Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 vs Shotgun 650: Buy Or Hold?

(Update: The all-new Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 has been launched. Check the details in our launch story here.)

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 allowed the Indian customers to have the experience of a big cruiser at an affordable price tag. And now the Shotgun 650 is here to do something similar but as a 650cc bobber. With its launch happening in January 2024, should you buy the Super Meteor 650 now or hold out for the Shotgun 650? Let’s take a look: 

Why Should You Buy The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650?

The Super Meteor 650 is a true-blue 650cc cruiser with a smooth engine that lets you cruise along comfortably at triple digit speeds. The high-speed stability is also very good and it has a very relaxed riding posture with the forward-set footpegs and a very accessible 740mm seat height. The riding posture along with the seat quality also translates into a very comfortable ride and if you opt for the Touring variant with the backrest, then the larger pillion seat will keep your partner happy and comfortable on those long rides as well. And last but not the least, the Super Meteor 650 is a looker with the long fuel tank, scooped-out seat and the chromed-out twin-exhausts.

Why Should You Hold Out For The Shotgun 650?

Royal Enfield has managed to take the Super Meteor 650’s platform and create a proper bobber in the form of the Shotgun 650. If you are on the market for a mid-capacity bobber, then the Shotgun 650 is a good option for you. It comes in a single-seat setup with a chopped rear fender and blacked-out and slightly upswept pea-shooter exhausts. The colour schemes on offer give the bike a very funky look as well. Add to that the trusted and reliable 650cc, twin-cylinder motor from the Super Meteor 650, and the Shotgun 650 looks like the perfect option for a 650cc bobber. Also, Royal Enfield is offering a pillion seat that is removable with the bike’s key or a luggage rack with the single seat. A point worth noting though is that the Shotgun 650’s seat height stands at 795mm, which is 55mm taller than that of the Super Meteor 650 and it might affect the accessibility factor for shorter riders.

Our Suggestion:

The choice between buying the Super Meteor 650 now or holding out for the Shotgun 650 depends on the type of motorcycle you are looking for because Royal Enfield has managed to make two distinct motorcycles (at least on paper and how they look for now) from the same platform.

If you want a 650cc cruiser that gives you the feeling of riding a big bike and lets you cruise the highways in a relaxed and comfortable manner while doing high speeds, then the Super Meteor 650 is the one for you. And oh, if that is indeed the case, then the best part about it is that you can have your next motorcycle in your garage in no time at all since the Super Meteor 650 is on sale right now!

If you want a 650cc bobber with good looks and a motor that delivers ample performance for your highway needs, then the Shotgun 650 is the one for you. And we’d suggest you wait till the end of January 2024 because it’ll be launched by then. And if you have the patience to wait for a couple of months longer, RE’s plethora of accessories for the Shotgun 650 will become available too. And with an expected price tag of Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom), it’ll be more affordable than the Super Meteor 650.