Royal Enfield's recent unveiling of the Shotgun 650 raises a pertinent question: How does it differ from its predecessor, the Super Meteor 650? Let's delve into a detailed comparison to uncover the distinctions:
Design
- The Shotgun 650, being based on the Super Meteor 650, shares several components with the cruiser, including the frame.
- Notable differences in the Shotgun 650 include a headlight cowl, LED indicators on the headlight cowl assembly, mid-set footpegs, a flatter handlebar for a more upright riding stance, and bar-end mirrors.
- The fuel tank design varies, with the Shotgun 650 featuring a slightly boxier tank complemented by a single-seat setup.
- The Super Meteor 650, in contrast, has a smoother, swooping line for the tank, a split-seat setup, and a full-length rear fender.
- Alloy wheel designs, exhaust styles, and rear fender lengths differ between the two models.
Engine
- Both motorcycles share the same 648cc air-/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine, generating 47PS at 7250rpm and 52.3Nm at 5650rpm.
- The Shotgun 650 features a blacked-out engine casing, while the Super Meteor 650 has a gloss finish.
Underpinnings
- Common features include a steel tubular spine frame, a 43mm inverted fork with 120mm wheel travel, twin rear shock absorbers with preload adjustability, and a brake setup with 320mm front disc and 300mm rear disc, equipped with dual-channel ABS.
- Differences lie in dimensions, ground clearance, seat height, kerb weight, fuel capacity, and tire specifications.
Instrumentation
- Both motorcycles share a round semi-digital instrument console with the Tripper navigation pod and the Wingman in-app feature.
The Shotgun 650, although based on the Super Meteor 650, incorporates sufficient changes to establish its identity as a bobber. Distinctive design elements, such as the single-piece seat and chopped fender, contribute to its bobber character. The pricing will play a crucial role in determining customer preference, with expectations of the Shotgun 650 being priced around Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom), making it more affordable than the Super Meteor 650. The dilemma between choosing a 650cc cruiser and a 650cc bobber might pose a considerable challenge for Royal Enfield enthusiasts, reminiscent of the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 choice.