Royal Enfield has launched its newest factory custom motorcycle, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, in India. Part of the popular 650 twin platform, the Shotgun 650 adopts a stylish Bobber-style design while retaining the signature retro appeal that Royal Enfield bikes are loved for.
Introduction
Royal Enfield is one of India’s most iconic two-wheeler brands, known worldwide for its classic motorcycles. The Chennai-based manufacturer has now expanded its range with the introduction of the stunning Shotgun 650 Bobber in the Indian market.
True to its name, the Shotgun 650 features a rounded Bobber-style fuel tank, chopped fenders, wide handlebars, forward-set footpegs, and a stripped-down rear. The dark mechanical bits combined with the circular all-LED headlamp gives this retro cruiser a stunning persona on the road. Available in 4 exciting colour options – Stencil White, Sheet Metal Grey, Green Drill and Plasma Blue.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 price in India starts at Rs 3.34 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant.
Design and Aesthetics
The Shotgun 650 flaunts an authentic Bobber silhouette with its teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wide flat seat, and chopped rear fender. The rounded tank not only looks appealing but also offers great ergonomics by allowing the rider to grip the bike firmly using the knees.
It features a unique circular LED headlamp with an integrated horseshoe-shaped LED DRL that looks premium. The offset instrument cluster behind the front fork tubes adds to the retro styling.
The Shotgun 650 sits low with a seat height of 795 mm, allowing shorter riders to easily plant their feet on the ground. The forward-set footpegs and the slightly sweptback handlebar position the rider to comfortably reach the controls.
Customers can choose from four dual-tone colour schemes for the Shotgun 650:
| Colour | Style |
|---|---|
| Green Drill | Bold green shade with black mechanical bits |
| Stencil White | Classic white and black combo |
| Sheet Metal Grey | Grey base with blacked-out parts |
| Plasma Blue | Vibrant blue shade with contrasting mechanicals |
Royal Enfield is also offering various official customisation options and genuine motorcycle accessories for buyers to personalise their bikes. These include bar-end mirrors, fly screens, engine guards, luggage racks, single seats, etc.
Technical Specifications
Powering the Shotgun 650 is a 648cc, air and oil-cooled SOHC parallel twin engine that produces 34.6kW of power at 7250rpm and 52.3Nm of torque at 5650rpm. This BS6 compliant motor comes mated to a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox and promises a fuel efficiency of 22km/l.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Parallel twin, 4 stroke, SOHC, Air-Oil Cooled |
| Displacement | 648cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 78 mm x 67.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Maximum Power | 34.6 kW @ 7250 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 52.3 Nm @ 5650 rpm |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate |
| Gearbox | 6 Speed constant mesh |
| Fuel Supply | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Air Cleaner | Paper element |
| Engine Start | Electric |
| Mileage | 22 km/l |
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Dimensions:
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1465 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 140 mm |
| Overall Length | 2170 mm |
| Overall Width | 820 mm |
| Overall Height | 1105 mm |
| Seat Height | 795 mm |
| Rake | 25.3° |
| Trail | 101.4 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 240 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.8 litres |
The Shotgun 650 runs on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear spoke wheels wrapped in tubeless tyres. It uses 320mm front and 300mm rear disc brakes coupled with dual-channel ABS as standard for effective braking.
Showa provides the suspension duties with beefy 43mm USD forks at the front having 120mm travel and twin spring shocks at the rear having 90mm travel. The capable cycle parts promise a pliant ride and confident handling.
Variants and Pricing
The Shotgun 650 is offered in 4 variants:
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Shotgun 650 Custom Shed | Rs 3.34 lakh |
| Shotgun 650 Custom Pro | Rs 3.44 lakh |
| Shotgun 650 Custom Special | Rs 3.54 lakh |
Royal Enfield has priced the bike quite competitively against its other 650cc models like the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 which retail at Rs 3.15 lakh and Rs 3.49 lakh respectively.
Riding Experience
The Shotgun 650 offers an engaging riding experience thanks to the torquey twin-cylinder engine and the comfortable ergonomics. The bike feels nimble and easy to maneuver around traffic.
The forward-set footpegs and the sweptback handlebar allow for a relaxing upright or slightly aggressive riding posture. The seat has enough padding for the rider while the pillion seat can be removed to achieve a cleaner single-seat look. The neutral positioning of the footpegs and handlebar makes the Shotgun 650 well suited for riding within the city as well as short tours.
The parallel-twin motor produces a throaty exhaust note that Royal Enfield bikes are loved for. It offers smooth power delivery with ample mid-range punch, allowing easy cruising between 60-80 km/h. The slipper clutch prevents the rear wheel from locking during aggressive downshifts – adding to the ride safety. The suspension easily glides over undulations and small potholes – promising comfort on less-than-perfect roads.
Market Position and Competition
With its accessible pricing and impressive specifications, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 manages to carve a niche for itself. It bridges the gap between the entry-level 350cc models and the Continental GT 650.
The Shotgun 650 competes with the likes of:
- Jawa Perak (Rs 2.06 lakh)
- Honda CB350 RS (Rs 2.03 lakh)
- Yezdi Scrambler (Rs 2.10 lakh)
However, the Shotgun 650 offers better performance than the rivals with its bigger 650cc twin-cylinder engine. The retro-bobber styling also helps attract young buyers looking for a factory custom motorcycle without going overboard on the pricing.
Availability and Purchase Options
The Shotgun 650 can be booked for a token amount of Rs 10,000 at authorized Royal Enfield dealerships across India. Customers can also opt for a doorstep demo before taking the final purchase decision.
Various finance schemes are available with EMI starting from Rs 9,000 per month (at 10.5% interest). Customers can also avail additional benefits like cash discounts, exchange offers, and complimentary accessories on selecting finance schemes from Royal Enfield’s partner banks.
The estimated waiting period for the Shotgun 650 is around 2 months given the popularity of Royal Enfield’s modern classic range. Customers are advised to book the motorcycle at the earliest to avoid further delays.
Conclusion
The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 impresses with its stunning retro-bobber styling, torquey twin-cylinder engine, and accessible pricing. It feels nimble to ride while promising a comfortable ergonomics that makes daily commuting easy coupled with weekend getaways enjoyable.
The Shotgun 650 offers a great value-for-money proposition to young enthusiasts who wish to enter the middleweight segment with a evocative factory custom motorcycle without burning a hole in their pocket. Yes, the fit & finish could have been better but the overall charm of this affordable bobber more than makes up for it!
Case Studies and Expert Opinions
BikeWale editor Byron Joseph shared his experience after riding the Shotgun 650 in Delhi traffic, “The bike manages to stand out with its circular LED headlamp and small, rounded fuel tank that gives it a typical bobber stance. The wide handlebar offers decent leverage allowing easy steering around traffic.”
Popular YouTube motovlogger Abhishek Biswas (Badass Biker) took the Shotgun 650 on a 1450 km road trip from Chandigarh to Manali. He praised the bike’s comfortable saddle and relaxed ergonomics while lamenting the lack of a 6th gear for cruising on highways.
Additional Resources
So that was a detailed review of the new Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 based on its pricing, performance, features, ownership experience and expert opinions.
