Royal Enfield will be launching a new cruiser motorcycle next year – Probably called as Thunderbird 650
Following the launch of Royal Enfield’s 650cc twins, it’s been a wait to see what the next 650cc offering would be. A sighting last week revealed a cruiser with twin exhausts, one placed on either side. This signalled end of wait. For those awaiting a 650cc cruiser, the wait isn’t going to be too long as the bike looks in form.
Based on the spy video, a digital render has now been created, which gives a decent idea as to what this upcoming RE 650cc cruiser would look like. Expected to be launched next year, it could be christened as Thunderbird 650.
Speaking about the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 650 cruiser – The low slung 650cc cruiser being tested seats two. Rider seat being a proper low seater, and a fairly small and plain pillion seat, positioned higher. Royal Enfield’s twin-cyl cruiser features a USD front fork, and rear twin shock absorbers. Front forks are a first for the manufacturer. Below is a short video, credit to Karthick Jay.
The test unit is a work in black and an all too familiar gold pinstripe, which runs along the rear cowl, side panel, and fuel tank. In fact, the test unit misses out on any additional chrome bits with casings, cowls, and wheel alloys finished in black. The chrome parallel exhausts finish in a straight line.
Considering a departure in the twin rear shock setup, and side metal frame, the swingarm setup too could be different but that’s difficult to tell at this moment. While there’s plenty of new bits, there’s much that characterises it as a Royal Enfield, starting with the round headlight up front.
All light units appear to be round. Rear red light is encased in a silver bezel mounted on the cowl, rear round orange blinkers/indicators extend outward with the frame affixed on the cowl, and front indicator lights too maintain shape. The twin-cyl engine set-up appears to have the cooling mount placed up front.
The test mule is fitted with a saree guard/left rear guard, which is mandated, and instrument cluster unit features a big round unit flanked by what appears to be a smaller round unit. This is the same unit which has been recently spotted on the Meteor 350. It comes with analog speedo, digital MID with Bluetooth connectivity that will offer turn by turn navigation.
Being a 650cc offering, the cruiser shares more than an engine with the 650cc twins. This includes a single disc in the front, and rear with dual ABS. The chain drive sits on the left of the rear wheel, and disc brake setup on the right.
There’s no official update about launch. While road testing cycles take months, this being a tried and tested engine guarantees a shorter testing phase. But if we were to guess, launch of RE Thunderbird 650 could take place by Diwali 2021. Expect prices to be in the Rs 3.5 to 4 lakh range – making it the most expensive Royal Enfield motorcycle till date.
