THE Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is a motorcycle that straddles the line between classic cafe racer looks and surprisingly modern performance.
I was immediately struck by its retro presence featuring a sculpted tank, minimalist tail section and chunky tyres that screamed attitude.
The chrome accents and single round headlight are a clear homage to the cafe racers of yesteryear but there is a contemporary feel with the LED lighting and neatly integrated turn signals.
It's a design that will turn heads, both for those yearning for the golden age of motorcycling and those drawn to the raw and urban cool.
The Shotgun 650 immediately impresses me with its quality feel, defying its budget-friendly price.
Its high-quality materials include refined details like the enamel-like finish on engine covers, handlebar clamp and cast headlight surround.
The ergonomics surprised me and the seat height is comfortable for riders of most statures, and the slightly forward-leaning riding position feels sporty without
being overly aggressive.
The handlebar is wide enough for good leverage during cornering but not so wide as to be cumbersome when squeezing through in traffic.
The foot pegs are positioned to provide a good balance between comfort and control, allowing me to tuck in for a spirited ride or sit upright for relaxed cruising.
Overall, the ergonomics hit a sweet spot for me, making the Shotgun enjoyable for short bursts or longer journeys.
Twisting the throttle brings the 648cc, twin-cylinder engine to life with a satisfying sound.
Royal Enfield has shed its reputation for slightly sluggish engines, and the Shotgun is a testament to that.
This motor packs a punch, delivering smooth and linear power throughout the rev range.
While it's not designed for track races, it has ample grunt for confident overtaking and a satisfying surge of acceleration that makes cruising a pleasure.
The throaty exhaust note adds to the experience, which is both exciting and characterful.
The Shotgun utilises the steel frame borrowed from its Super Meteor 650 cousin but gets with a sportier suspension setup.
The upside-down forks in the front and twin shocks in the rear provide a good balance between stiffness for spirited riding and compliance for soaking up bumps.
The Shotgun 650, fitted with wider tyres offering excellent grip, carves corners with surprising precision.
The feedback from the handlebar inspires confidence and the Shotgun 650 rewards the rider with a sense of connection and control when ridden hard.
Its braking system, ByBre callipers, a subsidiary of Brembo, deliver strong and predictable stopping power.
The initial bite at the lever is reassuring and the brakes rein in the bike with authority without feeling grabby.
Even with a passenger on board, the brakes still deliver confident performance, allowing you to focus on the ride.
The Shotgun 650 is surprisingly easy to navigate on city streets as the light clutch pull and smooth power delivery make manoeuvring through traffic a breeze.
When it comes to rider aids, the Shotgun 650 keeps things simple.
There are no fancy traction control or electronically adjustable suspension here.
That said, the Shotgun does come equipped with ABS, a welcome safety feature that prevents wheel lockup during hard stops, especially on slippery surfaces.
Taking the Shotgun 650 on the highway revealed a motorcycle that is very comfortable at fast speeds.
The wind protection from the headlight fairing is decent when I bring my head down, and the well-balanced suspension keeps the ride planted even on uneven tarmac.
While highway cruising isn't necessarily its intended purpose, the Shotgun 650 holds its own at higher speeds, making it a viable option for weekend getaways or longer journeys.
The RM35,900 Shotgun 650 is a stylish cafe racer throwback with a excellent modern performance edge.
The comfortable ergonomics punchy engine, and confidence-inspiring handling make it a joy to ride whether navigating city streets, carving corners, or cruising down the highway.
While it might lack the bells and whistles of some competitors, the Shotgun 650 offers a pure riding experience that's both engaging and satisfying.
SPECIFICATIONS
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
Engine: 648cc, parallel twin, 4-stroke, SOHC, air-oil cooled
Maximum power: 47hp at 7,250rpm
Maximum torque: 52.3Nm at 5,250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front Showa 43mm USD forks non-adjustable; rear Showa twin shocks, preload adjustable
Brakes: Front 320mm disc with twin piston Bybre caliper, ABS; rear 300mm disc with twin-piston caliper, ABS
Fuel capacity: 13.8 litres
Wet weight: 240kg
Price: RM35,900 (without registration and insurance)
