Royal Enfield released its brand-new 2024 Shotgun 650 cruiser late last year. It should hit US dealers by springtime. (Royal Enfield/)
Just a couple of months after its new Super Meteor cruiser launch, Royal Enfield has taken the covers of the fourth model in its 650 twins platform with the 2024 Shotgun 650. The newest parallel-twin-engined model joins the Super Meteor as well as the INT650 and Continental GT standards in the series, and is basically the production version of the SG650 Concept shown at EICMA 2021. The new bike reworks the brand’s usual retro formula to a large degree, mashing styling elements from the bobber, retro, and modern worlds to create a more modern interpretation of their classics, though you can still see hints of that “heritage” DNA. At the launch, Enfield called the design “retro-futuristic,” and emphasized the bike’s customization potential, but underneath that unique neo-retro styling, the Shotgun shares its frame, gearbox, and brakes (in addition to the engine) with the Super Meteor cruiser.
The Shotgun’s revised geometry gives it a more aggressive stance with a shorter front fork (still inverted), tighter rake, and shorter wheelbase. Rear shocks are taller as well, raising the rear end. Here it is in Plasma Blue. (Royal Enfield/)
In short, the Shotgun’s mill is that same familiar air/oil-cooled SOHC 648cc parallel twin with four valves per cylinder and a counterbalanced crankshaft with a 270-degree firing interval. There are no internal tweaks to speak of, so the engine’s power and output figures are right in line with the other 650s, spitting out a claimed 46.4 hp at 7,250 rpm and 38.6 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,650 rpm.
As with the Super Meteor, power flows through a six-speed gearbox, and it’s all packed into the same steel frame with a stout 41mm inverted Showa fork connecting to the front. The braking arrangement is identical too, with two-pot ByBre calipers and a 320mm disc front/300mm disc rear, augmented by ABS and braided stainless steel lines.
Related: 2021 Royal Enfield INT650
As the fourth model in the 650 twins platform, the Shotgun 650 rolls with the same air/oil-cooled SOHC 648cc parallel-twin engine as the Super Meteor. Wheel sizes are 18 inches front and 17 rear. (Royal Enfield/)
The digital-analog combo instrument cluster is all shared with the Super Meteor as well, though on the other side of that is the Shotgun’s LED headlamp, which is fitted into its own gorgeous aluminum nacelle. Back in the cockpit, you’ll also see the Tripper navigation system, but on the Shotgun 650 you also get the just launched Royal Enfield Wingman in-app feature, which keeps riders updated on the motorcycle’s live location, fuel and engine oil levels, service reminders, and more. That feature will no doubt trickle down to other models as well.
Where the Shotgun goes its own way is via different chassis geometry, with revised ergonomics, tweaked suspension, and fresh bodywork; the design team changed the bike’s stance by dropping the front end and raising the rear. In real terms, that means the fork is 33mm (1.3 inches) shorter (though it has the same Separate Function Big Piston internals) and the exposed rear shocks are 20mm (0.8 inch) taller, but offer less travel (now 3.5 inches).
Custom cues include blacked-out engine components, chopped fenders, and a smaller tank. Shown is the solo seat configuration; the bike comes with a removable passenger seat. (Royal Enfield/)
Other key differences include an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel on the Shotgun, as opposed to a 19/16 combo on the Super Meteor; a shorter wheelbase, at 57.7 inches; and a steeper 25.3-degree rake, with the reduced trail at 4 inches. The seat height is taller as well, sitting at 31.3 inches, with lower-set mid-mount controls positioned below, instead of the forwards on the Super Meteor. The lower, narrower handlebar also contributes to a massively changed riding position.
Related: 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Cruiser Review
Another very trick detail includes this sweet neo-modern aluminum nacelle enclosing an LED headlight. (Royal Enfield/)
One of the clever design elements on the Shotgun is the passenger seat pad/removable subframe and luggage rack. The pillion can be removed by twisting a key, revealing the solo seat bobber look you see in these photos. The rear subframe too is removable, but you’ll need to undo four bolts. This feature alone should inspire folks to personalize the bike, and at the launch, Enfield was quick to jump on that theme, saying that the Shotgun’s custom-inspired styling is meant to “act as a blank canvas for customization and personalization.”
Given the Shotgun’s minimal aesthetic and custom-influenced styling cues—we’re talking chopped fenders, harder edges, a smaller tank, and blacked-out components—it’s not hard to see that Enfield is looking to tap into the accessory aftermarket, going so far as the to release 31 of its own RE accessories (that also can be fitted to most of the other Enfield 650s, we’re told). Royal Enfield has also partnered with US apparel manufacturer Icon Motosports for a line of branded clothing and helmets, with more details to be announced.
Cockpit rear view reveals a lower, narrower handlebar and differently shaped fuel tank on the Shotgun than the Super Meteor. Instrumentation is the same. (Bar-end mirrors are accessory items.) (Royal Enfield/)
The 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 will be launched across global markets early this year, and is expected to hit the US sometime in spring of 2024. The model will come in four colors: Stencil White, Plasma Blue, Green Drill, and Sheetmetal Grey, which will be available in all markets. At this point we only have pricing for a few markets: the bike is 6,699 pounds in the UK; and a quoted 7,590 euros for Germany and France. For comparison, those prices are slightly below the current base price of the Super Meteor in those areas. As an FYI: In the US, the base Super Meteor 650 goes for $6,999.
Stay tuned.
The Shotgun’s 43mm USD Showa fork has the same internals as the Super Meteor’s, but is 33mm shorter, giving the bike a different geometry and stance. ByBre brake arrangement is the same. (Royal Enfield/)
Enfield is releasing more than 30 accessories for the Shotgun 650, including bar-end mirrors, different solo seats, and contrast-cut billet rims to name a few. (Royal Enfield/)
2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun Technical Specifications
| MSRP: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 648cc, SOHC, air/oil-cooled parallel twin |
| Bore x Stroke: | 78.0 x 67.8mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Delivery: | EFI |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Claimed Horsepower: | 47 hp @ 7,250 rpm |
| Frame: | Steel open-cradle spine |
| Front Suspension: | 43mm inverted fork; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Dual exposed shocks, spring preload adjustable; 3.5 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 2- piston floating caliper, 320mm disc (w/ ABS) |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston floating caliper, 300mm disc (w/ ABS) |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast aluminum; 18 in./17 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 100/90-18 / 150/70-17 (tubeless) |
| Rake/Trail: | 25.3°/4.0 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 57.7 in. |
| Ground clearance: | 5.5 in. |
| Seat Height: | 31.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 3.6 gal. |
| Claimed Curb Weight: | 529 lb. (w/ oil and 90% fuel) |
| Availability: | Spring 2024 |
| Contact: | royalenfieldna.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com