I would love to own a 500 RE Thunderbird. Over the years I have email RENA many times about when they might be available here in the US. Not once have I ever gotten a response of any kind. :-( I would like to have the option of a tack and tubeless tires.
I really like the looks of Jawa and would own the the new Classic and the Bobber if they were to be available here in the US. But their is nothing like a RE 500 single. The character, the sole of this bike, is like nothing else on the market. I love the sound of the values, the beautiful thump that comes out the the back, and the feel of every stroke of the piston going up and down. Yes, I like all that vibration. It’ fun to ride, all of it making me feel alive and apart of the machine. Their many other bikes out their but they are like riding a boring appliances comparison. I will be very sad if RE ever discontinues making this model.