In the vast tapestry of motorcycling, few threads shimmer as brightly as those of custom bikes. Born from the alchemy of raw creative energy and mechanical prowess, these machines are more than metal and rubber; they are expressions of individuality and artistry. They speak to the soul, offering a connection to a culture that thrives on the unique and the unconventional. Unlike their four-wheeled cousins, custom motorcycles don’t demand vast spaces—they carve out their identity in the intimacy of a small garage or a backyard shed.
However, somewhere along the line, the custom motorcycle scene began to drift away from its roots. What was once an affordable and accessible pursuit became an exclusive and expensive hobby. The essence of customisation—where anyone with a passion for motorcycles and a bit of ingenuity could create something truly unique—started to fade. Enter the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, a motorcycle that promises to bring the spirit of customization back to its accessible, inclusive origins.
While it’s all well and good to tailor a bike to your preferences, it’s also nice to know what the package out of the box is capable of. So with some of Victoria’s best roads at my disposal and 8 hours of all-access riding, it was a good chance to explore just how strong these foundations are.
A Motorcycle Inspired by Custom Culture
The Shotgun 650 is based on the SG650 concept bike, which was unveiled back at EICMA 2021. This prototype was a bold statement, generating a lot of fanfare while showcasing Royal Enfield’s commitment to innovation and customization. At its core, the message underpinning the concept build was about celebrating ‘transition’. Starting from within Royal Enfield’s classic design sensibilities and then pushing into a whole new era of what future designs could look like.
Enfield’s head of design, Mark Wells, commented, “We are a company in transition—so long a representation of the analog age and now developing new products that keep that same pure soul yet are fully integrated into the digital present. To celebrate this, we wanted to develop a project that really gave our design team an opportunity to stretch themselves creatively. The goal: to build a unique concept motorcycle that pays homage to Royal Enfield’s rich history of custom motorcycles, but one that wasn’t encumbered by the past. A neo-retro interpretation that pushes the boundaries of what a Royal Enfield motorcycle could look like, but at its core still celebrates that iconic Royal Enfield DNA.”
The Shotgun 650 carries forward this legacy, transforming the concept’s visionary design into a production model that stays true to its roots while offering the inevitable practical adjustments for everyday use. Built on RE’s proven 650-Twin platform, the Shotgun 650 is a tribute to the culture of customisation, or as they like to put it; ‘Inspired by custom, for custom”.
Design: A Fusion of Retro and Modern
As the morning sun cast its light on the Shotgun 650, it revealed a motorcycle that was both a nod to the past and a stride into the future. The LED headlamp, nestled in a custom neo-modern nacelle, sets the tone. It’s a perfect fusion of retro charm and modern functionality, echoing the design ethos of the SG650 Concept, and highlighting another step up in build quality for the growing brand.
The curved fuel tank partnered seamlessly with a futuristic digital graphic, a visual metaphor for the blend of old and new. The hand-stitched black leather seat, floating above the frame, added a touch of elegance and comfort, bridging the gap between vintage aesthetics and modern ergonomics.
Up front, the now familiar digi-analogue instrument cluster, complete with the ‘Tripper’ navigation system, offered a perfect blend of form and function, providing all necessary information at a glance. While the USB port offers the necessary expansion options that modern riders require.
One of the standout features of the Shotgun 650 is its modular design, which allows it to switch effortlessly between three modes: single seater, double seater (included at no extra cost), and luggage-carrying tourer. This versatility makes the Shotgun 650 adaptable to a variety of riding styles and purposes, catering to both solo adventurers and those who prefer to travel with a companion or additional gear.
Ergonomically, the Shotgun 650 is well thought out. The mid-set foot position, low 795mm seat height, and intuitive handlebar placement create a riding position that feels both commanding and comfortable.
Available in four distinct colourways—Stencil White, Plasma Blue, Green Drill, and Sheet Metal Grey—the Shotgun 650 offers up swatches that lean into the progressive side.
Riding Experience: A Journey of Discovery
The real magic of the Shotgun 650 unfolds when the rubber meets road. With Victoria’s winding roads and scenic vistas as my backdrop, the bike’s true character emerged. Its low centre of gravity, paired with that solid 650 and approachable ergonomics, highlighted just how effortless and satisfying riding can be.
Navigating city streets, the Shotgun 650 proves itself to be nimble and responsive, easily weaving through traffic. The neutral riding position made low-speed maneuvering relaxing, while the torquey twin had no qualms conforming to lazy throttle inputs. As I transitioned to the highway, the bike’s power was evident when punching through the second and third, but the higher gears seemed to be more aligned to a fuel-saving ‘overdrive’.
Leaving the highway, I ventured onto the twisty roads of Victoria’s mountainous terrain. The Shotgun 650’s chassis adjustments from the Meteor to Shotgun were immediately apparent and highly appreciated. The bike felt planted and smooth through tight and sweeping turns alike. When quick or sharp adjustments were needed, the Shotgun handled them well, maintaining composure and stability.
Down low, the brakes on the Shotgun are well-tuned with excellent feel. For the size and style of the bike, the single-front-brake rotor and its two-piston Bybre caliper were surprisingly adequate. Winding through the mountainous roads with their banked turns and smooth tarmac, the bike slalomed with aplomb. Effortlessly moving through turns, the bike’s movements were predictable, meaning I could appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
In terms of absorption, the Showa shocks, which are 20mm longer than those found on the Super Meteor, provide the Shotgun 650 with a robust suspension setup capable of maintaining composure and providing excellent road feel without excessive dive under hard braking. The rear end was a little too stiff for Australian roads, but with some pre-load adjustment and possibly a juicier seat, you could iron out that stiffness with ease.
Compared to the Meteor, the Shotgun’s chassis geometry is ultimately more nimble with a greater lean angle and better handling in every scenario. However, in stock trim at least, there’s a trade-off in comfort for those longer days in the saddle.
Verdict: A New Chapter in Royal Enfield’s Legacy
What makes the Shotgun 650 truly stand out is its dual appeal: it serves as an excellent blueprint for a custom roadster while delivering substantial value straight from the showroom. The solid and reliable platform, combined with its vast customization potential, makes it an enticing choice for both new riders and seasoned enthusiasts.
Royal Enfield has been on a remarkable streak, releasing new models at an impressive pace. This burst of innovation isn’t about flooding the market with unnecessary options but stems from a genuine passion for motorcycling and a deep understanding of riders’ needs and desires. Each new release, including the Shotgun 650, embodies this spirit, showcasing Royal Enfield’s dedication to delivering high-quality, versatile, and affordable motorcycles to a global audience.
The Shotgun 650’s extensive range of customization options is a major highlight, with 31 genuine accessories designed to enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Options include bar end mirrors, sculpted solo seats, contrast-cut billet rims, and more.
Priced at $11,590 ride away, the Shotgun 650 presents a compelling option for all types of riders. Supported by Royal Enfield’s comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance, this bike is poised to become a favourite among motorcyclists seeking a blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re looking for a robust daily ride or a customizable project, the Shotgun 650 offers the perfect starting point, making it yet another successful addition to the Royal Enfield stables.
