autoX Awards 2024: Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2024: The Shotgun is meant to be a sportier version of the Super Meteor 650, offering a fun riding experience while still retaining that cruiser feel. With its low profile, chopped fenders, and single seat, it screams ‘bobber’. But it isn’t just a retro-clone. The minimalist look and chunky upside-down forks give it a modern feel while staying true to its rich heritage. The quality and finish are impressive too, and thankfully, we tested the matte-finished version instead of the flashy chrome version. So, does it feel sporty enough on the track?

The Shotgun shares its chassis, braking system, and suspension hardware with the Super Meteor. Both are powered by the same 650cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine, paired with the same gearbox with identical ratios and final drive configurations. Yet, once you ride the Shotgun, it definitely feels sportier than its cruiser sibling. The flatter handlebars, higher seat height, and repositioned footpegs contribute to a sportier stance and enhanced agility. The rear suspension has also been stiffened slightly, offering a more rigid and responsive feel.

However, we found that the stock tyres on our test bike didn’t inspire the confidence necessary for sharper handling on the track, which negatively impacted the riding dynamics. Although the engine and gearbox performance was commendable, the handling issues held it back, ultimately affecting its lap times. In our track test, it managed to be faster than only a few scooters and commuter bikes. On the plus side, the twin-cylinder engine is exceptionally smooth and user-friendly, with minimal vibrations, offering a comfortable cruising experience at 120km/h and enough punch to keep things exciting.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 First Ride Review: Best 650cc RE to Buy in India?

The Shotgun keeps things pretty simple in terms of features. You get an LED headlamp housed in a cool-looking nacelle, a semi-digital instrumentation and dual-channel ABS. The Shotgun is all about style. It’s not your usual bobber, and it doesn’t have the muscle or tech of a heavyweight cruiser. That said, it undeniably looks good. But the ride quality and handling do hurt its position in this years ranking.

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