Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 is an updated version of CB Unicorn 150 with major changes in all most aspects. So what are those major tweaks at an expense of extra 6000 – 7000 rupees ?. Unicorn 150 is losing grip in the market as it is ageing and rivals are now outperforming. So does Unicorn 160 perform the role of successor quite well? Time to inspect.
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Performance
Features
Handling
Comfort
Build Quality
Styling
Value for Money
Total
Prices mentioned are the ex-showroom prices
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346cc
32-40km/l
20.1PS @ 5250rpm
28N.m @ 4000rpm
CARBURETOR
20liters
TWIN SHOCK
197Kg
| City | 32-35km/l |
| Highway | 36-40km/l |
| Speedometer | Analogue |
| Tachnometer | Analogue |
| Tripmeter | Digital |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes |
| Pass Light | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Fuel Warning Indicator | No |
| Start Type | Self/Kick Start |
| Clock | Yes |
| Low Battery Indicator | No |
| Low Oil Indicator | No |
| ABS | Yes |
| Turn Signal | Yes |
| Type | Single Downtube, Using Engine as Stressed Member |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, 41mm Forks, 130mm Travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Gas Charged Shock Absorbers with 5-step Adjustable Preload, 80mm Travel |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Twin Spark, Air-Cooled |
| Displacement | 346cc |
| Power | 20.1PS @ 5250rpm |
| Torque | 28N.m @ 4000rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 70mm x 90mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Supply | 29mm, Constant Vacuum Carburetor |
| Clutch | Wet, Multi-Plate |
| Gearbox | 5 Speed Constant Mesh |
| Valve Per Cylinder | 2 |
| Air Cleaner | Paper Element |
| Ignition System | Transistorized Coil Ignition |
| Wheelbase | 1350mm |
| Ground Clearance | 135mm |
| Length x Width x height | 2060mm x 790mm x 1205mm |
| Kerb Weight | 197Kg (with 90% Fuel & Oil) |
| Fuel Capacity | 20liters |
| Tyres (F) | 90/90-19" |
| Tyres (R) | 120/80-18" |
| Brakes (F) | 280mm, Disc, 2-Piston Caliper |
| Brakes (R) | 240mm, Disc, Single Piston Caliper |
| ABS | Dual Channel |
| Electrical System | 12Volt - DC |
| Battery | 12V, 8Ah |
| Head Lamp | H7 55/55W(PROJECTION TYPE) |
| Tail Lamp | L.E.D. Lamp with Position Light Guides |
| Turn Signal Lamp | 12V, 10W X 4Nos |
My first words while seeing this motorcycle will be like this – formal design with a bit of aggression but having modern and refreshed looks. Now let’s go through each word. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 has a formal design because lines and bendings are in low amounts. A little bit of aggression and feel is present by the presence of large trapezoidal headlight flanked by the small black windscreen giving the front section a bold look.The side profiles are neat enough with shrouds underneath the tank being a distinctive one. Fully blacked out engine is simply superb and is a welcome move from HMSI in terms of design. The multi-coloured front forks and mudguard bring X-factor to the design. In rear side, everything is fine with H-shaped tail light and a well-designed exhaust being notable ones. So as a commuter motorcycle overall styling is strictly conservative while as a performance motorcycle it will disappoint you for sure. Build quality is noteworthy with no issues whatsoever for paint, panels and switchgear.
This is exactly Honda CB Unicorn 150 engine but with longer stroke, lightweight, better heat dissipation, tweaked exhaust note and no compromise in unicorn’s renowned refinement. An added counter balancer does iron out extra vibrations from reaching to the handlebars and rest of the area within the motorcycle. So overall this 162.71cc, four-stroke, carbureted motor does a great job isn’t it? Now to the numbers. This one pumps out 14PS of raw power @ 8,000rpm and 13.92Nm of torque @ 6,000rpm. In the low and mid rev range engine is torquey enough and does city dwelling duties superbly. In high revs up to 8,000rpm power delivery is smooth and after that power is more linear and slightly stressed. Gearbox is smooth enough – typical Honda trait and initial gear ratios are short ones while high-end ones are long enough to accommodate highway riding. Honda Eco Technology (HET), viscous paper for filter along with smooth refined engine does give a mileage of around 51-56km/l.
While talking about ergonomics of Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 this one is meant for those who need a quick ride to their homes or offices. Ride quality is spot on for city conditions with comfortable seats, soft suspension setup with wide and cushioned seats for extra comfort. This one does its job for long rides due to the above-mentioned factors. While softer suspension setup spoils the party around the corners and series of bends. The handlebar is wide and foot controls are set in the middle having upright riding posture. Combined Braking System (CBS) for 240mm front disc along with 130mm rear drum brakes does not offer great bite individually but together it does perform. MRF Nylogrip Zapper tyres do bring more harm as they are not having enough grip and feedback which is not a great thing.
CBS with equaliser does come to rescue here in braking duties with all digital instrument console loaded with all needed data and values like speed, rpm, two tripmeters, odometer, fuel and gear indicator. Kill switch for engine is missing which is a serious one. Large fuel reservoir, mono shock suspension, elegant muffler does bring added punch to features package.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 is a value for money motorcycle and is without doubt clear successor to CB Unicorn 150. It is definitely eye catching for conservative commuters and irritating for performance, stylish oriented riders. Honda has revamped this motorcycle in all segments and clearly lies in the portfolio in between Hornet 160R and Unicorn 150 with pride.
