The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X is the latest entrant in the cruiser market, and is set to woo the urban youth. The 2018 Bajaj Dominar 400 goes head-to-head with the new bike.
The Bajaj Dominar 400 has a distinctive power cruiser design which is reminiscent of the Ducati Diavel. It is also packed with technology like full-LED lighting, digital console, modern powertrain and ABS. The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X on the other hand, features a traditional cruiser design, but with urban youth-centric elements like Gunslinger seat, matte black styling with a brightly coloured tank. The bike also features alloy wheels with tubeless tyres for the first time. This makes the new 500X handle punctures much better than the regular variant.
| Specifications | Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X | Bajaj Dominar 400 |
| Engine | 499 cc single cylinder with air cooling | 373.3 cc single cylinder DTS-I with liquid cooling and fuel injection |
| Peak Power | 27.2 PS at 5,250 rpm | 35 PS at 8,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 41.3 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 35 Nm at 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 6-speed with slipper clutch |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork | 43 mm telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin gas-charged shock absorbers | Nitrox monoshock |
| Front Brake | 280 mm disc, no ABS | 320 mm disc with optional ABS |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm disc, no ABS | 230 mm disc with optional ABS |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 litres | 13 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 197 kg | 182 kg |
| Front Tyre | 90 / 90 - 19" - 52 P Tubeless | 110/70-17 Radial tubeless |
| Rear Tyre | 120 / 80 - 18" - 62 P Tubeless | 150/60-17 Radial tubeless |
| Wheelbase | 1,350 mm | 1,453 mm |
| Price, ex-showroom, Delhi | INR 1,98,878 | Non-ABS variant - INR 1,42,108
Twin-channel ABS variant -INR 1,56,270 |
While the Thunderbird trumps the Dominar with brute torque, the Dominar’s much more advanced engine allows for superior pickup. The Dominar is also 15 kg lighter, and thus translates into easier maneuverability. However, when it comes to riding range, the Dominar will require more stops because of its 7-litre smaller fuel tank.
Also Read: New Bajaj Dominar 400 ads released; takes a jibe at Royal Enfield again
Coming to the braking performance, the Dominar is superior as it gets bigger discs and also twin-channel ABS as an option. All the modern equipment comes in at a very competitive pricing, making it a whopping INR 42,608 less expensive. The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X on the other hand gives you custom-motorcycle-inspired design, with refreshing colours and the practicality of tubeless tires. The new design, backed with Royal Enfield’s cult image will appeal the brand’s enthusiasts looking for a stylish urban cruiser.
