The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 arrived with the kind of cinematic swagger RE seems to have mastered lately. After months of spy shots floating around bike forums and endless chai-stall debates about what it would finally look like, the factory-custom roadster is here, carrying equal parts attitude and refinement. Built on the company’s celebrated 650 twin platform, the Shotgun feels like a motorcycle that bridges two worlds: the gritty custom scene and the everyday practicality Indian riders depend on.
A Twin-Cylinder Heart With That Familiar RE Soul
Royal Enfield hasn’t tampered with the magic formula powering the 650 series. Sitting at the core is the brand’s 648cc parallel-twin, air-oil cooled, smooth as ever, and tuned for that unmistakable mid-range grunt.
On paper, 47 bhp and 52 Nm may not scream “aggressive,” but on the road, this engine punches well above what the numbers suggest. It pulls cleanly, overtakes happen without hesitation, and the seamless wave of torque makes city traffic feel less like a chore.
The 6-speed gearbox with slip-assist clutch adds to the bike’s forgiving, friendly nature. Whether you’re crawling in peak-hour chaos or cruising at triple-digit speeds on an open stretch, the Shotgun keeps its composure—never too frantic, never too lazy.
A Custom-Inspired Design That Actually Looks Custom
If there’s one area where the Shotgun 650 steps away from the rest of the 650 family, it’s design. This thing looks like it rolled out of a high-end custom workshop.
- Muscular fuel tank
- Fat rubber at both ends
- A low, chopped tail section
- Sculpted side panels
- Wide bar with a street-fighter lean
It’s raw, modern, but unmistakably Royal Enfield. The blacked-out exhausts, minimalist rear fender, and full-LED lighting push it further into neo-custom territory. This is a bike that gets stared at even when it’s parked.
Features: Useful, Not Overstuffed
Royal Enfield has been steadily modernizing its feature set, and the Shotgun inherits the best of it.
- Tripper Navigation for real-time routing
- USB charging dock
- Dual-channel ABS
- LED headlamp + taillight
- Digital-analog instrument cluster
It’s the right mix of analog charm and contemporary convenience. Nothing feels gimmicky, nothing feels missing.
Comfort & Ride Quality: Surprisingly Plush
Visually, the Shotgun looks like a mean machine—you expect stiffness, a harsh ride, maybe even a bit of intimidation. But the moment you get rolling, it surprises you.
The suspension sits firmer than the Interceptor but with far better control, especially on broken tarmac. The seat is generously padded, the riding triangle is neutral and upright, and visibility is excellent.
On long rides, the bike stays planted and predictable. In the city, it handles bumps without rattling your bones. For a bike that looks this rebellious, the comfort quotient is unexpectedly high.
Handling: More Nimble Than It Looks
Chunky tyres and a muscular design might suggest a heavy-handling bike—but the Shotgun 650 hides its weight well. The low center of gravity makes low-speed manoeuvres surprisingly easy, and mid-corner stability feels reassuring rather than twitchy.
Steering inputs feel natural, and braking performance is confident thanks to the well-tuned dual-channel ABS. The Shotgun doesn’t try to be a razor-sharp corner carver; instead, it feels composed—something riders can push without thinking twice.
Pricing & Variants
Royal Enfield has priced the Shotgun 650 aggressively:
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Base | ₹3.50 lakh |
| Top Variant | ₹3.80 lakh |
In the current mid-weight market, these numbers deliver extraordinary value—especially when you consider the engine, build quality, and the custom-inspired aesthetic baked right into the factory design.
Rivals: A Crowded Yet Unequal Fight
The Shotgun enters a competitive zone loaded with strong players:
- Kawasaki Z650RS
- Honda CB650R
- Benelli 502C
But here’s the twist: none of these match the Shotgun’s price-to-performance ratio. RE positions this bike as an accessible lifestyle machine, not just a spec-sheet warrior—and that’s where it lands a knockout blow.
Final Word
The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 isn’t just another motorcycle launch—it’s a statement of intent. A factory custom that feels handcrafted, a torquey twin that behaves beautifully on our roads, and a premium-looking machine that doesn’t demand a premium-sized bank loan.
It appeals to:
- riders who want style,
- long-distance wanderers chasing comfort,
- and enthusiasts craving character without breaking the bank.
Royal Enfield set out to build a motorcycle with attitude—and with the Shotgun 650, it looks like they’ve nailed it.
FAQs
What is the engine capacity of the Shotgun 650?
It uses a 648cc parallel-twin, air-oil cooled engine.
What is the price of the Shotgun 650?
The range starts at ₹3.50 lakh and goes up to ₹3.80 lakh (ex-showroom).
Does it feature navigation?
Yes, it comes with Tripper Navigation support.
Is it suitable for long rides?
Absolutely. The seating, ergonomics, and stability make it ideal for touring.
What are its main rivals?
Kawasaki Z650RS, Honda CB650R, and Benelli 502C.
