2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Review

[@ArthurClarke-r6e]

I bought my Continental GT in the States, and spent a bit of money modifying it. I liked it so much, I shipped it to Ireland when I moved rather than start again.

[@Borntobemild2625]

A friend has just returned from India & and the word on the street is definitely the clasic 650 & will be shown in late 2024/ early 2025 . India generally was happy with the 350, but the younger affluent wanted that extra power in the clasic style.

[@martinhughes9769]

Nice looking bike , great review lots of information 👍

[@thenefyncat6970]

It's only the persistent rumours about the Classic 650 that are stopping me buying the Shotgun. Damn annoying, in a nice way.

[@Borntobemild2625]

@@thenefyncat6970 Same 👍

[@lashtal]

I want the shotgun. But a 650 CLASSIC? I'm about to lose my mind.

[@DayumSonny]

Been living in India for the past 3 years now and knowing the latest in RE news is a plus. There's a Classic and Scrambler version of the 650 twins currently undergoing testing, along with a Hunter version of the 450 Sherpa engine.

[@UsernameKate]

🙌🙌🙌

[@UsernameKate]

Oh that Hunter would be ace!

[@DayumSonny]

@@UsernameKate They've called it the 'Guerilla 450'.

[@staryjanek]

In the 80's BMW clocks suffered from condensation, they cured it by adding a small vent hole covered by a Gore-Tex membrane

[@wongfeihung9724]

Excellent tip

[@JohnLongdin]

One of the best looking bikes they produce in my opinion and it sounds a lot better than I expected. Refreshing that you can change the look so much, so simply. Great review as always!

[@KarinaSM650]

Absolutely beautiful bikes the more you ride them the BETTER the engine gets. I love my Super Meteor 650 best bike I've ever owned, thanks to Kate's review, I fell in love with it. Great review as always Katie 👏

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks Karina!! I've got some touring plans coming up on a Super Meteor soon!! 🙌🙌

[@artiecisneros4691]

Listening to you is a breath of fresh air.

[@UsernameKate]

Ah, thank you so much! 🥹

[@Manifestings]

I love all the different Royal Enfield styles and colours. The Army Green and Fluorescent colours are amazing. I find them all very refreshing indeed. I think they are a brave company that have slowed down all the technology and made their bikes appealing to all ages. Well done. Nice Vlog Kate. Thank you. Xx

[@BobTaylorCruising]

I ended up buying a Kawasaki in the US due to a lack of dealer support ( Columbia, Maryland). There are some dealers, but none even close to local. I've become aware of the popularity of RE motorcycles in the UK and agree that they are a great choice as an everyday riding motorcycle. My Kawasaki Vulcan S has more horsepower that I don't put to use, really, but has even less tech than the Shotgun does. My last Yamaha motorcycle didn't have a fuel gauge. The Kawasaki has two trip meters, a fuel gauge and a clock. Wow!

[@veritasvincit2745]

My Continental GT didn't really start loosening up until it was past 2500 miles. Not just the engine and box but the suspension too. It just became more supple and fluid . I think most of the 650s are the same probably because they're relatively crude and solidly built (in a good basic way) and live up to the old strapline of Made Like a Gun.

[@marcbrasse747]

Royal Enfield are literally on a roll nowadays. I can still remember it for being a brand that got the odd “just for laughs” test with the unavoidable comment that they tended to break down all the time. By now they have become the dream of many an ICE traditionalist.

[@MoarMrBASS]

I feel like RE was smart to just reuse the same engine it keeps costs down and allows them to stay competitive in the mid range market

[@reg171reg]

just waiting for my Classic 650

[@kenmason9354]

This going to be my first bike ,love looks of it 👏👏👏😎

[@UsernameKate]

🙌🙌 which colour?

[@kenmason9354]

@@UsernameKate gray

[@jamesschneider3828]

What makes Royal Enfield great is that it took some major que's out of Honda's playbook. Like Honda has done with its 500cc class by building multiple different machines using that engine and frame and adding different subframe etc. RE have done this with the 650 and some with the 350 engine. The further they progress the quality of the bikes get better.

[@jez6208]

Rumour is a Classic 650 is on the way. I have a classic 350 signals desert sand. Love it! The display has condensation. They all do. God knows why?

[@johnDukemaster]

I testrode one like this today! Same colour! And that one had 2into1 S&S downpipes from a the other 650's and an S&S endcan. Sounded wonderful! And actually made the engine "healthier" according to the owner. I used to have a Triumph Speedmaster 865cc with 68bhp and I must say, this Shotgun feels (at least with those pipes) quicker. If someone handed this bike to me, not knowing size or power, I would never guess it's a 650 with 48bhp. I would say less...no! Just joking! This is a really good bike! Thank you!

[@gemail6112]

Goed morning from Belgium. Had a testride the other day. Loved it. I would have loved the dash from the himalayon on the shotgun with a rev counter. 9tyerwise love the sound of the exhausts. Good pricing. A winner

[@haxan6663]

I wasn't keen on the Shotgun when I first saw it, but it is growing on me. In the market for a second bike to go with my Scram within the next few months, so this will be on the list.

[@johnnyfanta]

Same here - it did nothing for me in pictures but I’ve seen a couple in the flesh now and took a test ride on one yesterday and I’m sold! Huge fun 👍👍👍

[@ttrguy9952]

UNK Another stellar review! RE is really covering the style market! I think their sale will go through the roof this year. Great video Kate! I can't wait for the next one and especially another Lillie video! Ride SAFE and BE safe Lady! 👍👍

[@timsatchell6713]

The next 650 will be a classic. Spy shots confirm this. If RE want it to look as if it jumped out of the 50s, it will need to be maroon with a tucked in 2 into 1 exhaust. They do a beautiful maroon Bullet on the US market. Really looking 50s ish. Gr8 review btw.

[@think_possitive]

Lots of respect and Love from India 🇮🇳🙏😊

[@winchester92stevebrook44]

I really like the Shotgun, but I'm holding out to see if they bring out a 650 "Classic" to compare it to. Loved your review.

[@TheHdleif]

You get a lot of motorcycle for the money on the Royal Enfield, it seems. Great vid as per usual Kate! Keep up the great work!

[@Sonia_Godfray_Hindu]

Heart throb of Indian bikes RE ❤️

[@jroberthadden]

Our local RE dealer just got one and I'm anxious to check it out. I liked the Super Meteor that I tested, so I imagine the Shotgun will be a good ride, also.

[@wongfeihung9724]

Another v useful bike review from you Kate... thank you. The Shotgun 650 is definitely on my short list as a practical 'stepping stone' after a long absence from biking. Would make a no-nonsense, value-for-money workhorse and a back-up second bike in the longer term.

[@johngault-9597]

Nice video. What I like about my Shotgun is it lets me ride at whatever speed I want to go as opposed to my Z900 that wants to go fast all the time...

[@vincesacca5025]

I have watched a lot of reviews on this bike. They have all been very positive about the quality, finish, reliability and affordable value. It helps for people to see you by wearing a bright type top piece. Like what road workers wear. I found it really helps. Be safe. Good review.

[@christopherpekel6096]

Statistically it makes no difference

[@vincesacca5025]

@@christopherpekel6096 Thanks for your reply. I have been riding for 56 years and luckily, I've had no incidents because I make sure people can see me. It's taught in the motorcycle hand books and schools. It's common sense.

[@marcbrasse747]

Riding with the glitterati one moment and then totally feet down on the ground again the next. You’re still the best, Kate. 😘

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

Royal Enfield basically took a shotgun to the market with two cost effective cruisers. This bike really surprised me it rides better than it should. I mean it corners well and is just a joy to ride around I was having a lot of trouble deciding between this and the interceptor. I chose the interceptor in the dark colour scheme the gold as I wanted more diversity and I had a Harley 883 Iron 2017 for a while wanted to move to a more sit up and beg seat (back issues)

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

You should have kept your Sportster. You could have changed the seat and handle bars cheaper than buying a new bike.

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

@@frankmarkovcijr5459 I run a men’s mental health program and at the moment about to get a Triumph x400 Scrambler for group training and therapy I love my 883 but it’s expensive to run bad on petrol I have V&H pipes and I live in an apartment, hardly ever use it, I rent it out more and more often. The RE Interceptor I am currently using belongs to a co worker and I am trying to see if it’s a Good thing, want to use as work support rather then a car

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

@@frankmarkovcijr5459I have a few bikes testing at the moment, I didn’t end up getting the interceptor as they completely sold out of everything. Currently have new Royal Enfield 450 Himalayan, returned the rental Triumph x400, girl friend owns BMW 310GS, Harley was a great bike 2nd 883 Sportster, cruiser’s don’t do dirt well. In the past we would have gone an got two DRZ400e a few bits and laughing 😆 not so simple now

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@ADSCoachSimonB2112 There is only so much you can say that hasn't been repeated over and over again. All you U Tubers pick the same bikes and say the same things about them. Harley and Sportsters in the 1950'swere HD's dirt bikes. Some company gives you a bike for a week or a month and you rave about it like it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Lets see when these bikes have 50,000 miles on them what they are like. Vintage British motorcycles were made to be serviced and rebuilt by the rider and lasted the test of time. Today's motorcycles are a collection of government regulations on 2 wheels as well as being disposable.

[@g_rr_tt]

3:17 excellent information! I'm 30" inseam and don't have a local royal enfield dealer I can try the bike out at. great video Kate, I enjoyed it a lot!

[@kevindarkstar]

17:42 you are aloud to overtake on double lines if you are able to pass without crossing the lines, which obviously depends on the width of the lane 😊

[@UsernameKate]

I know that Kevin 😊 I do it frequently in my videos 👍 and still get abuse for it 🤣

[@kevindarkstar]

@@UsernameKate good for you girl, if those people are system drones who don't know what the actual rule is that's their problem 🤣 stay safe and enjoy the ride 😎👍🏻

[@creaturecore13]

Not even having preload on the front is a huge miss. You don't need upside down forks. Do right side up forks to save money and include adjustable cartridges in the front forks. Rear is easy to upgrade on your own. Not a ton you can do to fix the front as they currently are configured and sold

[@johncranwell3783]

I love this bike, my favourite yet….

[@Rex-c5t]

I love the colour!!

[@anandlakshmanan9708]

I am 5.3 and do not have any problems with the super meteor.. also with the super meteor sluggish between 0 - 20km per hour but once it gets going it goes

[@deborahnielsen6286]

I enjoyed the vlog. I hope you do a follow up when your time with the bike is up. I took one out on a very short demo ride last month and hope to get on one again at the end of this month when the RE demo truck will be at my local dealer. The lack of wind protection (windscreen) for it is almost a deal breaker for me. I have a Super Meteor 650 Celestial Blue. I think the Shotgun would be a nice stablemate but the stumbling block is the lack of a windscreen as I ride on US highways a lot.

[@romysargon6872]

Stunning looking motorcycle! I'm looking for a bobber style for a second bike. Looks awesome with that full rear guard, don't chop it!

[@UsernameKate]

A classy look as it is 😊

[@zCritic]

What a cool bike!

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks critic!!

[@Pompomgrenade]

Royal Enfield need to make a dirt tracker.. 19-in wheels long travel suspension.. strip down from instrumentation and loud

[@bryanhallman8183]

Pretty interesting, you passed the vintage Bus and then a Capri. (They were sold through Mercury dealers in the States)

[@michaeljameslawrence2965]

great video. I think this bike would look back with out the rear fender and the fender that goes on the back.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

I get condensation in the clock on my Classic 350 too. It seems worse when we get wide temperature swings. By mid spring it's gone (until autumn at least). RE should investigate a little strip heater like they use inside lab instrumentation.

[@dannykennion8738]

Under 7k new wow that's awesome, thanks for another great review Kate got me into looking at this style of bike

[@paulfowler7618]

I own an interceptor and yes the clocks suffer from condensation sadly. I have aftermarket exhausts and it sounds great.

[@goldilocks913]

Same with my Harley softail

Since i spotted Shotgun 650 liked it instantly. In my opinion the most beautiful Royal Enfield. But that's just me

[@overkillnick1003]

Nice vid Kate. Surely classic black is the colour missing.

[@per-arnehjorth9785]

I really like the looks of this bike and would probably keep it stock if I was to buy one. I have ridden the Interceptor, the Meteor 350, and the Himalyan/Scram 411 quite a bit, so I feel confident it being a great bike. This is the most Sportster looking Royal Enfield so far. I wold go for the Green Drill, or perhaps the Sheet Metal Grey.

[@sidweazel2883]

So what do you think Kate? How does it make you feel? What’s it like on/off power? How stable is it on corners? How easy to change your line? Looking forward to a proper review in a week or so.

[@pggp273]

Don't hold your breath

[@adammcallister2260]

Not my style of bike but you can’t argue with the value. This will make a fine steed for all who buy one. You have encouraged me to visit The Gasket on this vid!

[@abhigyansinha7924]

Hi nice review, Am from India, I have both the Super Meteor, and the recently got the same bike the Drill Green Shotgun , am over 6 feet feet but I have never experienced any lower back pain etc ( and am over 40). At the price point in India, one cannot expect what both these bikes offer. RE is always improving and I have their Interceptor, the GT and the single cylinder Signal series and the newly launched Bullet even those are fantastic leave alone the twin cylinder, yes the only thing is one needs to put RRP performance exhaust and a performance air filter of choice and they transform their performance by leaps and bounds!

[@Almond001]

Love your videos kate, me and my wife on her Rebel 500 rode the majority of those roads today. Me on my Honda 750x DCT.

[@specialized29er86]

I'm disappointed the running gear only comes in all black and is a major turn off. I've decided I'll give my black and cream 2020 Classic 500 the Hitchcocks 612 upgrade instead.

[@chirag4]

Hi Lovely Kate, last month i prebooked the Shotgun, now waiting for delivery, it would'be my 7th bike puchase in 3.5 years

[@davemitchell3998]

Love the look of this bike

[@vince6219]

I love the fact that RE don't have all this "tech", the simplicity of the RE is it's charm, I mean, do we need all this "tech" anyway?, i for one i don't, But i am from the seventies. RE are great bikes, i'm pleased they're giving the new bikes more power, the 350s and the 400 engine just don't have enough top end to get you out of trouble, I would not do motorways on their smaller machines. but the new 450 engine is a real plus. Great review Katie 👍

[@HALLish-jl5mo]

Personally I think that making a bike without a tachometer is cutting the tech too low. Also, I don’t know how much tech went into the Interceptor fuel gauge, but it wasn’t enough. Only has about 8 bars, and it can’t make its mind up with an error margin of 2 bars. So if you pass a petrol station at 3 bars, you know that next time you start the bike you could have anywhere between 1 and 5 bars of fuel. Do you fill up? Because you are somewhat between almost empty and more than half full.

[@timothybrockbank7474]

Always liked the look of the interceptor but when I saw one in the flesh it looked really small but this looks appealing

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

Hi Kate. Please talk about the vibrations in the pegs, seat and bars at a couple of different speeds. Also looking forward to the pillion analysis.

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

Thanks for the response. We’re finally starting to get some here in Oregon. What color did you end up purchasing?

[@gedbaines1107]

Another brilliant review Kate. I need to go and have a look at one.

[@mrbates2]

OR, as "Borntobemild" mentions, a 650 Classic so maybe a copy of the 1960 "Constelation" 700cc twin

[@yannispetoulis2509]

May i ask you how do you see shotgun compared to Triumph T120 , given the fact cost is half? Does T120 worth the double cost? Thank you

[@anthonystevens8683]

Nice one Kate. A great clear review of a bike that I confess didn't know that much about. The only bike that I've owned that I can loosely compare to this one is a Yamaha MT03 650 single thumper I had in the noughties. That had similar power but was pretty light. It was brilliant on the twisties and hills with plenty of torque and a shorter wheelbase but could get a tad tiresome at constant motorway speeds. I've owned other bikes twins with similar power decades ago and they were better for motorways but needed some more cog swapping to make progress. I like the idea that you can have it single or two seats with a rack though. Back in my twenties bikes were my only transport as well as fun they so needed a modicum of practicality as well so having something to chuck some bags over or tie to a rack would always be a good option say if you are going away for some days and didn't want to smell like a hippo's toothbrush. Personally I see no excuse for condensation in the clocks these days. Oddly the only bike that I've owned that had this issue was my MT03 that was on its third set of clocks under warranty before I sold it. All my other bikes and there have been many had no issues even going back to the 80's including one of the very last Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V's. Many thanks for sharing. I look forward to your thoughts on the bike after you've had more time with it.

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks for commenting 😊

[@millinutz]

I'm really into these Modern Retro bikes, or whatever the correct classificastion is. It also pleases me to see you on another "retro classic", as I think the corresct term is. Yes, of course you most probably like the Triumphs better, as they are are a bit "meatier" if that's a word, delivering you more of the power and performance that you need to satisfy your riding style. Fantastic colour, a good review and with my 32" inside leg length, probably a good fit for me. Unfortunately, I don't think i've ever seen one yet in the dealers in my neck of the woods! You wrote above, it turned to be, " a bit of a lil bimble"...., that Kate, is surely exactly what one does on a bike like the Shotgun?

[@steveparish9210]

Nice review thanks, yes a scrambler should be next!

[@UsernameKate]

🙌🙌🙌

[@MatthewDuffin-io2ur]

Love watching your videos babe hope there's going to be more of you and your friends having a long distance ride away to Yorkshire to Bridlington

[@StephanieG1]

Aww you don't like the Plasma Blue? It was my favourite. I like all the available colours for the Shogun which is unusual for me.

[@johncranwell3783]

Great review…my fave 650 so far

[@quigonjay9]

I do like the look of these retro styled bikes from Royal Enfield/BSA etc but with the introduction of stuff like the new Triumph 400 range at under £5k they are starting to look a little expensive when compared to the competition

[@markmenzies4218]

Jello for Jelly, that's a new one. mudguards are deffo fenders now though.

[@stevewoolley7746]

Another great bike review Kate! How are you finding the Knox jacket? Does it compliment the armoured vest and keep out the cooler weather and rain?

[@UsernameKate]

It really does!! I absolutely love the jackets, and I like how buildable they are for warmth. Wouldn't trust it in a heavy downpour. You'd definitely need a waterproof overlayer, but it's kept the wet out on the occasion that I've just been caught out in a light showery spell 🌧

[@stevewoolley7746]

Thanks for the advice Kate! Ride safe.

[@trailingarm63]

This one looks more of a roadster riding position. I prefer the cruiser looks of the Super Meteor. There's a few of them knocking around North Wales now. Quite dinky (small) but nice-looking and comfy I suspect. Good for Sunday afternoon pottering but I can't see any serious riders buying them. Plenty of bigger, better secondhand bikes around at the same money for them. Speaking about metrics, as you were, I reckon most people understand torque better in pounds/foot rather than newton/ metres. Manufacturers prefer the latter because they're bigger- sounding numbers.

[@kingrisen12]

Great video Kate, beautiful bike! I managed to sit on one during the bike show in Edinburgh, and loved how comfy it was. The pegs being slightly more forward was... different 😂

[@UsernameKate]

Yes, they aren't quite committed enough to be a forward control but they're kind of not mid position enough to be a true mid peg in my opinion. Defo putting my feet in the wrong place a lot haha!

They just need add the lineup with something of around 65 to 70 hp and that would be golden

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Great video for a great bike in my opinion I think what you get for the money and 3 year warranty is very good I think I might look at the shotgun myself pity you didn’t take it out into the countryside but it was useful for people who would use it for commuting in traffic perhaps you can do a part 2 where you get out in the beautiful countryside that’s on your doorstep take care ride safe Kate I wish you well and are you going off road with Mike again soon that was good entertainment bye for now

[@UsernameKate]

That's the plan for today, get it out on some twisties :) and hopefully!

[@johntaylor7592]

Another awesome review Kate... thanks

[@fasthracing]

Wonder how many variants on the 650 they can bring out?

[@rubo1964]

I maybe a minority but I want more HP. 80 to 100HP to satisfy American highways.Few grand more there is Honda 1100...

[@UsernameKate]

Totally understand that some people want more power 😊

[@skotty1962]

Thanks Kate. There have been spy shots of a Classic 650 version in India. But I'm intersted to see what else RE use the new Sherpa 450 engine in. Cheers!

[@UsernameKate]

Oooh interesting!!!

[@jimmyjam8795]

There are poss 5 bike scheduled for this engine, but having ridden the 450 himalayan is a very vibey engine. Not sure if it would suit more Road biased bikes.🤔

[@UsernameKate]

Yes, Vibrations are defo noticeable on the road with the 450 Himi

[@cruze86]

Your jacket color matches the bike color😊

[@HaggisPower]

Just wish they'd make a 'high' output GT and stop messing around with these lardy styling exercises. Another 20hp would be perfect.

[@_tobes._]

personally I think they need to update the conti and the interceptor with USD front suspension, and other little tid bits to compete with the triumph 400s before coming out with another model surrounding the 650. because honestly it feels like they've forgotten those two bikes after giving it the switchgear of the super meteor.

[@UsernameKate]

Ooooh EXCELLENT shout. It would give them the beefing up they deserve!

[@fortza11]

Great video - I don´t have a licens yet, but I´m going to, and then I´m thinking of buying a Him. 450 to start with. (Denmark).

[@DaveBoatBuilder]

Great review, subscribed

[@denlsgoulden2307]

Not my scene, but those Enners 650 motors are an excellent unit As for Intercepter aftermarket cans, I have found the Powerage stainless items pretty fruity. Far as im aware they're 47 hp, 1 hp makes a huge difference 🤔😆😆

[@ecthelionalfa]

maybe for a next bike in the 650 platform they could bring an old style R

[@Kingjames313]

Would go with the Shotgun over the Super Meteor 650 or vice versa?

[@MrLittleW]

Peak Design is the best IMO

[@dizzylee7215]

I do like watching your channel plus , having the added bonus of your dolset tones. I hope that's the wording. I'm sure you know what I mean 🤣

[@UsernameKate]

dolset, dulcet, tomato, tomarto, I get you haha! Glad you enjoy it!!

[@andrewjohnson6297]

Loitering at the Gasket , good spot for a brew

[@iantaylor789]

Thanks for your informative review, maybe RE need to get into the learner sector with a revamp of the old flying flea lol

[@Hamsa3600]

thanks for NOT puting the second Uglly seat

[@stevenwarner7348]

Kate, Steve here in New Hampshire. Not gonna lie. I have been really trying NOT to spend time on these You Tube videos of yours. But Kate. Here you have me. Here there is fbMP. I think you all have this stuff too. You know On that Mark Bugglebirg fb stuff. Anyway here in New Hampshire. It's the local town registration Kate. No title? No keys? No Problem. Get a VIN and a bill of sale and your all set for a licence plate. So yea. Three bikes Kate. I am a mess. Three bikes. A cb750 (95'), TWO Bandits ~ A 1200(98')~ and A 600(02'). Well Kate you know, time to get off the internet. Don't you think? But Kate. This bike. Well now. I'm talking with the Indians at the package store about their Himalaya's back home in India. but here, The Shotgun. I love this bike. Thank you Kate, This is just great. Thank you for your distraction from my "good trouble." 😜

[@gilbertosampa8140]

Good job girl!!

[@BobTaylorCruising]

Thanks!

[@UsernameKate]

Thank you so much Bob! Seriously appreciate that! 😊

[@simonchilli2088]

Can the details like the black strip across the tank and the yellow lettering be peeled off or are they painted on? Great first impression ride and review Kate.🤗

[@UsernameKate]

its painted on and lacquered over :)

[@simonchilli2088]

Cheers me dears

[@marcbrasse747]

Great skies!

[@rightall9026]

ハーレースポーツスターSを買うかショットガン650を買うか迷ってます､どちらがお勧めですか？

[@UsernameKate]

Sorry, I haven't ridden the sportster yet so I can't comment I'm afraid

[@mrbates2]

The Honda Deauville started as a 650 so why not a dressed 650 tourer?. Also the original Silverwing was based on a CX500.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

A decent mid-sized tourer has been missing from all makes since the Deauville. Not everyone wants a "Sports Tourer" or "Adventure" bike. Shame that. I wonder if there's still a market for one🤔

[@mrbates2]

@@PhilipBallGarry Kawasaki Versys 650 too tall?

[@MRo55i74]

I’ve had the same condensation problem with my new speed 400, I’m waiting for it to be replaced but no idea when that will be as spares seems non existent at the moment

[@pggp273]

Yep that's why I would buy one for a couple of years