Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 - stripped down
With high-tech stuffed motorcycles making riding easy, but it's also possible without, as a two-cylinder from India shows. The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is the second new model from the traditional, formerly British motorcycle manufacturer this year.
From a European perspective, Royal Enfield is considered a nobody in the market. Globally, however, things are different: Over 900,000 motorcycles from Royal Enfield found their way into the hands of customers last year, four times as many as BMW managed. So, the Indian brand is currently the ninth largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
With the Shotgun 650, the Indians have brought a second new model for this year. It can do what others cannot or will not, and wins over many interested parties with its affordable price of around 7600 Euro.
Designed as a bobber: reduced to the essentials. That's why it can easily be freed from its sociussitz "behind" it, like it was in the test vehicle. Who places the Shotgun between their legs, sees only what is necessary for riding: the ignition switch, a prominent switch for starting/stopping on the right handlebar side and another for the lights on the left, as well as a round central instrument with a speedometer - but without a tachometer. A second, much smaller round instrument shows the time for a while, until it has been equipped with an Enfield-App-enabled smartphone; then it serves as a navigation signal.
Frugal, but not sparsely equipped
Despite all frugality, the Shotgun is not sparsely equipped: There are adjustable levers, a good fuel cap, good mirrors, and everything else that is necessary for relaxed riding.
Once you get moving with the Shotgun 650, it becomes clear that the Indian 47-PS bike offers more than expected: It conveys a feeling of life. Soon after the air-/oil-cooled Paralleltwin has taken up work, calmness takes over the rider. Not because the Shotgun is a sluggish mill, but because its character radiates onto the rider. With it, leisurely riding is enjoyable.
The world around the rider seems somehow peaceful. On open, traffic-free country roads, often 80 or 90 km/h are enough, even though more is allowed and much more is possible. But why? The Paralleltwin runs smoothly, like music is heard from the exhaust system on both sides. High or even maximum RPMs are just for emergencies, as a speedometer for the current crankshaft revolutions doesn't exist anyway. Why bother?
Frugal in consumption
No wonder that the Shotgun invites you to drive frugally. Fuel consumption of around 4.2 liters is no problem for those who take it easy, they just need to pay a small surcharge. We usually drove below the stated consumption of 4.55 liters. Considering the 14-liter fuel tank, a range of 250 kilometers is possible, depending on driving style, with the reserve warning light coming on between 200 and 240 kilometers.
Unpredictability is the defining characteristic of the Royal Enfield Shotgun. It is so well-tuned that one only feels its high curb weight of 240 kilograms when maneuvering. Even slow riding is effortless, as is shifting, engaging the clutch, and turning in corners. Notably, the unusual large play in the throttle takes some getting used to. The front brake disc engages rather decently, while the rear brake is quite powerful. It is therefore recommended to always use both brakes simultaneously with the Shotgun.
Rather gentle fundamental character
The suspension does its job well despite the limited travel: only very large bumps are transmitted, and the ride stability is in order. Given the rather gentle fundamental character of the Shotgun, its limited steering angle freedom is not a concern, as ample handling fun is given due to the unpredictability of steering and its accuracy.
Speeds above 140 km/h may burden the Shotgun, but her rider will only desire them in the rarest of cases. Since a windshield is conceptually absent, the wind pressure increases significantly against the upright riding position.
The air-/oil-cooled Twin engine from the Continental model is a charming, noticeably short-stroke motor; vibrations are noticeable but not annoying. Its power development is good at medium RPMs, and it is also drivable in the low RPM range. The engine delivers power rather restrainedly at high speeds, which fits well with the overall character of the Shotgun.
The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 reminds us a little of the short-lived Harley-Davidson Street 750. The Indian model is superior in all respects. Therefore, it could be an ideal entry into the Harley model range. However, the Amis were unable to realize such a harmonious small motorcycle in 2014, which is why the Street has long since been discontinued. The Shotgun is unlikely to suffer the same fate: it convinces on paper and appears valuable and not spartanic in its reduction to the essentials.
Anyone who wants can easily customize it to their liking and transform it from a two-seater to a solo seat or even a tourer with the appropriate accessories. And it allows for a unique touch, as custom bikes do. The Indian manufacturer considers it as such. For us, it is a successful, lightweight, and overall charming, even lovable small motorcycle.
Technical Data
Motor: Air-/oil-cooled Two-cylinder Parallel-twin, 648 cc displacement, 34.6 kW/47 PS at 7250 rpm, 52.3 Nm at 5650 rpm; Injection, 6 gears, chain* Chassis: Rear-steel-tube frame, motor integrated; front Showa 43 mm USD fork, 12 cm travel; rear steel-twin-arm swingarm with two Showa shock absorbers, adjustable preload, 9 cm travel; Light metal cast wheels; Tires 100/90-18 (front) and 150/70 -17 (rear). 32 cm single disc brake (front), 30 cm single disc brake (rear)* Assistance systems: Two-circuit ABS* Dimensions and weights: Wheelbase 1,465 m, seat height 79.5 cm, curb weight 240 kg; payload 188 kg, fuel tank capacity 13.8 l* Performance: 0-100 km/h TBA, Top speed 159 km/h. Idling noise 86 dB(A). EU5 consumption 4.55 l/100 km (NEDC), test consumption 4.4 l/100 km* Maintenance/Warranty: First service after 500 km, then every 12 months; Warranty 3 years* Colors and prices: Sheet Metal Grey 7590 Euro, Plasma Blue and Green Drill each 7690 Euro, Stencil White 7790 Euro
Despite its affordable price, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 offers a high-tech experience, with features such as a smartphone-enabled navigation system and a digital speedometer. In contrast, traditional cars may require more maintenance and have higher fuel costs.
Globally, Royal Enfield is a significant player in the motorcycle market, with over 900,000 motorcycles sold last year. Although motorcycles like the Shotgun 650 might not be as popular in Europe, they offer a unique, enjoyable riding experience that can be customized to individual preferences.
