Classic 650 vs Shotgun 650: One engine, two vibes – Which Royal Enfield is for you?

The much-awaited Royal Enfield Classic 650 has finally made its India debut. The new motorcycle is the sixth in the iconic two-wheeler maker’s 650cc portfolio. The Classic 650 retains the heritage design of its legendary 350cc nameplate, but it also borrows components from the Shotgun 650. We take a closer look and highlight the key differences. 

Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs Shotgun 650: Design

Both the Classic 650 and Shotgun 650 are based on the Steel Tubular Spine Frame, with a removable pillion seat. In terms of design, the Classic 650 sports the traditional retro look with plenty of metal and chrome parts and finish like the twin peashooters, new rotary switches’ casing, the LED headlight finish, the engine, side view mirrors, the rider’s console and the tail lamp cluster. 

The Shotgun 650 steps into the dark side with blacked-out parts like twin exhausts, engine, front forks, side view mirrors, indicators, LED headlight and the twin instrument consoles, including the Tripper navigation. 

Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs Shotgun 650: Dimensions

Classic 650 vs Shotgun 650 share the same 1465 mm wheelbase, but again, that’s where the similarity starts and ends. The Classic 650 is 2250 mm in length, 892 mm in width and the height is 1137 mm. The Shotgun 650 is a shade more compact as it is 2170 mm in length, 820 mm in width and the height is 1105 mm. The Classic sits taller with a seat height of 800 mm and a ground clearance of 154 mm while the Shotgun’s saddle height is 795 mm and a ground clearance of 140 mm. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Classic 650 is the heaviest motorcycle in the Royal Enfield lineup as it weighs 243 kg.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs Shotgun 650: Hardware

Let’s start from the basics. The Classic 650 rides on MRF Nylohigh tyres with traditional spoke wire wheels and a combination of 19-inch front and 18-inch wheels at the rear. The Shotgun 650, on the other hand, gets a set of 18-and-17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless CEAT Zoom Cruz tyres. The Classic 650 is equipped with a 43 mm telescopic front fork with 120 mm wheel travel and a set of twin shocks with 90 mm travel. The Shotgun has the same specs except for the more sophisticated upside-down front suspension. 

Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs Shotgun 650: Engine and Price

Both the motorcycles are powered by a 647.95cc air-oil cooled parallel-twin powertrain with an output of 46.3 bhp at 7250 rpm and 52.3 Nm at 5650 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper-assist clutch. They come standard with dual-channel ABS. The new Classic 650 starts from Rs 3.37 lakh to Rs 3.50 lakh while the Shotgun costs from Rs 3.59 lakh to Rs 3.73 lakh, all ex-showroom.