UCE 500 Thunderbird

[ace.cafe]

The Thunderbird has not been an export bike up to this point. They have had the Thunderbird model in all the engine types, Iron Barrel, AVL, and now UCE.

To me, it looks like a clone of a 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special.
I think that it does have some use for parts, in case anyone wants a triple-tree and separate headlight and twin clocks to change the look on their bike. That is a popular conversion using those parts off the T-Bird.

[GA-DK]

I wonder if the 20-liter fuel tank would fit my G5.  That would be an improvement.   GA-DK

[barenekd]

The gawdawful forward footpegs and pedals kill it for me.
Interesting, though are the straight forks on a G5 frame. I guess the forward axle forks are going to be obsolete.
Bare

[wokka]

There'd be a few parts I'd be interested in, especially the rumoured rear disc brake. That would finally open up sprocket choices

Those forward controls aren't that far forward, certainly not compared to the avenger, but i would like to see how they are mounted

[Ducati Scotty]

How do you know they haven't built the sprocket into the disc? 

Scott

[hortoncode3]

YAWN..nothing like changing out the ole paint scheme to attract new buyers..not.

[Desi Bike]

How do you know they haven't built the sprocket into the disc? 

Scott

Its on the other side of the spokes from the pictures Scott.

[barenekd]

I don't think building a sprocket into the disk would be a great idea. It's amazing how detrimental a little chain lube would be to braking power!
Bare

[Alan LaRue]

I like it okay. It looks UJM to me. It's still retro, just 1970s instead of 1950s!

[Ducati Scotty]

Its on the other side of the spokes from the pictures Scott.

A) I was just kidding.
B) Don't put it past them to build a one piece disc/hub/sprocet that needs to be relaced to the rim when it wears out.

Scott

[Arizoni]

As I've probably said before, the T-Bird is a model for the 'wanna have a cruiser  bike' that will undoubtedly make many people in India happy.
It will be a big hit there for the people who can't afford a Harley.

Outside India however there are so many Japanese cruisers that out power and outclass the T-Bird in both looks and quality that it doesn't have a chance of succeeding.

The old models of the RE however are unique and interesting on the world market and as long as they are made they will find buyers.
In this niche their underpowered 500cc single has the market cornered.

[Ducati Scotty]

I'm sure that bike has more appeal domestically.  It kinda reminds me of the Virago.  The Virago is a really, really a nice bike to ride but it's a caricature of the Easy Rider bike. 

Scott

[dginfw]

I bought a C5 because I didn't want the typical jap-cruiser look...
But that blacked out engine belongs in the military bikes!  I would love to have blacked out cases on mine.

[meilaushi]

In contradistinction to other fine folks, I think it's a peach of a bike.  I like the 20 Liter tank, the headlight setup, the tach, the seats and disk rear brake, and the look of the thing, and I don't think the pegs are too far forward.  They'd sure be a help to my old creaky knees that the doc won't put grease fittings on for me.   I.e., IMHO I LIKE the new thunderbird and would buy one in a minute if Kevin would begin importing 'em!

[Alan LaRue]

Well, I just watched the video, and I take back my "70s" comment. It just looks like a motorcycle! I actually think I prefer it to the Bullet.