Royal Enfield, one of the world’s oldest motorcycle manufacturers, unveiled the all-new Shotgun 650 at the Motoverse 2023 event in Goa. In early 2024, a production-ready version of the bobber and cruiser hybrid was launched. Since its launch, it has competed with the Kawasaki Vulcan S, the segment leader.
However, who is better – the Shotgun 650 or the Vulcan S?
Royal Enfield has enjoyed significant success in recent years. The Chennai-based bike manufacturer has launched the new Shotgun 650. It competes in the competitive middleweight market and is by far the most expensive model in the business.
But can it take the lead from Kawasaki’s mighty Vulcan S in the 650cc segment? Let’s find out.
Hardware and Design
The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 appears to be more desirable. The Shotgun 650 combines cruiser and bobber stylistic elements. It has a wide handlebar, adjustable levers, a circular LED headlamp, twin side-mounted peashooter exhaust, and stylish alloy wheels. Apart from the neo-retro cruiser styling, the Kawasaki Vulcan S features a rounded rear fender, a sloping 14-liter fuel tank, a rider-only saddle, an underbelly exhaust, and dual-tone wheels.
Safety Features
Both the motorcycles have dual-channel ABS and disc brakes. The Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 both bikes get dual-channel ABS for better braking performance in addition to disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels for rider safety. The former has dual shock absorbers at the rear and upside-down forks at the front.
The Vulcan S is equipped with a mono-shock at the rear and telescopic front forks.
Engine and Specifications
The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a more powerful engine.
A 649cc, air-and-oil-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 52Nm of peak torque and 47hp of maximum power powers the Shotgun 650. A 649cc DOHC liquid-cooled twin-cylinder motor with a maximum output of 59.9 horsepower and peak torque of 62.4 Nm powers the Kawasaki Vulcan S. Transmission duty in both the bikes is of a six-speed manual gearbox.
Colors and Prices
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is available in 4 color options: Sheetmetal Grey, Plasma Blue, Green Drill, and Stencil white. Meanwhile, Kawasaki Vulcan S is available in only one color option, i.e., metallic matte carbon grey.
The Shotgun 650 limited-edition model, which was presented at Motoverse, is priced at Rs 4.25 lakh in India. However, the Royal Enfield base model is priced at Rs 3.59 lakh. Meanwhile, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is available to buy for Rs 7.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
While comparing the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S, we found that the Shotgun 650 is more appealing with its attractive design and lower price.
