I got my Thunderbird Twinspark (Black) on 28th Aug 2008. When I Just finished 1900 kms, nothing much about the issues, except a little Front right fork oil leak - Service guys fixed it.Overall it’s an amazing experience. First, this bike is a head turner and Everyone is asking me about the bike where ever I stop. I am a first time RE product buyer and I didn’t expect such a good response from others. Overall I am very happy about the vehicle, though I found few issues.
- The gear shift is not smooth, you cannot expect it to work as a Pulsar or an Unicorn. Initially it was difficult for me to change gears, but I am fine with that today. Probably the reason is, I am driving any bike after 9 years. It has amazing pickup, revving up greatly, I must say that the vibration is almost nil behind the seats, but there is bit vibration can be felt in the handles.
The sound is not so great; I believe it has to go miles for the engine to come to form. Probably after 500 kms and the first service it should improve.Few things missing are a central lock. There is a separate lock for the neck. Also the silencer is lengthier than the bike - which I didn’t like. I may change it after 5000 Kms.I drive very less, probably 100 kms a week, so I didn’t bother much about the maintenance. But as this is an all new engine, there is only one Service man is available in Coimbatore.
I do not think any other service firm can touch this TBTS, it will take some time for them to learn, though the mechanism is simplified.For the first time bike buyers, you still need to wait for 2-3 months, for better feedback about the vehicle - If you are keen on mileage, maintenance and service. But if you has a passion about RE products, this is the time to start, and this is the bike to buy first.I do not think there is another cruiser vehicle is available like this in India can match with this. Its road presence is completely giving me great confidence; the breaks are sharp and easy to ride.
You can drive this like a 100CC bike, but for thin guys – it would be difficult for you to handle it initially. You will burn more calories to move when the engine is switched off.After 1000Kms I changed the Silencer for better beat, and I believe I am half way through - Better than the 6ft original silencer. However, due to the engine changes classic RE riders will loose its original Rytham, sad thing is you can not bring the beat with any modification to your satisfaction. I will probably will write another review after 5000kms, which should give a better insight, and I will write bit more organized. My Son (7yrs) likes the bike much more than me, he is even more attracted by classic 350, which is owned by one of his classmates dad. :-)