The UM Renegade Commando Classic is the latest in the line of swanky but practical cruisers. The bike is also the company’s flagship product. Let us see how the newcomer performs in paper against a well-established product in the segment- the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500.
| Specifications | UM Renegade Commando Classic | Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 |
| Engine | 279.5cc single cylinder 4-valve with liquid cooling and fuel injection | 499cc single cylinder twin spark engine with fuel injection |
| Maximum Power | 25.15 PS at 8,500 rpm | 27.2 PS at 5,250 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 23 Nm at 7,000 rpm | 41.3 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork | 41 mm telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin hydraulic springs | Twin gas-charged shock absorbers |
| Front Brake | 280 mm disc with 2 piston calliper | 280 mm disc with 2-piston calliper |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm drum | 240 mm disc with single piston calliper |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18 litres | 20 litres |
| Front Tyre Size | 110/90-16 spoke | 90/90-19 spoke |
| Rear Tyre Size | 140/90-15 spoke | 120/80-18 spoke |
| Kerb Weight | 179 kg | 197 kg |
| Unique Features | Saddle bags, windshield as standard. | Projector headlamp, rear disc brake as standard. |
| Price, ex-showroom, Delhi | INR 1.89 lakhs | INR 1.87 lakhs |
Comparing the powerplant, the Commando Classic enjoys a modern liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine, whereas the Thunderbird is old-school, with a massive half-litre single cylinder air-cooled engine. It features fuel injection as well. The Thunderbird only makes 2.05 PS more power than the Commando Classic. But at 41.3 Nm of torque, the bike makes almost twice as that of the Classic’s output. However, the Classic employs a highway-friendly 6-speed transmission as opposed to the 5-speed unit on the Thunderbird.
The Classic also gets saddlebags and windshield as standard. The Thunderbird is 18 kg heavier, but comes with a 20-litre fuel tank. While the two bikes are similarly priced, the Commando Classic is more suitable for those who are looking for modern and practical cruiser that isn’t too heavy. The Thunderbird is apt for the torque-hungry Royal Enfield enthusiasts.
