classic', keeping all the good bits

I think the one in the pic also has it.

It's just not you & me (non RE fans). In streets too, I have seen more Classic 500,350, DS than older REs. This proves the fact that people do want good upgrades to happen. So, may be in near future, when I am looking for an upgrade (no sire, not going to sell my 220 Fi) RE may comes up with a ZABARDAST bike which will make me attracted to her
AMEN!

When the official pictures of T'Bird 500 first came out early 2012, no doubt it got my attention because of the better things it has. But as with some members here, I am not a fan of T'Bird styling. So, I wrote an email to Royal Enfield appreciating them for the good things they put on upcoming T'Bird and also asked them if these changes can be expected for the Classic models. I wrote that since all these changes are going to make that motorcycle more safer and better to ride, it's only obvious that these changes should be made to Classics as well (if not all models). However, I got a reply saying (not surprisingly though) that RE don't have any plans to incorporate these changes in Classic models and that they are going to remain same.

From the reply I concluded that even if RE is going to make such updates in Classic models in future, they will not just let me know about it. Obviously, they would not want to loose customers for their current classic models if they break the news of updated classics in future. So I just replied with a "Thank you"

But obviously, RE should make these updates to Classics as well.

@deejay: Not just that, T'Bird 500 also happens to have better front end suspension with 41mm forks

I agree. If only RE could accommodate new changes in Desert storm version...

Its sad that these days expensive Harleys are the only REAL cruisers around in India. Bajaj does not seem interested in the Avenger to receive upgrades (better tyres, rear disc and P200NS motor/gearbox). Hyosung Aquila was only brought to India in limited quantities. Yamaha Enticer was the best (and only) cheap cruiser sold in India but sadly its out of the market and there are no entry-level (say 125cc-150cc) cruisers around for commuter use (meaning good mileage). Honda CRF230L engine in Karizma looks like it could be a great fit into a cruiser, but I don't think HMC can design their own bodies yet

India! Y U NO HAVE CHEAP GOOD CRUISER ?

As for the Classic vs T-Bird debate, isn't Classic unsuited for really long rides while T-Bird is more of a tourer ?

I guess QUALITY does not come cheap
I have Avenger 220 and it rocks

RE Thunderbird 500

Saw one RE 500 Thunderbird in banglore(near my home) while taking a walk,looked strange model from RE but came back home and checked the net to confirm it was RE THUNDERBIRD 500 itself! maybe the bike is on sale now although not on website!