Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 To Get More Affordable

[Update: The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has been spotted in a production-ready state. The bike is likely to replace the Thunderbird 350X. Head here for more details.]

• Royal Enfield is expected to launch a base-spec Thunderbird 350 soon.
• It recently launched new base-spec variants of the Bullet 350 and Classic 350.
• The new base variant will get rear drum brakes and single-channel ABS.
• Like the Buller 350S, expect less chrome and blacked out components.

Royal Enfield is set to roll out a more affordable variant of the Thunderbird 350. Expect it to feature similar changes as the newly introduced base spec variants of the Bullet 350 and Classic 350 S. Documents submitted to the Delhi Transport Authority reveal that the base spec Thunderbird 350 variant will get a rear drum brake instead of a disc. It will also feature a single-channel ABS setup instead of the standard variant’s dual-channel system.

Also read: Royal Enfield Bullet Trials 500 - First Ride Review

While not much is known about the upcoming base variant, we expect the new Thunderbird 350 to undergo the same cost-cutting measures like the Bullet 350 and Classic 350 S. It could get blacked-out spoked wheels, turn indicator covers and headlamp cover. While the top-spec Thunderbird 350X does feature blacked-out parts, it gets alloy wheels, tubeless tyres and bright paintwork too. We expect the upcoming base model to get a new paint job to differentiate it from the current Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 350X. 

Like the Bullet 350, the Thunderbird 350 may also come in kick start and electric start variants. The documents also mention the use of an optional headlamp bulb for the base variant. This could possibly mean that the new base variant could feature a simple halogen headlamp instead of the projector unit seen currently.

We expect the 346cc air-cooled single-cylinder motor to be carried over. The documents also mention that the new variant will be BS4 compliant. Hence, expect it to produce as much power (20.07PS) and torque (28m) as the standard Thunderbird 350 and 350X.

The standard Thunderbird is priced at Rs 1.57 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The new base-spec Bullet 350 and Classic 350 S cost between Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 less than their standard variants. Hence, expect a similar price cut with the new base Thunderbird 350 too. That would bring its price tag down to Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom). The new variant is expected to launch next month.