Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Final Verdict | Is It As Good As You Want It To Be?

When Royal Enfield first introduced the Shotgun 650 a few months ago I had the pleasure of taking it out to review. This time we've got it for a few weeks and this is the first time the Ol'Man has had a go on one.
We go into detail on this review about how it rides, the character, performance, stopping power, handling and more...
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[@barriegreenbury2498]

Bought a Shotgun recently and love riding it. Plenty of power, good torque, very comfortable for distances and nimble enough in traffic

[@mbeck6319]

I have been considering trading in a TW200 for the Shotgun 650. How is the seat. I spent 3 or 4 hours on the TW200 and I have a real sore saddle!

[@barriegreenbury2498]

@@mbeck6319 I have travelled 250km on it on a number of occasions, in a day with no discomfort at all. But have yet to do any longer trips.

[@jimmyjam8795]

​@mbeck6319 I think that covers most motorcycles. The seat is comfy, but I like to get off mine after 2 hours. You also have the option of buying the RE comfier seat though.

[@peterjeffery1587]

Recently sat on a shotgun and it fits like a glove, really surprisingly nice

[@Bygkydcmc]

I felt the same way when I sat on one! Haven't ridden it yet, though...don't want the temptation to buy!

[@BlakesPipes]

first thing i liked about it, was all blacked out. i dont want to clean! waste of time! i like riding, have better things to do with my time.

[@veritasvincit2745]

I view it as a base for a customisation project. I'd really like to see an 850 Continental GT and Interceptor for an extra £1500 with tweaked and more refined suspension. I think they'd sell a lot of those.

[@brb653]

Would be cool to have here, but won’t sell in India. I think even the 650’s are overkill over there.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Amazing father and son team, does my old heart good to see you two in such a natural collaboration. Miss my Dad, he would've approved. Keep em coming fellas 😊

[@jimbobspov]

Absolutely fell in love with this bike on a short test ride. Most definitely something I’d like to have in the garage.

[@daveanderson70]

It’s a handsome little bike and I think it will hopefully appeal to a new generation of motorcyclists.

[@GarethLa]

Enjoying the dynamic with Oldman and Darcy. Very cool. could it be a 650 scrambler format for RE new bike?

[@kwakithailand]

Excellent presentation of this fantastic RE 👌 My 👍 as well comment are well deserved for your thorough work, lads!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@kwakithailand thanks 😊

[@kwakithailand]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan U R most welcome, mate 🤝

[@DayumSonny]

You're more likely to be reviewing the Guerilla 450 as the Classic 650 is still a few months off from it's release date. A Scrambler 650 is also in the works but that's probably going to be released next year.

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

I been testing out my mates Suzuki V-Strom 250SX 2024 model while he is on holiday, I have had it for a few weeks now, he’s been talking about this bike for ages. Since Yamaha dropped the VStar 650 line up and Harley have out priced them selves it’s a contender with no competition really.

[@Simon-RucknRideAUD]

Well you could say Yamaha bolted with the bolt 😢 the VStar lost its shine, the original Vulcan 900 custom and classic replaced with sports bike parallel twins, Harley dropped the evolution 883 and 1200 replaced with a plastic vacuum cleaner, triumph may give us a 400 bobber at some point but yes Enfield just got the market with out much of a fight 😮

[@chirag4]

I bought my Shotgun 3 weeks back, added some accessories ... and I love it, even though I also own 2023 X-Diavel & 2022 Hayabusa Gen 3 & 2021 Trident 660 & 2024 Scrambler 400X in all I have 5 bikes. Thanks Mr Darcy & OL' Man

[@Adam-ki7jq]

Cool

[@johnlase4376]

Dang, man, I want to have multiple bikes myself.. cool stuff 😎 my guy

[@matheus0589]

Great video lads and what a beautiful bike! Can’t wait to see it in South America 👏🏍️

[@thebonniebiker]

Great video as always!

[@davidandevelynejames5187]

well I have just managed to dry my eyes! the comment about cleaning your little hole just had me in stiches, it reminds me of Steptoe and son, you Darcy old man!!!

[@plandovanje]

This bike in grey is going to be my next one. I love it 🤘

[@ukvamp]

test rode the shotgun and a few other Royal Enfield's and this was by far my fave! great bike!, personally i'd buy the cheapest one and get a custom paint job, add some after market pipes and that's how i'd leave it

[@lisacolbert5987]

I really like the rear light . I’d prefer spokes but those don’t look awful . Oh , you just mentioned you like the rear light as well. Overall looks-wise , I like it. And the way it sounds. That is a lot of mat-black , but a shiny tank (with different color(s)) might make that alright too .

[@markbright7845]

Good to meet you both at Sycamore Royal Enfield the other week.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Hope you are enjoying your new bike 👍🏼

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Great video and lovely bike...I want one!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼

[@gwynnromano5881]

I think had RE gone with solid colors and a nice vintage badge on the tank and left pinstripes or other decorations up to the owner it would have a wider appeal.

[@billcarson4566]

Ive got the shotgun in sheet metal grey. I don't mind the weight its superbly balanced. I would like 60 or 70 hp, but what it's got suits modern urban traffic and doesn't bother me. Ordered the Rhino racing exhausts and will do further tuning as funds come available. Looks wise for me its great, something from the 1950s crossed with 50s imagining of the future. Enjoy your reviews except the old man seems to have bee in his bonnet about upside down forks.

[@JoJo-hc4dj]

Great video and a nice bike 👍🏼

[@AnandChoudhary-e7t]

4:32 in India using a phone is actually a headache because of extreme warm condition and too much sunlight phone get hit up and battery drain very quickly and also that most of the Indian like me don't like buying costly phone so there screen brightness is less.

[@mdjmurray]

For me, blacked out is essential because chrome is such a ballache to clean.

[@momarsden3053]

I really love the look of the Shotgun. I test rode one and was convinced that it was going to be my next bike...... until l tested a V7 Moto Guzzi 😍😍. I've now got a real dilemma as l can't afford to get both! 😫. Regards, Mo 😊 👍

[@BlueRidgeRider]

I doubt that an upside down fork actually has less unsprung weight. Instead of aluminum sliders you now have the steel tubes bouncing up and down. The real reason for a “male slider” fork is the rigidity from mounting the fat part to the triple clamps. There’s also some improvement in the internals of the forks but it sounds like Royal Enfield missed that part.

[@silkycherry]

It a very nice bike like most RE are now. Nice review. 👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Many thanks 😊

[@jedw9983]

Great review, thanks!

[@rubo1964]

Time for RE to step up and provide larger engine. 900CC 1000CC 1200? This framework with more HP would be perfect sort of like Indian Scout territory ,Speed Twin etc. As is I think lot of riders will outgrow it real fast. There are lots of RE interceptor for sale in Boston area less then 5k miles which makes me think owners just got bored with them...

[@Adam-ki7jq]

Bored? Or uncomfortable 🤔

[@Adam-ki7jq]

Nvm I was thinking of the continental gt

[@jimmyjam8795]

RE only make bikes that suit the Indian core market. These engine capacities do not suit India, and that's why they don't exist.

[@TheWuseln]

Guerilla 450 will be launched next.

[@andrewturner4728]

I can't understand why you say the speedo needs to be centralised and then stick a mobile phone on your mirror 🤔 I like the tripper as i like my phone in a top picket so I can quickly take a photo if the need arises. Im going to take a test ride on the Shotgun as i think RE have nailed it. I would love a 650 classic signals too 👌

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

The speedo is a permanent fixture on the bike, and needs to be central to be aesthetically correct for one reason. The quadlock phone mount is a choice, and impermanent, and on the mirror, it’s out of the way. 👍🏼

[@andyjdaviestjk]

Love the bike, it looks quite long in the video, I think I would engineer a bracket to put the dial in the middle

[@Namabir]

So Darcy will be at the launch of the Guerrilla 450 in Barcelona? I'll pay you a drink if I see you in the streets ;)

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Sure will 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Futuremodi]

Date?

[@Namabir]

@@Futuremodi July 17th

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Hope to bump into you buddy 😊

[@biker_dan]

I'm hoping they come up with an 850 especially for out Australian market. By the way, you guys tried the RE 650 Interceptor with the 800 kit?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@biker_dan no we haven't tried that 👍🏼

[@jacobwilliams1285]

Very beautiful bike. Originally I thought I preferred the blue version of this bike with yellow markings but actually this one is the best looking edition of this amazing new bike. What would I change? Well I would like to have 2 analogue clocks, and thats it really. It looks superb.

[@HunterVlog350cc]

the original interceptor of the 70s was a 750cc and was even sold as Indian Enfield in USA so they should have made this one a 750 or 850cc thats my only thing to reject this and look for goldstar with full 650cc single cylinder long stroke motor now❤

[@tomoates8568]

Still waiting on RE to release a scrambler with that 650 engine. I’ve often thought about building one myself with an Interceptor, but it would be nice to get one I didn’t have to customize too much. All the mods add up quickly lol

[@cowmath77]

I think it looks good (aside from the backed out motor) but having owned an 883, I can’t imagine anything slower than an 883…

[@basedury]

I've been waiting for the Classic 650 and the Scrambler 650 since I got my Interceptor last year! Love my Interceptor though.

[@ZZR1200ZX]

As Henry Ford said you can have it in any colour you like as long as it’s black.

[@Rayraysplums]

You can have this in more than one colour so Henry fords saying doesn't apply here. 😂

[@felipedourado5721]

​@@Rayraysplums I guess that what ZZR1200ZX meant is that Ford's words apply to the engine of the Shotgun.

[@sergiolittarelli6393]

Tengo interceptor, pero la cambiaré por esta y los motivos son tres ...io primero s la estabilidad de la suspención delantera , lo segundo posicion de los pies ,tanto adelante como atrás y muy importante el motór mas abajo ...saludos de argentina

[@georgevoukelatos7307]

Just receive mine ,white color 😊🔥

[@johnk7814]

I'm sure they will make a classic 650 using that frame but not blacked out engine and hopfully twin clocks and wire wheels.

[@Neilisatwin]

Black black and more black forever!

[@chrisnorton4563]

Hi, what is the yellow/black bike behind your for sale Harley? Very nice!!!! Thanks.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It is a customised Indian Scout. If you have not seen the video, here are a few videos that we did: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rF6zYpSno8qnn6Msi=WGP_4jdAM-7lID-b kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKmUXq2katyWZs0si=fJODJth5j2eSxS_i

[@williammuir638]

Needs belt drive conversion kit. There is a firm in Thailand offering it. Better if RE did it standard! That aside it's perfect.

[@plandovanje]

Would you have a link to that firm? Thanks!

[@jimmyjam8795]

Hitchcock motorcycles uk sell a conversion kit.

[@1990-t1j]

It does have an attractive profile. The best-looking RE650, maybe. If the rear mudguard is metal, you could use a really big magnetic tank bag on it. Nick

[@sd3457]

Not if it's Aluminium...

[@1990-t1j]

@@sd3457 True.

[@jez6208]

Oil!! What is the old man's helmet? Looks great! 😊😂

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Its a Premier Trophy helmet 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jez6208]

@MrDarcy-OlMan Smashing! Thanks. I'll have a look. It's my 59th birthday next month. I'll see if I can get beautiful wife to get me one. 😄👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@jez6208 its the best helmet I have ever had 👍🏼

[@PhilipBallGarry]

For me, the practicalities of the blacked out engines outweigh the slightly less Classic look of the bare alloy. But, we're all different. Hopefully, when the Classic 650s arrive (or according to the most recent spy shots it looks like it might be a bullet actually), they'll do what they've done with the new Bullet 350 and give us a decent range of colour ways so we can choose either black or bare alloy 😊

[@patheally]

Really nice-looking bike. I ride cruisers but I'd consider this

[@dcarter001]

The enviroweenies have a crusade against chrome. It is getting much more expensive to plate and for the aftermarket it makes it easier to make your bits match the base and there you go blacked out motorcycles. The TEC exhaust is stainless, can't get chrome.

[@cptntwang]

I like the phone idea

[@Guvnarides-WI2020]

You can't deny the value for money, which goes for all of RE's offerings. 🍻

[@dertechniker8867]

It's made from steel but nevertheless the steel pig appearance is missing. Beside this I don't like the glossy engine side covers. The base is interesting but because of the optical issues, including the colour, I'm not really a fan.

[@sd3457]

I think its styling is fine, RE have a massive slice of the retro market but they do realistically have to try to branch out beyond the 70's nostalgia thing. I hated he classic-style frame when it first launched, but it's growing on me.

[@simonaldous]

I really enjoy your reviews, they are very unbiased and informative, I just wish Darcy would take his sunglasses off, call me old fashioned or a tit ( I don't care ) but I find it really annoying when someone is talking to me while wearing sunglasses. Great review.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s very difficult when the sun is shining directly in his eyes.

[@andreglomm9843]

They make great Bikes for that Money

[@philipmillen4271]

I think shiny chrome has been done to death over decades

[@g4joe]

Now lets all go watch "Electra Glide in Blue" with the best sad ending in a film ever.

[@AnthonyMartin-cc5uy]

Test road this machine and really wanted to like it. The look was great and everyone agrees with the price. Trouble is I wasn't ready for the lack of performance, turning the throttle didn't produce the acceleration I was expecting. The machine didn't have many miles on it so I didn't want to rev it out but I gave it enough to expect a bit of a surge. On top of this there was an annoying tingling in the nether regions I found uncomfortable. All the road tests are glowing so I was perhaps expecting too much. Finally the suspension was harsh and the ABS cut in early as I approached a junction on a dry road when I wasn't being silly. Overall the finish was okay at the price point although the switches were cheap and plasticky. I concluded it wasn't for me and would have to spend the extra on a Triumph, sorry Enfield.

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

When you start looking at used bikes the selection of higher quality machines makes the purchase decision much more difficult.

[@paulh7798]

Same here but I ended up spending less on a Triumph and got the speed 400. 😂

[@davidskaggs9914]

Great review...but i prefer the interceptor in my garage

[@evoermine]

Seemed like you were struggling to find much excitement about it compared to other bikes you’ve reviewed. I like it but it doesn’t really grab me. I think you’re right about the colour schemes not doing it any favours.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes you’re right tbh it didn’t excite us very much

[@rajaakashkumar7099]

Hey Darcy you reviewed Continental GT 650 did you feel and high speed wobble issues? Thanks for the review ❤

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Only if you hit a pothole due to the narrow wheels 😊

[@paulshackleton3594]

Have you guys reviewed the new Harley nightster for comparison ? (And ignoring the price difference :) )

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes we have about a year ago, have a scroll through our videos 👍🏼

[@jamesonpace726]

There would be a good comparo - RE650 air/oilcool vs Triumph400 watercool....

[@weemark67]

I like the look of these Shotguns. Unfortunately being 5 foot 4 with a 27 inch inside leg. Most bikes are too tall for me. Over the last few years it appears that bikes are getting taller and talller.😢

[@robbyclark6915]

Darcys new bike!

[@morri03]

Nice looking bike if you like that sort of thing but extra weight and worse chassis geometry means I’ll stick with my Baker Express

[@flyingtiger4991]

the only bike i would trade my interceptor for, would be the "classic 650" ... if there ever will be such a thing 😆

[@howlsbarks1078]

I have one it's just awsom for long rides awaaa it's so god

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

Royal Enfield Guerilla 450? I think that's what they may have ve you test..

[@ianhalliwell8604]

My ķind of bike but it should have better colours, twin clock's and i personally dislike blacked out bikes especially blacked out silencers they look so much better if they are stainless or chrome. The Interceptor to me is a nicer looking bike.

[@davidlight4659]

I'm with the ol' man, the bars are a bit narrow and do seem low. The paint scheme is awful. They need to take a lesson from Triumph, maybe a nice speedmaster red or black and white scheme. Love the channel, by the way, keep up the good work!

[@JoseEspinoza-tz1od]

Would you recommend this bike for a completely new rider with 0 experience with bikes ?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

The smaller the capacity it is the more suitable it is if you don't have experience 👍🏼

[@jimmyjam8795]

You may find this bike quite heavy (I own one) and it does need quite a bit of rider input to corner it. Unlike my cb500f which you can just ride without think about it!

[@michaellipman6065]

What is the ride like? Is the ride something one can live with on extended rides?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Its not bad, it just hits uneven surfaces a bit roughly

[@smittuscano1510]

Is there a mod to add a tachometer? I like to see my rpm.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Not sure 🤔

[@AlexRye-sv6no]

This or a conti for a daily commute (5 mintues) and the odd weekend bash?

[@AmanRai-t3v]

Hi, should i buy the new updated alloy interceptor 650 or this shotgun 650. Which will be a better bike and why??. Thanks

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@AmanRai-t3v the Interceptor is more of an engaging ride and has more character. Whereas the Shotgun Is more refined 👍🏼

[@AmanRai-t3v]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan , thanks for your opinion. Appreciated

[@peeweeabanco7241]

shotgun or speed twin 900?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Hard one. … probably the Triumph

[@Davidlouis3]

Nice wee bike

[@BlakesPipes]

second thing, i do not want to put my 300 dollar phone in the open while riding, its always in my inside pocket of my jacket. i like that google attachment for directions. just me. i just do not put my phone in the elements of 100 degrees or the 0 degrees.

[@loddude5706]

Do either of you feel that, as presented, this bike could handle another ten horsepower with ease? If not, where would you say it's immediate limitations lie - ie. frame, suspension, geometry, etc? P.S. Your Soft-tail would look ace with colour matched (not chrome) sprung-girders up front : )

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes it could easily handle more. For what it is; we don’t think it needs more, but opening it up with free flowing air filter and exhaust would make it feel way better

[@Adam-ki7jq]

Or lose like 5-10lbs

[@TallBiker]

The problem with blacked out bikes is they don't age as well as metal or silver finishes. Once you get the inevitable marks on the engine cases and other areas that are blacked out and they start to look tatty. But also agree with you, that the metal look finishes look more classic, classy and pleasing.

[@kiwiportraits]

Beautiful

[@johnmacmillan2721]

I think RE have gone for the younger rider with this one and rightly so they have many other options available for the more classic looking bikes. I am beginning to wonder which one of you is the old man🤔.

[@ccooper8785]

Lovely bike but, as with the current 350 and 650, I think it would be much improved with a larger frame for the western market.

[@kevinpollard1550]

A lovely bike but a speed master for me nice review

[@g1n4ik29]

What better HD sporster 883 or shotgun 650?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Did you watch the last video which was a comparision of the two? Both our thoughts are mentioned in that video 👍🏼

[@g1n4ik29]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Oh, thanks

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@g1n4ik29 here is the link 👍🏼 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5qUfnyZmr2Sa9Esi=v2AbKIL_8LYNoJ-g

[@g1n4ik29]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Thanks ill watch this video👍

[@jubei6802]

I'm guessing 'Guerrilla'

[@nathanruben3372]

Is it possible to change shifter with heel toe shifter?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I would think so

[@_S.E.J_]

What’s your new bike ?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@_S.E.J_ video coming next Tuesday 16/7 at 5pm 👍🏼👍🏼

[@elton0708]

Goan 350 (bobber) also launching soon

[@Brettmotorcycles]

You guys need to start reviewing CF Moto bikes they have made the biggest impact lately. They have a small cruiser out the CF moto CLC has classic looks and tech

[@dans2971]

I’m STRUGGLING with that rear mud guard. I won’t be trading my RE Continental GT650 for a Shotgun.

[@theleveller6164]

I was thinking the opposite.

[@ronoldcross8189]

The RE 650s are big enough, powerful.enough, fast enough. Each is distinctive. The Shotgun looks good, but I'll keep my Interceptor.

[@riyazali9365]

whats the name of the camera used in this video ?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s filmed on a Sony A7iii

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Sony A7iii

[@Richard-r1x7d]

12:49 👍

[@alantheloneranger]

Royal Enfield should scrap the Tripper and fit another dial with a Rev Counter

[@anirudhmallikarjun7067]

They need to make a shotgun 350.