Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark VS Thunderbird 500: Difference and Comparison



Which one to buy and what is the difference between the two apart from the displacement is something that every Royal Enfield Enthusiast today is wondering today? With the launch of the new Thunderbird 500 Auto Expo 2012 New Delhi Royal Enfield has not only has raised the bar but also has shown to the companies like Triumph and Harley Davidson that they are entering the Lion’s den.
Thunderbird Twinspark

Thunderbird Twinspark
A few years back I wrote about Thunderbird Twinspark and was thrilled at the whole idea of this genuine Indian cruiser from the stable of Royal Enfield. Though Royal Enfield has improved their Thunderbird Twinspark in last few years but the all new Thunderbird 500 has seen some noticeable changes that took the level of Royal Enfield to the next level. Rather I would say that with the launch of Royal Enfield Classic, company had made it clear to the motorcycle world that they are going to come up with some exciting products in future.
Thunderbird 500

Thunderbird 500
Differences between the Thunderbird Twinspark and Thunderbird 500
The most visible difference is the color of the engine. The Thunderbird Twinspark sports a chrome color engine while the new Thunderbird 500 has a black color engine. It’s not up to the RE enthusiast to decide whether they like a Black color Engine or a Chrome one. I think that RE will come up with both the color option on the engine to make it easy for the bullet lovers.
Thunderbird 500 Headlight

Thunderbird 500 Headlight
Thunderbird 500 Taillight and Back rest

Thunderbird 500 Taillight and Back rest
The next big difference is the headlight. The new Thunderbird 500 sports a stunningly beautiful headlight that sets it apart straight away. I hope RE will make this headlamp a standard in the Thunderbird Twinspark as well.
Thunderbird 500

Thunderbird 500
Thunderbird 500 Engine

Thunderbird 500 Engine
The cap of the fuel tank is shifted slightly to right side which not only looks good but also will help in saving your fuel tank from scratches while filling your Thunderbird 500. Speedometer in Thunderbird 500 is been topped up and looks more attractive now. There are three shades of black available in Thunderbird 500 which is not in the case of Thunderbird Twinspark. The backrest for the pillion rider in Thunderbird 500 is now more attractive and gives better support to the lower back and there is an all new tail light which looks far more attractive than Thunderbird Twinspark. Apart from this there are many other small and nice changes made in the new Thunderbird 500 which you will come to know once you will see it on the roads in next 2 months or so.
Apart from the cosmetic and some practical changes that Royal Enfield team made there is this biggest difference in the engine displacement. As we all know that Thunderbird Twinspark is a 350cc machine and Thunderbird 500 is a 500cc machine. I have made a comparative chart below of the specifications (curtsey RE website) for you.
Thunderbird Twinspark

Thunderbird Twinspark
Thunderbird Twinspark                                                Thunderbird 500
Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Twinspark                          Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Twinspark
346cc                                                                     499cc
Bore x stroke 70mm x 90mm                                   84mm x 90mm
8.5 : 1                                                                    8.5 : 1
19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm                                              27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
28 Nm @ 4000 rpm                                                 41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transistorised Coil Ignition                                      Digital Electronic Ignition
Clutch  Wet, multi-plate                                         Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 5 Speed Constant Mesh                            5 Speed Constant Mesh
Lubrication     Wet sump                                        Wet sump
15 W 50 API, SL Grade JASO MA                          15 W 50 API, SL Grade JASO MA
UCAL 29mm, Constant Vacuum Carburettor             Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection
Paper Element                                                       Paper Element
Electric/Kick                                                          Electric/Kick

5 thoughts on “Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark VS Thunderbird 500: Difference and Comparison

  1. Anonymous says:

    mileage will be 200 or 300 kmpl. Saaaley bullet chalana hai ya petrol bachana hai… Ride decent and get decent.

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