If you are looking for a motorcycle that turns heads and challenges conventions, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 might just be your “piece of art”. Born from the anarchic spirit of custom culture, this factory-custom roadster is designed to be a “shapeshifting mutant” that can switch between a single-seater, a double-seater, and a luggage-carrying tourer.
But before you sign that cheque, let’s look at what it’s really like to live with this beast.
The “Wow” Factor: Why You’ll Love It
The heart of the Shotgun is its 648cc parallel-twin engine, which is widely praised for being refined, torquey, and super responsive. With 46.4bhp and a strong mid-range, it pulls smoothly even in high gears without knocking.
- Custom Vibes: It features a unique neo-modern aesthetic with four striking colours: Stencil White, Plasma Blue, Green Drill, and Sheetmetal Grey.
- Modern Tech: You get a digital-analogue cluster with Tripper navigation, an LED headlamp, and a handy USB charging port for your devices.
- Commanding Stance: Unlike its cruiser sibling, the Super Meteor, the Shotgun offers a more aggressive, roadster-like riding triangle with central-set footpegs and a flatter handlebar.
The Reality Check: Things to Consider
Every “bad boy” bike has its quirks, and owners have noted a few challenges with the Shotgun 650:
- It’s a Heavyweight: At 240kg, the bike can feel unmanageable in bumper-to-bumper traffic. One owner even described it as riding a “tank”.
- Stiff Ride: The suspension is quite stiff, which can be uncomfortable on uneven roads or potholes, sometimes leading to back pain on long journeys.
- Summer Heat: Being a 650cc air-oil cooled engine, it produces significant heat that can become unbearable in slow-moving traffic.
- Luggage Woes: There is almost no built-in luggage space unless you swap the pillion seat for a rack.
Shotgun 650 vs. Super Meteor 650: Which one is for you?
While they share the same frame and engine, they are very different rides. The Super Meteor is a “proper cruiser” with a laid-back 740mm seat height and forward-set pegs. The Shotgun is more flickable and better for handling due to its smaller 18-inch front wheel and shorter wheelbase. Its seat height is also higher at 795mm, making it a middle ground between a city commuter and a fun cruiser.
A Note for New Buyers: The “New Model” Hurdle
Because the Shotgun is relatively new, some UK owners have faced insurance headaches. Many insurers’ databases did not initially recognise the model, requiring manual intervention from underwriters. Additionally, while Royal Enfield’s service is generally decent, some owners have reported long wait times for specific spare parts, sometimes lasting up to three months.
The Verdict
The Shotgun 650 is not exactly a “sensible” purchase—it’s an emotional one. It is a gas guzzler (averaging around 23.72kmpl) and heavy to park, but it makes you feel like you “own the road”.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes