I can see people crane their necks, boys open their mouths and girls amaze at me riding this marvelous creature. I ride him with booming gallops and not drive it. He is the rugged Royal Enfield Thunderbird. He’s not a bird … but an animal … a beast … a very wild one and is growling mad.
Finally my friend gave me his beast to ride after completing his run-in crossing 3000+ kms. Boom .. Boom.. I move swiftly as I twist his reins slightly, This beast justifies why he is the heart throb for every motorist. He is more than bikes, cars and transport coz it has got a character that sure takes one by storm. He is the King of The Roads, whose character I’ll elaborate unlike my other reviews in which style, engine, transmission, handling, comfort … were given priority. This beast doesn’t need five star ratings and discussion in the above parameters coz it is the driving (sorry riding) experience that highlights this one.
Why the Enfield?
Why I like the T’bird? The reasons are below:
He’s not a bike, but a part of the rider.
It’s difficult to tame & ride it.
He’s stubborn, solid and full of substance.
It echoes as he growls … boom..boom..boom..
Everyone gives way as he charges.
The Temparament
Don’t get disappointed that I’m not giving you specifications and performance data coz I stress that this doesn’t feel like a machine but a creature with a character and feel of its own. I’ll elaborate my experience as it happened…
First I walk around this beast trying to study his body physic. I was amazed at his muscular chest that he holds high and curved back to carry any load. He holds his head high with pride and you can see that he doesn’t smile but looks hard just like Arnold. I think he’s the iron man of India ! The appearance is enough for one to tell that whatever he rams into, the damage is not his. Then I hold his upswept horns, stolen from the wildest bull, and climb over him. I don’t feel any life until I kick his ass. He growls as I hold his reins and suddenly I can feel a surge of magnetic pulse flowing into my hands that doesn’t want me to take my hand off the beast again. He moves majestically oodles of character keep translating from his body to mine and he becomes a part of mine. I’m changed. No more I’m the humorous Abishek, I feel kingly Ha..Ha.. No one can defeat me.. I’m the Lord of the Roads! I can see a special way given to me in the centre of the road and the attention paid to me. It is one of the best experiences for a man, a feeling of dignity and pride. That nothing else on the world delivers. It is immensely pleasurable to tame and ride this beast but that spells universal dignity. I can see how the Gods envy me from heavens, so marvelous it is.
Enjoying the T’Bird
To get the best out of the T’bird, select a broad, flat, less trafficked and long highway. Preferably the climate should be cool (20-25 degrees). Start at 5:30 in the morning, it would also be nice if you select a mountainous track provided the road is smooth. Wear a costly blue worn out jean and branded white round neck with a logo at the front. Added to that is a black leather jacket, semi helmet (that doesn’t cover your face so you can feel the air in ur face) and semi-gloves for the right hand. Large boots are a must and don’t forget your wallet. Riding solo in best no gals or pillions but ask your friends to give company on their bikes. Drive at a steady speed of 70-80 continuously and negotiate turns majestically. After you reach ur destination, park ur bird and get something different to eat from a wayside small shop. Chit chat for an hour and then take off. You’ll remember the experience throughout your life and will yearn for another. Try different destinations every time. It is also good to have a camera. I’m sure no other bike can give such an experience.
Owning the T’Bird
This is where the problem arises. 72K grands is not easy money but that adds to the status of this beast. He has a 346cc heart generating 18 horses of power and pulls 27 Nm. What sets this beast from other Enfields is the electronic CDI that kicks him to life coupled with proper positioning of hands and legs. (gear n brake lever) He can sure pull you to an awesome 120kmph but the pros end there. As I’ve already told he’s stubborn and some time refuses to work (reliability) Also he doesn’t seem refined and is no gentleman. He drinks a lot and eats your wallet with enthusiasm (25-32 kmpl). You can see the bulge on your back pocket decreasing rapidly. He needs frequent visits to the doctor and the restaurant (workshop & petrol bunk !) but that is why he’s special, He’ Royal.
Stats for the needed:
Looks: It’s beast !
Engine: not refined but punchy
Transmission: better than other enfields and so is the placement
Suspension: nightmare for broken roads
Instrumentation: Complete
Performance: excellent
Fuel Efficiency: no comments please
Character: Best in the subcontinent
Dream to Ride Nightmare to Own. Beware of the Beast within