Q.Royal Enfield working on all-new Classic and Thunderbird range

Apparently word is that they will sell the updated Classic and Thunderbird along with the current models in order to have product variety. Yes, they really need to make the clutch lighter. In stop-go traffic, the Thunderbird is a nightmare to handle what with the heavy clutch making your hands sore. I expect the newer engines to come with a counter-balancer à la the [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/3912-royal-enfield-himalayan-launched-at-1-55-lacs-ex-showroom-mumbai"]Himalayan[/URL] to address the vibration issues. It was first used in Himalayan and after test-riding it for a while, I can confidently say the bike feels much more refined! According to the feedback received by Royal Enfield, their bikes feel underpowered on highways. This is very true. On the Yamuna Expressway, 80 kph feels like nothing lol. If Royal Enfield can make their engines that are capable cruising at speeds of around 110-120 kph, that would be more than enough for Indian roads, I guess.

So according to MotorOctane.in, Royal Enfield is working on updating the Thunderbird and Classic before an all-new version comes out like I mentioned above. The updated bikes are said to come with 24 to 48 changes and is expected to be launched by the end of the year. The updates are said to include a more powerful headlamp, better clutch and brakes among others and will be sold alongside the current variants. Expect a bump in power for the 350cc and 500cc UCE engines as well.

Royal Enfield is working on the next generation of the Classic and Thunderbird models. A recent report on Economic Times also suggests that the iconic brand is working on an all-new 600-650cc twin cylinder motorcycle for the European and American markets. This motorcycle will essentially be a cruiser and will compete against behemoths like Harley Davidson and Triumph. [CENTER][IMG]http://bikes.gaadicdn.com/bike_alb/large/Royal_Enfield_Classic_Chrome_side_4660.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [CENTER][IMG]http://www.zigcdn.com/media/content/2014/May/royal-enfield-thunderbird-blue-500-13052014-m1_560x420_560x420.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Royal Enfield is also aiming at becoming the number one motorcycle maker globally in the mid-size (200-750cc) category. But it lacks the product range needed to get there. The upcoming bikes should hopefully get the Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer on the right track.