Ah, the modern classic motorcycle. It harks back to the days when all motorcycles were of this form whether you rode them on the streets, raced them at the track or even off-road (modified suspension, of course). They were pure motorcycles without the modern-day segmentation, hence they could be called “standards.” And the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 embraces that spirit perfectly to win the Modern Classic Bike of the Year 2025 category in the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year 2025 Awards.
Why did the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 win?
The Shotgun 650 has sportier ergonomics compared to the Interceptor 650. Additionally, the Shotgun has a custom bike feel to it. In fact, Royal Enfield stresses that they offer a large selection of accessories for this particular model (including the passenger seat).
Riding the Shotgun 650 is an experience of its own. As with other REs, it is not about going fast. Instead it is about feeling the thumps from the parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank. (It was a 360° crank which has the pistons rise and fall as a pair in the past.) The motor has a longer stroke, so it is all about torque.
Riding it up Genting Highlands was a joy as it thumped-thumped-thumped from corner to corner without bogging down and requiring multiple gear changes, apart from the two hairpins. Again, it is not about setting the fastest climb, but to destress on your off day on a bike.
It is of course a great bike for the daily commute, too, which returns us to the subject about the standard motorcycle.
What we liked: Thumping engine, good torque.
We we did not like: A little heavy.
Nett selling price: From RM 34,900
