Q.RE Classic 350 or RE Thunderbird 350

I got my bike couple of weeks ago!!

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/5315"]Ssushmanth[/URL], Congrats on your decision, the Thunderbird is a great bike and I am sure you'll enjoy touring on it a lot. [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/40"]Praveen[/URL], the waiting period has gone down tremendously since RE has increased production and introduction of the Himalayan. Even in Delhi, the Classic 350, the highest demanded RE, can be yours within a month!

[USER="5315"]ssushmanth[/USER] Only 45 days? That is surprising! My Thunderbird's waiting period was three months and that too for lightning colour. Matte black's waiting period was at least six months! I bought my bike from Sri Venkateshwara Bike Zone, Pallikaranai. If you are buying the matte finish bike, buy a good tank protector as the lower portion of the tank tends to get more scratches.

That is true, [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/5315"]Ssushmanth[/URL]. Maintaining a matte finish bike is quite a task. However, it can be cleaned fairly easily. See this thread for maintaining matte finishes: [url]https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/13205-maintenance-for-matte-finish-bikes[/url]

[USER="5315"]ssushmanth[/USER] Congratulations on your booking! Regarding matte colours, the positive side is that they look cool. But too many people have the matte black (stone black) colour. It looked cool when it first came, but now it just looks common. The Asphalt is another interesting colour, but in my opinion, Stone looks better than Asphalt. Among gloss finishes, Marine looks really great but the fade will become apparent over a period of time. If you polish and keep the paint protected, then you won't have any issues. And honestly, Marine looks more upmarket than the rest of the colours. Flicker black is also a good colour and looks neat when kept clean. I have the Lightning colour and the best part (according to me) is the vagueness of the colour. Under full sunlight, you can see a tinge of olive green in the predominantly brown-ish hue. At nights, one can mistake the colour as black! :p Anyway, [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/13205-maintenance-for-matte-finish-bikes"]check this link[/URL] to know how to maintain matte finish. Do keep us posted about your bike buying experience. Cheers! By the way, how long is the waiting period?

[USER="5315"]ssushmanth[/USER] Yes, you can go with the Thunderbird. I am a proud owner myself and I can tell you the riding position is pretty relaxed. In time you'll get used to the maneuvering in the city, so that won't be a problem. I used to ride the CB Unicorn Dazzler before, so after graduating to the Thunderbird, i found the Dazzler's riding position aggressive! Also, when it comes to instrumentation and features the Thunderbird offers a pretty good deal. Yes, the new Thunderbird will take at least 1.5 years to hit the market and moreover, with the resignation of RE's [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/15303-"]design director[/URL], I am not sure if that will affect their schedule. Plus, since it is going to come with a larger engine, it will turn out to be expensive. Personally, I am not a fan of the first batch of motorcycles as they are likely to have niggles which may be corrected in the updated versions. So all in all, I would suggest you take the Thunderbird now. If you really need the extra torque and don't mind about the mileage, go for the 500 cc variant. Otherwise, the 350cc variant itself is pretty good.

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/5315"]Ssushmanth[/URL], the new Classic and Thunderbird are atleast a year away, yes. Although I get what you are saying about the riding position and seating comfort with the classic. I am 6 feet tall and did face the same problem whilst I first rode the Enfields. On my [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/2348-2013-royal-enfield-electra-350"]2013 Bullet Electra[/URL], I got the handlebar changed to a slightly higher one and the problem was solved. The handlebar costed my Rs. 800, which I think is a very reasonable price. And now the bike handles better as well and keeps me really comfortable.

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/5315"]Ssushmanth[/URL] Go for the Classic 350 for a relaxed driving experience. It's upright seating position and the more supple suspension makes it a more forgiving bike on our famous Indian road conditions. As [USER="40"]Praveen[/USER] mentioned, you do miss out on certian features, like projector lamps, rear disc brake among others when compared to the Thunderbird. But I don't think it would be a deal-breaker.

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/5315"]Ssushmanth[/URL] If you're a city rider, the 350 cc should suffice your needs. But if you want that extra power and torque or if you go on long trips pretty often , 500 is a good bike. I personally feel that the classic is way easier to maneuver than the Thunderbird. I stay in Bangalore where the traffic woes are neverending. I chose the classic because it was way easier to ride in the traffic. But the Thunderbird is technologically advanced.

​[USER="4780"]Akhil Prasad[/USER] [USER="5214"]Praveen_Jose[/USER] I think only paint warranty is not there. Warranty for parts and all are still there. Personally, I don't understand the point of 'paint warranty'. It is not like they are going to repaint your bike 'under warranty' if there are any scratches. It doesn't work like that. But yes, the Thunderbird in matte finish looks amazing! To maintain matte finish, do check [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/13205-maintenance-for-matte-finish-bikes"]this post[/URL].

[USER="5315"]ssushmanth[/USER] The Thunderbird will be apt for your height but the suspension is not too forgiving for people with backaches. If you want a supple seat, go for the Classic as the additional springs under the seat does help in softening the bumps. 350 cc is adequate for riding up to 80 kph. It gives good mileage too. 500cc is only for people who really need the extra torque. Plus, the 500 cc variants come with a fuel injector (except Bullet 500), which means more complication and that means more chances of breaking down! I would personally suggest you rent Classic 350 and Thunderbird 350 and ride it over a weekend. That way, you'll be able to decide better as test rides are very short and don't give you a solid idea about the comfort of the bike. Also, do note that the Thunderbird 350 comes with a variety of useful features like digital fuel gauge, 20 litre fuel tank capacity, front and rear disc brakes, projector lamps, dual tripmeters with average speed indicator, service indicator, low battery indicator, side stand indicator and hazard lamps.

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/5214"]Praveen_Jose[/URL] ​​​​​​I have heard that they don't give any kind of warranty for the Matt colours. And it's difficult to maintain. But the bike looks deadly. Do post the pics once you get it.

Go for Thundebird 350. I personally feel its better of the two and gives you a slight edge of possessing a cruiser n sporty bike at the same time

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/5214"]Praveen_Jose[/URL] Namaste, so after a century you finally want to upgrade. But why? Star City was a perfect family commuter. It used to carry the four of us!!! Haha, but why Thunderbird? I always thought you were a Classic Bullet guy. RE bikes, irrespective of their age or model, require some tender love and care. Have you looked at the Himalayan? It is the only one with minimal engine vibrations out of the lot, thanks to counter-balancer. But there are other issues which have been reported regarding the gearbox and rear disc brake locking up!

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/5214"]Praveen_Jose[/URL] I own a 2015 Thunderbird 350. No Royal Enfield in the world is without vibrations lol. The Thunderbird is good for speeds upto 80 kph. Vibrations turn harsh beyond that. I didn't find any issues with the instrument cluster. My fuel gauge stopped working once, though. I got it replaced and now it is working fine. Yeah, it is a Royal Enfield and all these minor problems are expected. If you want a no-nonsense touring machine, go for the Thunderbird! Cheers! :)

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/20"]NikilSJ[/URL] thanks! Will surely post!!

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/4780"]Akhil Prasad[/URL] congratulations. The Chestnut coloured Classic 350 really stands out from the other colours. Black is getting way too common these days. Do post picture of your bike after you get your hands on it. Meanwhile, do check out this checklist [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/40"]Praveen[/URL] created on things to check out for while you go to get the bike from the dealer. Here's the link: [URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/13469-pre-delivery-inspection-pdi-for-your-motorcycle"]https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/post...our-motorcycle[/URL]

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/40"]Praveen[/URL] Yes. It's quite surprising. And thanks!!!!☺

[USER="4780"]Akhil Prasad[/USER] Wow, just one month? I can't understand Royal Enfield's priorities for different cities. Back in Chennai, a friend of mine had to wait for almost ten months for the Classic 350. I had to wait for exactly three months, and that too for the Thunderbird 350 Lightning colour, which hardly sells anyway. The one in matte black and gloss black also had ten months waiting period! But in Hyderabad, the waiting period was just 15 days to one month for the Thunderbird. I think they are prioritizing other cities and then catering to Chennai. Ironic that the bikes are manufactured there only in the first place :p Chestnut colour is a good choice. That with the beige leather seats looks really nice. :)

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/21"]JijoMalayil[/URL] I have booked the chestnut colour. It felt appealing. I stay in Bangalore. The waiting period here is 1 month for the colour I have chosen. But for white it's 2 months. I will surely post pictures once i get it.

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/4780"]Akhil Prasad[/URL] Great choice! What colour are you going for? I hope the waiting period is not that long. In Delhi the Classic 350 has a 3 month waiting period. Do post pictures once you get your hands on one. Cheers!

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/4780"]Akhil Prasad[/URL] ​​Thanks guys for the inputs!!I I've decided to go for the classic 350 as I like the retro look and its way easier to handle!! Looking forward to have a great journey with the bike!!!

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/42"]CorsaVeloce[/URL] Point noted☺

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/40"]Praveen[/URL] Thanks for replying!!

[USER="4780"]Akhil Prasad[/USER], I agree with [USER][/USER] and [USER="127"]Jijo[/USER]. If your riding is mainly within city limits, it is better to go for the Classic 350. The Classic is easier to manoeuvre than the Thunderbird in peak hour traffic and the seating position is very comfortable too. It has got softer springs than the Thunderbird and feels well damped. However, if you are planning to go on long highway rides, nothing can beat the Thunderbird's 20-litre fuel tank. Personally, I would prefer the Classic as it's got that vintage look with retro touches here and there (like the amp meter instead of the fuel gauge :p Come on how hard is it to find out if your bike is running out of fuel? All you need to do is open the fuel lid and check right!). The other thing that I think will make your decision is the waiting periods for both the bikes. Both bikes have a huge waiting list and usually people prefer to go with whatever comes first. Unless you are so in love with the bike that nothing else will do that is!

Go for the Classic 350 if your dad also will be using your bike. Otherwise, better to go wth TB350. I'm using Thunderbird for over 2yrs. 35kmpl standard in city. 38 to 40kmpl on long distances. Disc brakes and Headlight is good. I'm using it in the city also. It's flexible only after 200kms constantly in city. If you mind mileage go for Classic. It is better than Electra (55kmpl).

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/4780"]Akhil Prasad[/URL], the choice between these two bikes completely depends upon your usage. The Classic is a much better city bike with the added advantage of taking it out on long trips as well. The Thunderbird does come with some more gadgetry in the instrument cluster, but thats that. The handlebar of the Thunderbird is the main problem for me, the shape is too large to use in daily city traffic. Manoeuvring in traffic conditions can be a littlle tricky. Also, over bad roads or rough patches, the Classic outperforms the Thunderbird by miles. Take a longish test ride of both bikes and then decide on what suits your riding style the most.

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/4780"]Akhil Prasad[/URL] RE Classic 350 is a good choice for a city commuter and those occasional road trips! But, the Thunderbird gets more equipment like rear disc brakes, projector headlamps, more comfortable pillion seat and a much more informative instrument cluster. For that you would have to shell out 10-15 thousand rupees more. Performance is identical, but the Thunderbird has a muted thump to it. Personally, I like the Classic's retro look and feel. Test ride both and see what fits your personality more :)

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/4780"]Akhil Prasad[/URL] Go ahead with the Thunderbird 350! It is a really practical bike that is designed for long distance touring. It has a bigger fuel tank capacity when compared to the Classic, 20 liters to be precise. It also comes with an informative instrument cluster (speedometer, tachometer, dual trip meters with average speeds, odometer, fuel gauge, time display, hazard lamps and side stand indicator. Phew!) while all you get in the classic is the ampmeter, speedo and tell tale lights. Go for the Classic only if you are looking for something retro. if you are looking for a no nonsense motorcycle that is versatile enough for grocery runs and long distance touring, the Thunderbird is the best option. If you have additional budget, change the wheels to a Harley type alloys with Pirelli tubeless tires. Your motorcycle will be perfect! Keep us posted about your purchase :)

I am an engineering student. I'm planning to buy a bike for my daily commute. I've decided to buy a RE bike. But I'm confused. I am not able to choose between the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350. I'm mostly a city rider. I ride 15-20 kms a day. I might take my bike for long trips once or twice a month. Which bike would suit my needs? [ATTACH=CONFIG]n14550[/ATTACH]