Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark Review
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You might have heard about this bike but if you haven’t had a chance to read about it or test-drive it yet. Here is your chance, let me give you my take on the The Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark.
The Thunderbird TwinSpark is an important launch for Royal Enfield as it signals the future of Royal Enfield bikes. Bullets till now used to feature external clutch and gearbox this meant there were two oils, one for the engine and the other for the gearbox. No wonder the older bullets used to leak oil frequently. All that has changed with the Thunderbird TwinSpark.
Twinspark plugs mean better combustion of fuel, which translates into better fuel economy, more pickup, more power and torque. The All-new aluminum engine is a delight to drive whether in the city or on the highways. It was developed with AVL of Austria. The bike feels better than the old model on all respects, most importantly less vibrations at high speeds and is much smoother. This means that the bullet can now cruise at 90+ km/hr for hours together and you wont be fatigued, say even after a 700 km ride.
The bike has a top speed of 120 km/hr though I never checked it myself as my friend’s bike was brand new and there was no way he would allow me to cross a speed of 80. My friend and me went on a long drive with both driving the bike on turns and we went up to Vijaywada without a hiccup and didn’t even feel the least bit stressed. Comfort for both pillion and driver are superb with great back support.
The bike is a little troublesome to drive in the city roads due to the large turning radius near U turns and wide handlebars and 182 kg weight. This is something all bullet owners will get used to as the dimension of the bike is designed to give maximum comfort for the driver and pillion and is not a cause to complain.
The Thunderbird TwinSpark has fabulous throttle response once the bike crosses 60 the throttle response is almost instantaneous. Due to the heavy weight of the bike the bike feels a little sluggish initially but as the speed picks up she is fabulous and the thump gets more louder. The chassis is the same and the only change is the engine and the overall quality is better than the old model in all respects.
When I spoke to the company officials they said by 2010 all Royal Enfield bikes will have the Unit Construction engine and Enfield may bring in Fuel injection after a few years. You must know that all Enfield’s exported abroad are Fuel Injected but for some reason Fi tech hasn’t been launched in India. Lets hope we get FI sooner as it would only increase the smoothness and efficiency of the Thunderbird.
The engine is 346cc all aluminum with lean burn technology and has 6 plate clutch and 18 watt magneto pole for better charging of the battery. Older models had 4 plate clutch and smaller magneto. The bike has an auto decompressor for easy kick starts.
At Rs.1,00,000+ the bike is not cheap, but it is a legend cloaked in modern wizardry. Enfield claims the Thunderbird TwinSpark is maintenance free though only time will tell, as it is too early to comment on this. The bike is available only in 3 colours for you to choose from red, black and silver.
All in all I was mighty impressed with Thunderbird TwinSpark as it’s a marked improvement over the older T’bird. You could expect a mileage of 30 in city and 38 on highways under normal driving. The new engine is the highlight and is what steals the show.
- Sudarshan, Chennai
Photo via ZigWheels.com
Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark Specifications:
Engine: Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, Dual Spark Ignition Engine, Air Cooled
Displacement: 346 CC
Maximum Power: 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque: 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission: 5 Speed (left foot gear shift)
Tyres Front: 3.25 x 19″, 6/4 PR
Tyres Rear: 3.5 x 19″, 6/4 PR
Front Brake: Hydraulic Disc Brake (Disc dia 280mm)
Rear Brake: Internal Expansion (Drum), 6″
Maximum Speed: 120 Kmph
Suspension Front: TeleScopic With Hydraulic Damping. Stroke 130mm.
Rear: Swing arm With Gas Shock Absorbers stroke 80mm
Do you own this bike or ever had a chance to ride on it? What is your idea about Thunderbird?
Related posts:
- Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc EFi
- ThunderBird TwinSpark – A 10,000 Km Report
- Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 350cc Review
- Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350cc & 500cc EFi
- Royal Enfield at the Auto Expo 2010
89 comments
Deepak on January 10, 2009 at 1:39 am
Excellent Write up Sudarshan, keep it up
daksh on January 10, 2009 at 5:55 am
well, i never really did like the royal enfield types bikes..
dunno why..
soo.. im out of the league of this one ..
id prefer buying a pulsar/unicorn or that sort of bike over thunderbird/bullet any day,.
i know, pulsar and unicorn dont even compare to bullet.. but hey, every one has their own choices .. rite?
sudarshan on January 10, 2009 at 8:10 am
hi deepak
thanks for the compliment dude, any thing for bikeadvice. i just love writing for bikeadvice. do you want any other pictures for TBTS??
Indian Car Blog on January 10, 2009 at 8:57 am
RE need to have better engine tech. So much engine capactiy but poor horse power, maybe the torque justifies it but why don’t they give it the 500cc engine?
Deepak on January 10, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Usually they say that a picture speaks a thousand words. But your words speak a thousand pictures.
There is really no need for the pictures.
M.Irfan on January 11, 2009 at 2:06 pm
It looks good but I think it would have been better with alloys and a better paint job with some pin stripes and all that stuff..But it is really classy and will make peoples head’s turn for sure.I think they should have had n extra sixth gear..Anyway overall i think it will be a sure hit.
sankoobaba on January 12, 2009 at 5:14 am
hey..its good news that Royal enfield is slowly incorporating modern(is it really modern??) technology into its classic bikes…. their bikes would sell even without these thing….but putting this tech makes them more attractive…like many this bike is one of my dream bikes…but i dont think i will ever buy it…coz its not that practical for city riding…anyway my cousin will take delivery of his standard bullet on 1st feb…and maybe he will let me ride it… i will surely post my experience here…anyway RE have made this bike better…which is always good…
Ashok kumar on January 28, 2009 at 4:34 am
Hi Deepak,
Am residing in Vellore nearby chennai (120Kms Appox.). I wish to buy a new TBTS and your bike advice is fine to gone thro. However some reviews declare that the rear brake is not so favour and good to go for a rear disc brake.
Can u adivce me where (in and around Chennai) to fit a rear disc to TBTS and also state how safe it was….
surya on February 9, 2009 at 11:33 am
hi,
nice write up. can u help me on some good designs of colours over the TBTS. it comes only in three colors rt?
Ashok kumar on February 9, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Surya,
I think silver is best. hopes all colour is black in dark but one should buy some what different from others. Silver is rare seen on roads and u will sure make a head turn if u buy one…and so…
rojan james on February 9, 2009 at 5:11 pm
i would like to sell my thunderbird model no 2007 for rs 65000 my contact no 9867909537 or 9702853676 mumbai
AK on February 10, 2009 at 8:42 am
Hi Sudarshan,
A great review !!!
It has been more than 6 months since the RE TBTS released. Do you know what is the overall review for the bike, is it +ve or -ve ? Ppl who bought it early, might have ridden the bike for more than 15k kms or more till now … can you enlighten us on it ??
Thanks AK
Rigin Sam on February 20, 2009 at 5:52 am
hi,
nice write up. can u help me on some good designs of colours over the TBTS. it comes only in three colors black with silver i like that colour
Farheez on February 22, 2009 at 11:11 am
Deepak, Nice Blog and site.
Sudarshan, Nice write up and I am contemplating buying the TBTS. I have a Bullet350 Campus model currently. I too have been making enquiries and the mileage is the questionable factor. I have been told that we get about 50km/lt but you mention 30. I have used a Electra 5S and that does give 50km/lt, so should not the TBTS be equal or more?
Regards,
Farheez
Sudhir Sangwan on February 27, 2009 at 9:56 am
hi
Im a bullet fan own a std 92 model now it needs engine improvements
so planing to upgrade to TBTS, your review seems promising enough to buy
however im more interested in the thump what bullets are known for can we modify the sound to produce the legendary thump
Please suggest
Thanks & Regards
Sudhir Sangwan
gane on February 28, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Pl advice me which is the best bike compare between Thunder bird and Yamaha YZF 15
Samuel David Dhas Nadar on April 17, 2009 at 3:28 pm
In this blog the gentle man has clearly told about the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark.
NIrrej on April 28, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I am a recent bullet convert. But it was not because of Thunderbird. Recently, I had a chance to test ride Thunderbird TSpark. My initial observations have been too much vibration and a rough engine.
However, I felt it quite easy to ride comparing against the bulky look it projects. Maybe, the low seating also would’ve helped a short person like me.
My observation about Bullet in general is, it is a much hyped bike which fairs very poorly on quality scale.
anant on May 15, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Hi,
I am confused between three models- TBTS, Electra 350 and FZ-16. Surely FZ feels out of the league when comparing with Bullet but somehow I felt it should still be an option. The test ride of TBTS wasn’t very good. I found weird mechanical noises(not of engine) but of the spring. The showroom guy told me that the particular bike had a problem with its clutch plate. I did try riding the older Electra(right gear shift) which was a bit tough to ride but felt better than TBTS. Now I am stuck between mileage, royalty and the overall maintenance. Like the person above I too felt that Bullet is a bit over-hyped. Need some help..
If possible call me on my cell. 9823846771
Regards,
Anant
sanket kambli on May 17, 2009 at 6:14 pm
@Anant
hi .. my cousin just bought Bullet Std 350…
I havent rode it yet… I am not much fan of it..
still about buying bullet… there should never be indecision..coz either you should want only bullet… or not buy it at all… because bullet has its own set of problems…bullet fans may call it behavioral differences… that many like me cant tolerate…. so be careful…coz if u r not sure.. then u may hate buying bullet… if u dont mind living with the usual bullet problems(that bullet owners can tell u about),,, then go for it..
p.s. all bullet bike fans.. this comment does not mean to hurt anyone sentiments…coz i respect the bullet too..its in its own league..
Yogesh on May 21, 2009 at 7:27 pm
@above
[if u dont mind living with the usual bullet problems(that bullet owners can tell u about)]
yes that is the problem !!! I test driven TBTS in march for an option to replace my good old CBZ n i found it very impressive for bullet standards n i felt it won’t have those typical problems… not this model…
BUT how can i be sure ?? Sanket above said it perfectly right …. then u may hate buying bullet….
My cousin owns Machismo500 i love it..
but I cannot prentend to be suddenly turned “Bullet” fan I wanna have a good bike n gut feeling while test ride was yes i think i got one !!
Pls guys if anyone owns it let me know the experience of ur 10K plus ridings…my no is 9890885100(or hopefully any reply here will be notified to me via e-mail)
U’ll surely be helpful if u call before that ‘one fine day’ i get impulsive n get her home
cuz i feel thats the only way one should have a bullet !!!
like that chocolate ad “u earn it”
P.S. Turning radius could be really annoying as i’ll be using it in city a quantity time but that won’t be a real prob.
anant on May 25, 2009 at 8:47 am
@above
Hi guys,
Thanks for your replies. Quite helpful, but finally I must realize it myself(indecision part). TBTS surely scores over Electra 5S on mileage and looks. I myself made inquiries with a RE mechanic. He too advised me on the Electra because of the ‘kick’(punch) it provides which he says is missing in TBTS. Now the indecision is between the contemporary looks and ‘owning a piece of history’. Also could someone enlighten me on the difference between ‘Electra’ and ‘Machismo’(350cc). Also I request the owners of respective bikes to help me out.
-Confused guy
anant on June 2, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Hi,
I finally purchased the TBTS. It took me around 2 hours at the showroom to decide on what to buy. Evidently… as it was my first bike(if hero-puch) is not considered a bike. First impression is amazing. A bit difficult to ride for the first timer. But 30-40km, you get used to it pretty soon. One thing that I didn’t like was the riding-in period. The manufacturers should give the engine in a rided-in condition so that the bike is ready to cover the Himalayas straight from the showroom. Any way, as I am not much used to the “thump” I am not exactly missing it on the TBTS. So the sound that it produces is sweet enough for me. Although I didn’t like the silencer protruding beyond the back-wheel. Some thing that RE must take up immediately. Second problem taht I faced was petrol evaporating and leaking in small quantity from the top of the tank. Will follow up with the RE guys immediately on this before it eats up my paint. Rest is fun.. I am enjoying every bit of it. Three days of ownership and already 350km covered within the city(with 55km speed limit).
-Cheers!
Anant(earlier, the confused guy)
rafi on June 8, 2009 at 3:13 am
hey guys , i am planning to buy thunder bird , is that the bike performs really good , i have heard lots of problems from the people who had been using this bike , they say some oil leakage , producing enormous heat , annoying noise from the engine , vibrations .
Is that these things are true , let me know about it plzz . Is TBTS is better then Electra 5s , which is the best among these two?
Anbu on June 10, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Hi dear,
have u purchased TBTS. How is its performane. Im planning to buy it this nmonth. Pls let me know its draw backs if any and finally what is the mileage ur getting?
Rgds
Anbu
Coimbatore
Anbu on June 10, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Anant
Pls help me out. I am going to buy TBTS this month. I have only two questions. First is it giving more vibrations and second what is the mileage ur getting in city. coz eacg guy is giving different figures, why too much of variations?
Anbu/9994363757
Anant on June 11, 2009 at 11:18 am
Hey Anbu,
Today I gave my bike for the first servicing. By all conservative means of calculating the fuel efficiency, I got an average of 45kmpl+. This includes city as well as highway. To be noted is that I have ridden the ‘bird max at only 55-60kmph as stated in the manual for the first 500km. The petrol tank leakage as stated above wasn’t a problem. Actually I had not tightened the fuel cap adequately and hence the leakage. As for vibrations, obviously you don’t expect the bull to be as smooth as a honda or a yamaha. Drawbacks: none except it is very expensive.
Do call me up if you need any help.
Anant(9823846771)
Anbu on June 11, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Anant,
A clear cut reply, Let me meet you all in TBTS club shortly. Have fun.
Thanks for your reply Anant
Rgds
Anbu
Anant on June 12, 2009 at 10:57 am
Just to update you guys. I got my bike well serviced at the service centre. There was a minor adjustment required to the fuel tank and the handle which leaned more on one side of the fuel tank. According to the mechanic, the “stopper” was adjusted. But as a result the handle lock stopped working on one side. Need to get this repaired asap. The gear shift has become much smoother and the engine “revved” even cleaner and smoother. The ‘bird gave an average of 44.6kmpl which also includes the fuel taken up by the service centre guys for tuning up, testing etc. I am pretty much satisfied with the bike. Also got a “teflon” coating done in order to avoid any kind of scratches which was chargeable at Rs. 600 for two coats. Will keep you guys updated. Call me up for any help.
Anant
Anbu on June 12, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Anant,
Which colour u have chosen. Among the three colours which one is looking good and best. Here in show room only black colour is available. confused about chosing the colour.
Normally i prefer red over black. any draw backs in red as there is no model available in this show room.
Anbu
Deepak Fernandes on June 16, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Good review. I’ve owned a twinspark since October 2008 and have clocked about 11,000 km so far. My friend and I both bought our bikes at the same time and once we crossed 3000 on Jan 20th, we took the bikes on a trip to Kanyakumari (details on my page on the royal enfield website).
The bike is superb for long distance driving — we reached Kanyakumari from Bombay in 4 days and no pain in the back, legs or wrist.
On May 1 we went Bombay-Pune-Solapur-Bijapur-Hampi-Hubli-Kohlapur-Bombay. On the NH4 section from Hubli to Pune, we really opened the bike — the top speed is over 120 kmph, and it kisses 130. There are no shudders at high speeds like you might find in other bikes. I was also able to keep it cruising at 100+ nearly from Belgaum to Kohlapur and the bike takes it without complaining — in fact, she revels at high speeds.
The sound is beautiful and though the thump isn’t like the older bullets, that makes it far more comfortable on long drives.
I do disagree on your bit about it not being very comfortable in city traffic. I drive it about 40 km a day in Bombay and have no problem. In fact, I find the bike far more easier to control and handle and toss and turn in city traffic — it is a bike that instills confidence in you!
All in all, this is a superb effort from RE and I’m very very pleased with my bike
Anant on June 16, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Hi Deepak,
Nice to know that I made a great choice at buying TB. As for city riding, I guess it takes time to get used to and also depends upon your stature(I am on the shorter side). Could you give the link to your RE page? Also when did you open your bike(after how many km)? Do you recommend to switch to a retro silencer for more thumpier sound? Also, I noticed that the chrome on the engine looses shine. Is there any way I can preserve the gleaming engine the way it is?
Regards,
Anant
Lathish on June 16, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Hi Deepak and Anant,
It is nice to hear your experiences on bird.
I have been thinking to buy bird for a long time. I’m having splender for 5 more than 5 years. So I don’t want to get another 100 or 150 cc bikes. But people say, bird is not comfortable like other bikes and also Karishma is better than bird. But I’m think about only bird. Due to these saying im lit bit confused.
Yesterday i went for test drive. Since there was a huge traffic i could not more than half a kilo meter and i did not cross 3 gear. When i started to ride, i was afraid to handle a big cruiser. But after a seconds, I could ride as I was riding this for a long time. But I felt vibration when i rode. When i asked sales representative at showroom, he told that if we go in proper speed with proper gear vibration will not come. He also told that I could because i didn’t cross 40 km/hr and 3 gear.
Still im concerning about the comfortableness. Will i get back pain If i ride this for a long time?
Would it give more maintenance charges like other RE bikes?
I’s daily traveling about 30 KM in the city. Is bird suitable for these conditions?
your suggestions always welcome!!!
Thanks in advance!!!
Lathish
coimbatore
Deepak Fernandes on June 17, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Hi Anant,
http://www.royalenfield.com/deepfern is my parking space on RE.
I am 6′, so the Tbird is just right for me, perhaps the pegs are too high for the seat — I think it’s the perfect fit for someone 5′10 to 5′11″, but it’s good for me and een for smalelr guys, with a little adjustment to the seat (key point is the seat to foot peg to handle-bar arrangement, it should be like you’re sitting comfortably on a chair).
For the first 500 km I didn’t take it above 40 kmph, for the first 3000 odd, I didn’t go above 70. The bike is like a child, you need to treat it carefully initially. I wouldn’t advise taking it over 70 for the first 3000 and wait until you cross 5000 to 6K before you go over 100 kmph
About the engine losing shine — it doesn’t have any chrome on it: the engine is made of aluminium, but I think the top is chromed. I’ve not had any chrome peeling off, but I cover my bike each day and wash it every second day plus put anti-rust.
Moving to a retro silencer is really dependent on what you like. Since my bike is < 1 year old, I’ve decided not to replace any of the original parts (warranty is for 1 year
). You can do a lot of stuff with it, get a retro silencer for the sound or a free-flow one to really hit higher speeds, but all of that depends on what you want to do and how much you want to spend.
Hi Lathish,
I’ve driven the Karizma too, and it’s a good bike. Remember that the two are for different markets — driving the Karizma over long distances will be painful on the back — it’s more a city and short (<300 km) distance bike. The bullet is meant for cross-country, inter-state travel like coimbatore to Goa. About the acceleration — a lot of this depends on the driver: I’m quick changing gears, so I can accelerate my tbird nearly as fast as a Karizma, but the Karizma has superior acceleration after 60 kmph. however, the Tbird can keep up the speed for km after km, while the Karizma biker will get tired.
So, both good bikes but meant for different things, you can’t compare them. You can compare the Karizma to the Pulsar 220 or R15, while you compare the Tbrid to maybe the Eliminator.
Anyway, the gear ratios for me I find is <20kmph, 1st gear, 20-30 2nd gear, 30-40/45: third gear, 45-60: fourth gear and above 60/65: fifth. however, the bullet, unlike other bikes, can still pull at 40 in 4th or 5th gear.
The gear vibration you felt is the same I felt when driving for the first time, after you know the right gear changes, it goes away.
howevever, I’ll repeat: THE BULLET IS NOT LIKE HONDAS, HERO HONDAS, ETC. for good and for bad. The maintainence cost is higher, the regular servicing costs at least Rs. 600, much more than a HH and fuel efficiency is not something you talk about — but the Tbird will give you only 35 to 40 and when you are over 100kmph gulps fuel — don’t go for this bike if you want a cheap, commuting bike. If you just want to commute in the city, this is NOT the bike (A splendor is a good commuting bike, but I wouldn’t drive it cross-country). If you want to just speed a short distance, this is NOT the bike (buy the Karizma or FZ16or…).
The bike won’t give you any back pain, compared to other bikes — it has a very comfortable seating position. For your 30 km commute per day, the bike will be more than adequate and you will find it easy to maneuveur etc after you cross 2000 odd km
but remember what I said, you can commute with it, but the bike is really meant for long distance travel: if you don’t go long distance, then you will be wasting the bike and wasting your money (due to higher maintainence and fuel costs for the Tbird). this bike is meant for the road. A lot of people will criticize bullets for their high maintenance cost and that they break down often (which they do! far more than honda bikes which have no trouble), but they miss the point, the bike is not competing and is not to be compared to any other bike in the Indian market, a bullet is a bullet, you can only compare it to another bullet
Deepak Fernandes on June 17, 2009 at 12:26 pm
ok, Anbu, firstly don’t look at fuel economy in a bullet. If you want fuel economy, there are other bikes. However, the Tbird gives decent fuel economy IF YOU TREAT IT WELL (idiots who open the bike up to 100kmph in the first week will spoil the engine adn the fuel economy will be bad for the life of the engine). It will start by givign you 45 to 46 kmpl at a steady cruising speed of 50 to 70 kmph, both in the city and on the highway.
Now, my bike gives me more like 35 kmpl in the city and 40 on the highway. Expect the bullet to give you only 35 kmpl and buy based on that assumption (that’s the lowest unless you completely ruin your engine block). The variations are because the bullet is temperamental and will react differently to different people and different handling.
mandeep singh on June 23, 2009 at 11:42 am
hello people,finally after reading all the reviews for more than a month got the TB on june 8, drove for 1st 500 km around 50-60 kmph gave me an average of around 47+ i drive daily around 60kms. well i have a similiar problem as listed by few of our friends like the petrol slightly coming on to the tank. Apart from that overall feels great to drive. my previous bike was pulsar 150 from last 6 yrs.overall the bike is great to drive on highways also i found it very comfortable in city as well.
Satheesh on June 23, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Hi All,
I am planning to buy Bullet Eletra and I need feed back for below items.
1) Is it any back pain will come due to heavy high weight.
2) I heared that bumpers strong so we get lot vibrations during driving.
I am not worrying much about Mileage and Maintenance.
Please give me your feedback without hesitation.
Thanks
Satheeshbabu
satheeesh@gmail.com
rahul on June 28, 2009 at 2:21 pm
RE is coming up with 2 new models by the end of this year which are going to be based on the new mechanasim they’ve used for TBTS, is it worth waiting 6-9 months for the new models…. anyone… thoughts ? Has anyone seen pics of the new models ?
MO on July 13, 2009 at 11:54 am
I am planning to buy a Thunderbird Twinspark in Silver Colour. I don’t see any on the road & it looks so much better than its black counterpart. Why don’t people buy the Silver ?
I’m hoping there isn’t an underlying paint job issue with the colour.
anant bhatia on July 13, 2009 at 2:12 pm
just a matter of personal choice buddy.
SF on July 13, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Hey guys,
I’m a proud owner of TBTS.Just doen my 3K…
i have small issues with my TBTS..hope TBTS owners can help me out
1)Sound from front shock-absorbers on a bumpy track
2)Sound from rear..no idea from where,when the bike jumps on humps n bumps?
do any face the same issue..pls help
SF
Deepak Fernandes on July 14, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I preferred the black — it looks better, in my opinion, and the black looks better when it grows old — that’s just my personal feeling. I don’t know about the quality of the paint
Deepak Fernandes on July 14, 2009 at 7:48 pm
The front shocks? A squeaky sound? or …?From the rear, check the little metal strip under the seat — it could get loose
anant bhatia on July 15, 2009 at 8:27 am
Is the Thunderbird not called a ‘bullet’? Any site where I can get info on how to ride a bike properly(cornering etc.) and how to ride during monsoons? Also any thunderbird specific website that teaches maintenance of the bike etc.? I have seen quite a few on Electras and Stds especially gurunandan’s website. Anything on similar lines for Thunderbird?
SF on July 15, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Hey Deepak yes its a squeaky sound…buddup…
The metal part under teh seat seems ok…can it be the shock absorbers or the chain??
Anbu on July 16, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Guys!
After three months of confusions, discussions and analysis finally I booked TBTS black today(16/7/09). Hope will take delivery in 10 to 15 days.
Regards
Anbu
suresh on July 19, 2009 at 8:02 pm
hello guys..i bought thunderbird jst months back…and i think regardless of the stylish bikes like pulsar,karizma,fz16…etc…its win over anyone bike in india..it its very comfortable..for long drives…pick up and speed is grt..u can go beyond ur imagination…dats wot i think….its a very gud bike..
nakul on July 25, 2009 at 9:27 am
i totally agree with you , alloys and paint would be a like iceing on the cake …
MO on July 26, 2009 at 12:15 am
I booked one last week but till now the Royal Sundaram guys have not turned up to process the loan. How did you get delivery in 15 days? I’ve been told it will take at least 30 days. BTW, I went with a Black TB Twin Spark finally. Was keen on the Machismo 500 for just another Rs. 9,000 but went with TB as the Machismo still has the old Aluminium Engine that has issues.
senthil on July 28, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Hi…
I’ve booked TBTS in the third week of July… Eventhough I booked, still I am confused about which color to go… Plz advice reg. this…
Deepak Fernandes on August 1, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Alloys on a bullet is just wrong!
The color you choose is based on your preference. I, personally, in my opinion, think that the red fades away after a few years and doesn’t look good (my own opinion). The silver looks cheesy to me, so I went for the black a year ago and am very happy.
Varun Panicker on August 3, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I have a TBTS bouth it in December 08 and has now Crossed 20K Kms. I know you’d not believe wat Im gonna say Nxt but Trust me it gives me a 52Km/L in City.
MO on August 3, 2009 at 6:11 pm
since my TB loan is still pending approval, i have been doing a bit of soul searching whether I should go for a Machismo, maybe 500. TB doesn’t look like a cruiser AKA Harley Davidson style and Machismo looks really neat, especially with the chrome tank & all. So I googled it and found the only bad review on TB twin spark & the author actually recommends a Machismo 500 over the TB.
http://www.bsmotoring.com/storypage.php?autono=898&page=3
Read the last line. I’m going for a test ride for LB500 first thing tomorrow.
Ashish on August 9, 2009 at 2:51 am
Hey guys…. specially deepak and anant… thanks for giving us such wonderful details about TBTS. I was thinking to buy it from last one month but doesnt knw abt its reviews. Finally i got all the helpful reviews n m defi gonna a bookin in this coming week.
Cheers….
ASHISH
Projit Kundu on August 9, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Dear friends, I have a Hero-honda Acheiver. Now i want to buy a TB, After all these comments posted i am finally thinking to buy it but still i have issues to be solved :
1. I am a short & healthy person( 5feet5 inch) is TB will be ok for me in case of height and other factors.
2. I have never handeled any Bullet. How much is it comfortable for a 1st time user, What about handling the wieght?
3.I stay in Dubai and i come home only for a month in a year.So is it advisable to keep the TB idle for 1 year.
Ashish on August 11, 2009 at 12:44 am
Hello guys.. I took a test ride of TBTS today n i have booked it finally. I will get my bike my within 10 days. But i am bit confused about its silencer. I want to knw which one is the best silencer for the thunderbird…?
Cheers
ASHISH
Bhabani on August 14, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I have one tbts. it has just covered 4000km without a single problem. i am getting a mileage of 42-45 km/ltr in city ride. i am fully satisfied
Arul on August 16, 2009 at 11:57 am
HELP needed to check if the classic BULLET is good to ride.
I have been driving an enticer from yamaha for the past 4 years. it is a 2003 model. i wanna take my leap to the real league from the look-alike league. I found couple of guys in Chennai who sells models from the forgotten but glorious era of 1960s and 70s. But as am new to the bullet world, I have no way to identify and gauge how good the bike is.
i live in Chennai and am looking for a bike enthusiast who can help me out to make sure that i get a good motorcycle.
anyone out there? Reply to me at 096001 66617
john on August 30, 2009 at 10:39 am
hi guys,,,,im planning to buy a bird…..im a student maintenance will b a small prob….45 mileage is ok……but i jus wanna kno hws the driving exp.?
Mohit on August 30, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Just go for a test spin at the showroom. It will blow you off dude! Maintenance for the TBTS is not an issue, it should be a lot cheaper than any other RE.
sen Chennai on September 3, 2009 at 9:51 am
After a long wait say 38 days I got my TBTS Silver on 2nd of Sep. I like the Silver very much since I feel the whole volume of the bike seems to be big when compared to Black. I already have Bajaj XCD 125 for 2 yrs. and am going to have that also. The first ride experience was amazing and cant be quoted in words… My father rides a JAWA 1970 model and he insisted to go for the Bullet. I will write my experience in the comming days… Thankyou
shiv on October 5, 2009 at 1:16 pm
HI.. All..
Bullet itself makes the nerves STIFF.. Such a powerful momentum, stylish and Royal feel which leaves you accelerated from rest of hondas and TVS bikes.. I have been raiding TB in pune from last 4 months, prior to this i have rode pulsar 150 and unicorn as well. In between i used to ride pulsar 200 also.
Of all this TB gives you real biking experience. Such a comfortable seating and handling which both Pulsar and Unicorn lacks.
To be very franlky people stare at you at all traffic signals and makes prople to turn around on street. Proudly speaking, Bullet can only does this.
I have been using my friends bike from last 4 months. Bike is well controlled and less prone to vibrations even at higher speeds. I think the bike was well maitained initially very well. A combination of Front discs and rear drum gives a better breaking even as slippery surface and at turns.
Coming to milage it gives aroung 37+ (most of the times a have used in city and used to peek up to 90+).
Speaking about the shocks, TB as best of its tech. Very good dampers and virabtion controllers. The Gas filled rear supensions is the best i can tell you the technology available in market.
Now i have booked one awiaiting to ride my Bird sooooon….
Kanthi on October 12, 2009 at 1:21 pm
R U Sure that u got 40+ mileage in city .. i ma very conserned about mileage .. so as to get thunder bird or any unicorn . so please reply me
Anant on October 13, 2009 at 12:02 am
@Kanthi
Very sure that it gives 40+ average. I got an average of 42kmpl when I went on a long ride + city ride. I pulled my bike to its first ton too in this ride. Rode quite at times above 80kmph-90kmph. Bullet’s behaviour depends on how you treat it. Treat it with honour and so shall it honour you.
Natwar on October 27, 2009 at 4:33 pm
The Twinspark BULL looks awesome and strkingly eye catching in silver colour.
And Dude, if you got a taste for the BULL, you should buy it.
Its not like those bikes which get older with time.
It just grows better and better.
Believe me i am a proud owner of cruiser bikes.
My dad had Yezdi and it was one of the best then
I had a suzuki, then yamaha but nothing campared to my newly acquired TBTS(thunderbird twinspark).
Silver so far looks better than its other variants in black and Red.
i have just three words for anyone, who has a taste for bikes,
“GO for Thunderbird” its worth it!!
elango c on October 27, 2009 at 6:17 pm
My TBTS Brings me the mileage of 55/liter in average speed of 55 to 60/hr. Im enjoying more with my TBTS…its rocking.
Tarun on October 28, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I am planning to buy twinspark, childhood dream, and believe me your review has definitely helped me. Though I am a lean guy but even that will not stop me from riding this 182kg monster
Excellent Review.
sha on November 2, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I have one tbts. it has just covered 5000km without a single problem. i am getting a mileage of 45-50 km/ltr in city ride. i am fully satisfied
kittu on November 4, 2009 at 3:10 am
i decided to buy a TBTS, bt m nt sure if its the right time..they hd a model in 2006, then in 2008 .. wl thr be a new version or model available in 2010 first half .. if anyone has any idea .. wd be grateful
siddhant karki on November 16, 2009 at 10:19 am
guys i bought it on 13 nov and its a very fun filled bike.
but i am little concerned about its mileage the showroom guys told me that it gives a mileage of 45 kms. is it in reality.
i drive it for about 50 kms everyday so mileage is important for me
it is brand new so how much speed i should go for.
my no is 9968647575
do call me
-siddhant
Adwait on November 24, 2009 at 10:25 am
Guys after going through all the reviews posted above my doubts have been cleared about legendary TBTS. The only doubt left is I’hv heard it runs on diesel(?). Is it true or runs on both diesel as well as petrol? Plz let me get clear on this. Guys waiting for ur reply.
anant on November 24, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Diesel and Petrol are two different technologies and as per my class 10th studies carry a major difference in their engine structure. I don’t think they can be combined. AFAIK, diesel engine doesn’t even have a sparkplug whereas TBTS has two
sivasidhu on November 28, 2009 at 4:25 pm
TBTS is a great bike compared to any bikes…….
i finished 6500 kms without any prob…still its look like new bike….. im enjoying wit my silver color thunder bird twinspark… its rocking……… great…. silver color attracting every one…
Anbu on December 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Hi, My brand new Thunder Bird Twin Spark, Black colour is for immediate sale. 350 kms done. delivery date 27/11/2009. Coimbatore registration. TN 37 BE…., Interested guys pls cal me or give some reference for sale in coimbatore or chennai. Selling for my personal reasons. call: 9994363757. urgent sale. Bike in in show room condition.
Anant on December 7, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Hi,
Requesting all not to post advertisements at this site. Moderator please remove such comments.
Rgds,
anant
Yogesh on December 11, 2009 at 1:24 pm
@ anant ,
r u ref to post by
—————————————————————
Anbu on December 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Hi, My brand new Thunder Bird Twin Spark, Black colour is for immediate sale.
—————————————————————
i see it no prob bro , it can be useful info for any of us, well i’m no moderator, neither i wanna respond to the offer as of now, just i thought its not much of a nuisance, on the contrary it seems relevant here..
finally moderator is the best judge ..
Sen Chennai on December 11, 2009 at 3:41 pm
HI… For around 3 months I am riding this amazing thunder. Yes riding thunderbird is totally different. It feels different… It digsout the valor from us. The majestic feel, the pride,robustness… no other ride can fulfill… Ride Thunderbird, and “Taste the Thunder”
Jerry on December 11, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I agree with Yogesh in the matter of posting Thunderbird related ads. I guess it is quite helpful, rather than a nuisance.
Well, moderator is judge.
Shomil on December 18, 2009 at 10:05 am
I am getting mine by 21st dec. Will update. (well I dont know what more i can add on after all the expert comments)
Just cant wait for TBTS…
Aman Varma on December 21, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Hey everyone…
after reading all the reviews , I am convinced of one thing that the thunderbird is a great bile and completely worth buying… my only concern is will it be a little difficult to handle for some one who is arnd 5 ft 8inch weighing arnd 63…
shomil on December 22, 2009 at 5:40 pm
And finally i got it… the bike is awesome to ride. very smooth and very comfortable riding position. Can take above 50 though
the bike handles perfectly. i did not feel its heavy, unless you have pull the bike from parking places. Self start sound is just AMAZING.
Vinod on January 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Hello All,
I am planning to buy a Thunder Bird. I heard that the Thunderbird which is coming now is 3rd Edition and also heard that there are some problems as the engine is being tuned for mileage. Could any one tell if its true… is it ok to buy 3rd edition TBTS or go for Electra or Classic.
Elijah on February 1, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Next Month i will buy Thunder Bird…..
Thanks
Akshay on February 3, 2010 at 11:47 pm
HI I am confused whether i should go for fazer of thunder bird please help me out. I will be driving not more than 30-40 kms/per day??????????
Asif iqbal on February 11, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Hi dear,
have u purchased TBTS. How is its performane. Im planning to buy it this nmonth. Pls let me know its draw backs if any and finally what is the mileage ur getting?
Rgds
Asif
Bangalore
Lanju on February 16, 2010 at 6:53 pm
pls anyone tell me the gear changing pattern in TBTS
is it first down and remaining all Up?
or is it first up and remaining all Down?
Yogesh on February 24, 2010 at 2:54 pm
hey can some1pls enlighten me, wat is exact ‘minimum turning radius’ of the bike???
for karizma ZMR its 2.5 mtrs !!
Yogesh on February 24, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Most probably I’m to book TBTS by this monday,(de say month after that to deliver)this showroom is in other town 1hour to us, so m gonna fit in the accessories once n for all, d say i get delivery.
ANY SUGGESTIONS??
de don’t give sideGuard as standard accs, which no doubt must buy but apart from that i think SareeGuard is very useful to me, does it kill the look?
P.S. classic didn really appeal me personally but showroom guy insists to give a serious thought wen I come on Monday(as350comes in same price n engine)
hope that won’t put me in dillema again.
Any advise in this regard??
Yogesh on March 6, 2010 at 3:56 pm
(CC:ThunderBird TwinSpark – A 10,000 Km Report)
just yest I encountered 1000past bike of a distant frn n it has tappet noise its really annoying.(the owner guy is wishing it to sell for just the noise) but more serious prob is there is considerable difference in pick-up for this bike. The bike I test ride 4 months back in showroom, had good initial pick-up.
any1else has similar experience?