Royal Enfield's 2024 Shotgun 650 cruiser offers SERIOUS value for money | MCN Review

#royalenfield #shotgun650 #cruiser
Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves has been Stateside to ride the 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 cruiser, and it's safe to say he's impressed! Read the full written review here: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
We'd love to hear your views so get them down in the comment section!
Find your next bike with the experts at MCN Bikes for Sale: www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-...
MCN Compare is your one-stop bike insurance shop: www.mcncompare.com/
Check us out on social media:
Facebook: @MotorcycleNews
Twitter: @MCNnews OR @MCNSport
Instagram: @motorcyclenews
Visit the MCN website for all the latest news, reviews, advice and bikes for sale:
www.motorcyclenews.com/​​
Subscribe to get MCN every week, in newspaper or digital format: bit.ly/3rEIjaP

[@sewerrat]

Can't wait to ride one. RE are killing it lately.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I enjoyed that and look forward to riding one myself (around a damp Blighty!).....

[@johngault-9597]

Thanks MCN, you sold me on the Shotgun 650, I'm buying one...

[@blackskunk54]

More to come this year, so maybe wait, 650 Scrambler, 650 Classic Bobber, 450 Scram/Roadster, 450 Hunter...

[@bishop883i]

Dear Harley Davidson. This is what you need. A level entry bike that’s easy to live with and easy for a beginner.

[@cowmath77]

The RE is a great bargain, no doubt, but Harley as a brand has never been about bargains. They are solid, heavy, torquey bikes. The RE has one of those, and its heavy. If you actually get off an RE and onto a Harley and think there is no difference in how they feel, both material and engine, you've got a neurological condition. IE, you can't manufacture an HD for a bargain, it won't feel or be like an HD...

[@Royalenfielda]

@@cowmath77excluding x350 and x500 😂

[@cowmath77]

@@Royalenfielda a Chinese Benelli with and HD badge on it isn't an HD. Its a knockoff; AKA what China does best.

[@Royalenfielda]

@@cowmath77turns out Harley “as a brand” is about a bargain.

[@cowmath77]

@@Royalenfielda is English not your first language? Harley doesn't sell an actual HD engineered and made bike under $14,000. "As a brand," they are expensive and quality machines, a cheap Chinese marketing knockoff bike doesn't redefine 100+ years of V-twin legacy; no matter how badly you want it to.

[@dannywhite132]

RE are doing what Yamaha did before. Produce quality products at a low price to gain market share and its working for them

[@salskars6637]

As always, another great review. Royal Enfield are so successful transforming their passion into affordable beautiful designs, I feel obliged to purchase one. So far I just own a R.E. hat. I just can't decide on which RE bike. The blue Shotgun color is awesome btw.

[@johnbellamy6449]

the positive comments coming from Michael Neeves really counts .he is number 1 where reviewing bikes are concerned in my opinion .

[@user-kp8lb5lk6f]

Wanna pull him off too ?

[@lubosibroxparty6583]

Michael it’s a tough life, good looking bike and great weather unlike here in Scotland -3 at present.

[@Jonathan-L]

As for a category to place this bike into, I would classify it as paying homage to a 'messenger bike'. My choice of colour would be a matte black or matte army green. I think Royal Enfield have produced a winner here.

[@Ciganyfiu]

Great bike, just like the SM. My biggest gripe with RE is the lack of accessories. My Super Meteor has been out for over a year now, I upgraded from an Interceptor mostly to go on longer trips with the advertised panniers. Still no panniers in sight and no one can even give a straight answer as to when they might become available. To RE: if you advertise something and list it in your accessories catalogue, please make it available!

[@michaelreid2329]

It'll be an interesting story when told. I'll likely settle for the aftermarket bags I've had used on other bike: Shad.

[@Final_Boss_Racing]

MCN I’m only here and watching this bc of NEEVESY so don’t ever fire him lol

[@user-ig9rf1gx6l]

great review from neeves as always. Fantastic looking machine..

[@flexywing]

Looks really good, hopefully the new 450 engine will be in the Hunter style bike soon

[@hop-skip-ouch8798]

There's a roadster/scrambler type thing spied on the streets of India. So fingers crossed.

[@bulthaosen1169]

I prefer this over super meteor

[@Supernova12034]

great review from neeves as always

[@kevquirk]

Not mentioned in the video, but the price is actually less than £7,000!

[@tonymarcella13]

I really wanted one of these when the concept was first unveiled. However it sounded like it wasn't going to be a reality and when the Super Meteor came out, I jumped on it! Now the Shotgun is official, it's not quite as nice as the concept and not different enough to change from my SM, but if I didn't have the SM I would definitely consider this. I love RE, on my 3rd one and tempted to add the new himmy next to the SM.

[@darklord9102]

That concept will cost way more....better for a 750 or higher engine.

[@MikeK6046]

Nice motorcycle!!!!, "times are a changing, reminds me a bit of when Honda first entered the marketplace"

[@felipedourado5721]

Exellent review, as usual. Please, what's the model of the Alpinestars jacket worn on the test? All the best from Brazil.✌

[@disekjoumoer]

Fantastic looking machine.

[@FourIntoOne]

This seems to me like RE's take on the discontinued Harley Sportster. And probably a better bike than that to boot!

[@captainpugwash788]

I’m a big RE fan and interceptor owner - but that’s a stretch. The HD sportster is an iconic, characterful bike. A first choice of customisers over many decades. This is not even close.

[@geddstock]

@@captainpugwash788maybe but it is discontinued. So this is very much a contender. The only place it might not sell well is the USA based on your analysis.

[@dutch2433]

Great vid.

[@kdsowen2882]

I've always been a 'Roadster-Guy' with a Sports-bike-phase for a few years , now back to old-school-twins (it's been a few years and over 50-bikes ) I turned everything into Cafe'-racers for a while but I've never been a Cruiser-Fan . This bike appeals-though , as you say , it is a bit-of-everything and it seems to work , the mid-pegs will be a lot of the-reason I suspect . Dave nz

[@philelsey7639]

Agree with the first comment, take note HD build bikes that people can afford and still look great, well done MCN a great review

[@roberthocking9138]

Nice review, but I would have liked to hear some raw exhaust / riding sounds with no talking to hear what it’s like

[@chilledout5881]

might have to buy one as my daily/weekend/touring/adventure

[@christyrer9530]

You mention having ridden the new Bullet 350. Is there a review on the way anytime soon?

[@MadChalet]

Sounds like a very nice bike, though I don't imagine I'll ever own a cruiser. Gotta comment though: 'no compromises' when the front brake is so-so? Even Harley came to the conclusion that a decent front brake is essential (after decades of back brake emphasis).

[@ArvindKumar-xm3tl]

The front brake on this one is good. I have ridden Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 which has same front brake and similar weight. For comparison it's much better than Harley Street 750's front brake. Of course, not as good as Street Rod 750's front brake because it has twin disks.

[@marcjohnson7734]

This has to the final step before they launch the classic 650.the super meteor was 1st but with it's last minute thought of hotch potch forward controls set up you knew something mid control was coming soon, this in my opinion is basically a test mule, using up all the parts from the S.M,then it's classic 650 time. Probably 12 months away though

[@GaryFOBrien]

Hope so

[@user-yh8op2cj4i]

Saw photos of classic 650 test bike i expect it to launch within 6months as engine and chassis is already tested multiple times in different bikes

[@superchargedpetrolhead]

there is rumour that we might get the classic 650 by either the second or third quarter of 2024

[@nikos-giorgos]

There's a classic 650 already, it's called Interceptor. I don't know what RE is thinking.

[@Whatreally123]

​@nikos-giorgos nah. The Classics were/are more upright seating and relaxed tune of the engine. The Onterceptor doesn't have the same upright riding position. It sits somewhere between the Classic and Conti GT. I have been an owner of the last Classic 500 (UCE engines) and loved the relaxed riding of that bike and with the rear seat removed, it looked fantastic. I had the Stealth Black version.

[@kanderson4417]

So when is it in the dealerships?

[@roxtarcool]

Harley-Davidson should be taking notes from RE. Why did they kill the 833? Kudos RE.

[@suvansh29]

The Corporation is killing the brand. A good product can never be made by a committee. You need One Man with a Vision.

[@HKWahl72]

Last year I sold my 2020 model RE Interceptor 650. It was a decent bike. It was replaced by an HD 883, 2020 model . I am very happy with the HD.

[@suvansh29]

@HKWahl72 Harleys are some of the best bikes out there(especially their exhaust note), and RE is not a replacement for them. They need to seriously focus on the power figures of their engines.

[@thebestevertherewas]

keep it. Will be in demand @@HKWahl72

[@etdbsub0]

@@suvansh29HD best bikes? Best on what, aesthetics?

[@jacobwilliams1285]

Interesting that I didnt hear any negatives at all. Seems like its a real good bike then with just nothing or very little to complain about.

[@pauls8456]

He’s good, he skimmed over 240kg, short suspension travel that doesn’t like bumps, front single disk isn’t good, May still buy one ;)

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

Michael’s critical reviews have always put him at the top of the heap for trusted analysis. For this review it’s like someone whacked him upside the head with a “love stick”❤. Is the RE Shotgun really that good? You’ve got me going to the dealer, when it arrives, to find out.

[@mldiode]

The super meteor 650 is very comfortable for folk 6ft. and taller because of the forward controls. The 650 engine is outstanding. The gear shifting is very smooth. I was impressed when I demoed it. I preferred it over the shotgun in the comfort dept.

[@viperq]

RE knows how to produce good bikes for a good price.

[@pggp273]

Praise Indeed 👍

[@GO-fd6rm]

When’s the Triumph 400 proper review)

[@joshuakwan5737]

test rided it at malaysia autoshow, to be honest its so nice that i actually gave the deposit

[@slimturnpike]

Whoa. Showa Separate Function Big Piston Fork in the front and Showa Twin Shock in the rear ,which the seat is directly bolted to.

[@martinharnett6922]

You've got the best job in the world😮

[@svaralen]

Do you think it is beginner friendly? How is rear suspension (asking have 110kg weight), thanx 👍

[@svaralen]

@@michaelmurdock4607 Thank you so much ✌️

[@angelnokare6906]

1. How is the ground clearance when cornering? I've seen some videos where the rider scrapes the footpegs alot 2. How is the engine heating? Are RE engines really heating that much as people say? Lovely looking bike tho

[@alpap1980]

Which alpinestars jacket is in the video?

[@felipedourado5721]

Just asked that same question few minutes ago. Hope they answer us. ✌

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Looks good. I'd never buy a cruiser, but this will be popular, I suppose. Since when has 240 kg been reassuring on a 650cc bike?

[@captainpugwash788]

When it’s a cruiser-style bike. They’re all heavy. The weight is low so less noticeable on the move.

[@andrewoh1663]

Can I put panniers on it?

[@papachis9535]

Sounds like you’re reading out their promo material…..

[@basedury]

I like it, but as an interceptor owner I was kind of hoping they'd release the 650 scrambler first.

[@mrcintheuk4641]

Hmm, I'm going to have to book a test ride on a modern Royal Enfield because just cruising around with such a small amount of BHP doesn't seem that engaging but so many people seem to be enthused by these bikes. Totally different bikes and far more extras on the RE, but £7300 for this or a CB750 Hornet?

[@Legotruck82]

Yup they aren't fast. But there's something fun about riding a bike that you can use all of it's performance on the street, without going to jail. I've got a 650GT and a Z900RS. They are both fun for different reasons......

[@adejames88]

I went from fast bikes to 57 bhp and do sometimes miss the oomph. But the comment previously sums it up perfectly, it’s fun using it all.

[@mrcintheuk4641]

​@@Legotruck82 I've had my Hornet a couple of months now. A very good bike. Coincidentally the 900RS was on the shortlist shopping along with the Z900.

[@Ian-xt1mb]

Hornet - no contest!

[@Jagknorr]

Lol riding around on a klx300 with less than 30hp is more fun than ive had on any of my prior bikes (with more HP i may add). They arnt lying when they say bikes can have character and are just “fun”. Its in the feeling.

[@stevenkerry3101]

i think it looks the part but i think the silencers should have been a lot shorter .

[@varmastiko2908]

That's a good review. However, since you guys are well respected motorcycle journalists, it would be a good gesture to use the word 'quality' in its proper meaning. What you were talking about at around 2 minutes mark is 'perceived quality', or perhaps a 'sense of build quality'. If you simply say 'quality' the implication is that you have done a rigorous long term test on the bike to see how durable it is. 'Quality' means something that lasts while 'perceived quality' or 'sense of quality' means a feel you get just by looking at the bike, implying that it will indeed prove to be of high quality once you get to live with the bike. Thanks for a good review, guys!

[@TC-oh9ie]

Does it still need a service every 2,500 miles or 6 months like many new Royal Enfields? If so, you have to factor in the additional service costs over and above a Triumph 400 or an Honda Hornet, let alone the inconvenience of twice as many trips to the dealership compared with their modern 21st Century competitors.

[@thebestevertherewas]

the service costs are usually lower than its competitors, and dirt cheap parts are available off the shelf.

[@axel3895]

​@@thebestevertherewasthey are not cheap to maintain

[@stenmark66]

The white and black is a disaster colourwise.The green and blue colours are really nice looking!!! Looks really cool from the side and somewhat behind. Mufflers upswept in a fine angle. ❤

[@beanwithbaconmegarocket]

I commuted on a motorbike in LA for 5 years. FZ1, R3, GS500F, and a Ninja 650. Lane splitting next to a semi truck on one side and a 250k supercar on the other side is kind of surreal.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

8:02 Probably more because Royal Enfield (or rather their owners Eicher) also own Harris Performance Products who have built race bikes for Suzuki and Yamaha to run in MotoGP, BSB, WSBK and Supermoto before developing the frames for the current RE range than anybody who came from Triumph.

[@richardpalmer8478]

Looks more limey bike than cruiser than the Super Meteor but still cool looking. Probably more comfortable to ride.

[@user-bb7wb4pe1o]

You can not get a workshop manual or parts book. Accessories! I have been waiting over 6 months for the touring handlebars for my SM 650. Wish I had bought a Honda.

[@stuartkraven]

Prices are less than £7,000. That is a bargain. Like the looks of it.

[@WyreForestBiker]

When you can buy a Honda 750 with twice the power for a few hundred more ?? A bargain ? !! ? I know it's in different market segment but when judging value for money it's still relevant.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@WyreForestBiker But twice the torque? No.

[@Adam-mo2qw]

​@@WyreForestBikerGood point. Honda smashed it with the hornet pricing. Shame its gone up £300 though.

[@jacobwilliams1285]

Very different looking bike though a 750 Hornet, for me not in the same category. I compare this more to a CL500 Scrambler from Honda, which I do like the look of, which has similar power and price@@WyreForestBiker

[@dreamcrusher112]

@@WyreForestBiker That Honda is not good for cruising. Can't stick at 20 or 30mph bc the throttle is so snatchy. Completely different markets.

[@Felipe_Motociclista]

I see this bike has rear pegs for passengers.. i wonder how it looks with a pillion seat. Probs going to be offered as an accessory

[@61js]

Didn't you watch the video?

[@PromethSunrise]

That bike is only 40kg away from a BMW GS 1300, MADNESS

[@captainpugwash788]

What a random comparison. Shall we compare the weight of a Harley to an R1 next? Why? Horses for courses.

[@johncarter1150]

Other than the price, "motor bike " worth the price , prrice price. Is this Royal Indiafield paid promotion?

[@YouMotorcycle]

Saying it's great value for the price and then saying pricing hasn't been announced yet makes me wonder about journalistic integrity and bias... We know they paid to send you out to sunny LA but wouldn't it be best to remain objective until the facts are actually known for certain?

[@rodbowes5309]

You really didn't listen when pricing was discussed, did you? The pricing was expected to be close to that of the Super Meteor, the nearest model in the range and lo and behold, the professional motorcycle journalist was remarkably accurate in that assumption..

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@rodbowes5309 I don't remember, it was six days ago. I remember he said something about "pricing is expected to be quite low, so that's great" and it seemed silly to me that a journalist would comment on something that was not yet known to be true, as if it was already known to be true. I took an elective in university on journalism, that isn't how it's taught here.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Bargain ? .. When Honda sell a newly developed 750 for the same price ?

[@TR5T]

RE bestting the tone, wait for the 750s

[@Alexander-of7ny]

I’ve never heard Neevsy give such a glowing report on a bike before. Sounded more like a paid advert for RE.

[@simonwalker7957]

Yeah I agree, he lost me a “sports bike”! Looks like a tank, weighs like a tank. I did notice that with even the small amount of lean his toe was near scraping, a hotch-potch of a bike if ever they was one.

[@splodge5714]

He'd be happy to pay "twice the amount" for it.😅🤣

[@johnharris7353]

Exactly!

[@rakeshbabu9884]

Why can't they simply design the bike in such a way that both the silencers are on the same side?

[@MikMech]

Nice Bike. The bar end mirrors look terrible! Good review though...

[@nigelfisher3756]

Nice enough for the money but the Guzzi V7 is better motorbike for not much more.

[@atalaymete1]

Same wheels with the ktm adventures!!!

[@natural9743]

I saw you riding "Shotgun"👀

[@zrx4me1]

How many platforms off the same engine is a question Royal Enfield cannot answer yet.

[@suraj250684]

International oems like kawasaki do the same thing, so why shouldn't RE do the same ?

[@captainpugwash788]

They all do it. How bikes has Honda slung their 500cc parallel twin into? (Hint - it’s more than RE’s 650 lineup).

[@dedo69]

246 kgs? goodluck!

[@simob7862]

Now a clever person who knows stuff could purchase this and have enough money to buy the new 450 Himalayan , so for the cost of the Harley (rev max) plastic want to be you can almost get two different and awesome bikes.

[@gazzertrn]

Only a 2,500 mile service interval from what i heard .That's a bit low , if you are using it all year that's 2 services a year .Unless you do it yourself that is . Not too sure of the looks though on this one . Pillion would have a hard time LOL.

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Shame there isn't any clips of the exhaust note!!! What a bizarre omission!??

[@FunWithAJ]

I was at the US launch party the same day and they didn't even start the bikes. I was shocked.

[@charlesshamash1102]

I like Royal Enfields. I have one in fact. But this video just seems like a paid advertisement. Disappointing from MCN. Just didn’t seem like a rigorous test but I guess the MCN boys got a nice holiday

[@dombower]

Remove rear mudguard, fatten up wheel, but on massive exhaust and boom! Sold

[@rubo1964]

Put a deposit for 350 Classic. Already have faster bikes VFR800 Honda 750 Vulcan 1500 but need something light and fun and to me 350 does it.I am sure this is a great bike for most people but I would prefer higher displacement.

[@stephenbryson5618]

Have they addressed the rust issues??

[@stevegee218]

It looks like "What if RE made a Sportster"

[@thodoris3790]

nice, but my interest stops at 46hp.make it 850cc and 66hp and then you have my attention

[@JelloThatsMellow]

That's where Triumph comes in.

[@marcjohnson7734]

More than enough for the road, what's your speed limit? My interceptor can reach 170kph but you don't ride these bikes for speed,you ride them so you can chug around counrty lanes halcyon riding 👌,if you want hp and something over 170 then r.e isn't for you!

[@marcjohnson7734]

@@JelloThatsMellow and double the price.

[@GaryFOBrien]

Gootzee V7

[@splodge5714]

Yeah the Bonneville 1200 range is more expensive, I can't work out why.😅🤣😂

[@rpa83]

It’s the same 650 on a Super Meteor with different details, they keep doing the same bike over and over again

[@nickfindsgold9788]

The new Sportster ❤

[@ShubhankarDolas]

0:58 Yous calling 7300 pounds a great value for this bike. That means it would be inexplicably stupid to turn it down at its home market cost; 3500 pounds

[@nikos-giorgos]

Too bad your camera was stuck at that one colour.

[@simonbowen6653]

Nice on Neevsy. At less than £7k it's an absolute bargain and will fly off the shelves.

[@user-bb7wb4pe1o]

They use stud to hold the rear sprockets and they are coming loose.

[@Handirifle]

Personally I am sick of the "bobber" look that bikes are doming out with. Ever ride in the rain with a bobbed rear fender. Hope you like a muddy back.

[@urbanambrozic949]

Hipsterish gadget/fashion accessorie.

[@soggycracker5934]

It's like a meatier Meteor 350...

[@dombower]

Harley’s sales department 😮😢

[@KnightRider1157]

I could never happily open my garage door and see that.

[@johnharris7353]

Its the same overweight underpowered 650 twin.

[@MegaVistaman]

enfields will always be heavy

[@wilderbeestmcc6539]

Those exhaust would have to go🙈🇬🇧

[@kaushals4294]

9:44 so it's an old video way back in Dec 2023 refabricated to gain false views, what a shame...

[@jacobwilliams1285]

There is a review embargo until today.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Nobody was allowed to publish reviews until January 15. It's very often the case with bike launches that there is a delay between launch event and publication.

[@ome69]

Does MCN ever give bad reviews? Ranting about value for money when the price wasn't even announced is embarrassing frankly.

[@OMGGITSDAVID]

The seat height kills me. Why so tall. Short riders: 😅

[@terrellgarren7125]

...46HP and 530lbs sport bike. The things one has to say to be invited to a manufacturer sponsored bike launch.

[@johnnysevengun]

46bhp? for a 650.

[@andrewhayes4246]

Sorry, but I think that rear mudguard is fuggly!

[@GrtSatan]

As much as I love my 2019 650 Continental GT, the suspension is rubbish, both front and back.There is a reason they are such bargains.