The fourth motorcycle on the Royal Enfield 650 platform is the first one that doesn't fit into a conventional genre. The Interceptor, Continental GT and Super Meteor all have their clearly defined roles, but what exactly is the Shotgun 650 supposed to be? The anticipation surrounding Royal Enfield's Shotgun 650 has been nothing short of electric in the motorcycle enthusiast community. With a legacy deeply rooted in classic design and thumping performance, Royal Enfield has often been the choice for riders seeking a timeless experience on two wheels.
Key Points
1. Design and Aesthetics
The first striking departure from Royal Enfield's traditional design language is evident in the Shotgun 650's aesthetics. Royal Enfield says that it is inspired by the custom bike scene, and that’s an approach that makes sense. After all nothing else in India comes anywhere close to being how popular REs are in the custom world. To my eyes, this is a long, low, Bobber-style machine and while the Shotgun is based on the Super Meteor platform, there are plenty of differences.
The more notable ones include different wheel sizes, with an 18-inch/17-inch front and rear set up vs the more traditional cruiser 19-inch/16-inch combination on the Super Meteor. It also gets a handsome new fuel tank that holds 13.8-liters, which is about 2-litres down on its sibling. Then there’s the seat height which at 795mm is still very approachable, but much higher than the ultra-low 740mm seat on the Super Meteor.
2. Performance and Handling
Under the hood, or rather, within the frame, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 packs a punch with its 650cc parallel-twin engine. However, whether these upgrades enhance the riding experience for the traditional Royal Enfield rider accustomed to the thumping vibrations remains to be seen.
3. Technological Features
However, for riders who have cherished the simplicity of analog gauges and mechanical controls, the technological leap might be viewed as a departure from the essence of a classic motorcycling experience.
4. Comfort and Ergonomics
One of the critical factors that can make or break a cruiser's appeal is its comfort on long rides. The Shotgun 650 introduces a slightly more aggressive riding posture compared to the laid-back stance of traditional Royal Enfield cruisers. However, for those accustomed to the relaxed ergonomics of classic Royal Enfield cruisers, the shift in riding posture might be perceived as a deviation from the brand's comfort-oriented ethos.
5. Customization Potential
One of the hallmarks of Royal Enfield ownership has been the ability to personalize and customize the motorcycle to reflect individual tastes. The question remains whether the customization community, known for transforming classic Royal Enfields into personalized masterpieces, will find the same creative potential in the Shotgun 650.
6. Price and Value Proposition
In the end, whether the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is deemed a hit or miss depends significantly on its price point and the perceived value it offers. Potential buyers will weigh the Shotgun 650 against not only its direct competitors but also other offerings within the Royal Enfield lineup.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 real-world usability
First is the ground clearance, or lack thereof. This motorcycle not only looks long and low; it actually is with a clearance figure of just 140mm. With plenty of caution, I got through a few days of riding without scraping the bike, but there’s no escaping that you will always need a careful approach over bad roads and speed breakers, especially if you have a pillion and/or luggage. Then there’s the fact that just like its siblings, this bike feels long and wide in traffic. There’s also the weight and the moderately heavy clutch that will play on your mind. Mostly though, it's the width of the footpegs and exhausts in particular makes it a bit of a cumbersome commuter. But it's not all bad news because this bike has one big advantage over the Super Meteor - comfort.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 ride comfort
The difference comes mainly down to how you sit on the bike. Here, you aren’t sitting so low but your lower body is in a very comfy, neutral position with mid set footpegs that will remind you of the Classic 350. This alone takes the load off your lower back, thus making the Shotgun much more comfortable than the Super Meteor over bad roads, even though it actually has 11mm less travel in its dual rear shock absorbers. The Showa suspension has an air of firmness to it, but it's decently absorptive and falls well short of being harsh.
Is it a hit, capturing the imagination of a new generation while retaining the essence of Royal Enfield, or is it a miss, straying too far from the beloved classic cruiser identity? For others, it may be a departure from the soul-stirring thump and timeless design that define the quintessential Royal Enfield experience. As the Shotgun 650 hits the roads, the verdict will unfold in the miles ridden, the stories shared, and the communities it builds – only time will tell whether it becomes a revered classic or a footnote in Royal Enfield's storied history.