30,000 km with the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 (2015)
Still the best touring cruiser for India?
Back in 2018, I bought a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350. I’d just returned from an RTW cycling expedition and was looking for a machine that could handle India’s open roads, dusty backlanes and chaotic city streets.
Fast forward eight years and 30,000 kilometres, and I’m still riding the same bike. It’s been my companion through long-distance tours, monsoon commutes, sunrise rides in Goa, and slow, winding climbs in Himachal.
This review is a long time coming. It’s not about specs or hype. It’s about how the Thunderbird 350 holds up after years on the road, what it’s like to tour with, and whether I’d still recommend it in 2025.
Read My Guide to Buying A Second-Hand Royal Enfield in Delhi
Why I Bought the Thunderbird 350
I chose the Thunderbird for one simple reason: it looked like it could handle anything.
The Thunderbird has a big 20-litre tank, a wide seat, upright cruiser bars, and a solid 346cc engine with enough torque to carry me, my kit and a full load of luggage across India. It wasn’t built for speed. It was built for the journey.
I love that Royal Enfield has such a massive heritage in the UK and India. It’s become an iconic marque across the world, and I wanted a piece of the action. I often hang out at the Garage Cafe in Goa. A great place to meet like-minded riders and enthusiasts.
My mate Wayne had a Thunderbird and as a tall rider, he rated the riding position for long journeys
Real-World Specs
The Thunderbird 350 isn’t built for spec sheets. It’s built for the road. That said, it’s packing a reliable 346cc single-cylinder engine with enough grunt to carry you and your gear across the country.
The 20-litre tank gives it real touring range, the wide seat keeps you comfortable for hours, and while there’s no ABS or modern electronics, the ride is solid and predictable.
With regular servicing and a few smart upgrades, this machine is more than capable of serious mileage in Indian conditions.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 346cc, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, Twinspark |
| Max Power | 19.8 bhp @ 5,250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 28 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 litres |
| Mileage | 35–40 km/l (real-world average) |
| Brakes | Front Disc, Rear Disc (No ABS) |
| Tyres (Stock) | 90/90-19 front, 120/80-18 rear |
| Tyres (Upgraded) | CEAT XL Grip |
| Weight | 192 kg (kerb) |
| Seat Height | 775 mm |
Touring with the Thunderbird
City Riding
Goa’s traffic is unforgiving. But the Thunderbird takes it in stride. The low-end torque makes it easy to cruise through stop-and-go traffic. It’s heavy, yes, but the wide bars give you control and leverage when you need it.
Long Distance
On the open road, this bike finds its rhythm. Between 80 and 90 kilometres per hour is the sweet spot. I’ve ridden all day without back pain. The riding posture is upright, the seat is wide, and the tank keeps you rolling for hours without a fuel stop.
Country Roads
The Thunderbird isn’t an off-roader, but it holds steady on broken tarmac and dusty tracks. With the right tyres, it’ll get you through most situations. I’ve ridden it fully loaded on backcountry roads in Goa, Maharashtra and the Himalayas. It handled the rough stuff better than expected.
My Touring Setup
After a few thousand kilometres, I made some essential upgrades:
CEAT XL Grip Tyres
The stock MRFs weren’t up to the job. I switched to CEAT XL Grips and immediately noticed the difference. Better grip in wet conditions, more stability on corners, and overall more confidence on Indian roads.
Luggage Rack
I fitted a custom rear rack early on. It’s carried everything from backpacks and duffels to fuel cans and tool kits. Touring without one is a mistake. This is a must-have mod if you’re planning longer trips.
Read My Ultimate Packing List for All Terrain Motorcycle Adventures
Pros and Cons of the Thunderbird 350
Pros
- Super comfortable seat and riding position
- A big tank means fewer fuel stops
- Handles weight and luggage well
- Classic cruiser look with real presence on the road
- Reliable engine with plenty of torque for hills and hauling
Cons
- Vibrates over 90 km/h
- No ABS on the 2015 model
- Stock headlight isn’t great for night riding
- The rear disc brake needs attention on long descents
- Heavy in traffic and not ideal for tight urban corners
Thunderbird 350 vs Classic 350
A question I get all the time: Should I buy a Thunderbird or a Classic?
Here’s a breakdown based on real-world experience.
| Feature | Thunderbird 350 | Classic 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Riding Position | Cruiser-style, relaxed posture | Traditional upright stance |
| Seat Comfort | Wide and soft, great for long rides | Firmer and narrower |
| Fuel Tank | 20 litres | 13.5 litres |
| Instruments | Analogue + digital with fuel gauge | Basic twin dials, no fuel gauge |
| Headlamp | Projector with LED ring | Halogen bulb |
| Highway Handling | Stable and planted | Lighter, more agile in town |
| Styling | Modern cruiser look | Retro British appeal |
| Vibration Levels | Manageable till 90 km/h | Higher in older UCE models |
| Best For | Touring, long-distance riding | City use, short commutes, classic charm |
Read About The Ride That Started It All – The Himalayas By Royal Enfield
My Verdict
If you’re touring, the Thunderbird is the better machine. The seat, the tank, the posture – it’s made for distance. The Classic is great around town, has timeless style, but lacks the comfort and range for serious travel.
FAQs: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 Review
What’s the real-world mileage?
I consistently get between 35 and 40 km/l, depending on speed, weight and terrain.
What’s the cruising speed?
80 to 90 km/h. Anything more and the vibes kick in. It’ll do 100, but it’s not happy there.
Is it good for long-distance rides?
Yes. I’ve done back-to-back 500+ km days without issue. With the proper setup, it’s a capable tourer.
Is the 2015 Thunderbird still worth buying?
Definitely, if you find one that’s been looked after. Check for service history, engine condition, and wear on brakes, tyres and chain.
What upgrades should I make?
Swap the tyres, fit a luggage rack, and consider a better headlamp if you’re riding after dark.
Does it have ABS?
No. The 2015 model came without it. You’ll need to brake with intention and plan ahead. If ABS is necessary, look at newer models.
Is it good in city traffic?
It’s manageable, but heavy. You’ll feel it in tight corners and during low-speed manoeuvres. The torque helps though.
Are spares and servicing easy to find?
Yes. Royal Enfield’s network is strong and spare parts are widely available. I’ve never struggled to get repairs done, even in smaller towns.
Final Thoughts
Eight years later, I still love riding this bike. It’s not perfect. It’s not flashy. But it’s dependable, comfortable and full of character.
The Thunderbird 350 isn’t just a machine. It’s a companion for the long road. And if you’re planning to explore India on a second-hand machine, then it’s one of the best tools for the job.
RE discontinued the Thunderbird in 2020 and replaced it with the Meteor range. And since then, Royal Enfield has raised their game in every respect. I’ve test ridden numerous new models, including the Bear 650 and the latest 450 Himalayan, both of which I love.
