Royal Enfield is adding the Shotgun to its growing stable of machines based on the parallel twin 650 engine. This promises to be at least as cool to behold as the Super Meteor 650, our reigning BoTY for it shares the frame, swingarm and engine with that bike, although the rest is a bit different.
The forks are similar but have 33mm less travel and different spring and damper rates. At the rear, the shocks have 20mm of extra travel. So there’s a steeper rake and a shorter wheelbase for the Shotgun 650, while the front wheel diameter measures 18 inches and it’s a 17-in unit out back. Compared with the SM650, this should be more agile then. The fuel tank, mudguards and headlight enclosure are all new, while the engine is blacked out. Colours are grey, blue and green, and a two-tone white and black option.
A cool feature is that the bike comes with a single seat, along with a separate pillion section, easily removed and replaced with a luggage holder, if desired. Fully fueled it weighs in at 239kg. There are no ride modes or TC, just ABS for the two-piston brakes at each end.
Recently the company named its price for the North American market, kicking off from $US6899 so expect it to cost about as much or perhaps a shade less than the SM 650, namely between $12,000 and $13,000. Those in the know reckon Shotgun should be here early in the second half of this year.
At the same time as pricing was announced, Royal Enfield indicated that the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 would be in for a facelift, with new LED headlights, improved Ceat tyres, a more comfortable seat, and adjustable brake and clutch levers. Both are also updating to the machined aluminum switchgear housing that debuted on the Super Meteor 650 and is also seen on the Shotgun 650. There are new twistgrips and a range of fresh colours too.
Both models come in slightly less expensive than the Cruisers.
And in one other piece of Royal Enfield news, the Super Meteor 650 is now available in two new colourways, Astral Green and Interstellar Grey, the latter shown below.
Addendum: Local pricing has just been released for the Royal Enfield Shotgun, ranging from $11,990 to $12,390, depending on colour (four choices). Secure your seat with a refundable deposit of $500. Better yet, if you’re in quick the first five who preorder their bike in Australia or New Zealand will receive an invitation to the official Shotgun 650 Launch Party in Sydney. That includes flights and accommodation. The bikes should arrive here around May 24th.
