4 Royal Enfield updates the Thunderbird 350

The Thunderbird 350 gets updated along with the newly launched Thunderbird 500..

Along with the new Thunderbird 500, Royal Enfield has also updated the Thunderbird 350. Visually the Thunderbird 350 looks identical to the newly launched Thunderbird 500. Royal Enfield is obviously taking advantage of the newly developed platform for the Thunderbird 500 and thus saving on production costs here by giving the Thunderbird 350 gets similar looks and features as it's bigger sibling.

Difference between the Thunder 500 and new Thunderbird 350

The difference with the Thunder 500 and the Thunderbird 350 is that the 350 gets a smaller bore 350 cc engine and carburetor instead of fuel injection. Accordingly there is also a difference in the pricing. The new Thunderbird 350 is priced at Rs. 1.43 lakh on-the-road, Mumbai. Thus making it about Rs. 40K cheaper than the bigger 500 cc variant.

0 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Launched

Royal Enfield launches the new Thunderbird 500: Price, Photos, Official Video, Specifications..

Q. "Is it a "Cruiser" or is it a "Roadster"?"

A. "It's a Highway Cruiser. A bike that is designed to be ridden on Indian roads. Even if sometimes there is no such thing as a road."

The above lines have been taken from the official video of the Thunderbird 500 posted below. From the lines it's clear that Royal Enfield is well aware that the new Thunderbird 500 in its updated form is not a "Classic Cruiser" like the traditional Harley Davidson models nor is it a honest "Roadster" like the Sporster range of models from Harley Davidson.

The new Thunderbird 500 according to Royal Enfield is a bike designed to be ridden on Indian Highways/Roads. But then the question still remains: "What kind of motorcycle is the Thunderbird 500?" I can't wait to check it out myself. The one thing which has got me excited is the low "775 mm" seat height of the TBird 500. I think shorter riders can rejoice..!!

Meanwhile check out the official video and details of the Thunderbird 500 posted below:

4 The Rise of Honda in India

Honda (Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India) looks all poised to take off in a big way in India now..

In 1981 there was a so called "Honda-Yamaha War" in which the two motorcycle giants fought for the title of the biggest 2 wheeler maker of the world. The "war" was initially started by Yamaha. What happened in the next 18 months is the stuff of legends.

Honda launched/replaced 113 models and Yamaha could manage just 37 (both had around 60 models when the "war" started). Apart from new models Honda went on the offensive to launch new technologies and aggressive distribution systems. Ultimately Yamaha had to make a public "Surrender"..!!

Learning from the above incident is loud and clear. Messing with Honda can be a messy affair.

In stark contrast to the famous "Honda Yamaha War", Honda's approach in India (HMSI) has been quite slow but steady. As evident from the graphic posted below, Honda in 2011-12 has increased their market share (in motorcycles) to around 7.6 % from a market share of 3.5 % in 2005-06.

11 TVS currently not keen to explore 180 cc plus motorcycles. Where is the Racing DNA?

TVS seems to have no 180 cc plus ambitions currently.. Hello its the end of 2012..!!

I have often come across statements like “Own sources/friends tell us.. We have insider news.. that TVS will soon launch a 200/220/250 cc Apache RTR Motorcycle..!! ” Just a casual search on the net will land you to many such baseless websites/blogs.

But now the Chairman of TVS Motor Company has himself cleared doubts over the so far “mythological” 200 cc (+) motorcycle models from TVS. Speaking to the press during the launch of the Phoenix 125, Mr. Venu Srinivasan has told the media.



“It is small segment (200-250 cc). Once you go beyond 150-180cc the numbers are much, much small. Our focus is below that. - Mr V. Srinivasan (Chairman TVS Motor)

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Situation Critical for TVS Motor (in motorcycles)

8 TVS Phoenix 125 launched

TVS launched a 125 cc bike called "Phoenix"..

TVS Motor has launched a new 125 cc model called "Phoenix" today. This is probably the "Radeon" 125 cc concept which TVS spoke of during the 2012 Auto Expo. With it's 125cc "Flame" not moving out of showrooms, TVS virtually had no model at this category and price point till now. The Phoenix therefore should be an important model for TVS.


Source: Money Control

Just to educate that "Phoenix" is promounced as "Fe-nix" and NOT "Pho-Eee-Nix"..

..TVS will have to spend crores of Rupees

The Phoenix gets a 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, "EcoThrust" engine which makes 11PS of power and 10Nm of torque. Gear box is a 4-speed affair. 67kmpl fuel efficiency is what the company claims. For features, the Phoenix has digital instruments with a service due indicator, low battery reminder, hazard lights, engine kill switch, LED pilot lamps, alloy wheels and a petal disc in the front. Priced at Rs 51,000 for the drum brake version and Rs 53,000 for the disc brake version Ex-Showroom Chennai puts it very close to Discover 125ST and CB Shine category.

But I see problems here for TVS:

[Problem 1] Styling: I mean come on.. apart from those BIG stickers on the tank which shout 125, I don't see anything here which will make anyone take a second glance.