[Guaire]

Is a 500 version of this coming the US?

https://www.thequint.com/tech-and-auto/car-and-bike/royal-enfield-thunderbird-classic-bs6-models-coming-soon?fbclid=IwAR0j47oT6MlLbGJuOXovVYguJP3PkcW1Zu0hTo_MmX-kAOZT6bkD-Yk9nBA

[Richard230]

With the 650's selling well in the U.S., I wouldn't put my money on a 500cc single coming here, although I would like a 500cc single version of the Himalayan. 

[9fingers]

Sadly, I agree with Richard230, on both points. A 500 Himalayan would float my boat. But I do still think there is a market for the 500cc Classic or whatever they call it.
9fingers

[Ove]

I saw photos a few months ago somewhere of a 650 Himalayan, a factory styling exercise I think. It just looked like continental  GT with long legs, rather than a Himalayan with two exhausts. A beefier single cylinder Himalayan would be interesting.

I also think a bigger single (600cc?), for a wider range of road use would be interesting. CCM offer an interesting take on this in the UK. I reckon a retro Enfield style single could capture a wider market if it could sit comfortably at 80mph. Though I doubt it would be the sort of sales numbers Enfield India would need to be take interest. Someone needs to resurrect BSA, or a modern Ariel Red Hunter...?

I love my 500 though, but I need my second bike for when I'm out with mates.

[bobscogin]

Someone needs to resurrect BSA, or a modern Ariel Red Hunter...?

In October 2016 Mahindra purchased the BSA name for use on motorcycles and were expected to have something out by the middle of this year. Didn't happen, as we know. I think they've probably been pouring resources into the Jawa brand. I wouldn't expect any BSA from Mahindra to be very retro.

Bob

[AmBraCol]

Personally, I'd love to see a 650 Thunderbird.  Or a double cradle frame for the 500. Hate to see the kick starter go away though. I've really enjoyed the 500 Rumbler (same as the Thunderbird) and hope they keep it around for a good long while, but a better frame and larger engine would be welcome.

[axman88]

The latest news regarding the 500 singles is that they are being discontinued in spring of 2020.

There's a link to a news article here:   https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php?topic=27677.msg316938;boardseen#new

As you can see by following the other link found in that thread, 500 sales have been just a fraction of 350 sales in India, and not all that impressive worldwide.  650 sales appear to have stolen a substantial chunk of RE's foreign market away from 500s in 2019.

I've read that RE's current focus is to upgrade the 350's to EFI and BS 6 compliance.  There's also talk of a "650 Himalayan" and bigger displacement engines to come, but no talk of an immediate future for 500 singles.

The UCE 500 had a good, 10 year run.

[Kevin Mahoney]

If the Jawa is any indication the BSA might be pretty cool. I wonder how long the "retro" thing can last though. Not surprised if the 500 gets dropped. At one time we were the largest seller of that model in the world and we were only selling a few hundred

[swamp2]

If the Jawa is any indication the BSA might be pretty cool. I wonder how long the "retro" thing can last though. Not surprised if the 500 gets dropped. At one time we were the largest seller of that model in the world and we were only selling a few hundred

Well, I'm sure glad I've got one of 'em.  Ok, two of 'em 

[GSS]

The Benelli Imperiale 400 is looking pretty nice and retro as well!

https://india.benelli.com/

[heloego]

And it would appear there are 4 dealers here in New Mexico. That's 4 times as many as RE.Tempting. 

[Narada]

Those Jawas are beautiful, but I'm partial to the Classic 500. I had hoped RE would beef up the frame and put in a 650 twin as an option to the 500!    The motorcyling world is now loosing a gorgeous bike. Damned accountants! 

[Arizoni]

Everyone knows a JAWA is only a real JAWA if it is a 2 stroke and has a twin piston, single combustion chamber head in it.

Replacing the 2 stroke with a 4 stroke doesn't quite cut it for me.

Whing-ding-ding-ding, ding. 

[axman88]

You guys might enjoy this video, reviewing and contrasting the Jawa, the Benelli Imperiale, and the RE 350:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaBU1wCX_XA

I can't seem to find anybody selling the Jawa in the USA.  Is it being sold here?

Harley should license the Jawa, instead of that nondescript 338 that they are developing for the Asian market.  Mahindra can't keep up with demand in India.

[litfire145]

If RE had made the Himalayan a 650 I would have kept mine!