Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

I am no Pro, but this is what I followed when getting my Electra delivered.Most of the following is applicable to any RE.

1. Check for scratches & scuffs in the paint work (Remember, you have no warranty for the colour. So, do a microscopic check)
2. Check for any rust/oxidation in the Chrome parts
3. Check all welded joints (poor paint quality likely here)
4. Although not likely, check for oil leaks (bottom of the engine)
5. Check for petrol leak near the fuel lock, rear brackets of petrol tank(mine had poor welding), fuel cap
6. All Electricals (Starter, Indicators, High & Low beam, Tail lamp(also check by applying brakes),Console lights, Pass Switch,Horn, Engine Kill Switch)
7. Depending on what battery you have, check water level & leakage of acid.
8. Check if the Instrument Cluster is loose (by shaking it mildly). Generally, check if any part attached to the chassis is loose.
9. Check Oil level & colour (Shouldn't be black)
10. Check Odometer reading (Shouldn't read more than the Roundtrip to the RTO + 5-10km ).
11. Check Toolkit (It's poor quality anyway, so check if it's not rusted)
12. Check if the Air filter is New. If possible, check spark plug too.
13. If possible, ride your bike to the RTO. Showrooms usually get bikes registered in bulk. There is a slight possibility that they may mess up your
Engine & Chassis number in the RTO form when they take the impression of the numbers in the form (This happened in my case. Luckily, I pointed it out )
14. Check chain slack and rotate both wheels and check for any scraping/unusual noise.
15. Start the bike & let it idle for a few minutes. Idling shouldn't be erratic.Now, ride the bike (if feasible,on a road with minimal traffic & noise) and
check for any unusual noises. Pull should be smooth and exhaust note shouldn't be abnormal. Check for any abnormal noise from disc brakes (scraping noise)
16. Test both brakes & all gears. False neutrals are normal in the beginning. Check accelerator cable play.
17. Check for wobbling, skidding,etc., and if the handle bar is veering to one side.
18. Ride with a pillion and check for unusual noises/scraping.
19. Sit on the bike and apply front brake and check fork play. Should be smooth & handles shouldn't be loose.
20. Some dealers give you complimentary petrol. If not, ask for it.
21. Check for scratches again!

This isn't comprehensive.Others, please add if I may have missed any.

One last thing. If you plan to get the crash guard, check if it's made by Quality Industries, Chennai. They are of good quality.

Good luck

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Thanks mate. Will check all of the above.
Regarding the crashguard, it comes packed in the RE packaging box with all fittings. Looks neat but couldn't see the whose the maker. I have had stainless steel guard fitted for my 350 std. No rust for the past 4yrs or so.

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Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

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Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500



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Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

My fully rebuilt CI std 350

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Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

TBTS 350,
I remember you telling me you are from Hyderabad, Do you have a local mechanic? if you don't it would be advisable to have one. After your free service is over it would not make sense to continue going to an Authorize service center. What i am actually saying is, check your bike with your local mechanic first. If he says there is a problem then you could get it rectified from the Auth Service center until your warranty expires.
I just got couple of things replaced under warranty last Saturday. Attaching pic's.
List of things exchanged.
1) Fuel Tank (There was some rust appearing and some coating was peeling off)
2) Fuel Gauge (When my tank was empty yet it showed 2 bars of fuel available) Imagine the consequences of that.
3) Side Stand switch. (It was faulty)
4) Battery.
5) Clutch Assembly. (After almost 9 months my Bull started showing signs of aging)

I am planning for a ride to Nagaland this November. Its almost 3300 KM from Mumbai however that is according to Google Maps. So we are estimating anywhere between 3800-4000 KM's one way. Hence my preparations have started. We are trying to reach Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival which starts on the 1st of Dec. I would be accompanied by two more riders. One has an old TB 350 AVL, and the other one has Electra 350. Hope i enjoy my TB500!!
Here are a few Pictures of my dirty Bull!

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Twilight 500 arrives. The guys at showroom are a pain in.....and just one litre of fuel!! Rode it to the nearest fuel station and rode leisurely at 40kmph in 4th gear home.
Bike is so butter smooth that you feel as if you riding a honda. My ci 350 feels like a....in front of this beauty.
Pros:
1. Ride quality is just amazing. No vibrations as such like the erstwhile bull or avl tb.
2. Brakes...they give so much confidence! Ofcourse they are brembo.
3.the bike is stable in city as well on highway.
4. Torque.....tons of it to play with.

Cons
1. I have a strong feeling the exhaust is leaking where the bend pipe joins the head.
2. At idling the tappet noise is irritating.
3.mirrors should have been chromed and round.
4. Thunderbird specific crashguard which has bee installed is fouling with my feet
More on this after the running in is done

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Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

The fouling is not much. Its only when you wear slipons that feel it. Otherwise it looks good and the colour goes with the bike. Will try some adjustments myself

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Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Hi all,

Do any of you know from where i can source chrome RVM's for my TBTS-500? I mean, the plastic black RVM's are a real downer on the bird. Any where i can get the similar shaped ones but in chrome? I'm not able to source it anywhere?

Also, has RE come up with new silencer's for the the bird? If not, do they have any plans to do so?

Thanks..

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

You can try the round ones which are available at any RE outlet, they should match with the round headlight. If you want the same shape try online at Royal Enfield Zone. They have their own website and got numerous stuff for Enfields.
I too am waiting for the silencer from RE. If any one has any updates regarding it please do let us know.

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Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Try Yamaha Enticer's RVM's, same shape, however in chrome.

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Enticer has been out of production for a long time now, can i still get its RVM's?

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

I'm sure i can get it in Mumbai, not sure about Hyderabad!

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Went for a short ride on my tb500 about 48kms one way. On the way back noticed that the clatter of valves had increased. Was kind of very irritating. At the higher revs it would vanish! Just 340km on the odo and this kind of problem is really disheartening. Even my ci and avl machines never gave out such loud noises.
On the return journey my bum was numb!! The seat is not all that comfy, needs some cushioning. My friend who sitting on the back seat had the same plaint.
Rest all was good....power, handling, braking etc.
Got sort out this issue tomorrow.

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Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

My bull is now 850KM old, and take my word for it that the noise will reduce. Run-in nicely, keep in the limits and every morning heat up the engine for at least 2 mins before you take it out for a spin. Even i used to get the tappet noise at the beginning, now even though its there, it has reduced to a great extent and at 2.5K RPM and above, it just disappears.

About the seat... Don't worry, even i used to get the sore bums. Just break into it for 500 more KM.... it will be comfy.