Thunderbird 500

2017 Enfield Thunderbird 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Enfield for the classic motorcycle segment, the 2017 Enfield Thunderbird 500 pairs a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 27.2 HP (19.9 kW) at 5,250 rpm while maximum torque reaches 41.3 Nm (30.5 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 54.5 HP per liter and a 1,250 rpm working window between peak torque (4,000 rpm) and peak power (5,250 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the Thunderbird 500 measures 195 kg (430 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.14 HP/kg (7.17 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 775 mm (30.5 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,350 mm (53.1 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 20-liter (5.3 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.

Within MotoLibrary's Enfield archive, this model family spans 7 indexed model years from 2012 to 2019, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.