My TB500

Hi,

Technically, I should not call this an ownership report because, technically, I do not own the bike yet. But the excitement of having booked one, biding my waiting period (losing sleepless nights in online research, video watching and anticipation) and becoming a team-bhp member all together have been instrumental in me starting this post.

A little about myself - A mechanical engineer and an MBA by profession, currently part of the corporate setup. Growing up in an industrial town, I always had a fascination for machines. This fascination was bound to transcend in a young boy's life in the form of cars and motorcycles. When I started college, I spent most of my time on a friend's bike and when I started MBA, I saved up to buy a second hand Pulsar 150.

Fast forward 7 years and 3 cars (Indica V2 Diesel, Swift Dzire Vxi and now a Honda City iDtec VMT) later, the need to be on a motorcycle was increasing day by day. And hence I booked the TB500 last month.

I look forward to maintaining this thread on my experiences and trips on this motorcycle. Any views, opinions, guidance and help from senior BHPians will be appreciated.

The story so far in my purchase process:

1) The Dilemma:

I was faced with (what I believe is) a very common question. The classic's retro looks vs TB's comfort/modern looks. I am a tall and hefty guy at 6'3/100kg and felt the Classic might look small for my frame. Also the comfort and petrol tank size of the TB tempted me. I will not be taking very frequent long trips but a few are definitely on the agenda. I finally decided on the TB purely because of the comfortable seating and the size impression.

2) Other preparations:

Being over enthused with the whole process, I already procured my helmet, buff and riding jacket. Now I am in the midst of drawing up a list of the following:

1) Other Accessories that I can buy
2) Paint protection for the stone - options in and around Delhi. I have bought a matte paint sealant and a matte shampoo
3) Crash guard - I have decided on a chrome one, now finalizing the shape.
4) Silencer - I have come across a few references regarding another silencer that RE had introduced for the TB500 in the auto expo. I have written to RE consumer care but still have not got a revert from them. (Does changing the stock silencer affect the engine to a very great extent??)
5) what kind of riding gear to buy - saddle bags, gloves - the bike is not for commuting and I might not take very frequent trips (but a few are definitely on the agenda)

Help on any of these points will be appreciated!

Regards,
JK

That's me trying out the Classic. Can't help but think it looks like a cafe racer under me

First off congratulations on your new acquisition.

Secondly. please don't post photos which are copyrighted from partner forums such as Team-BHP, you can use your own photo which hasn't been watermarked. Also next time, please don't use any other color than black for FONT unless it's really imperative or something that requires immediate attention.

Thanks!

Ride safe! Rev hard!

Cheers!
VJ

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Atlast....!
After 108 days
After 3700Kms
After 2 Services
After lot of Escalations....!
Got my RC book today from Royal Enfield's Chennai, P(athetic)allikaranai dealer...!
But, good response from CustomerCare and Regional Managers...!

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Hi from where did u get this mount even I want one

Sent from my A500s using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: My TB500

Hey

Congrats on the acquisition.
I am not yet owner of TB. Still waiting in line.

There is a separate thread on accessories which will be very helpful.

Here are my two cents-

I have heard that changing stock silencer has impact on engine. It is advisable to change it after running in period only.

For crash guard, there is a huge debate on whether crash guards are good or bad.
Good for protection and bad for aerodynamics.
Once you decide to get one, you enter into second debate - shape.
Single rod to butterfly to diamond.
I have read that diamond crash guard is not advisable for new TBs as the foot of the rider tends to touch the crash guard. Butterfly one may trap your leg in case the bike falls or skids on the side.
Again, some more research would guide you to make up your mind.

I am yet to buy anything for my TB. I will buy once I get the delivery in October.
I plan to use as much stock as possible. Not going to customize it from the start.

The riding position sold me for TB.

Hope I helped a bit.
Happy riding!

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500


Hi, Noted. It was my first attempt at starting an ownership blog so regret errors. Also, didn't realize that the post should have been started in this thread and that mine would get merged here. Will keep this in mind!

JK

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Hey guys my friend is planning to put the mag wheels and wild boar exhausts by zeus. I would like to know the reliability of it and affect in handling and fuel average!

Sent from my GT-N7100 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Bought my new thunderbird..
900kms done no problems till now..
Want to know about the tyre sealants and how can i save my matte colour..

Sent from my C6902 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: 2014 Enfield Thunderbird 500 - My Entry into the Motorcycle World

Trip to Nandi Hills:
Total Distance Covered: 180 KM
Date: 12^th July 2014

It had been almost 3 weeks since the last drive, Baloo and me needed to stretch our legs a bit before we became couch potatoes, all of a sudden we decided to hit the road and take a short trip around places close to home, while we did a lot of off route instantaneous decisions around Nandi Hills there were a few spots we had never known existed earlier like this 800 AD scenic Bhoganandishwara temple built by the Cholas, while the temple is not only exceptionally scenic and full of architectural treasures, it's also a quiet and peaceful getaway from the city.

The climb to Nandi hills started later in the day when there were clouds passing and covered the roads making it difficult to see more than 10 meters ahead, on reaching the entrance to the hills the new rule of bikes not being allowed inside came as a set back and while it would be have been a pleasure to walk inside the disappointment weighed larger than the pleasures of the weather conditions at the peak time of the day, it was chosen to start the downward journey in to the city with a few stops to enjoy the beauty of the hills from the hair pin bends. The Karnataka Govt. should rethink their move of allowing bikes into the hills as it makes it easier to travelers to see all sights on two wheels rather than burn fuel on four wheels for a single traveler.

Baloo's Photo Shoot:


Shots from the trip:

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Hi amarme001,
Royal Enfield Bikes are not meant for top speed. If you are taking the bike to go long distances on high speed, then i would strongly
suggest you to buy any other bike. Enfield are tourers wherein as long as you stay between 70-85 kmph they will go on and on.
Sweet spot cruising speed is between 70-80 kmph

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Got 12v + 5v USB handlebar mounting system.. Installed on my TB500.. Another awesome thing added here are some snaps



CP
Barmer
7891720083

Sent from my iPhone using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

That's a Great addition. By the way, from where do you get these small but useful additions??

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Hello All !!

I'm thimking of getting a Windshield for my bike as I travel about 60kms daily for office. Will it affect the stability of the bike or it will aid in avoiding the wind blast??

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Hello All,

Sorry haven't been very active on the forum. However this is again that time of the year when i start planning my long yearly trip. This time planning for a Southern Odyssey, starting from Mumbai - Bangalore - Kochi - Madurai - Rameshwaran - Pondicherry - Chennai - Hyderabad and back to Mumbai.
Have been making some changes to my Bull, have already fitted a Mukini VM 36 carburetor instead of EFI. However haven't got a good manifold which connects the Air filter to the Carb, its just to big for any local ones to fit. Al of know have just fixed a DIY Hose, but not abel to judge the performance. Also my Head Gasket is leaking, so planning to fit a GT 535's piston if i happen to open the head and the block. Let me know if any one of you have already done it already?
Bangalore Guys! Iv heard that the Vee Rubber Tyres are readily available there, could any one second that? We would be in Bangalore on the 2nd of Nov, would probably get it from there if its cheaper than Mumbai.
Hope to see you guys on the Road!

My Friend has fitted an Eliminator windshield, let me tell you, it looks amazing. I am also planning to do so. Would send you some pictures post fitting.

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500


Hi Barmer,

Nice addition.

Where did you buy this?

For Continental GT style mirrors, I found one on ebay.



Cost is Rs. 2200

I think, I will buy this.

What do you suggest?

Regards,
Amit