Re: Classic or thunderbird

Hello
I owned a TB500 in the past. In crowded city riding conditions, it puts strain on your arms and shoulders. A Classic 500 or Standard 500 would be more comfortable.
If you commute more often than you tour I would suggest the Classic or my preference - the Standard 500 (a good compromise between the Classic and the TB). Be aware that you will miss a fuel guage, tacho and odo meter as well as a rear disk on the Classic.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

🙏 🏍 Tb500-350 both not that good on the road they are very low I have owned 😁 two different Tb itzz NYC bike both for daily commute I would say no go for Electra has a better pickup in all the models of royal Enfield
I have worked for royal Enfield ✌😊

Re: Classic or thunderbird

Thanks a lot rapperswil I just picked up a desertstrom.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Hi guys, I am in my early 30's and have been riding motorcyles for my daily office commute for close to 8 years until 2015 after which I shifted to 4 wheels due to traffic, heat and pollution. My previous motorcycles were couple of 150cc and then graduated to 250cc. I have never owned a Royal Enfield but I have ridden a Classic 350 for couple of kilometers few years back and I did not like it because of the vibrations. In the last few years the Classic 350 has become a popular motorcycle and a common sight. Personally I like the looks of the Standard and don't like the loud ear shattering after market exhaust. Now, after all these years, out of no where I am smitten by the bullet bug and I want to own a Bullet 500 mainly to experience the Royal Enfield ownership and I don't intend to sell it and I have a scooter as my primary grocery ride. My usage will be limited to weekend short rides and occasional one day rides limited to 150-250kms a day. I am considering the 500 over the 350 because it will be my only RE and I want it to be the best and biggest from RE and the 350 is common. I am a slow rider and hence I think the 500's torque will be the fun factor here. Occasionally I get my hands dirty with my motorcycles by sorting out niggles and replace most of the parts myself so I think I can handle niggles which RE tends to have and poor service centers. But on seeing the popularity of RE motorcycles on the road I think RE is making niggle free motorcycles which can be used as a reliable daily commuter motorcycle. Last week I visited a RE showroom in Chennai and the Standard 500 looked massive and me at 5.6ft could only touch both my feet on the ground but I think slicing a layer off the seat will improve. Costs Rs1.83L on-road with one month waiting period. Besides, I also checked in Olx and found couple of 2014 Standard 500's with approx. 8000kms with asking price of around 1.25L.

So, can the Standard 500 be used as a weekend ride? Because I read in few places that a 500 should be used everyday to keep the mechanicals fit.
Is the asking price for 2014 Std 500 with 8k kms fair enough? Or a brand new motorcycle is the best bet?

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

IMHO I own a TBTS 500 currently and have owned early 91' model of bullet 350 (3rd hand), and I recommend to always to go for a first hand bike especially if going for a Royal Enfield.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Tb500 or classic 500? And why? 85-90% city usage and occasional weekend rides. Tia

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

My preference after today's test ride was tb500 as I found it more relaxing and comfortable. Also the goodies it comes with are worth 10k extra I felt.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Guys please takeout some time and do give your feedback as i am completely new to RE's. Just wondering if this is the right choice for me.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Thanks SHAURYA1405. Do you think I can use the STD 500 primarily as my weekend rider? Or the bike has to be used everyday?


I'd suggest the Thunderbird for its additional features which are absolutely essential and super bargain for the mere Rs10k cost difference between Classic 500 and TB 500.

Projector headlamp
LED tail lamps
Tachometer
Digital clock
20 Liter fuel tank
Rear disc brake

Also I heard from some owners that Thunderbird's seats are better for long rides for both rider and passenger.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

It was much smoother than classic 500. Still confused. Don't want to repent going in for an re after seeing so many ppl curse on forums.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Please understand. You buy a RE only if you are ready to face the niggles and issues reported by others. If you are still confused you can consider other brands easily available in the market. I have made up my mind to spend time and money to experience RE ownership. RE is continuously improving the product quality but they still have a long way to go.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

The only thing i can ensure is giving it for regular service at the service centres. More than this am willing to spend what it takes to do these regular services but when it comes to understanding what the issues are etc I won't be able to as i am not knowledgeable regarding these machines. Just love riding!

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Would you still feel i can go ahead?

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Apart from regular service, you may face niggling issues which may crop up now and then which will require visit to service center or local trusted mechanic. You may not have to be knowledgeable to sort the issues yourself but you should learn to identify what is wrong with the motorcycle and report to the mechanic. As long as you are willing to take care of the motorcycle instead of just relying on scheduled service you can own a RE for a long time.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Thanks for the suggestion. I will need to give it a good thought before I decide to buy it.