Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

Query Approved

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

TB 500 would be a better option as it has a better seating posture and with a windscreen, it will be a great tourer also. Also it has both disc brakes thus adding somehow to the braking quality. Also, for me, it looks better than Classic 500, with a fantastic projector lamp and hazard lights, not sure if it comes in Classic 500. And then it handles well in traffic, not bad for a heavy bike like this, weighing around 192 kgs if I'm not wrong

My vote will go for TB500.

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

After riding my son's Classic 500 for more than an year, I bought my Thunderbird 500 in April 2013. I can vouch for the better overall fit, finish and painting of my Thunderbird 500 compared to my son's Classic 500. I prefer my Thunderbird 500 for the long rides, thanks to its contoured rider's seat. I don't like Classic 500's flat rider's seat. Of course, the gizmos of Thunderbird 500 - although not accurate - will be useful to some extent. Similarly, the rear disc brake - although not as precise as the front one - is also an added feature. The projector low beams and LED halo parking lamps are very attractive. Even after two years, my Thunderbird 500 turns many curious heads, enquiring about the cost, power, comfort, etc. The last , but not the least, I am able to smoothly kick-start my Thunderbird 500 in the very first attempt; but not so in case of my son's Classic 500, which requires many attempts. So, in nutshell, my vote goes to my Thunderbird 500!

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

IMO, Go for what your heart says. CL500.

Not that I own and have driven 18k+ kms in my CL500....Everytime i sit on it, I feel like 'King of the road' presence, which i felt was missing in TB. I, personally not a big fan of Butterfly handle bar (though can be changed), didnt like the way the tank was positioned too...I am not a big fan or cruiser types as well..

You need to get one thing straight...do you like street / city machine or cruiser. If you say you like cruiser, then you got to change your heart.

PS: I am wondering why you got this confusion after you have booked the CL. you must have noticed hell number of these 2 machines inside city, why even in showroom too...no offense..but i feel this confusion should have come long time before.

Good luck (go for CL )

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

Both are excellent bikes. But I feel riding in the city the Classic will be better because of its better maneuverability and upright stance. For long drives the TB500 is a good choice for comfort but Classic is not behind if you don't mind the seats/handle bar.

And another thing, if you want a Bullet then it would be the Classic.

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

I would go for the Bullet 500 neither the Classic nor the Thunderbird.

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

Hi... I'm kind of confuse here, need your help, Thunderbird 500/350 or hang onto with my current KTM Duke 200 the reason I'm not so happy with my duke is that there is no servicing center in Nagaland and plus to find spare parts in Nagaland is impossible lol..... "Mind say Thunderbird but heart say duke" [emoji57][emoji57] [emoji57] [emoji57] Mostly it will be for daily commuting hey but No bumper to bumper.. Cause its Kohima, Nagaland..lol and week end touring and casual Urban tour. Please help[emoji57] [emoji51]

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

Why a TB from Duke, wouldn't a 200NS be a better option?

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

Thanks Moderator for approving this post. My sincere thanks to ArnabC, JRavi, TheArcher84, Sparky, TVSian for your responses.

I was never a fan of cruiser style Thunderbird or for that matter a Bullet. So when The first time i decided i was going for a Bullet everyone raised an eyebrow. There began my quest for the best bullet & in my eyes CL500 was epitome of true Classic bikes. It was love at first sight with the CL500 (Tan colour) so without second thought booked it. Till that moment never considered any other model of Bullet except Classic Battle Green. The only thing which i really miss in the classic is the lack of a fuel gauge & the blackened engine bay from TB.

In between i had a discussion with the ASM of RE Mr.Aswin Prem who helped me clear my fears about the plaguing issues with CL500 which he says is completely eradicated except for the occasionally blackened spark plugs.

Recently i met a friend who has bought a New TB 500, seeing it up close with all the bells & whistles attached is when my confusion arose. He says the only reason for him to pick the TB was the cruiser style & Butterfly Handlebars. I dont like both Except for the features which come along with TB 500 are great which CL500 matches with its looks. Even though there is a rear disc he says there is not much bite even after repetitive services. Apart from that he has never been stranded or faced any issue with it though the digital Fuel gauge is sometimes inaccurate.

Both have their own Pros & cons which is why i am left confused between both.

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

TB 500 will be better for the long distance riding as it has a better seating position and an optional windscreen, it's handling will not be that good for city use . but it has better features like both disc brakes , projector head lamp , LED tail light and hazard lights, but for the Classic 500 it's all about muscular looks and it handles well in traffic too . But then again choose what your heart says [emoji3] .

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

Classic has a fuel reserve indicator if you didn't know. Instead of fuel gauge it flashes when the fuel reaches reserve which is good enough. Other than that if you are thinking of pillion then TB will offer better comfort.
In the end you just have to ride both and decide which one hits the right spot for you. The issues with CL500 are very few and simple to fix if at all seen and no there are no leakages at all.

Re: Classic 500 or Thunderbird 500.......????????

Thanks for you wonderful opinions Captain666 & Sparky.

Just to give you an update on the thread. Last evening i spent quality time having a full test drive of both the TBTS 500 & CL500.

CL 500 just pulls you with raw power off the seats . I tried to ride it below 40 but it seemed to be very difficult keeping the speed low making you push it beyond. The seating position was tall & driving comfort wasn't much to expect though i didn't feel any undulations on the road. The only thing was the vibrations on the handlebar. It gives you a lot of confidence with the braking & setup.

TB feels more relaxed with lesser vibration compared to the CL500 but the handle bar felt very uncomfortable or rather new for me which in a way affected my overall drive. It doesn't pull you like the CL500, but it does gather good momentum. The digital display on the TB was bobbing a lot due to vibrations so i couldn't notice much information. I wasn't sure if this was a one off case. The ride was very smooth but the disc brake was below par or there was no effect. I couldn't drive it fast around corners because i was too wary of the handlebar & was also not confident of the brake so had to restrain myself.

Both the bike had run only 3kms before my Test drive, so both were similarly brand new & it made my decision making a lot easier.

Both the bikes are good in their own way. Though i had made up my mind to go for TBTS 500 after going through the reviews & recommendations, the drive changed my perspective. For me the CL500 is a better alternative than the relaxed attitude of the TB. Mainly i am driving a car around the city or for long drives so i wanted a bike which is more of a city rider with very rare long drives,

For me CL500 it is . Need to go back to my Dealer & ask him to rebook the CL500 again as i had asked him to wait.

Thank you all for your valuable suggestions in making me choose the best bike.