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**J.Ravi** · 05-20-2013, 09:06 AM

Blue Bird With Her Siblings

My Blue Bird poses here with her elder siblings, Blue Line and Black Bull.

Now, my garage is congested.

**J.Ravi** · 05-20-2013, 01:28 PM

re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Today, my Blue Bird visited HSR Enterprises, Rajajinagar Industrial Estate, Bangalore, for brake adjustment as I found the rear brake was not biting after vulcanising and refitting the wheel at Krishnagiri during my ride from Chennai to Bangalore. I asked the mechanic to check both the brakes and a general check-up. First, the mechanic went for a test-ride, and later, my bird was taken to the service bay. While I waited at the air-conditioned customer lounge, my bird was attended to for about half-hour. Then, I saw the mechanic going out for the test-ride again. Then, I was asked to do a test-ride, which I did and found the rear brake was okay. The mechanic assured me that my bird was perfectly alright for another long ride! I was not charged for the work.

**J.Ravi** · 05-22-2013, 01:22 PM

My Blue Bird's Rear Embossed Number Plate

Today, I fitted the embossed registration number plate at the rear of my Blue Bird. I drilled two matching holes using Bosch drilling machine and used the same screws to fit it.

The existing OE front registration number plate looks very good without screws. I did not want to drill fresh holes on the existing registration number plate for holding the new embossed one. So, for the present, the stock OE registration number plate will continue to adorn my Blue Bird until I find out an effective way of fixing without drilling holes.

I tried to place the spare clutch cable in vain, first in the utility box [RHS], and then, in the fuse box [LHS], but they did not want to accommodate the intruding guest as there was no space available. So, I have to carry it in my tank bag.

**J.Ravi** · 05-24-2013, 02:42 PM

Blue Bird Crosses 1,000 km

Today, my Blue Bird recorded 1,000 km in the odometer at Ananda Rao Circle, Bangalore in 40 days.

One km earlier:

**phoenixflight** · 05-24-2013, 05:42 PM

Re: My Blue Bird's Rear Embossed Number Plate

@ J.Ravi.

Nice garage.

**J.Ravi** · 05-24-2013, 07:16 PM

Re: My Blue Bird's Rear Embossed Number Plate

Originally posted by phoenixflight View Post

Nice garage.

Thanks for the compliments, [MENTION=22757]phoenixflight[/MENTION].

**phoenixflight** · 05-24-2013, 07:47 PM

Re: My Blue Bird's Rear Embossed Number Plate

Originally posted by J.Ravi View Post

Thanks for the compliments, [MENTION=22757]phoenixflight[/MENTION].

Cool.

Since you got both. Apart from the posture, any significant differences between the classic and the tbird when it comes to handling, performance etc.

Particularly interested in the swingarm. I know you've done 1000 kms, but any difference in the stability between the two at higher speeds?

**J.Ravi** · 05-25-2013, 09:39 AM

Classic 500 vs Thunderbird 500 - My View

Originally posted by phoenixflight View Post

any significant differences between the classic and the tbird when it comes to handling, performance etc.

Thanks, @phoenixflight. I find Thunderbird 500 is far better than Classic 500, when it comes to stability, ride, handling, general fit and finish, painting quality, the way the cables are bundled together, gadgetry, etc. This photograph shows the difference between Classic 500 and Thunderbird 500. The handlebar and the tank in Thunderbird 500 are located higher than Classic 500. Thunderbird 500's fork is also thicker and longer compared to Classic 500's.

Particularly interested in the swingarm. I know you've done 1000 kms, but any difference in the stability between the two at higher speeds?

I have not long distance in my son's Classic 500. But, stability is better in case of Thunderbird 500, which may be attributable to swingarm, thicker and longer forks, etc.

**sushant** · 05-27-2013, 01:00 PM

Re: Classic 500 vs Thunderbird 500 - My View

@appugodara : Could you pls tell the exact model of the k&n filter.

Here's my tbts 500. (pic from mobile, so low quality)

Only modification till date is changed silencer to RE upswept one. Needed some change in clamps.
Hooked an old mobile phone mount.

Next change is rear tyres to Ceat Vertigo Sports (120/80 - 18, stock fit)
Searching for a front tyre replacement. (very few tyres for 19" wheels)

I emailed RaceDynamics for availability of plug-in replacement CPU. Their reply

"We will be launching a piggy back version of the PowerTRONIC for the
Thunderbird500. The connectors that make it a plug and play solution is
what we are waiting for. Follow us on Facebook and we'll announce it when
it arrives. Thanks and have a great day.
http://www.facebook.com/RaceDynamicsIndia"

Planning Ladakh next month.

**appugodara** · 05-27-2013, 01:09 PM

re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

Don't remember model of filter.. It's stock one comes for RE.. Scilencer is spoiling looks of bike according to me.. See pics of my scilencer..

CP
Barmer
8107887007

Sent from my iPhone using xBhp Connect mobile app

**phoenixflight** · 05-27-2013, 03:11 PM

Re: Classic 500 vs Thunderbird 500 - My View

Originally posted by J.Ravi View Post

Thanks, @phoenixflight. I find Thunderbird 500 is far better than Classic 500, when it comes to stability, ride, handling, general fit and finish, painting quality, the way the cables are bundled together, gadgetry, etc. This photograph shows the difference between Classic 500 and Thunderbird 500. The handlebar and the tank in Thunderbird 500 are located higher than Classic 500. Thunderbird 500's fork is also thicker and longer compared to Classic 500's.

I have not long distance in my son's Classic 500. But, stability is better in case of Thunderbird 500, which may be attributable to swingarm, thicker and longer forks, etc.

Hey J. Ravi, thank you for your reply. The reason I asked was because I had a pretty thorough look over of the TB500 while I was waiting for my C5 to get serviced. And what you said is asolutely true about the fit and finish.

On the handling bit, got feedback from some other riders that the TB500 is a much more stable bike at higher speeds. Past 120 kmph (speedo indicated) on my C5, the bike does not feel planted, and I also feel like the back's giving up on me. When you get a chance to get the revs up on your TB500 pl let me know your feedback.

**J.Ravi** · 05-27-2013, 10:48 PM

Bangalore>Mysore>Gopalaswamy Hill & Back

My Blue Bird took me for a big ride today.

I left my Basaveswara Nagar home by 5 am on my Blue Bird to Mysore. I rode non-stop for the next 2.5 hours to Hotel Mylari, Nazarbad, Mysore, located 145 km from my home, where I breakfasted comprising 4 soft, oil-free dosas with sagoo and served with coconut chutney washed down by coffee. This was an old hotel run by a family. Although, the sign board says no branches, I found one more original Mylari Hotel [with Vinayaka inserted somewhere!] diagonally opposite to this real original!

After sumptuous breakfast, I rode to Gopalaswamy Hill, a part of Bandipur National Park, where an old Gopalaswamy temple is located exactly 228 km from my home. The last 5 km of the road were really bad. I was lucky to spot a herd of elephants numbering about 10 not far away from me. But, since I was advised not to photograph the wildlife, I controlled my urge to click a few pics.

I returned to Mysore, had a couple of mango lassis and buttermilk at Nandini milk parlour and headed to Chamundi Hills and spent some time in clicking some pics.

Later, I started my homeward journey. There was a thunderstorm between Mandya and Maddur. A big tree fell because of windy weather creating a traffic jam. Had evening tiffin and coffee at Adiga's at Maddur and reached home by 7 pm after wading through another big traffic jam at Channapatna because of road works. I enjoyed riding on my Blue Bird for 480 km.

**Madhusp** · 05-28-2013, 08:53 AM

re: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

That average (AVG) shown on new TB is 'Number of kilometers done in 1 hour'.

Sent from my LG-P500 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**J.Ravi** · 05-28-2013, 09:02 AM

Re: Bangalore>Mysore>Gopalaswamy Hill & Back

Originally posted by TranquilRage

Nice trip & pictures.

Thanks a lot for the compliments, [MENTION=61439]TranquilRage[/MENTION].

Trip meter showing average of a 350 cc not 500, haha..

The trip meter shows the average speed in kmph and not the average fuel efficiency in kmpl. So, the average [of FE] of 500 cc is still far less compared to 350 cc!

**J.Ravi** · 05-28-2013, 01:14 PM

Re: Bangalore>Mysore>Gopalaswamy Hill & Back

Originally posted by TranquilRage

how is the reading of kmpl on your bike?

The trip meter does not show the average fuel efficiency in kmpl. Only the export models have miles per gallon display, I understand. However, I checked tankful-to-tankful method. My Blue Bird runs 28.5 kmpl.

Noticed some blue thing on the rear-fender/saree guard. What is that? Looks like a lock.

It is disc brake lock. Bought it from ebay.in. New Bike Motorcycle Disc/ Disk Brake Wheel Lock Bicycle Bike Brake Lock. | eBay

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Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

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