Spy video of 2020 Royal Enfield Thunderbird reveals revised ergonomics

A new spy video of the 2020 Royal Enfield Thunderbird captured somewhere near Tamil Nadu has surfaced online. The latest sighting revealed revised ergonomics for the Royal Enfield Thunderbird that match the conventional cruiser bikes.

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As seen in the video, the motorcycle uses relatively forward-set footrests on the test mule that gives it the typical cruiser-style ergonomics. The saddle appears to be further away from the handlebar to aid the revised riding stance. The seat has a split-style setup, while a close inspection of the video reveals split-style pillion grab rail hidden under the camouflage stickers. We have already seen the setup in the spy photographs of the next-generation Thunderbird X range. The test mule is equipped with alloy wheels instead of wire-spokes, which confirms tubeless tyres on the bike.

The switchgear isn’t visible in the spy video but we may see a revised design that the next-generation Thunderbird range would share with the new Classic series. The BS-VI Classic motorcycle was seen with rotary-style switches and adjustable levers in a recent spy photograph.

The test mule of the Thunderbird in the video could be a new variant that would join the standard and the X versions. Apart from the revised ergonomics, most of the specifications would be shared with the next-generation Thunderbird range. The motorcycle will be built around the company’s new J architecture. The hardware list on the BS-VI models will retain the conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin-sided springs at the back.

Also Read: Next-gen Royal Enfield Classic with new hardware spied up close

The next-generation model range may retain the same displacement as the existing models. For reference, the current generation 346 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which uses a carburettor system, makes 20.07 PS of power at 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The bigger, 499 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled motor, which benefits from a fuel injection system, delivers 27.57 PS of peak power at 5,250 rpm and 41.3 Nm of max torque at 4,000 rpm. The next-generation models would use fuel injection system as standard along with an O2 sensor and catalytic converter to comply with the more stringent emission norms.

Braking department would include single discs on both wheels that would be governed by dual-channel ABS as standard.