UM Renegade Commando Classic vs. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 - Spec comparo

05/09/2017 - 10:11 | Royal Enfield Thunderbird, UM Renegade Classic, Royal Enfield, UM Global Motorcycles | Praveen M

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.

UM Renegade Commando Classic Black studio shot right side — UM launched the Renegade Commando Classic at a price of INR 1.89 lakhs, ex-showroom, Delhi.

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.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Black Studio shot right side — The Thunderbird 500 produces 41.3 Nm of torque.

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.