The 2020 Royal Enfield Classic motorcycle was spotted testing recently and we reported the changes we saw on the bike which were mostly in the styling department. The bike is also about to get the engine upgraded to BSVI standards as the new stringent emission norms are around the corner. Now, a new Royal Enfield bike has been spotted testing out in the open and this time it is the 2020 Royal Enfield Thunderbird.
The test mule of the bike was not camouflaged and looking at the spied images the bike is likely to feature cosmetic changes and is also likely to get a BSVI compliant engine. In the spy shots, the bike is seen running on alloy wheels leading us to believe it was the Thunderbird 350 / 500 ‘X’ variant. The tail light is likely to come in a refreshed mount (seen circular here) and is mounted lower than the predecessor, the fender also appears shorter. The pillion grab rail has been nicely integrated with the seat and sits flush between the pillion seat and the rear cowling. Though only the rear portion of the motorcycle is photographed, the 2020 model is also expected to be updated with a new headlight housing, new instrument cluster and is also likely to get a revised tank and centre panels.
In the engine department, the 2020 Thunderbird 350 X, when updated with the new BSVI engine is likely to see a hike in the power output. For reference, the current Thunderbird 350 X is powered by a 346cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, twin-spark motor producing 19.8 BHP of power @ 5250 RPM and 28 Nm of torque @ 4000 RPM coupled to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. The fuel is supplied by a 29mm diameter constant vacuum carburetor. The 2020 model will sport a fuel injection system which is expected to get a new improved combustion chamber and valvetrain for refined NVH levels and better emission performance.
The only direct competitor in the Indian market is the Jawa Motorcycles and with the new updates, Royal Enfield will be able to compete fiercely with the brand.