The Thunderbird embodies the cruiser image to the hilt with loads of chrome and what is not chromed is buffed for good measure. The front resembles the city bike or the Lightning 350 with the headlamp set high up on tall forks. The indicators get clear glass treatment. The twin instrument cluster pods lose the black plastic shroud as on the Lightning and now exude class and functionality reaches new high. It houses a rather optimistic 160kmph speedometer, 8000rpm tachometer, fuel, odometer and tripmeter all set against a dull blue background with white pointers which all work with minimum error. The ammeter is a thing of the past and the design details on the pods are testimony to the effort to leave behind the conservative and lacklustre.

Upswept handlebars are now closer to the rider with chrome mirrors atop chrome stalks. The front alloy-spoked wheel houses a twin pot disc brake from Pricol which is surely one of the finest braking units on any bike in the country.

Switches for headlamp combining flasher, horn, indicators, decompressor and engine kill are within easy reach. Quality of switchgear still feels tacky. The classy switches and electric start on the bike at the Auto Expo were absent on our road test bike. No sweat, the CDI ignition has simplified the kickstarting routine.

The fuel tank retains its teardrop contours but there is perceptible improvement. There is minimal graphic display and an absence of cumbersome fuel tank extensions while weld lines are cleaner. The paint job is eye-catching with strong vibrant shades. There are no pannier boxes, instead a parcel shelf with lockable plastic covers sporting the Thunderbird logo has been inducted, with the left side enclosing the battery. The chrome cylindrical casing behind the parcel shelf is a dummy and serves no other than a decorative purpose. The side stand is chromed and far easier to employ.

The one-piece stepped seat derived from the Machismo provides adequate comfort and a firm cushioned backrest in true cruiser tradition has been added for the pillion. The rear end is similar to the Lightning except for the clear glass indicators and the Thunderbird logo on the rear plate of the backrest.

Which brings me to what seems like an unforgivable character flaw: the signature tub-thumping exhaust note that's music to a Bullet lover's ears has been buried under miles of muffler. For once engine clatter cannot be drowned by the exhaust note however hard you wring the throttle. Imagine Pavarotti crooning to Backstreet Boys' tune! However, there is good and valid reason for the detour which I will dwell on later.

Fit and finish has significantly improved compared to other bikes in the Royal Enfield fold. Revised head, block and oil pump show no sign of leaks and routing of the clutch cable reduces chances of cable shear. There is still the constant fuel leakage from the fuel tank cap though the incessant vibrations that loosened most fastenings has considerably reduced.