Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 vs Continental GT 650: Bobber vs Cafe Racer!

Both are powered by the same 648cc parallel-twin mill 

• The engine makes a solid 47.6PS along with a colossal 52Nm 
• Underpinnings on the Continental GT 650 are actually not as good as the Shotgun’s
• As the name suggests, the Shotgun 650 only gets a single-seat configuration

The Shotgun 650 was one of the hottest upcoming Royal Enfield bikes. We had seen its spy shots regularly and then we saw a custom bike in the flesh at the Rider Mania 2023. But again, that was just the custom bike. Royal Enfield itself finally unveiled the Shotgun 650 a couple of weeks ago, showing the entire world its first bobber that’s based on its lovable 648cc parallel-twin mill. That said, the underpinnings are different. 

The Shotgun 650’s underpinnings are actually quite different from the likes of the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor 650. And talking about them, there are two good-looking 650cc Royal Enfield bikes in the market as of now, the Shotgun 650 and the Continental GT 650. And if you are confused between the two of them, here’s a quick comparison story between the two of them, to help you decide which bike to go for:

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 vs RE Continental GT 650: Design & Features

The motorcycle features a classic round halogen headlight, adjustable clip-ons, and a flat seat with an optional pillion cowl. Side panels maintain clean lines, and the bike embraces a true cafe-racer aesthetic with rear set footpegs and 18-inch spoke wheels. Some variants offer modern updates, including cast-alloy wheels and LED headlights.

Equipped with clip-on handlebars and a single seat, the Continental GT features a twin-pod analogue instrument console displaying a speedometer and a tachometer. A small digital inset provides information on the odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, and service indicator. LED headlights are available in the alloy wheel variant, complemented by a halogen taillight and indicators. Additional features include rotary switches, with a USB port on the left, and optional accessories such as bar-end mirrors, intake covers, touring seats, flyscreen, roll-top panniers, engine guard, and sump guard.

Featuring a flat handlebar with bar-end mirrors, mid-set footpegs, and twin peashooter exhausts, the thanaloge Shotgun 650 exudes a typical bobber style. The bike showcases a single seat and a chopped rear fender for an authentic bobber look. Sharing parts with the Super Meteor 650, including the 650cc parallel-twin cylinder engine, the Shotgun 650 stands out with its unique Royal Enfield logo on the crankcase.

The LED headlight of the Shotgun 650 sports a distinctive cowl covering the instrument console neatly, flanked by round turn indicators. The instrument console, featuring the tripper navigator, mirrors the one found on the Super Meteor 650. The bike also integrates the Wingman feature from the Royal Enfield app, providing live tracking, last-parked location, trip summary, and more. Four color options—Stencil White, Plasma Blue, Green Drill, and metal grey—are available, and a removable pillion seat can be detached using the bike's key.

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 vs RE Continental GT 650: Engines

The 648cc twin-cylinder engine in the Continental GT 650 is OBD-2 compliant, maintaining its user-friendly characteristics. Despite a slight decrease in speed according to testing figures, the engine remains flexible, easy to handle, emits a pleasing sound, and provides ample power for everyday use.

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 vs RE Continental GT 650: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

A notable update is the introduction of alloy wheels with two color options on each bike, offering the convenience of tubeless tyres. The Continental GT now features Vredestein Centauro STs, enhancing the bike's sporty and engaging experience. While alloy wheels are limited to specific color options, some dealers offer the option to switch wire-spoke wheels to alloys for a fee.

The Shotgun 650's suspension setup includes a specially tuned 43mm big piston Showa fork with 120mm wheel travel and twin rear shock absorbers with 5-step preload adjustability and 90mm wheel travel. Braking is handled by a 320mm front disc brake and a 300mm rear disc brake with dual-channel ABS. The bike rides on an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, wrapped with 100-section front and 150-section rear tubeless Ceat Zoom Cruz tires. 

Noteworthy dimensions include a kerb weight of 240kg (only 1kg lighter than the Super Meteor), a seat height of 795mm (55mm taller than the Super Meteor), and a ground clearance of 140mm (5mm more than the Super Meteor). The Shotgun 650 offers 31 genuine accessories, including a sculpted solo seat and contrast-cut billet rims. Royal Enfield collaborates with ICON Motorsports to develop a specialised riding gear and apparel range for the Shotgun 650.

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 vs RE Continental GT 650: Dimensions

Premium features borrowed from the Super Meteor 650 contribute to the overall refinement of the Continental GT 650. Notable additions include an LED headlight, aluminium switch cubes, adjustable levers, and grips. The introduction of a USB charger enhances practicality. However, seating comfort remains a concern, with uncomfortable stock seats. An in-house solution is available in the form of accessory touring seats for an additional cost.

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 vs RE Continental GT 650: Price

Royal Enfield has priced the Continental GT 650 at Rs 3.19 lakh onwards and goes all the way up to Rs 3.39 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. Interestingly, that makes the Continental GT 650 the most 650cc bike as well as the most affordable parallel-twin bike in India after the Interceptor 650, its retro roadster sibling. So yeah, in sum, we think Royal Enfield has definitely priced the Continental GT 650 cafe racer very well and very competitively. 

As for the Shotgun 650, it hasn’t been officially launched in India, so we can’t really tell you the exact price. That said, we expect Royal Enfield to peg the Shotgun’s price around the Rs 3.50 lakh, ex-showroom, mark. So yeah, while the Shotgun 650 will charge a premium over its cafe racer sibling, 

Verdict

So as it turns out, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 and the Continental GT 650 are a lot more similar than we initially thought, a lot of which is obviously down to the fact that they share the same engine. What that results in, is a very similar riding experience, especially the feel and feedback from the engine. That said, the difference in ergonomics and chassis changes bring about a difference in the way both the bikes handle around a twisty road. 

In sum, which bike should you go for, actually mainly depends on what sort of motorcycling flavour you’re looking for. If it’s a laidback and beautiful cafe racer that you’re looking for, one with a sweet, torquey engine, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 will be an amazing choice, one you simply cannot go wrong with. 

That said, if you’re looking for a bobber…the same engine but in a slightly bratty manner, especially in the way you perch on it and ride it, the new Shotgun 650 does actually make a lot of sense.