Royal Enfield has set hearts racing in India with a tantalizing glimpse of the upcoming Shotgun 650 cruiser, a ride that draws inspiration from the SG650 Concept showcased at the 2021 Eicma show.
Cruising into Calmness: Shotgun 650 Unveiling:
Unveiled at Royal Enfield’s Motoverse festival in Goa, India, the Shotgun 650 made its entrance as a limited special edition, restricted to a mere 25 bikes in the showcased livery. While intricate details are yet to be unveiled, the cruiser is built upon the existing 650 twin platform, home to the Continental GT, Interceptor 650, and Super Meteor 650 cruiser. This suggests a likely deployment of the tried-and-tested 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel twin, perhaps tuned for a more laid-back performance.
Limited Edition Tease, Mass Production on the Horizon:
Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Enfield’s parent company Eicher Motors Ltd, shared insights, stating, “Powered by our award-winning 650-Twin platform, and an absolute delight to ride on straights and the twisties, the Shotgun 650 is our attempt to bring niche and newer categories of motorcycles to growing enthusiasts of self-expression across the world.” The limited Motoverse Edition is exclusively available to event attendees, with the mass production variant set for a global launch in early 2024.
Design Vision Realized: Shotgun 650 Motoverse Edition:
Mark Wells, RE’s Chief of Design, emphasized the evolution from concept to reality: “The Shotgun 650 Motoverse Edition is built by the same team that designed the Concept and is therefore remarkably close.” He added, “The Shotgun 650 offers a perfect canvas for experienced builders as well as for someone who is just starting on their journey of customization.”
Customizable Dynamics: Key Features:
Owners of the Shotgun 650 will relish the flexibility to switch between a single and double seat layout, showcasing the cruiser’s adaptability to individual preferences. Notable features include a new 10-spoke wheel design with integrated ABS, blacked-out engine components, twin-exit exhausts, and preload-adjustable shocks.
Sneak Peek at Features:
Though official details are yet to be disclosed, the images reveal non-adjustable upside-down forks and a part-analog clock set-up reminiscent of the Super Meteor. The switchgear maintains a basic yet robust design, with no indications of elaborate riding modes.
As the Shotgun 650 readies to hit the streets, sharing a frame with the Super Meteor, mid-mounted riders’ pegs hint at a more dynamic riding experience, although potential ground clearance considerations may arise. Stay tuned for further revelations as the cruiser’s journey unfolds.
