The Royal Enfield Thunderbird was a famous cruiser bike in India. The Thunderbird was phased out in favour of the Meteor 350, which is now available in India. Thunderbird also came in a sportier-looking variant known as X (Thunderbird 350X and 500X). Despite having the same overall look, the X versions had a completely unique appeal, with both Thunderbird X models being more street-oriented.
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350, which got off to a flying start, has steadily lost its lustre among buyers in recent months. Every month since February of this year, it has seen severe double-digit YoY de-growth. The new model is likely a response to Classic Legends' three varieties of the recently introduced Yezdi brand, specifically the Roadster.
The next Meteor variant will feature fresh aesthetics geared toward targeting youngsters. The bike could include an almost flat handlebar, an 18-inch front wheel, a new stunning alloy design, an all-black motif, most likely with a matte finish, and a single-piece seat. These are some features of the previous Thunderbird 350X.
Royal Enfield will launch the Meteor 350X with the same engine as the existing Meteor. This 349cc engine produces 20.2 horsepower at 6100rpm and 27 Nm at 4000rpm. It is connected to the same 5-speed transmission. The Meteor 350X will have a similar fuel efficiency of 30-40 kmpl. It will have the same 300mm rotor with a twin-pot calliper at the front and a 270mm rotor with a single-piston calliper at the back. Dual-channel ABS might be made standard.
The price, however, might not be reduced, Meteor 350X could cost Rs. 8,000 and 10,000 more than the current Meteor's base Fireball model. We anticipate that it will be available by the end of this month or early in July. This means it will go on sale before the new RE Hunter 350, another street-friendly motorcycle.
Source - ZigWheels