I would like to share my ownership review of most awaited Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark. Since my child hood I am passionate about motorcycles. When I was studying in high school only Bullet, Jawa, Rajdoot were ruling on the roads. My father taught me to ride on the 1972 model Bullet Standard. There after I rode almost all motorcycles and scooters. When I was 21 I had overhauled the gear box of our Lamby 150 scooter and upgraded its electrical system in to 8V D.C System. After selling Lamby, I started to use my brothers Hero Honda Splendour for 5 years, there after CBZ for 10 years. My biggest dream in life is to own a Royal Enfield Bullet, after prolonged period it comes true.
When I decided to buy a Royal Enfield, I shortlisted three models Electra Twinspark, Classic 350 and TBTS. I dropped Electra because its jean plain looks. Then I compared Classic 350 and Thunderbird Twinspark, in styling Classic 350 really looks great and 60/55W halogen head lamp, 100/90×18 rear tyre and classy look Engine RH cover are plus points.
But if you will take Thunderbird Twinspark you will find more user friendly things which will really help the rider practically.
Sofa like seat and raised handle bar is extremely comfortable for long ride. Apart from this, Fuel gauge, RPM meter and Trip meter are more practical. So, finally I went for Magic Black colour TBTS. After waiting for 141 days, one fine Saturday morning I got my Thunderbird Twinspark.
When I hit the starter button first time engine was fired and settled in to soft idling but if you are diet with Japanese bike or first time user of Royal Enfield then defiantly complain about vibration at handle bar end. But if you think virtually it’s nothing for long stroke, pushrod type slow speed motor. My first trip was towards the fuel station just hundred meters from the RE Dealership. When I tried to open the fuel lid it didn’t open, fuel pump attendant also tried and said sorry… so I went back to the dealership again.
There one mechanic tried and succeeded to open and smeared little oil inside the rubber gasket of fuel lid and said now it’s O.K. My first long ride was toward home it’s 60km from Mangalore. First thing I noticed was there was no need to shift her to first gear unless if you stop her completely, lots of torque available from long stroke engine. When I reached N.H. 17 and put her on 5th she was so silent no vibration at all. When I checked the speedo needle it was around 55Km/h and Engine churning around 2000 RPM.
Next day I went for Sri Mahaganapathi temple at Madhur for ‘Vehicle Pooja’ along with my colleague Raviraj who is working as a two wheeler Service Adviser at our dealership. I opted a ride for him, he was riding RE first time and after riding just 10Kms his comment was “It’s very comfortable bike to ride, I never ride such a bike before”, but one of my colleague Udaya, Mechanic by profession says “it is comfort to ride but compared to the Japanese bike felt little vibration”.
After four days she travelled more than 400Kms, so I took her to the Dealership for the first free service, and got my bike back at evening. Oil and oil filter was changed and water service was done. After the service I thought this was the time to test her fuel efficiency, I never believe in 100ml bottle test method, so fueled her full tank petrol and zeroed trip meter and start to use the vehicle in regular mode.
My daily trip is restricted for 64Kms. It includes 800mts gravel road, 4Kms City traffic, 3Kms narrow road, 41Kms S.H 32 and 16Kms N.H 17 with moderate traffic. During this trip I never exceeded 60Km/h. After one week top up the fuel tank and checked the consumption. It’ really amazing, because she returned 5Okmpl that was I never expected from her.
Technical
Engine & Gear Box
In Old C.I (Cast iron) 4 speed Bullet one can easily cruise 20Km/h on top gear (especially on G2 Models) but you can’t experience the same in modern UCE (Unit Construction Engine), because the old C.I Engines fly wheels are heavier then U.C.E and also gear ration is different. C.I Engine produces power of 18 B.H.P @5250 R.P.M and 27.Nm of Torque @ 2875R.P.M (earlier 4 Speed type) and later 5Speed Electra produces 18 B.H.P 5000 R.P.M and 32 Nm of Torque @ 3000 R.P.M. due to its cast iron construction engine beat also solid.
But U.C.E engine is free revolution type engine, it produces 19.8 B.H.P @ 5250 R.P.M and 28 Nm of Torque @ 4000 R.P.M. and gear box is slightly different from the Electra 5 Speed. Final drive also completely shifted towards right hand side, so if push the throttle hard by keeping her in the right gear she surge like a sports bike at the same time one can easily cruise on her on highways around 55-60 Km/h on lazy 2000 R.P.M. and in case need to overtake any cars just turn the throttle, it glide like a bird.
But if you try to go less than 1500 R.P.M on 5th gear it will start to jerk. On curvy hill road just put her on 4th gear and keep engine churning around 2000 R.P.M it’s breeze to ride her, no headache of shifting gears in every turn like Japanese modern bikes. If you compare the 5 Speed ‘box with Japanese vehicle you will bit disappoint because it’s not ultra slick as modern machines, excessive play between gears clearly visible and first time user definitely get lot of false neutral. My friend Sachin always comments that ‘In Bullet you will find neutral between every gear’.
But once mastered the technique it works great. The best way to change the gear is completely shut the throttle, pull the clutch completely, allow engine R.P.M to come down, gently tap the gear pedal. City riding is also comfortable, new six plate clutch helps a lot. Now kick starting is made easy with Automatic De-compressor system which sits inside the exhaust cam gear, and no more tappet sound due to advanced Roller Hydraulic Valve Lifter (RHLV)
Wheels and Chassis
Chassis designed is singular cradle tubular frame used engine as a stressed member. Front suspension is 180mm hydraulic damper type works well, socks all bumps but if you put her on large pot holes ‘clunk’ sound coming from the front end, it’s nothing but Inner tube hitting the head lamp holder. Rear suspension is supported by swing arm with gas filled twin shock absorber it’s works wonderful.
Wide sofa like seat is very comfortable for both rider and pillion. Foot peg, handlebar ergonomics are also extremely comfortable. All hand and foot controls, switches are easy and comfort to use. Front Tyre is 3.25×19 inch Ribbed type MRF Brand is quite good but feels less grip in mud road due to its pattern. Rear Tyre is 3.50×19 MRF Brand works well. Front brake is 280 mm Disc type works great, rear is 153mm drum type brake works fine, but demands more foot pressure from the rider. Being a bulky (182Kg) difficult to push her on village road but once on saddle it’s very easy to balance in any road & weather condition, hard blowing wind does not affect on riding.
Electrical
Electrical system incorporates 18 pole 3 Phase magneto which produces 220 watts and supported by 12v 14Ah Exide maintenance free battery provides enough juice for easy self start and brighter 35/35 Watt halogen lamp but only sad thing is riding beyond 60 Km/h on this head lamp is not advisable. At least 60/55 watt required for the same. For this modification I contacted the Service Engineer at RE but they says it’s not advisable to use higher wattage head lamp on TBTS, wiring harness of Classic 350 and TBTS are completely different.
So, I dropped the idea to upgrade. 5/21W Tail/Stop lamp, 10W Signal indicators are bright enough but Neutral and tell tale indicators are difficult to see under bright sun light but definitely better then Bajaj brand. In night riding Speedo/Techo consol look superb with green back lit.
My ‘bird already crossed 2200kms on odo, apart from first free service no maintenance required for it only water wash and lubricating the chain every week, rear brake adjustment twice and clutch adjustment once done. And finally I am one of the hippest rider and proud owner of Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark.
- Sathish
{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice review!!when you say full tank fuel did you measured the fuel quantity?bcoz 50kmpl is hard to achieve.
It’s unbelievable me too, but I had tested twice and result is the same. For more details on testing method please check this link.
http://satikudlu.blogspot.com/2010/11/tbts-updates_15.html
Nice review..!!
hope to get updates as you munch more miles..!!
Amazin review and awesome pictures, Very well covered all the details. i find the design of the Thunderbird very good but RE should add chrome wheels too.
Awesome pics of RE Thunderbird and good review. Now the confusions about fuel efficiency and headache about maintenance no more holds good. But 50kmpl is hard to believe for a RE petrol bike.
i Like the thunder bird twins park review
Superb review!! technically sound, lovely pics and pretty passionate in all aspects…
I have already booked my TBird and waiting for its arrival…
This review definitely boosted up my confidence for owning a TBTS against a Bajaj Avenger(220) and i guess this justifies my decision too!!
Same here friend.. m confused between Avenger 220 and TBTS.
Absolutely Brilliant review,even the roads are detailed for Fuel efficiency.this will be the winning entry for this year.the pictures are superb,but Electrical side RE have to improve.Hats Off to you SATHISH…………….
its the best u….. own one dude>>>> scroching thrill
Awosme pics & came to know more about it… thanku so much, will buy one…..
Sathish,
Honest review. Especially the comparison you’ve done with the older cast-iron engines is great. Is the beat different from the original? Also, does the twin-spark mean less engine life compared to single-spark plug engines?
The cheapest bullet in Australia is at least 9000 A$ for the 500cc version, full of chrome and built to the European standard..this is entry-level here.
SriGuru
I’ve been riding 500cc+ motorcycles, since that is mid-range in Australia.
So the closest for my touring needs in India would be HH Karizma(old, carb edition is OK for me, since FI has service problems, I presume). The new CBZ is 150kgs with 15 horses and a Karizma carb-edition is also 150kgs with 17 horses…..
I have my doubts about old Enfields due to maintenance and vibes; but the new Enfield twin-spark seems great, thanks to the great review by Sathish. I doubt all auto-journalists can write superbly and pleasingly like this! Congratulations!
Please advise: I have ruled out most twin-spark Pulsars, open to TVS/Suzuki/Honda/Hero Honda/Mahindra products. No Kawasaki Ninja, it’s too high in price. I am open to used Hyosung 250 Comet V-Twin if one’s available for 1 lac or so, good condition.
My spend limit is 1 lac Rupees or close to 2500 A$.
Thanks
SriGuru
Down Under a real Hindu is a real wonder
Sir,
Honda and Hero Honda’s are reliable brands in India, for long tours 150cc feels underpowered so best choice in this segment is Hero Honda Karizma. Otherwise buy a old cast iron type second hand 350cc Royal Enfield and fully restore it. And if you go for a customization then you get large choice of options like, 4speed or 5speed ‘box, left or right shifting pattern, electronic ignition, modified powerful head lamps, disc brakes, seats etc, for all this goodies will cost you around 1 lakh. Otherwise book a brand new RE.
Hi Sathish Bhai,
Thnks for ur review,
Can i have ur mail id or contact no,
wanted to speak to you, need some information from you,
u can reach me @09175027343..
Regards
Sagar
Sathish,
Thanks! I have test-driven a RE 350cc old type, just once for a few minutes. So I cannot really speak for that product, although the chrome-embellished models look inviting and impressive. Does the new RE require a lot of maintenance like to the old cast iron RE? How about the RE new 500 with 28HP? Please notify your views? It seems to have the original feel of the old Indian Bullet and looks more like the British Triumph 800cc models.
I was more impressed with the Karizma carb many years ago, because a “Honda” packaged product just seems to say “Maintenance free” ! I just love bigger motorcycles by nature, that’s just me (Yamaha 1100cc sport with 120HP, Yamaha 1300cc Cruiser, Honda Hornet 900 and the new-age EFI 500cc + morotcycles for their road stability at 150 kmph+.
Thanks
SriGuru
Excellent review. and nice fotos…You are very lucky..you got your bike in 4 months….I booked TBTS two weeks back….and the wait period is 8 months. Totally agree with you on the comfortable seats…I took a test ride on TBTS and also drove my friend’s Classic 350. TBTS gave a relaxed feel while driving…Eagerly waiting for the bike…Hope to get more views from you….Keep thumping
Hi
Sati
I congratulate you for your this big achievement.
And to your ownership of your dream bike.
Nice article, and your view.
Thanks and regards
Bellala Gopinatha Rao
i own a tbts..50kmpl constantly is hard to believe..i once got 45kmpl in a long trip..so far done 2700kms in 3 months..
do u know how much is waiting time for thunderbird twinspark in pune
The waiting time is around 6 to 8 months. I have booked the bike in Jan 2011.
Could someone from chennai give me pointers to where i can Service my TB TS apart from the only service center in thiruvanmiyur. The next available slot they have is kinda late.
Also Awesome Review Satish.
I bought a second hand TB TS last sunday. Till the day it, it already covered 8000 Kms. Condition is excellent(exterior). I will be giving it for a servicing this weekend.
From the engine/carborator(i am not sure from where) , i sometimes hear the rotation of a disc which is frequently hitting the casing of one of the above. This happens especially when i bring down the RPM in my 4rth gear. Any advises?
COuld you help me with some tips as to what all I must ask the service guy to check.?
Congratulations, Ask the service guys to do General service, and oil change, rear brake drum cleaning and carburattor cleaning that is sufficient for your bike and about the sound it may be due to excessive play of drive chain andr if you brought rpm too low in fourth gear it starts to (around 1000rpm) jerk.
Great job ….. one day i will buy this ….
I don’t know how u people get 50 kms. i ride my tbts only at 40kmph but the mileage is hardly 40kmpl. Suggest, at wat speed should i drive in the 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th gears
In 3rd, 4th and 5th gear keep engine revolution at 2000 RPM. In 5th it will run around 50 to 55 KMHP at this engine speed. I think your road condition, traffic are different from mine. It may be also effect on fuel efficiency. Any how happy riding.
hi,
you are really lucky man.its a gr8 review and i really loved.only thing i suggest you is pls don use
‘she’.this devil is DEFINITELY MALE..i’m now 20 yrs hopin to hav TBTS from the day it was launchd.but GOD didnt make way for it.
thank you satish.i have booked my TBTS. bt i was quite doubtful 4 the bullet performance.you have cleared my all doubt…thx 4 ur review.
hv u expirncd oil leckg problm?m facing it nw…
no bro not at all there must be some problem in handle so change it soon…else you might have some problem coz few people have had their handles unscrewed while driving on freeway and that is truly dangerous…!!
hi , sir, nice review, i have read many , but yours is 10/10
i am planing to buy, re classic 350,
any idea about, battery discharge in re classic 350,
my friend got one recently, he got some problem, in self starting,
re meachanic telling him its some kind of rectifier problem
is it possible to replace the 12volts 14 amp/hr with same 12v and more amph/hrs battery
please advice
thanks in advance
Hi all,
I have bird 2010 model. Bought it in Jan 15th, 2010. As run 16K+ KMS. Amazing performance.
And to be frank I get 50KMPL when filled at SHELL and others I get 48-49KMPL at speed of 60KMPH @ 2500RPM. Excellent bike.
Regards,
Raj
GREAT review sir ……….
i m very confuse that which one is better classic 350, std 350 or ur TBTS ……..
plz help me ………..
i want to book moterbike this weekend
plz reply me……..
for me ….. looks does matter………
hows ur bike now?
Hello Satish,
It is such a wonderful review… Thanks… I really got to know many things out of it… Hope your bird is flying good…
I just brought it on 06/10/2011… But my story is a bit different than yours… I brought my amazing looking bike and started riding it… It was awesome and the feeling was so massively good… Everything was going fine and after 2 weeks, I parked my bike one night… But next morning when I went and started my bike it never started… There was no neutral light, no indicators, no side lights, nothing… I just couldn’t start it… I called up the service guys and they came after 3 days as they had lots of work… They said the battery was discharged completely… The replaced the battery and took it away to the service station and charged my battery… When I collected it back it was great… Again I was riding it nicely… That night I parked it and the next morning the same thing happened… I was so furious… This time the guys came up and said the fuse had broke down and it started after replacing the fuel… But I told them to take it and check the electric circuits completely… They gave it to me back and changed something inside and now its working fine… Got my first service done as well…
But then when I noticed I came to see that the starting of the silencer from the engine has become golden in color… Trust me that I’ve never sped up more than 55 Kms… Its riding nice though but these problems are really making me think bad things… Yesterday night after inserting the key the neutral light didn’t glow… When I electric started it then it started glowing… Today morning then bike suddenly started making a noise in the chain… When I noticed then I saw that the chain sprocket to open up the chain (which is a bit more raised up) was slightly touching the chain guard… These small small problems really make me go crazy…
I am a software engineer in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and know very few things about mechanics… When I ride it I feel so good… But these issues have really been eating me up… Sometimes I feel that only my bike has all the faults in the world… But then I love it so much and can never wish to replace it… But you can see that these things are not normal as I considered TBTS a robust bike, which I feel now is wrong… If you can guide me out please do… Thanks…
Regards,
Andrew…
Hey Andrew, IF you took your TBTS in June 2011, your beast is still covered under warranty. Make a list of all your problems and go to a Royal En-field authorized service center. Whatever needs replacing or fixing will be done free of cost except labor charges and oil/lubricant charges. Ensure you tell them you have been facing these problems for some time and after you get your bike back from service center, you would expect a perfect no trouble ride. Remember, upto 12 months, its free.
Hey Abhishek,
Thanks so much for replying… Ya I have really bugged my authorized service center from where I brought it… But they are a bit slow about the things… Actually when I met them recently they said that actually the entire batch is having the problems of the golden silencer… Its about 8-10 bikes that are facing it and they have registered a complaint… Now they say that an Enfield Engineer will come to inspect the bikes and then get the things done… The Engineer hasn’t shown up yet… I hope that my problems gets solved but its really a bad feeling sometimes that after purchasing such a good bike you aren’t satisfied… But I appreciate your effort to advice me… Thanks a lot… Take care…
Regards,
Andrew…
dude dont feel offended ,,its perhaps u dont know how to ride it in the RE way
iam usin the bird f/m last 8 months ,,its is Perfect
Riding Quality is what makes a diffrence
ex:: shifting gears @ right RPM
sudden acceleration
consult some one who has enfield experience ,it would be helpful
matt
Hey Matt,
Thanks for your advice and it didn’t offend me at all… I understand that riding quality makes a lot of difference… I keep it in mind as much as I can… I shift gears according to the directions inside the Manual and never accelerate in a harsh way… I am not at all saying that I don’t like my bike; I absolutely love it and enjoy it utmost, every time I ride it… But the thing is that I had these problems which were inbuilt… They are manufacturing defects… That’s what I never expected… I know that these bikes ask for maintenance but never thought they’d have such defects… But my bike is really nice and smooth now, plus it just completed 2500 kms… Lets hope that I do not encounter any more defects…
Hi All,
i have gone thru the readings its exciting to ride one RE bike and see. i did a test drive in RE showroon for both RE 350 classic and RE T.bird.
I felft RE classic comfort in ridiing in traffic and yet i feel T.bird is much style comparing RE classic. totaly confused whcih one to buy now.
TBTS for those who like looks and comfortable long journeys.
Classic 350 for those who do more city rides and would like to have a technically best RE.
Classic 500 for those who have the extra budget for the best power/thump without asking for fuel economy.
My 1yr old TBTS gives around 36kmpl within city with premium fuel, has startup (needs 2-3 times autostart press) problems, had green neutral light not lighting when key inserted (would have to press the key to n fro for sometime before the green light would come up) , rusting etc etc.
To sum up, all RE bikes have some problem or the other and NOT as smooth/maintenance free as Jap bikes. However, you forget all these small troubles when you enjoy your ride on any RE. For better thump, just switch the stock silencer with upswept/goldie as per your own choice of sound.
Exellent review mr. Shatish. Hats off to you. I am going to purchase tbts on 31st january 2012 and your review has indeed answered all my queries except one– i am planning to fit my new tbts with the newly introduced bend silencer for extra thumping sound. Is this is a wise decision ? Will it have any effect on the milege and the operformance of the tbts ?the only thing which i don’t like in the tbts is the long pointed silencer and thats why i have made a decision to change it at the first instance . Please reply as early as possible.
just tell me if u could find any difference between tbts and tb-2006 model
Hey Sathish, thanks for the wonderful review on TBTS.
It’s indeed a wonderful bike.. I’m planning to buy it., ur article has helped me know the beast more in detail.. thanks buddy…! Cheers!
Super Satish, I have already booked TB, but my friends were confusing to go for classic, now i finalised I will go with the THUNDERBIRD 350,
Thanks,
Awesome review. Best till date. you should consider freelancing reviews for auto magazines. hats off man.
Hi friends ,,,,i plan to buy a bike belongs 2 RE …..i am in great confuse with tbts….pls anyboby says about its millage,maintainance,performance
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