Ride impressions: Jim Scaysbrook • Photos: Tom Fossati and Matty Hayman
There’s no doubt that the timeless classic styling and innovative décor of the now long established Royal Enfield 650s have contributed immensely to the success of the models and made the Indian-owned brand the global leader in the 250-750cc segment, but RE clearly believes that there is also a market for a more radically-styled version of the theme.
The new Shotgun 650 is officially referred to as “a custom-inspired motorcycle…the ultimate canvas for personalisation…an ode to the long-standing tradition of customising Royal Enfield motorcycles.” In this case, Royal Enfield has pretty much done the customising for you, but there’s plenty of scope to add your own individual touches. Royal Enfield prides itself on being a “metal motorcycle” – you won’t find much plastic on the Shotgun. Things like the side covers, headlight nacelle, front and rear mudguards – they’re all metal, mate.
Despite this being a deliberately sparse canvas on which to paint, all the necessary modern accoutrements are there. At the pointy end, there’s an LED headlamp fitted into the neatly-flared nacelle that blends up to the twin digital/analogue instrument cluster, which has RE’s Tripper navigation system built-in. There’s the indispensible USB charging point alongside for all those devices. RE has largely left the proven 650 twin alone, but on the Shotgun the engine side covers have been redesigned to be sleeker.
As one would expect, engine, exhausts and many other bits and pieces are blacked out, but the colour on the side panels, tank, and mudguards combine to produce a very pleasing overall effect. The range of colours (four in all) means there’s something for all tastes, and as always with this brand, the standard of finish is excellent. The chopped (sawn off?) Shotgun rear mudguard is right in keeping with the custom theme, but thankfully this still has deep sides to do its job of keeping muck where it should be, and the front mudguard is sensibly proportioned to do the same job properly, rather than just for style.
Should you wish to carry the customisation a step or two further, a range of 31 separate genuine items is offered. These include bar-end mirrors and a more extravagantly sculptured solo seat, engine bars, and of course there’s a complete range of wearable items to make you and the bike sing in harmony.
So now for the real test, how does it ride? I looked with suspicion at the neat but hardly spacious little saddle, but after hopping aboard I found the whole riding position, and the seat itself, very comfortable. It’s an upright stance and the handlebars are wide, just the way I like it – and I am grateful that RE resisted the temptation for forward-mounted footrests and foot controls. Speaking of seats, each of the Shotgun models comes standard with a rear sub-frame that doubles as a carry rack, or as the mount for the pillion seat, which is removed by the ignition key. The test bike had had this removed, in the interests of appearance apparently, but it’s an easy task to re-attach via just four bolts. Also a standard fitment is that most practical item of all, a centre stand. Yes! The fuel tank narrows to the rear and is handsome as well as functional, with a recessed cap.
For the official launch in Melbourne, importers UMI assembled around ten test bikes that were entrusted to journos over the two days. Grabbing a blue one, I headed out into the interminable CBD traffic and did my best not to get lost. In these conditions, the Shotgun burbles along very pleasantly, but soon we were headed out into country towards Yarra Glen where there are plenty of back roads with beaut corners. Considering its domain is probably mainly urban, the Shotgun lapped up the rural run. Not once did I scrape the undercarriage, although some others did, and overall I thought the handling was quite acceptable. The rear shock felt a little harsh, but they were already on their softest setting and considering the bike had less than 100km on the dial, everything would loosen up from here.
My only misgiving was the single-disc front brake, which seemed a bit spongy and lacked the sort of instant bite you get used to, but provided you took a decent grab of lever, there was never any problem stopping, and the identical brakes on all of the other RE 650s I have tested have always been very good. The power, while somewhat short of neck snapping, nevertheless gets reasonably aggressive as you wring it on, and it does like to be revved. In all but highway cruising, sixth gear is simply an overdrive, and I had to remind myself it was there as I bowled along in fifth. The gearbox itself is extremely pleasant to use.
I think RE will do very well with the Shotgun. Its designer Adrian Sellers was on hand to give us the story of the bike’s conception and development at the UK design base, where everything including the unique 10-spoke wheels were dreamed up. He pointed out the differences from the other RE 650s, which include the frame itself, as well as all the adornments. The finish really is excellent, and the liberal use of what Adrian calls “Piano Black” for the engine and other bright sections looks great. I also like the four colour-ways available, and the price? Everyone will like that.
Specifications: 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650.
Engine: SOHC parallel twin, air-oil cooled.
Bore x stroke: 78mm x 67.8mm
Capacity: 648cc
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Max power: 34.6kW @ 7,250 rpm
Max torque: 52.3 Nm @ 5,650 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate.
Fuel supply: Electronic fuel injection.
Starting: Electric.
Chassis: Steel tubular spine frame
Suspension: Front: Showa USD fork, 120mm travel.
Rear: Showa twin shock, 90mm travel.
Tyres: Front: 110/90 x 18 M/C 56H
Rear: 150/70 R17 M/C 69H
Brakes: Front: Single 320mm disc, twin-piston floating caliper.
Rear: Single 300mm disc, twin-piston floating caliper.
Wheelbase: 1465mm
Seat height: 795mm
Kerb weight: 240kg
Fuel capacity: 13.8 litres
Colours and Ride-away prices (Australia): Stencil White $11,990, Plasma Blue, Green Drill ($11,790), Sheet Metal Grey ($11,590).
Warranty: 3 Year Roadside Assistance and Unlimited KM.
For more information on the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 visit https://royalenfield.com.au/
