Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

That's so costly [emoji52]
only one strip is illuminating. That too only with headlights, not with brake.

Seriously fed up with the poor quality of RE.
First speedometer console gave up, now the tail light. And everything is expensive.

TBTS 500 : Converting open loop ECU to closed loop along with o2 sensor

Hi Guys,

My first post on xbhp.

Proud owner of TBTS 500 since October 2014, completed more than 100,000 Kms so far.

Want to convert existing open loop ECU to the recently launched closed keihin closed loop system(BSIV).

First of all is it possible?

if Yes, What all parts needs to be replaced,and what should the the cost estimate for all.

In my opinion below parts needs to be replaced:

1. bend pipe along with O2 sensor
2. silencer as BSIII silencer wont fit in new bend pipe
3. ECU
4. wiring harness(If new ECU wont fit in existing port)

--thanks,
Mano

Re: TBTS 500 : Converting open loop ECU to closed loop along with o2 sensor

Hi, just out of curiosity, did you go ahead with the modification? How is this different from the stock?

--thanks

Re: TBTS 500 : Converting open loop ECU to closed loop along with o2 sensor

Hi Zodiac,

No I didn't, showroom guys have no idea on this, even parts are not available in India

--thanks,
Manoranjan

Best Royal Enfield Mechanic in Bangalore Near Old Airport

Hi xBHPians,

I own a 500CC Thunderbird from last 4 years. I tried a lot of service centers in Bangalore. However, they just get the pocket empty and do not do their job properly.

Hence May I request you all to suggest me some mechanics/service stations for the service and regular maintenance.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Shridhar

Re: Best Royal Enfield Mechanic in Bangalore Near Old Airport

Topic Approved, but merged to Thunderbird ownership thread.
@shridhar.baddur

Also give a try by asking members here:- https://www.xbhp.com/talkies/xbhp-of...2g-thread.html

Re: Best Royal Enfield Mechanic in Bangalore Near Old Airport

Try xTorque, they've got good reviews for servicing REs. They are located at Kammanahalli, in front of Jal Vayu Vihar gate near Fabindia.

Givi A603 Airstar Universal Windscreen

Recently, I ordered a Givi A603 Airstar universal windscreen [$ 113.40], Dowco Fastrax Backroads tank bag [$ 117.99] and Alpinestars Celer v2 gloves [$ 99.95] with RevZilla.com and got them shipped to my son at Round Rock, TX, USA, who brought them to Bangalore.

A couple of days ago, I fitted the Givi universal windscreen on my Blue Bird and rode about 10 km in Chennai. The fitting was not exactly a DIY. I took the assistance of my wife and brother-in-law to hold it in proper position, while I connected the two bars with the handlebar clamps and tightened them. The entire exercise took about 15 minutes. Blue Bird with Givi A603 Airstar makes a style statement, no doubt. Psychologically, I feel the wind blowing on my chest has reduced and the aerodynamic wind movement helps better speed. I will write more on this after testing them on a highway.

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

The 10-month old 14 AH battery of my bird did not hold the charge, if the bird remained unused for more than 3 days. I had to kick-start it to bring back the life into Blue Bird. Then, I charged it using CTEK trickle charger. Even then, it used to lose charge after 3 days of non-usage. Then, I visited the dealer [Mallika Battery Service, TTK Road, Chennai] and explored the possibility of getting a new one under warranty. The dealer replaced it with their service battery, observed it for a couple of days and got me a new one under warranty! Now, I don't take chance. Whenever Blue Bird is in hibernation, I connect it with the trickle charger, so that it will be fully charged, whenever I return and use it. On another occasion, I got the breather tube connected to the RHS crank case, RHS fork tube and fork oil changed at the Company Service Station, OMR, Chennai. Apart from these maintenance issues, Blue Bird does its intra city domestic duties very well. I could not take B Bird out on a long ride since 2 years. I should do something about it ASAP.

Re: Best Royal Enfield Mechanic in Bangalore Near Old Airport

You could try 'art of motorcycle' garage run by the YouTuber.

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

I returned to Chennai on 25/11 only to find Blue Bird refused to start after two months in hibernation. As usual, I resorted to kick-starting, but B Bird did not budge. Sometimes, the 'battery-weak' warning icon flashed. So, I did overnight charging with CTEK, which has become an essential tool for me nowadays. B Bird did not start even on the next day with the fully charged battery.

At that time I decided to seek external help as I was very tired of driving from Bangalore to Chennai. My first call was to the nearest RE authorized service centre with whom I got B Bird serviced many times. All the telephone numbers were either not existing or unresponsive. Their website too ceased to exist. When I searched RE website, that particular one was removed. Then, I called RE Company-owned service centre at OMR. I was requested to contact their RSA.

I called RSA of Royal Enfield for the first time using their toll-free number. The person on the other end was not at all friendly. He started explaining the terms and conditions, according to which, I had to pay ₹ 600 online after which the technician would arrive at the spot. He will 'try' to start the bike. If the bike did not start in spite of his best efforts, the amount would not be refunded...blah...blah. When I asked him, what next, he informed me that the bike will have to be taken to the nearest service centre after my paying ₹ 3,000 towards towing charge! At that time, I thanked him and disconnected the call. I think, it is better to call it RSH - Road Side Harassment - instead of RSA.

Then, I called gobumpr.com, whose rating was reportedly good. But, nobody responded. I called their WhatsApp number too unsuccessfully. After ten minutes or so, I got a call from them. When I explained the situation, that person, a lady, doubted if somebody could be sent on that day. However, she would try to send a technician the next day. She was more interested in my taking a service package rather than an emergency repair.

After all these futile attempts, I decided to do it myself instead seeking external help. I checked the cable connections for any loose or disconnected cable, the clutch, then the fuel pump, and the last, but not the least, the spark plug. I took out the primary spark plug, cleaned it and fitted it back. Voila! Blue Bird started at the very first self-start crank! I and wife rode it to the Marina Beach and Mylapore in the evening without any issues. Today morning, I rode it again to Marina Beach.

Blue Bird is back to its form.

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Blue Bird underwent the twelfth service at RE OMR Company Service Station, Chennai on 20/02/2020 at about 35 k km after one year and eight months from the previous service. For the first time, the chain was replaced as I heard the sound frequently, when it hit the pad below. The outgoing chain served me for 35 k km and I didn't face any problem apart from the annoying sound in spite of being in the maximum adjustable position. Since the sprockets were good - and the service station did not have them in their stock - I did not get them replaced. The new engine oil used this time is Liquid Gun semi-synthetic. Some minor complaints like front brake light switch not working, etc. were attended to. I handed over the bird at 9:30 am and got it back at 1:30 pm.

The next two days were spent in polishing the bird using Autosol for the metallic surface and Waxpol for the painted surface in many sessions, each of half-hour. Now, Blue Bird has become Shining Bird!

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Today, I used my both the hands to buff the engine casing with Autosol [RHS] and Waxpol [LHS] in two sessions, each of half-hour. Now, the engine casing looks very clean. Thanks for the suggestion, [MENTION=89004]Ijs[/MENTION].

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Nice sir looks super clean [emoji108][emoji108]

Re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Hello All

My constant official travels and work pressure kept me away from posting my experiences with Thunderbird 500. I am saving those experiences of last 7 years for another post. Cut straight to today, my TBTS500 had started emitting smoke so needed a new piston. Also, the starter motor had conked off.

I deliberated putting in a GT535 piston after getting the cylinder rebored and actually bought GT535 piston too. But, then decided against it. My bike is now with ASCO motors in Delhi undergoing repairs. Here is the list of repairs and accessories I am adding to my TBTS500.

1. Replacement of piston with a new piston kit and cylinder
2. Replacement of faulty starter motor
3. Replacement of faulth fuel gauge. It was not showing any bars
4. Got a dry cell battery installed
5. I have asked for a windshield to be installed


Keeping my fingers crossed. Once I get my bike back, I will post a video of the bike along with pics.


Next upgrades planned:
1. Philips LED Bulbs
2. Back box
3. Alloy wheels
4. Change to Bullet 500 carburettor -- Still debating


I almost thought of selling the bike, but then emotions got better of me so started rebuilding the bike.

I will keep you all posted with latest pics once the bike is back from dealership.