Understanding the Causes of Keyhole Bend and Handling Issues in Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350

Owners of Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 often face various issues that can impact the performance and safety of their motorcycle. One of these common problems is the bend in the keyhole. However, it's not the key that bends; rather, the keyhole itself may appear bent due to other underlying issues. Moreover, another frequent complaint is the tendency of the bike to pull towards the right side when hands are off during riding. This article aims to investigate the root causes of these problems and provide solutions.

Keyhole Bend and Its Causes

The bend in the keyhole is an unusual occurrence in most motorcycles, including the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350. The issue is typically not related to the key bending, but rather indicative of some other underlying mechanical issues. Here are a few reasons for the keyhole bend:

Cracks or Chips in the Keyhole: Though rare, the keyhole itself might have developed cracks or chips due to accidental impact or wear over time. Misalignment of the Steering: The steering might be slightly misaligned, causing the keyhole to appear bent even though the key is still functional. Handling Issues: Poor handling can cause wear and tear on the bike’s components, including the keyhole area, leading to it appearing bent.

It is important to address any such issues immediately to avoid further damage. If your keyhole is indeed bent, consider using a spare key until the problem is fixed. Visiting a professional mechanic or a reputable bike shop is recommended to get the keyhole and the bike’s overall condition checked.

Bike Pulling Towards the Right When Hands are Off

Another common issue reported by Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 owners is the bike pulling to the right when hands are off during riding. This issue generally points towards wheel alignment problems. Here are some potential causes and solutions:

Possible Causes

1. Chassis Bend:

The chassis of the motorcycle may have been damaged over time, possibly due to hitting a pothole or experiencing an accidental fall. This can cause the bike to pull to the right.

2. Untightened Spokes and Wheels:

If the spoke tension is not correct or the wheels are out of alignment, the bike can seem to pull to the right. It is crucial to get the spokes tightened and the wheels realigned at a professional tire shop.

3. Motorcycle Hit a Pothole:

Accidentally hitting a pothole can bend the rear rim of the wheel, causing the bike to veer to the right. To correct this, consult a local mechanic who can help straighten the rim or replace it if necessary.

4. Shock Oil Loss:

The shock absorbers may have lost some of their oil over time, leading to poor handling and pulling. This can be checked by a professional mechanic who can top up the oil or replace the shock absorbers if needed.

Common Issues with the Bullet

The Royal Enfield Bullet models also experience similar issues, but generally, these problems are not concerning for seasoned riders. However, it is important to ensure that the bike is in good condition to prevent any accidents or breakdowns.

For the Thunderbird 350, addressing the issues early can save time and money in the long run. Regular maintenance and checks by a qualified mechanic can help spot and fix these problems before they become major issues.

Conclusion

Handling and keyhole issues in the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350, such as pulling to the right and a bent keyhole, can be resolved with timely maintenance and care. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure the bike's performance is optimal and to maintain the safety of the rider. For those who are not confident in handling these issues themselves, taking the bike to a trusted mechanic is the wisest choice.

Should you experience any of the issues mentioned, consider the solutions provided. Regular servicing and maintaining the bike can help in avoiding such problems and keeping the Thunderbird running smoothly. Happy riding!