SURPRISED by the ROYAL ENFIELD SHOTGUN 650

[@Rbourk252]

My other bike is a Honda CB1100. I purchased the Shotgun to fill that hunger for a lighter twin. It’s a beautiful bike. I have so much fun riding it. Thumbs up to the guys that build it.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

They've done an amazing job with that bike. Looking forward to testing the RE Bear. Also want to compare the new Honda 350 with the RE 350's. I'm glad my garage can't hold 10 bikes, I'd fill it in no time!

[@Rbourk252]

@@thebristolthunderbird same here. It’s a good thing keep any more and they’d have to stand drained covered and powered off like in a museum. 😂

[@thebristolthunderbird]

@@Rbourk252 very true. Bikes need to be ridden!

[@Lcshchnl]

Thx u for this good exploration from rus:) Useful and interesting video, im subscribe and think about buying shoutgun at spring time

[@thebristolthunderbird]

It's a great bike. Thanks for the sub!

[@WessexBladesHandMadeKnives]

wow, nice to see a bike review blasting around roads I recognise, have a great time in Portugal!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks mate. Very much looking forward to it.

[@thepodbaydoorshal]

A little tip for the visor. Buff it down with washing up liquid. It leaves a coat that stops it steaming up. Last thing you want is a fly right in your eye while you’re pottering along. 😂 Nice video.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Haha, met a few flies on my travels, only briefly for them! I'll give the washing up liquid a go. Thanks for the hack!

[@antonyheadford6538]

Another brilliant video, change the air filter to a DNA and new end cans , totally different bike again . Looking forward to seeing your Portugal trip , stay safe 😎😎

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks mate. Looking forward to the Portugal trip. The shotgun is a good base for modifications for sure.

[@malcolmtaylor3231]

Morning, just watched your video on the Shotgun, nice bike. Back in September I had a test ride on the Triumph speed 400, and the Enfield Guerrilla, after a 2nd ride on the Guerrilla I ordered myself one, should be here within the next couple of weeks, would recommend you have a ride on one, you'll be pleasantly surprised, obviously not got the power of my Hornet, but definitely looking forward to getting the Guerrilla out on the road. Having subscribed to your channel I'll be watching your trip around Portugal on the Interceptor, hope the weather was good for the trip.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks mate, appreciate that. Will be trying out a few Enfields over the next few months, they are really great bikes. The Portugal trip didn't happen unfortunately, I was so ill with the Norovirus that I couldn't go! Thanks so much for the sub, appreciate that. Hope you have a great new year!

[@malcolmtaylor3231]

@thebristolthunderbird oh blimey that's rotten luck, hope you are feeling better and you get down to Portugal sometime 👍

[@dbharrold]

The way prices are going I wouldn’t be surprised if it drops further. Fantastic value with a proven engine.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

For sure. Such a great bike, cannot fault it really.

[@garysmythe9545]

The Royal Enfield bikes have come on leaps and bounds in fairness and at very good price points too. You mentioned previously giving a bmw r nine t a run out - definitely worth a go Matt. Great vid thanks - good to see local neck of the woods.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

The R9 is definitely on my list to try. Love bikes that are a bit out of the ordinary, the R9 is an unusual machine that looks pretty awesome. I'm guessing you are local?

[@donovandale7077]

Very perceptive review. Your description was understandable and helpful.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Glad you liked it my friend. Thanks.

[@paulcragon6038]

Well presented video again thanks Matt. I’ve booked an Interceptor 650 for four days in Tenerife, for the last week in November. It’ll be interesting to compare notes. So I’m definitely looking forward to seeing your Portugal videos. Here’s hoping you have yourself a seemingly well deserved and chilled fly/ride holiday. Really enjoying the channel. Keep up the good work. Thanks again. 👍🏍🍺☀️

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks mate, appreciate the encouragement. Will be interesting to hear how your trip in Tenerife goes. Enjoy your ride!

[@andrewgibbs5135]

I looked at that bike in Fowlers yesterday, I agree with your views. It looks much better in real life than in any magazine and the build quality is top notch. I have owned an 883 Sportster which had an engine characteristic of a cement mixer, it also grounded out when turning out of a T junction ! It will be interesting to see how you get on with the SWM ! Good luck with the weather 🤞 A great review and presentation, keep it up 👍

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks mate. The build quality was impressive, way better than I expected. I think I've been converted! Really hope I can get a test ride on a Stormbreaker in a couple of weeks.

[@DaveOasist]

Morning mate, so glad you like the RE Shotgun. Great value for the money, i absolutely love my RE Guerilla 450, Cant believe your off to Portugal as its my second home, Porto is gorgeous! so ill be looking forward to this trip. The Tbird still is no.1 😎

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Cheers mate. I've heard Porto is nice, very much looking forward to visiting. Yeah, the Royal Enfields are great, way better than I expected. I'd be interested to see if they come out with a bigger bike too, 900 - 1200 twin. Get the feeling that would be an absolute tank. Any tips for Porto and Portugal would be welcome.

[@DaveOasist]

@@thebristolthunderbird I believe they are going to maybe do a 750 or 850 twin as these 650s can be board out. I havent actually ridden in Porto, it was a holiday last year, ive ridden all the algarve to border of spain though. No tips mate, just enjoy the lovery roads, weather should be ok still, i only came back in october and it was still 25/26 daily, so should be around the 15 mark daily.

[@davew-jk5te]

Great video Matt, glad your impressed i have a royal enfield hunter 350 & a 450 guerrilla and i did notice at the RE dealer in Keighley that brand new 650 interceptors were on sale starting from £4850!!!!! . More videos Matt now you have more free time pal.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Really, that cheap? That's nuts for a new bike! So please to have more time on my hands. Planning on dedicating quite a bit to the channel, really enjoying it.

[@jimmyjam8795]

You definitely have to manhandle these things around in the road. Jumping from my Honda CB500F commuter, on to my Shotgun certainly highlights that!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

A lot to be said for those light 500's. Feel like getting on a 125 but almost as quick as a 600!

[@reldwob22]

Nice review. Looking at REs for my next bike. Will be testing a couple at least in 2025. Subscribed to get your views on a few more models… 👍

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I'll be trying out a few more this year. I would like to do a comparison between their 350 and the new Honda 350 that's coming out soon (may already be out). Decent bikes for reasonable money.

[@WilliamAPBodie]

That is a great review plus the bonus of maybe a review of the SWM V1200. Thank you very much for the video 😀

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks mate. Think it was you that told me about the Stormbreaker. Fingers crossed I'll get one on the road.

[@WilliamAPBodie]

Ps: look out for the new Honda GB350S. that is coming out 2025. 😀

[@WilliamAPBodie]

@@thebristolthunderbird Guilty 😲 When you see the bike. it will blow your mind. (well mine did 😛) it's lighter. have a bigger tank. euro 5plus. TFT with RPM on it. and so on 😀

[@thebristolthunderbird]

@@WilliamAPBodie yes, that one looks awesome. Battle of the 350's is happening soon.

[@dbharrold]

Good review Matt. With prices coming down I’ve found a new one in Cardiff for under £6k. Seems like a great bike for the money.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Not sure it can be beaten at that price point.

[@Robin-iv1kc]

Triumph? The self proclaimed quality brand???? I was at the NEC bike show this year and went to both stands. Triumph twice the price, but not twice the quality. I own an interceptor and absolutely love it. Smiles per mile off the scale and my wallet hasn’t suffered a cardiac arrest. Enfield makes more bikes in a month that triumph do in a year. Triumph are too far up there own back sides for me. The enfield 650 twin is a peach.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That's the thing a lot of people are saying, 'not twice the quality'. From my little spin on their 650 I have to say I was impressed. I would have no issues at all if that was all I could ride, a solid and good looking bike. Ergonomically ideal for a shorter rider like me. I haven't really ridden many modern Triumphs, mine's from 1995. It's built like a tank, over engineered in just about every way. It does weigh a lot though which is a trade off I guess.

[@TheBoozeFreeBiker]

You need to have a ride on a Thunderbird LT 1700, awesome bike. Great Vid as always and yes RE bikes are value for money.

[@gwynnromano5881]

I owned a T-bird 1600, put 60K miles on it and wish Triumph would bring out an updated version.

[@TheBoozeFreeBiker]

@ yep that’s what am waiting for too.

[@gwynnromano5881]

@@TheBoozeFreeBikerI traded for a 2022 Speedmaster which fits the majority of my riding these days but there are times when I kick myself for making the deal. Frankly I loved my Thunderbird and never had an issue with it. Rock solid and reliable. Just routine maintenance and consumables.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I'm guessing LT is Luxury Touring. Sounds like a nice ride!

[@TheBoozeFreeBiker]

@ stands for light touring, I did 2600 miles on a trip to France Spain & Portugal in May/June, the most comfortable ride ever. Previous bike was an Indian Chieftain, I prefer the triumph.

[@randomguy9893]

I had a look at the shotgun, definitely a step up in quality from the interceptor.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

It's a surprisingly good bike in just about every way. Totally changed my perception of RE for sure.

[@randomguy9893]

@thebristolthunderbird my local dealer has one on offer for £5800 otr same colour as you tested.

[@mattwilliams9758]

Come back in the new year and check out the Bear 650… scrambler version of the interceptor.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Looking forward to trying that one for sure.

[@mattwilliams9758]

@@thebristolthunderbird 😀 …it looks like it arrives with the right rubber for Chew Valley roads.

[@kevbaldwin9552]

You need to ride one of the Royal Enfield twins that has had a big bore engine conversion done not mental fast but buckets of grunt big smiles .

[@thebristolthunderbird]

What are they bored out to?

[@kevbaldwin9552]

@thebristolthunderbird they can go over 900 cc most common are 750 and 850 along with camshaft upgrade flowed head ect .huge torque increase and depending on tune over 70 bhp at the back wheel xx

[@millinutz]

I think I mentioned in my comment on your last vid, you'll be surprised with RE, well at least any of the 650s. They are not just a cheap "foreign" bike, but good handling, well made and completitive bikes in their catagory, that don't cost an arm and a leg, or words to that effect....so i'm glad you came back with a smile on your face. Good review, and some nice countryside round your way... which side of Bristol did you go out of?

[@thebristolthunderbird]

A very solid offering in the 600+cc category. Impressed mate. I rode out southwards on the Wells Road towards Pensford. Turned right before the village and rode back throughout Chew Magna. Basically out where I grew up.

[@millinutz]

@thebristolthunderbird I know the Chew Magna area a bit and saw some similarities in the video to what I know from 15 plus years ago. Thx 4 the trip down memory lane.

[@filipvrijders7994]

Riding since 1988. Had a lot of brands.In 2021 I sold my BMW RT.I heard about the new bikes of RE. I went to sit on a Continental GT, but could not do a testride because of COVID. I bought it like this. It is the first bike in my live I cannot sell. I bought a Shotgun and I keep the GT. The most fun bikes I ever owned. Reliable, not expensive, full of caracter… Every day I like them more and more. Summer, winter, rain…ride on. The big chief of RE is a biker himself and listens to what bikers like and want. Every new model, the finish gets better, but the price stays the same. RE sells about 1.000.000 bikes a year, they plan, don’t waist money… Warning: they enchant you😂

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That sounds so good mate. When a bike gets you like that. I'm like that with the old Thunderbird, I just haven't been connected to a bike like I am with the TBirds. Not sure I'll ever be able to sell this one, we've been through too much together!

[@wombat650]

Great review, Have a go on a 650 Super Meteor before you commit, you might change your POV...👍

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I think I'm going to try them all!

[@zenaldiak]

I think it deserve to try the RE Inerceptor Bear when it will be avaiable, and the new Classic 650, but until they'll be avaiable for testing, try de Super Meteor 650. Shotgun have similarities with the Speed Twin? Mno, I think it have not, maybe the Interceptor Bear. I like how do you ride. I saw a lot of old youtubers testing RE, Triumph, BSA, etc, all ride on relanti with them, man so boring what a heck of testin is that😅 I like you feel instantly that the "agregate" want some ritm, abit of spin, was a good ride man. 😊👍✌️🤘

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks mate. I definitely want to try the bear and the classic when they are available for test rides. Thank for the comment!

[@benschofield7565]

I had an Interceptor, and although I loved it, I traded it for a T120 and have to say I don't miss the Enfield. The difference in quality and comfort is massive. However, for the money, you just can't beat RE. The new Classic is a thing of beauty and I'll definitely be trying one out next year.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

There's no doubt the Triumphs are a thing of beauty, I love mine. Somehow the RE's have managed to get up close to the epic Triumphs, that's quite an achievement!

[@zenaldiak]

Shotgun&Supermeteor and the two newbyes((Classic 650, Int. Bear 650) are with Showa suspension, the "old Interceptor is less comfy

[@robertboomsema4422]

See your point of view here mate, been into the RE 660’s too, but I honestly must say that it was comparing it to my Bonneville T100 a bit underwhelming. I bought a 3 year old bonneville for the same price as a new 650 RE but the 900 engine in the T100 is way smoother and has a bit more oomph. Been test riding quite a lot of bikes lately and from all of them I think the Speed twin 900 was the most pleasant one, so easy to handle, lovely sound and just a great ride. I know we share that thing for a Sportster too, but I think I’m cured…. it’s going to be Bonneville for me…, in whatever shape it is. I’m addicted to triumph now 🤣🤣🤣

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I think I just need to get on a HD and see if it heals me and pulls me in deeper! The Speed Twin is definitely on my list of bikes to try.

[@jasonbroad1544]

Love the video just get the engine right!! You’ve call it a triple at the start then a parallel twin!! Apart from that stick to Triumph😉👏

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Oh no did I? I'll take a look back and laugh at myself.

[@Tiaimo]

It needs to chop here and there to fit my preferences. But it looks sharp and settle compare to Interceptor in terms of built quality. Good value and reliable engine.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

It's got the basics hasn't it? I've seen a few with some subtle customisations and they look awesome. The interceptor is what it is and probably shouldn't be messed with too much in terms of looks.

[@tarka1001]

I've got an Inty, do try one if you can, I think it was would suit you better. The Shotgun leans a bit towards being a cruiser. The Inty is so cheap and easy to mod to suit your style. For the money, they're hard to beat!

[@tarka1001]

Oh, and don't forget the Bear will be out soon as well 😊

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Got a 5 day trip around Portugal on an interceptor booked for the end of November. Can't wait!

[@tarka1001]

@@thebristolthunderbird I should have waited until the end of the video before jumping in! 🤦😂

[@thebristolthunderbird]

@tarka1001 haha. I was going to timestamp my reply! All goody friend. Really looking forward to trying the Interceptor.

[@adrianstrand1120]

Don’t forget there’s the royal Enfield 650 classic coming out, also a 650 twin.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I've seen. They are making the most out of that engine in different bikes, why not, it's a strong engine! All their bikes seem to have distinct differences which is great. I'm going to try them all!

[@Geekontourwheels]

@@thebristolthunderbird Yea...RE have this fantastic knack of making very different riding experiences from a lot of the same ingredients ...its the same with all their engines!

[@TheDervMan]

50ish BHP is plenty enough for everyday riding. Nice looking bike.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That's very true. Not often you need more power than that.

[@ianfutcher1518]

I’m sure when you got back n your TBird you realised how much more substantial the Triumph is although there is no denying that RE are good value for money.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Yes I did. I think that's modern bikes Vs older bikes. The over engineering of the old Triumphs is something of a bygone era I think. I'm so used to the heft of the Thunderbird, I think it would be hard to not have that in the stable!

[@TheTigerman62]

Great review. Royal Enfield are listening to people and giving them what they want. Good affordable bikes. Suspension might be a bit hard, but remember in India they carry the whole family plus the dog on their bikes. They’re usually made to last. 😆

[@thebristolthunderbird]

It's a good bike for sure, and a good brand by the looks of things. It's unsurprising they have gained so much attention.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

I have a 2020 interceptor.22,000 trouble free with sidecar.I have crossed the Rockies several times ,the bad passes,deserts and insane Great plains wind it is relentless

[@thebristolthunderbird]

@@deltabluesdavidraye that's some miles! Sounds like some epic adventures.

[@joh8379]

What's the brand and model of your jacket?

[@thebristolthunderbird]

The link is in one of the comments I think, been enquired about a few times. I'll find it again and post it here.

[@Michael-gw6nj]

Try a 1960s interceptor !! Enfield have been around since 1901 👍

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That would be a fun ride!

[@martineres5940]

Máš pravdu.Zdravím

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks!

[@timgranthunnisett380]

Matt, if you have the chance, try riding the HD 48 Sportster. You won't be disappointed! I was lucky enough to get a beautiful 2017 model (my second bike), and I can honestly say it brings a smile to my face every time I ride it. People call it a "girl's bike," but that's far from the truth-it's full of grit, grind, and character. Maybe it's a midlife crisis, but who cares when you're hiding that smile under your helmet? Safe riding! Get yourself over the bridge 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 and I'll let you test-ride mine.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That is very kind of you mate. If you're serious about that then I think I'll take you up on the offer. You can try the Thunderbird and see how they compare. If there's a nice ish weekend on Dec or Jan I'll drop you a line and we can get something arranged.

[@Angelhost]

I think it's unfair to compare the Triumph Speed Twin 900 with the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. There's 20 extra horsepower in the Triumph (30% more power vs the Shotgun). Given the extra horses and superior Triumph build quality (to me) it's clear that it's worth paying the extra money for a better quality more powerful bike.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

You're right, the Thunderbird is a different beast all together. I'm just tend to compare everything with the Thunderbird - it's a very hard bike to beat.

[@Angelhost]

@thebristolthunderbird Yeh, I do get that.

[@GonzoMallorca]

Paid publicity?

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Unfortunately no. I just just wanted to give one a go and see what all the hype was about. They really do live up to the hype too. Maybe they could send me a few £'s! (Or a bike for a month to try out...).

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Triumph looks good but they have a horrible reliability record.Much worse than about anyone other than maybe Ducati

[@thebristolthunderbird]

My Triumph has been about as reliable as you can get. It is a 1995 model though, one of the Hinkley factory bikes. Not sure about the newer ones though. Haven't heard too much negative to be honest.

[@mattwilliams9758]

…they turned a corner when the 650 interceptor/continental came out. New CEO & UK design team from ex-triumph.

[@devonbikefilms]

Having owned both Triumph and Ducati, there's not much wrong with the reliability of either, my GT1000 ran over 60,000 miles with no issues and my 865 thruxton was solid.

[@aman_s0103]

Don't understand how reliability and after sales service become problematic when the product is lot better.