| MODEL | ROYAL ENFIELD THUNDERBIRD 500 2012 - 2020 |
| Year | 2012 - 2020 |
| Engine Type | Air cooled, four stroke, single cylinder, OHV |
| Displacement / Capacity | 499 cc |
| Bore X Stroke | 84 x 90 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 20.3 kW / 27.2 hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 41.3 Nm / 30.5 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Induction | Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) |
| Start System | Electric and kick start |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 Speed (left foot gear shift) |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, 41 mm forks, 130 mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin gas charged shock absorbers, 5-step adjustable preload, 80 mm travel |
| Front Brakes | Single 280 mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Single 240 mm disc, 1 piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | 1350 mm / 53.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | — |
| Wet Weight | 195 kg / 430 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 19 |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 Litres / 5.3 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The larger-engined Thunderbird, launched with the October 2012 facelift and using the 499 cc unit-construction engine with fuel injection. Compared with the 350 it has thicker 41 mm forks, a new oval-section swingarm and a rear disc brake in place of a drum, plus a projector headlamp, LED tail light, twin-pod instruments and a split seat. It was a relaxed long-legged cruiser and stayed in the range until 2020.
