5 Things We Love About the new Royal Enfield Shotgun 650

[@arnohag1]

To me its the best looker with no extra to spend. It's a winner.

[@BikerTorque]

I think I’m with you there, although would love to see a stacked exhaust

[@robertmein8575]

I live in Cambodia (from The Uk) and just ordered one. Cannot wait for it to arrive! Was only allowed to test drive in the showroom carpark which was a bit of a disappointment. All the reviews I have seen have given nothing but praise for this bike. Happy Days!

[@BikerTorque]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@manuthchek]

How do you find the handling and brake with a passenger? This would be my pick after I save up for one.

[@TheEnfieldGuy]

Great review Ross. Totally agree with all you said. I was chatting with Chas Hern the ride leader today (I was in group 2 of the launch) and we both agreed that the geometry, weight distribution & tune of the 650 twin lend it to being far more nimble than the Continental GT. I absolutely loved it, could definitely see some additional colourways on the horizon & yes.....new models to come!!!

[@BikerTorque]

I need to do a ride soon on the Continental GT to compare, but I would totally agree with that. Couldn’t believe how well it handled. Sorry we didn’t get to catch up, maybe next time mate.

[@THE_SNAPP]

Greetings from Utah, USA. I just ordered my Shotgun, in stencil white. They had a demo ride day and I texted that and the super meteor, and by far preferred the Shotgun. I nearly bought a Triumph Trident 660, glad I didn't because I like this much better. My top five may change after owning it for the summer (I'll have it in ten days), but right now my top five are 1- looks, 2- seating position, 3- quick release passenger seat, 4- torque, 5- weighs enough to feel stable but light enough it handles well.

[@BikerTorque]

Pretty good top five and good choice over a Trident. Haven’t ridden the Trident, not really a bike that appeals to me looks wise, engine would be good though.

[@5150show]

Love this bike

[@BikerTorque]

You are not alone

[@punchbuggyyellow7097]

It looks like a good option for the cruiser crowd, especially with HD killing off the entry level "affordable" Sportster, but I'm waiting on the RE 650 Scrambler. And I'm hoping that it will actually scramble & not be just a styling exercise like most of the modern Scramblers.

[@radekknauer2891]

If it's on Interceptor frame it's going to be just a styling exercise. Actual scrambler will be on the Himalayan 450 frame.

[@BikerTorque]

Haven’t really followed how the HD 350 and 500’s are going. The 500 looks OK, but that 350 to me looks like an abomination. I’m sure they both ride just fine, but for my money it would be the Shotgun, proven engine and chassis. Pretty sure the next Scrambler will be based of the Himalayan.

[@punchbuggyyellow7097]

@@BikerTorque The RE 650 Scrambler prototype was spotted in September last year, so it's probably not too far off. You were obviously not a fan of Evel Knievel & his HD XR750 as a kid like I was. The HD 350 replicates the look of the XR & looks awesome IMO. It's just a pity it's devoid of any personality & feels like any other modern small capacity twin. HD's 500 has heaps of personality & feels like you're riding a bigger bike thanks to the 360 degree engine. It's just a pity that it looks dog ugly IMO with that bulbous tank. It's Benelli sister pulled the look off much better & looks quite clean, while the HD 500 looks frumpy in comparison.

[@punchbuggyyellow7097]

@@radekknauer2891 It's neither. Harris Performance have supplied a few different new frames for testing according to reports. I'm more concerned about the USD forks on the prototype. They don't look like they have a lot of travel from the photo's.

[@jimmyjam8795]

@radekknauer2891 not on Interceptor frame, this uses the Super meteor frame.

[@roadtripperozadventures]

Nice review mate and I believe you popped into my local coffee shop in Warrandyte.

[@BikerTorque]

No way! I think we did. Great coffee.

[@roadtripperozadventures]

@@BikerTorque yes you did. River view cafe. The owner rang me to see if I was working from home as I only like 2min up the road over the river.

[@BikerTorque]

@@roadtripperozadventures sorry we didn't get the chance to catch up Damo.

[@roadtripperozadventures]

@@BikerTorque me too mate. I only left 20min before you arrived. Next time please let me know and would love to say hi.

[@davidcoleman4941]

Classic 650 released in August

[@BikerTorque]

We have heard there will be a new release around then, but no news on what it will be, hoping to see a Classic

[@tazyt3388]

Mate it’d be fun to flog that up 99 bends great looking little thing too hope ya well man cheers

[@BikerTorque]

It would be an awesome bike for that stretch of road. All good here mate, plenty happening.

[@Kingjames313]

I definitely need to test ride the Super Meteor and Shotgun because I just cannot decide which I like more.

[@BikerTorque]

SHotgun for me.

[@BDHO73]

Nice looking bike!

[@BikerTorque]

Sure is! Great second bike also.🤔

[@Bhargav443]

Yep, classics 650 is in testing face, and it will be launched by year end or next year early.

[@BikerTorque]

That bike should be a winner

[@whatsstefon]

Another winner it seems. Hopefully comfortable. When I rode the Super Meteor, I was disappointed. The ergonomics were absolutely dreadful for me.

[@BikerTorque]

Super Meteor was pretty comfortable for me, but this Shotgun is so much better, agree seems like a winner.

[@reg171reg]

I like it but I’m holding out for the Classic 650

[@BikerTorque]

That is going to be a wonderful bike when it eventuates, can’t wait to ride one.

[@RoadsOfOz]

Piano in sheet music means soft. So soft black maybe? Is the seat as comfy as the Meteor 350 seat? Still rate that as one of the most comfortable seats on a modern bike.

[@BikerTorque]

The seat is actually very good, no complaints from me after about 4 hours on the bike

[@jimmyjam8795]

Piano black refers to it being glossy black like many grand pianos are.

[@Plough78]

You ain't wrong. I rode Chiang Mai to Bangkok last week 710km , me ass was fine ..😂 *Crap Game* 🎉

[@specialized29er86]

I was looking forward to the release and to see that they are only available in a black frame, black non spoke rims, black engine and gearbox then no thanks. I was hoping they'd be like my black and cream 2020 Classic 500 and to spend $12, 000 on a bike I'm not happy with won't be happening. Thinking I'll look at upgrading my classic 500 using the Hitchcocks 612cc option.

[@BikerTorque]

I'll have t check out the Hitchcocks 612c option, haven't about that. Although I reckon the Classic 650 when it's released may have a colour that suits your style a bit more.

[@davidcoleman4941]

Wheels rims especially look a bit Moto Guzzi V7

[@BikerTorque]

Yes, I’d agree with that. They definitely look a bit more premium.

[@Stevolookingup]

Great review! You mention that the pillion seat comes as standard. I have just ordered the bike, and have been told by the supplier that the pillion seat is an optional extra. Very disappointed. 😢

[@BikerTorque]

Really? 100% Royal Enfield Australia told us that it came as standard

[@HunterVlog350cc]

yes the sheet metal is my choice too

[@BikerTorque]

Yes, it’s a nice colour way. The others look good to but can’t help but think they could have pushed the colours and graphics a bit more so they are more edgy.

[@S2NAZ]

They still need a cruise option for these. I have been doing in person visits at the RE dealers and really wasn’t impressed with the overall build quality and finish of the bike. For the money though it’s kinda what I expected. Plus here in the states their ride off value after purchase is massive. They’re a “Nice” motorcycle.

[@BikerTorque]

Do you mean cruise control?

[@skotty1962]

Tempting. Wouldn't mind one myself. Suspension needs to be good though because Adelaide roads are rubbish.

[@BikerTorque]

Suspension was ok. I left it on the factory set up, but was chatting to Jeff Ware from bikereview.com.au. He tweaked it just one notch and said it was a big difference.

[@skotty1962]

@@BikerTorque cool. Thanks, might need a test ride.

[@andrewbull3537]

Enfield really NEED to change the headers (down pipes ) to look a bit more like the old style triumph bonneville down pipes (more splayed out) then the enfield would look more better (in my personne opinion) Peace out ✌

[@BikerTorque]

I’d actually love to see a stacked exhaust on the one side

[@andrewbull3537]

@@BikerTorque ,a two into one system🤔?...why not , maybe that would look cool 😎 .....now all we've got to do is get someone to do the system 😁. Peace out ✌️

[@BikerTorque]

@@andrewbull3537 i was thinking still 2 into 2, just like a double barrel.

[@BikerTorque]

It’s called a shotgun after all

[@andrewbull3537]

@@BikerTorque ah OK 👍.. so it's a bit like a harley exhaust 🤔......yeah 👍 I can visual that .

[@tdcv6309]

Not one reviewer has talked about the awkward AF weird riding position while rolling down the road, the foot-pegs on both sides stab into your calves as soon as you stop at a traffic light and put your feet down.

[@BikerTorque]

To be honest, I found the ride position really comfortable and had no issue with the pegs, although I do know some people have had that issue with the Interceptor and Classic. I suppose it would be something you’d get used to.

[@Rayraysplums]

That's the interceptor that does that hence why I test rode the shotgun. Shotgun is amazing by the way

[@tdcv6309]

@@BikerTorque I found it unacceptable for Indian conditions, for places with a lot more room it might be ok

[@tdcv6309]

@@Rayraysplums Yep I changed the footpegs on my Int650 to GT ones and that made a world of difference, for Indian conditions where 2wheeler traffic is tyre touching tyre Shotgun's felt very uncomfortable for me

[@amitchodankar1989]

Good 🙏🤗🌹

[@BikerTorque]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@onlinefreecourse4099]

The classic 650 is already in testing in india i saw it this month on the road it will launch in 1st quarter of 2025 and btw really nice little video!!

[@BikerTorque]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video. Did you get any pics of the bike being tested?

[@onlinefreecourse4099]

​@@BikerTorque I was not able to click the pictures but there are many available online kzbin.infoESP6rE-eO1o?si=CPTeJPr180AtvpAq