Royal Enfield’s range will expand even more in 2024 with a new cruiser, called the Shotgun 650, taking the Indian company’s line-up to an impressive 13 separate models.
Unlike the all-new Himalayan, which was announced at the end of 2023, the Shotgun utilises Royal Enfield’s well-proven 650cc parallel twin platform and is the production version of a custom bike showcased at Royal Enfield’s Motoverse festival, which was held in Goa in November.
Priced from £6699 and coming in four colours: blue, white, grey and green, the Shotgun is a stripped back cruiser which Royal Enfield say has been designed to provide a blank canvas for riders who love to customise and modify their motorbikes, a bit like Triumph’s Bonneville Bobber.
The Shotgun shares its air-cooled, 648cc, parallel twin engine with the Interceptor 650 and Super Meteor 650, two models we’ve tested and enjoyed on the Insidebikes website and YouTube channel.
Unlike the Super Meteor, which is a true feet forward cruiser, the Shotgun has mid-mounted footpegs in a more roadster style, although there’s no room for a passenger due to the lack of a pillion seat. The floating saddle design is similar to that found on the Triumph Bobber and perfectly fits the Shotgun’s stripped back look. The 795mm seat height also fits the roadster style of ergonomics, being a good 55mm taller than that of the long and low Super Meteor.
A retro/modern juxtaposition runs throughout the styling, with classic motorbike lines contrasted against contemporary touches like the 43mm Showa big piston forks, LED headlamp and a semi-digital instrument pack which includes a USB charging port and Royal Enfield’s very useful Tripper navigation system.
But overall the Royal Enfield’s appeal is in its classic character and basic rawness. The 47bhp engine is full of character and makes it eligible to be ridden on an A2 licence. Although the 240kg kerb weight looks intimidating on paper, we know modern Enfields carry their weight low down, making them very manageable and easy to ride for new and experienced riders alike. The chunky tyres, 18” upfront and 17” at the rear, give the bike real presence and combine with neat touches like the headlamp nacelle and black finished exhaust to make it more substantial than most bikes carrying a sub £7000 price tag.
Royal Enfield are keen to push the Shotgun’s customisation credentials, which is why they’ve also launched a range of 31 official accessories for owners who want to modify their motorbike. These include small components like bar end mirrors, through to different saddles and even new wheels with billet rims.
The 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is set to arrive in European dealerships next month.
