| Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark has enough grunt | | | | Thunderbird's suspension remains the same slightly on |
| in reserve to keep up with faster bikes or negotiate | | | | the stiffer side but gets comfier with a pillion on. |
| steep inclines in higher gears. Though the vibrations are | | | | Straight line stability remains as good as ever and |
| reduced and the new UCE (Unit Construction Engine) | | | | negotiating long sweeping curves at triple digit speeds |
| feels a touch more refined than the outgoing model, | | | | isn't a hair-raising experience either. We, however, |
| make no mistake, any higher than 80km/h and the | | | | recommend you swap the stock tyres for better |
| characteristic Enfield vibrations start creeping in. Sure, | | | | ones, as the front tyre feels skittish under hard braking. |
| the bike touches the sixty mark more than two | | | | Into its sixth year of production, the Thunderbird |
| seconds faster than the older version and goes on to | | | | Twinspark has been received well by both Bulleteers |
| hit a true 1 on the V-Box (with a speedo indicated 125!), | | | | and non-Bulleteers. The new TBTS is surely a much |
| but that is not the essence of an Enfield. | | | | improved bike. It is faster, economical and seems |
| The new UCE engine that complies with the Euro III | | | | reliable as well. Our test bike had already been through |
| norms is compact and looks aesthetically better (the | | | | the Himalayan Odyssey and during the week (and |
| design of the kick-lever though is an eyesore). There | | | | 750km) it was with me, everything worked fine. |
| have been a lot of changes to the heart of the bike | | | | Yes, false neutrals were encountered in abundance, |
| including a new Trichoidal high flow pump, hydraulic | | | | but issues like these have always been an integral part |
| tappets, an automatic primary chain tensioner, an | | | | of owning a Bullet. The nostalgic feel, the thump of the |
| improved clutch mechanism and most importantly the | | | | exhaust and the macho appeal an Enfield comes with |
| twin-spark setup. All these alterations have made the | | | | cannot be matched by any other bike. Finally, the |
| engine more efficient, refined and powerful. | | | | 350cc engine is now a match for other 'performance' |
| The Thunderbird Twinspark has received minor visual | | | | bikes in India. People notice and respect you on the |
| enhancements as well. Apart from a better looking | | | | road, small city commutes turn into a long ride back |
| engine, the chain drive has been moved to the right, | | | | home via the highway and planning out weekend trips |
| there are new stickers, a new seat and rear fender, et | | | | becomes a favourite pastime. At a slight increase over |
| al. The bike has always looked handsome with a | | | | the cost of the outgoing model, the Thunderbird |
| macho appeal and the new variant further enhances | | | | Twinspark surely is a recommended buy if you have |
| the overall look. Shifting of the rear brake linkage to the | | | | always wanted an Enfield for both city commutes and |
| right side has improved the brake feel as well. The | | | | the occasional long ride. |