Cruisers

2016Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

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The 2016 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 is a classic-styled middleweight cruiser built in India, ideal for riders seeking retro aesthetics with reliable, accessible performance. Known for its comfortable upright ergonomics, manageable seat height, and straightforward engineering, it appeals to both beginners and experienced riders preferring low-maintenance simplicity over modern complexity.

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Wet weight: 195.0 kg
Seat height: 775 mm
Power: 27.2 HP (19.9 kW) @ 5250 RPM

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Other years 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail15%

Cornering35%

City riding60%

Daily riding60%

Touring55%

Two-up50%

Track10%

Best for: It's built for relaxed cruising and classic-style commuting rather than outright speed or sport riding.
Built for: It has an old-school single-cylinder thumper charm, prioritizing steady torque and classic looks over performance.
Not ideal for: It's not for riders seeking high-speed thrills, aggressive cornering, or serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Power: 27.2 HP (19.9 kW) @ 5250 RPM
Torque: 41.3 Nm (4.2 kgf-m) @ 4000 RPM
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1395 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 90.0 mm
Compression: 8.5:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric & kick
Ignition: Digital Electronic Ignition
Lubrication system: Wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet mulitiplate

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1350 mm
Overall length: 2060 mm
Overall width: 895 mm
Overall height: 1300 mm
Seat height: 775 mm
Wet weight: 195.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Single downtube, using engine as stressed member
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload
Front wheel travel: 130 mm
Rear wheel travel: 80 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. 2-piston calipers
Front brakes diameter: 280 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Single-piston
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 90/90-19
Rear tyre: 120/80-18

Other

Color options: Blue, gray, silver, black, asphalt
Comments: Royal Enfield bikes are made in India.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2012	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Capacity	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc
Dry weight	—	—	—	—	—	195 kg
Seat height	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm
Fuel capacity	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L