lightning 500

LIGHTNING 500 - Royal Enfield unleashes a bolt of lightning.

The bike

The LIGHTNING 500 - the first super bike to be launched by Royal Enfield in 1997. It combines the cruiser looks and chopper styling so popular the world over. 

The plan

The LIGHTNING 500 is for the dude with the "Who needs a car when you have a bolt of lightning?" attitude. Look out for it in select Indian cities now and all over India in the April/June quarter of 1998. It’s worth waiting for the ultimate motorcycling experience.

Technical specifications
Engine
 
Vehicle
 
Type
4-stroke air cooled
Electricals
12 V ac/dc
Displacement
499 cc
Wheel base
1370 mm
Bore X Stroke
84 X 90 mm
Fuel tank capacity
14.25 lt. 
1.25lt. reserve
Compression ratio
6.5:1
Max.speed 
120 kmph
Max.bhp
22 bhp @ 5400 rpm
Front tyre
3.25 X 19" 4/6 PR
Transmission
Four speed gear box
Rear tyre
3.50 X 19" 4/6 PR

Special features

- High-lift handle bars, bucket seats and tear-drop shaped fuel tank.

- Instrument cluster with tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge and neutral indicator.

- Common key operation.

- 12 V ac/dc system with 45/40 W headlamps.

- Fully chrome plated air filter box.

- Chrome plated lockable battery cover.

- Metallic twin color paint scheme on body parts.

- Sleek front forks.

- Slim front and rear mudguards.

- Day flash switch.

- Cushioned backrest for pillion.

- 7" twin lead front brakes.

- Color options: burgundy/sandal wood, metallic grey/ black, purple/ metallic grey.