Two Royal Enfield 650cc Shotgun test mules have been spotted together, thanks to Motor Vaahan. They are stuck in traffic, allowing us to get a better look at the motorcycles. They are barely disguised, exposing the completed body panels and fuel tank. This indicates that Royal Enfield has completed a significant portion of the development process for the motorcycle.
The cruiser under test was spotted with a USD fork and twin disc brakes up front, which contrasts sharply with the 650 twins’ telescopic fork and single front disc. The rear suspension, however, is identical to the 650 twins, with twin shock absorbers.
The rear fender and twin exhaust pipes appear to be different from when it was previously spotted in testing. The rear fender appears to be much shorter this time, with the number plate bracket mounted much closer to the taillight. The twin exhaust pipes now have a peashooter design and a blacked-out finish, as opposed to the last time they had a design more akin to the Meteor 350 and a chrome finish.
There are several names that could be given to this cruiser when it is launched. Royal Enfield could borrow a page from their own history and call it the Super Meteor 650. A model with the same name was produced in the 1950s and 1960s. Alternatively, they could call it the Shotgun 650, after a concept shown at EICMA 2021.
The upcoming RE cruiser is expected to use the same 648cc parallel-twin engine as the existing Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The engine in the 650 twins produces 47hp at 7,150rpm and 52Nm at 5,250rpm and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch.
While no information about the launch of this 650cc cruiser has been released, it is possible that it will be released in the coming months, given that it has been spotted in the production-ready form several times. When it arrives in dealerships, the cruiser will be priced higher than the 650 twins and will be the flagship Royal Enfield.
