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Reviews/ Royal Enfield/ Thunderbird Plus
WATCH REVIEW
6.5/10 Cruiser

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus Review

"Characterful budget tourer that rewards patient, mechanically-minded owners."

Patient riders wanting affordable, characterful long-distance cruising $2,500-$4,500 used 2012-2019
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Key Specs

speed
Top Speed
Approximately 120 km/h (estimated)
bolt
Power
Approximately 18 hp
@ 5,250 rpm (estimated based on 350cc AVL engine of the era)
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Torque
Approximately 28 Nm
@ 4,000 rpm (estimated)
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Fuel Economy
3.3 km/L
8 mpg ยท Approximately 30-35 km/L (estimated; note: specific Thunderbird Plus figures vary by year and conditions)
build
Service Every
5000 km
scale
Weight
Approximately 180 kg
(wet/curb weight, estimated)
settings
Engine
499cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC, twin-spark
height
Seat Height
780 mm
cog
Transmission
5-speed
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Used Buyer Review

The Thunderbird Plus occupies a strange middle ground โ€” it's Royal Enfield's attempt at a tourer built on their tried-and-tested 350cc thumper platform, and honestly, it mostly works. The long-stroke single has that addictive potato-potato cadence that gets under your skin, and the more relaxed riding geometry compared to the standard Thunderbird actually suits longer highway stints better than you'd expect from a 350. Comfort for rider is genuinely decent; pillion accommodation less so. Buy used and budget hard for maintenance. These bikes need regular attention โ€” primary chain tensioners wear, carburettor jetting drifts, and electrical gremlins are practically a rite of passage. Inspect the frame welds carefully on older examples and check the front forks for seal weeps. The good news is parts are cheap and any half-competent mechanic can fix one. Avoid bikes with poorly executed modifications; owners love tinkering but skill levels vary wildly. A well-maintained example from a single careful owner is a genuinely rewarding, characterful machine.

Pros

+Addictive thumper character
+Cheap parts everywhere
+Comfortable highway cruising posture
+Strong resale value retention
+Simple mechanically approachable engine

Cons

-Electrical reliability genuinely questionable
-Carb needs constant attention
-Weak pillion accommodation
-Vibration tires hands above 80kph
warning
Avoid if

You prioritize reliability over romantic, fuss-prone character

description View full specs, facts & rivals for Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus โ†’

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