Royal Enfield has expanded its 650cc portfolio with the Shotgun 650, a motorcycle that bridges the gap between custom culture and production performance. This latest model brings a fresh approach to the brand’s legacy by combining the robust parallel-twin platform with modern styling and cruiser ergonomics. Designed to reflect individuality while delivering proven engineering, the Shotgun 650 serves as a versatile middleweight option for riders who value both aesthetics and substance.
Unlike conventional cruisers, the Shotgun 650 isn’t a pure highway tourer nor a stripped-down bobber. It’s engineered with a modular philosophy that enables the rider to transition between single-seater and pillion configurations. The geometry and seating setup cater to everyday comfort without sacrificing the signature muscular stance that Royal Enfield motorcycles are known for. Positioned between the Interceptor 650 and Super Meteor 650 in terms of design and functionality, the Shotgun 650 brings a new flavour to the brand’s growing twin-cylinder lineup.
At the global launch, the motorcycle gained attention for its blend of simplicity, durability, and customisation-friendly layout, making it a standout offering in the 650cc cruiser segment. Its dimensions, frame geometry, and ride posture reflect deliberate efforts to optimize comfort for both city and highway use.
Design Elements and Build Quality
The Shotgun 650 is built on Royal Enfield’s proven 650cc twin-cylinder platform, but it introduces a different visual and structural layout compared to its siblings. The fuel tank is sculpted with sharper lines, while the tail section is compact and minimalistic. The floating-effect seat and dark-themed engine casing give the motorcycle a premium and aggressive look.
Its steel tubular double cradle frame supports a new subframe optimized for customization. The seat unit is designed to be easily detachable, allowing riders to toggle between different riding styles. Attention has also been given to paint quality, weld finishing, and integration of modern components such as LED lighting, which enhances the appeal without deviating from Royal Enfield’s traditionally minimalist philosophy.
The Shotgun’s proportions, a wheelbase of 1465 mm and a seat height of 795 mm, provide a balance between stability and approachability. With a kerb weight of approximately 240 kg (with oil and fuel), the motorcycle remains planted on the road, even at high cruising speeds.
Engine and Mechanical Specifications
The engine used in the Shotgun 650 is the same air-oil cooled 648cc parallel twin that powers the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. However, its characteristics have been fine-tuned to suit the Shotgun’s cruiser-oriented geometry and weight distribution.
The engine produces 47 horsepower at 7250 rpm and 52.3 Nm of torque at 5650 rpm. The 6-speed gearbox is paired with a slip-and-assist clutch to ensure smoother gear transitions and reduced clutch lever effort. The bike uses a chain drive transmission and an electronic fuel injection system that ensures consistent throttle response in varied weather and altitude conditions.
Engine Overview
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Air-Oil Cooled Parallel Twin |
| Displacement | 648 cc |
| Max Power | 47 hp @ 7250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 52.3 Nm @ 5650 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Emission Compliance | BS6 Phase 2 / OBD-2 |
These mechanical attributes allow the Shotgun 650 to perform reliably under various load conditions, whether solo rides or two-up cruising.
Suspension, Tyres, and Braking Setup
The motorcycle is equipped with 43 mm upside-down front forks and twin coil-over shocks at the rear. These components are designed for moderate travel, offering both comfort and road feedback. Suspension tuning leans slightly towards firmness, suitable for cruising and cornering without excessive dive or rebound.
It rides on 18-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels, fitted with 100/90 and 150/70 section tyres, respectively. The tyres provide enhanced grip and stability during cornering and high-speed travel. Braking duties are handled by a 320 mm front disc and a 300 mm rear disc, with dual-channel ABS as standard.
The motorcycle’s ground clearance of 140 mm ensures it can handle moderate speed bumps and urban undulations without scraping the underbelly, although it’s not suited for off-road trails.
Rider Ergonomics and Comfort
One of the Shotgun 650’s most thoughtful features is its rider-focused ergonomics. The mid-set footpegs, wide handlebars, and split-level seat offer a relaxed riding triangle. The seat height of 795 mm makes the bike accessible to a wide range of riders, including those with shorter inseams.
The switchgear is tactile and positioned for easy reach, while the single-pod instrument cluster combines analogue speed with a digital display for trip, fuel, gear position, and odometer. An optional Tripper Navigation module adds GPS guidance functionality, integrated through a smartphone.
The seat cushioning is moderate, and the pillion setup is removable, which means the rider can opt for a solo riding experience or switch back to dual seating in minutes.
Features and Technology
The Shotgun 650 keeps its feature list concise but functional. There is a clear focus on practical upgrades rather than flashy additions. Key inclusions are:
- LED headlamp and taillamp
- USB charging port
- Dual-channel ABS
- Assist and slipper clutch
- Semi-digital instrument cluster
- Modular seating system
The minimalistic approach ensures the motorcycle remains easy to maintain, with fewer electronic dependencies that might compromise reliability in harsh riding conditions.
Dimensions and Physical Stats
Here is a breakdown of the key dimensions and physical data for the Shotgun 650:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1465 mm |
| Seat Height | 795 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 140 mm |
| Kerb Weight | ~240 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 litres |
| Front Tyre | 100/90 – 18 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/70 – 17 |
These specifications indicate a motorcycle that is built for relaxed cruising with an emphasis on road presence and rider stability.
Variants, Colour Options, and Pricing
The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is available in multiple colour options that reflect both modern and retro design influences. Official colour names include:
- Stencil White
- Plasma Blue
- Sheetmetal Grey
- Drill Green
In India, the Shotgun 650 is priced starting around ₹3.59 lakh (ex-showroom), with higher pricing for certain custom-painted versions. These prices position the motorcycle competitively within the mid-size cruiser category.