ROYAL ENFIELD Shotgun 650 -V- Super Meteor 650! Which one should YOU buy?
Vložit
- čas přidán 3. 04. 2024
- Head to head comparison of the Royal Enfield super meteor 650 and Shotgun 650. How should you go about choosing which is best for you?
PayPal Donations. threelitlefishes@live.co.uk
PATREON. / stuartfillingham
#royalenfieldshotgun650 #royalenfieldsupermeteor650 - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Morning Stewart. My 650 Super Meteor rang all the right bells for me. Last Saturday two up I took my grandson to Colchester again so he could pick his new bike up. That was our second trip there in two weeks, and the longest ride he had been on riding pillion. From a pillion standpoint, he said no aches or pains being on the saddle for over five hours. That said he felt the back rest could do with being a little higher. As for me with my arthritis, them forward controls and seating position was just what the doctor ordered. And two up running at 70mph, no problems whatsoever for this bike. So I won't be changing this machine any time soon. Safe riding sir and see you in the next one 👍😊...
I'm with you on the forward controls.Having had them on my old sportster I notice the difference now riding my bonneville .Going to take a serious look at the super meteor.
"Allowing your heart to rule your head" -That is a good one! 😂
It is actually the main key to my addiction to motorcycling, while my dear wife does it the other way around and choose the cheap car! Now I can confidently answer the question "what is going on in your head?" "It is not my head, it is my heart!" 😊👍
I THINK I would go for the Shotgun, but I must get the chance to ride them both
and then listen to my heart. I think you actually managed to pinpoint what it is all about. Great thoughts! Thanks.
“The Goldilocks zone of motorcycling.” Go on now! That’s a wonderful description.
just had my porridge, and the SM is sitting waiting in the garage... bloody rain😮
I am stepping down from a Honda VFR1200F to a Shotgun 650 that I am picking up this weekend. It sounds daft, but after 6 years of riding a bike that, while brilliant, is impossible to really utilize the potential of. Maybe I am just getting old and I feel a need to slow down a bit and just enjoy the ride. Your videos on the Shotgun really helped cement my decision. Thank you, from the USA!
When the first pictures came out of the Super Meteor, I knew right there and then that it was the bike for me, without even seeing it in the flesh. I was straight down to the dealers to put my order in. Which actually was a bit of a problem at the time because the dealership had no idea of price or spec or anything! I just stuck down a ton deposit and was given a receipt which said 650 Super Meteor, price and spec to be announced! No regrets whatsoever. It is everything that I thought it would be, I love it.
I am waiting for a classic 650. It would out sell all of the other models i think
classic 350 would still be the king for city riding due to the weight and that beautiful single cylinder thump :)
As a penniless apprentice in the mid seventies, I was the proud owner of a very second hand Honda SS50. All my mates had brand new Fizzies, Garellis and the odd Fantic.
Unfortunately, as my father refused to sign an HP agreement, the Honda was my limit.
Thing is though, it was MY bike. It got me to where I wanted to go, and I still look back with fond memories of the thing.
Over the next few years I had a succession of 'big bikes', until the time came for wife, mortgage and babies, so I hung up my lid.
A few years ago, mortgage paid and babies grown, I had a renewed yearning for two wheels. As I had never been a fan of the a*se in the air, chin on the tank style of bike, my search led me to a Yamaha MT09. Superficially, this seemed ideal, as it had a big triple engine, light weight and a 'normal' riding position. My big mistake was not test riding the thing. Having been off bikes for a few years, I didn't want to make a fool of myself in front of the dealership, so I bought it and had it delivered.
What a disaster. It was exquisitely uncomfortable for a start. But the real deal breaker was the low speed fuelling. In low speed traffic (as you pointed out making about 80% of everyday journeys) the thing was unrideable. Had I been an eighteen year old hooligan, it would have been perfect!
I kept the thing for about twelve months, riding only occasionally. My wife actually accused me of being 'afraid' of it!
Finally, I swallowed my pride and sold It.
Is there a moral to this story, apart from the predictable 'silly old sod' comments? I don't know.
But I'm sure you'll tell me.
Buy a classic 350 reborn. You will never look back.
and have a look at Alan Millard’s SS100
wait few more months and get the classic 650 :)
Similar story for me. Learned to ride on a 1978 Yamaha Triple XS750. 30 years later (after kids grown etc) found a 1980 Yamaha Triple XS850, practically the same bike (for $1200)! Relearned to ride for 3 years, then went to my first Harley (used 2004 Fatboy). The Fatboy was flawless, not one problem. Wonderful bike. Now in my late 60’s, sold the Harley and thinking about the RE, lighter, easier to maneuver, great price, looks like great reliability.
Hi Stu, been riding motorcycles over 50 years, looking back it’s always been bikes from the heart I’ve bought, cc’s didn’t matter.. what mattered was the smile they gave me & still smiling.. great video mate.. cheers Phil 🇦🇺
I bought a new Kawasaki w650 in 2002, only new bike i’ve ever bought in my 45 years of riding. Other bikes have come and gone but 9 times out of 10 it’s the Kawasaki I throw a leg over. 650 twins are without doubt the sweet spot…
I agree, the W650 is 50hp, same as the strangelled W800, great bike with bevel, classic British style and ridiculously cheap to buy, even compared to Royal Enfield.
Great video as usual 👍
Your so right what you say about the motorcycle press , far to quick to draw comparisons with other bikes that bear no resemblance to the one their reviewing,
“Oh the brakes on this machine arn’t as good as the fire blade” when they’re reviewing a budget 500 !
Keep up the great content.
G'day Stu. I am now the very proud and contented owner of a 2023 SM650 in celestial blue. I cannot fault this bike at all. I'm 65, have spinal and leg issues, but the SM addresse's these problems and allows me to continue in relative comfort. I have new "Verex" silencers and saddlebags ordered. Has the touring screen, touring comfort seat, and wider footpegs. Love the channel brother, and thoroughly enjoy each and every video that you present. Stay safe and all the best from Oz mate.
Bonjour a vous.
Merci pour cette belle vidéo et cette analyse tout a fait correcte de nos Royal Enfield.
Je roule depuis 1 an avec une super Meteor 650.
Et oui, après 35 ans de permis moto, et beaucoup de HD, Yam Honda et Kawa, je redécouvre la vraie vie.
Vivre en flânant, vivre tranquillement en se promenant au gré du vent.
La France dans laquelle je vis, est faite pour la RE.
Je ne roule pas en HD, je roule sur un RE Cruisers, n'en déplaise à certains.
Merci encore
I'm part of the "riding is fun, regardless of what you're riding" club. I love my Hunter; its the roadster I've wanted for 40 years. All the myriad bikes I've owned have been leading up to this bike, for me. RE have shown they've never forgotten what are a motorcycles real virtues.
Gray Shotgun. I rode the SM , and then the Shotgun several more times. I own a ‘23 Classic 350, a ‘21 Continental GT, and a ‘15 Triumph Bonneville. Each great bikes, but…
One Shotgun would do it all. It is a renaissance motorcycle.
You’re spot on, for me motorcycling has always been about emotion. I used to watch the Humber Bridge being built. I really enjoyed travelling there from Louth on my Honda C50, many times. I recently had a look in our Royal Enfield dealership at the Shot Gun and the aesthetics of the bike are appealing. I think that once my knee heals I might look at my finances. I just thought I’d reply as I strongly identify with what you are saying about the sense of freedom motorcycling brings, from stressors, that is. More people should do it, the world might be a happier place. Many thanks.
I have seen many reviews and you are the one who rides an Enfield nice and smooth, as it should be.
Perfect the video I was waiting for .thank you again from France 🇫🇷 I can make my decision now.
Great video Stuart. I will be buying either the Shotgun or Super Meteor as my first bike and am not 100% on which one yet. The one aspect of the Shotgun that attracts me is where the footpegs are. It might be the deciding factor as the Super Meteor position might not sit right with me. After this review and you talking about how the Super Meteor excels on the straight, bit roads and the Shotgun excels as the windy roads, I'm swaying even more to the Shotgun as they are the type of roads I will be riding on mainly. Again, greay content. Thanks!
Hi Stuart thanks for the video. I have not had a motorcycle for over six years. I am getting a bike in about 5 months and really looking forward to it. These are good bikes and I may end up getting one of them. I like the look of the Shotgun 650 with its practical blacked out engine and switch gear. Best wishes from Australia.
Really loving your video's. A bit of education, sometimes about using the brain in daily matters and many times follow the hart.
A good teacher does that. To little wise man. Royal Enfield gives me the feeling and experience i thougt i had forgotten. Not the big or small engine is bringing me to point B but my desire of Just riding and feeling.
Love the meteor and shotgun but i will wait for the classic 650.
Berry from Holland
Your narrative reviews make me smile. They're very entertaining. Thank you.
Top work as always Stu. Whilst I respect the Super Meteor, it really doesn't tempt me off my Interceptor. The Shotgun on the other hand, that really interests me. I find it amazing how two very similar machines can have such a different effect on me.
Great perspective, thanks for sharing!
I'm not a forward control lover, so the shotgun is the bike I would choose, great video Stuart.
I go by what was more comfortable. Sat on the sm and found the seat pushed me into the tank. Sat on the sg and much better seating position. Im 5,7. I think I'll go for the base grey sg.
perfect analysis and passionate point of view perspective, as always !! Cheers
Great video and totally agree…purchased my Interceptor for this very reason and I’m sure that in time I will do the same with the Classic 350 Signals.
Greetings from Maryland, USA, Stewart. While the bike I have follows the cruiser design, it is also a parallel twin. I really don't have any experience with higher displacement motorcycles and all of my street bikes have been middleweights in the 500 cc to 650 cc range. Even on interstate roads, the bikes are always able to keep up with or escape traffic as needed with a bit of a twist of the throttle. All of those were from Japan (Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki). I took a while to get used to the foot forward controls as you did. It is a comfortable position for sitting up and being comfortable bopping down back roads in the country at more reasonable speeds. That said, its very stable at highway speeds of 60 - 75 MPH. I have no doubt the Super Meteor would fair similarly for the same use as my Kawasaki Vulkan S. My understanding of the Shotgun was that it is aimed at the segment of owners looking for a bike to be modified into something different with the Shotgun as the base. The Super Meteor looks more of a complete package less the usual things like a possible wind screen or panniers if wanted.
First video i've seen of you sir. I wanted to share with you that I find it delighful the way you sir have with words. English is not my first langauge, and I was so focused listening on every word, it was soothing to me how you describe things, thoughts and feelings. Cheers from Mexico🍻 amigo (mate).
Great video, well put 🏍
Great video Stuart.
Great work Uncle Stu. The real answer of course is to buy an Interceptor! 😜
When choosing a motorcycle, let your heart speak rather than your head, well said sir!
Hi Stu,like the sound track to this video, makes a nice change.
You do a great job w/ these videos. It turns into a story almost. Almost forget I came for a review.
Brilliant video as always Stuart and these Royal Enfield bikes are absolutely fantastic, I just wish I had a garage big enough 😌👍🏻
Nice one Stuart, the Shotgun would be my pick of the two simply because of the foot peg position.....
Good morning Stu. Another great video. I think you’d have to try them both . Even then it might be difficult to choose as they both look great bikes.
Stuart, perfect comparisson of 2 almost same bikes. You described absolute delicious of gently differencies... great job
Good review, looking at these bikes in Canada, the Super Meteor would suit the roads here more, but love me a bobber style bike too. I will have to go take a look at the Calgary RE dealer, snow again here today, so no rush. 😉
Great video Stuart, I’ve got a SM which is definitely the one for me. Shotgun looks great and if I had the money I’d have both. If it indeed does come out, I’m really looking forward to seeing the 650 Bullet. A big decision may be ahead.
I bought a new RE GT650 Mr.Clean in 2022 then last year in July I bought a 2023 Harley 1250s. The Harley has been off the road more than on. The treatment of my Harley by the dealer has been appaling,came back after many repairs covered in mud,dust,grey primer overspray and a big scratch on the tank. Enfield on the other hand has been great. Had a couple of small issues that were corrected straight away,no issues,no damage. I enjoy both bikes , but, much prefer the Enfield. Looking at another Enfield. My only conplaint with the Enfield is the Chrome on the tank could be better,however,I can just get it chromed.
You’d better be quick
Hi I’m very undecided of both of these I’ve had or ridden all styles of bikes but now at my age 63 I’m looking at more for the slower ride and to buy British as much as possible without spending thousands on just one bike so I think I will buy the meteor this year and the shotgun next year I know they are very similar but I love the look of both it’s good to hear your opinions because I feel that you are very knowledgeable and your thoughts come from excellent set of skills of riding in the police force because I know how good your training is interesting video thanks take care 👋
Thanks. A great analysis. Let you heart choose... I like that saying.
Brilliant video. Resolut spoke to me. I am doing my license atm. So excited.
What helmet and glasses are that? Prefer open/pilot helmets myself as well.
Great video as usual 👍🏻 I want to test drive the Shotgun to feel the differences the SM.
Great video Stuart 👍 it’s the Shot gun for me , although for a little more than £1000 The Moto Guzzi V7 special looks good 😊 sorry
Very well thought and said Stu. 👍
Regards from Brazil. ✌
The look and styling including the seating position. These are different and you are about to decide which one suits you most. :) Great video bro. Enjoyed. Like well deserved.
Hey Stuart,
Awesome video! 100% agree with all your words. Many wise ones!
As a passionate rider in his 50's I agree these are the "sweet spots of motorcycling" - "Goldilocks"
I bought the SM 650 as a lover of cruiser style, that 650 motor, comfort, the forward controls are not 'that forward' and many other reasons with value for money and quality for price.
Not for touring though.
The final decision was on as you talk about the heart felt connection to the machine. I connected to it. What I needed was a commuter bike and so it had become. And it performs great in this role! Not a challenge for me, but the wide bars and barend mirrors can prevent certain lane splitting opportunities. But I am never in a rush on this bike!
I ride my SM 650 with a solo seat and solo seat finisher. I love the Shot Gun as a solo seat bike and love the looks! Maybe I will test ride it. And maybe as time permits I will try my SM 650 for a touring ride... But for now, the Super Meteor just ticks every box.
(Appreciate the huge effort and post prod on all your posts! Thank you for your efforts!)
But for now the SM 650 is a comfortable, easy to ride, quality confidence inspiring ride that makes driving to and from work the highlight of the day!
As I start my 50:th season as a licensed motorcyclist I hear you, loud and clear. For me, with all the bikes that I`ve had the buying decision has always been for one reason only and that is "I like this one". Admittedly, in the beginning a lot had to do with what other people might like and think is cool but I outgrew that. Only after I´ve bought a bike I start to experiment slightly with what it can do, for example can it do touring? And all of my bikes have one way or another worked well for touring and when I was into sportbikes I toured with very light luggage but that was no problem. One extra teeshirt, one extra pair of boxers and socks, tooth paste and toothbrush and enough money to buy more when needed. And away I went. Without having to destroy the good looks of my Honda VFR or whatever bike I owned at the time with too much ugly luggage. My bike today is a Vulcan, for that one I have two 20litre saddle bags and a bag I can attach to the sissybar, that is enough for one or two weeks touring even if I go abroad. That SuperMeteor would be my pick, it is a good looking bike in my eyes and would do well as my next bike. We will see, I tend to keep my bikes for a long time, the Vulcan I bought in 2012 and for the moment I have no need for anything else but of course that can change. As always, a good video and your opinions are well worth listening to. Especially liked "emotive motorcycling" as that says it all, really.
I like both the Shotgun and the Super Meteor, looks wise. I had a Continental GT a few years back but the riding position didn't agree with my back. Lovely engine, though. I now ride a Kawasaki W800 and I absolutely love it. I have my heart set on something new so I think I'll probably choose the Super Meteor as I believe there won't be enough difference in ergonomics and riding position between the Shotgun and my W800 to justify a purchase. I've never owned a cruiser before so seems like a no-brainer...
Love the channel, by the way !
Not a smoke blower, Stu, I am however, moved to say. Well said mate.👍🏻
I've made quite a few mistakes in my life, but I've always bought my bikes with heart and emotions. They were damn good decisions. Great video as usual 👍.
Horses for courses. How about muddying the water further and compare Shotgun and Interceptor.
Horse power, there's a tricky subject. I have two bikes one has 65hp the other 80hp. I have had fast big engined bikes previously but I can say I have never enjoyed motorcycling as much as now. I can use so much more of these bikes Horsepower instead of only ever up to half of any previous bikes HP . What's the point of 100+ hp crotch rocket when you can only ever use a fraction of its potential, you'll only ever be disappointed and frustrated unless you get your thrills from talking about what it could do at an empty airfield or autobahn.
Very good. Clear to me.
Another top review 👌 I compared my SM650 to my CX500, 💯 practical. Personally I like the feet forward so the only negative on this is you cam not stand on the foot pegs. I can get over that for the comfort. Today I've just done a 4hr round trip, mainly motorway and all at 120/30km and used 25€ of fuel.
As a youngster CC was the king, now at 57 more than happy trundling around Khao Lak on my 2004 CRF250, cheers for the vid Stuart.
Hi Stu, you made a good observation regarding the motorcycle reviewers comparing RE SM to Harleys, I was pondering this myself and I have a sneaking suspicion it's because they are too young to remember the bikes of the fifties and sixties and so compare them to the bikes that were around when they were growing up. Great video as usual 👍👍
Got a demo 650 super meteo ride soon- could be the one for me and my loved one
Hi there Stuart, at the risk of repeating myself, your video's are always well balanced, informative, and an easygoing watch.
I'll be careful what I say now because you are also good with the words you use and how you phrase them, what I want to know and I suspect others would to, is with heart and head which one of these two would you buy.
Please don't muddle the water with I'm waiting for the 650 bullet.
Although I've already owned a 650 Conti, I know that there are 3 certainties in life, being death, taxes & that one day you WILL have a 650 Meteor/Shotgun itch that needs scratching.
I think you hit the nail in the head with the 650 RE engines being in the Goldilocks zone. For me the distinction between these two is quite clear but an interesting view in my mind is comparing the Shotgun with the Interceptor. I have an Interceptor and Continental GT and would be considering the Shotgun as an Interceptor replacement.
lot of people trying to fit shotgun in either crusier or bobber, i thinks its neither, its a Roadsters!!! which i was expecting from a royalEnfield from a very longtime since they discontinued UCE classic 350 in 2020.
Thanks Stu! But you're right, muddy waters it is still 😂
Nevermind, thanks for your always wise insights anyway.
I think I 've made up my mind with this dilemna 😎
Love the way you touch upon the very need to be a motorcyclist.
Yes, and Yes, to everything you said......until I remember the GT....then I go all misty-eyed and I'm 20 again (the reality of riding it at 72 might not quite live up to the dream, though)
Though I do prefer the mid peg position of the Shotgun, I also prefer the seating position of the SM. As we ride two up a lot, the touring seat of the Celestial SM is far superior
I like the Super Meteor. But it would have to have a lot more chrome (or nickel, or stainless steel) bright aluminum, and lighter colored paint (my Kawasaki Vulcan 750 has silver painted wheels) in place of black before I would buy one. They did really well with the overall design. They just got the colors and finishes wrong. I gave up on any motorcycle manufacturer making a non flat black cruiser style bike in my lifetime, and recently bought an almost like new 2006 Vulcan 750 with under 4000 miles to replace my 1997 model with 118,000 miles. Aside from not being flat black, it has a few other benefits over the Super Meteor. It has shaft drive, 20 more hp, can cruise at 80 mph all day, only halfway to redline, it is super comfortable, it is carbureted, and it has proven to be reliable over the long term. And I already have a parts bike for it.
I think the best thing to do here is buy both, and ride one whenever you're not riding the other ☺️
I think a flat springer seat on the SM so that one sits more on the bike as opposed to in it; that would be a game changer. Given that choice I would go with the SM
3:09 i love your goggles, where did you get them?
Halcyon
When you were mentioning the press reception of the Super Meteor I couldn't help but think of how much money Harley, et al, pays the media for advertising. I haven't test ridden either model, but this video may fix that.
👽 .... .. Stuart thanks for the video
I am about to buy the Hunter bcs of this channel. :)
I wish they made the Shotgun with chrome silencers and the other blingy Super Meteor bits. Twin clocks would be the icing on the cake.
That´s the only thing that puts me down on both bikes ... the clocks are too plastic for the concept they are willing to sell ... It should be a better version of the Interceptor double gauges clocks .... It´s way too cheapy .....
75 here and on a home built Interceptor scrambler that turned out to be awesome. As my body deteriorates I can see the attraction for the lower Super Meteor or Shotgun. Question, is the seating and peg position the same on these bikes? To be honest if I were younger I’d be looking for something with twice as much horsepower.
This video give me an idea to convert the front foot peg of the triumph speedmaster just to have more versatility. Still easy riding position, not aggressive as the bobber
Hello Stuart, were I tempted to part with my Interceptor 650, of these two bikes, it would be for the Shotgun 650. To me it has a look/style of a Classic brit' bike that's been customised. It's as if someone has taken a 1950's bike stripped it down and rebuilt with modern custom parts.
PS
I prefer the blue colour.
Take the Shot Gun, chrome it up, especially the rear rack/ pillion setup, and the Classic 650 is born. 😎
They are actually priced well enough to get both!
13:40 is the ultimate conclusion.
Good Morning Sir. What would be your favorite, if the Interceptor was in the mix?
I enjoyed your opinions on the Shotgun 650. Any chance you'll make the same type of comparison with the Interceptor 650?
Hi Stuart, to be honest, I am missing an air cooled 500 single. Maybe my age... my Hunter 350 is a little bit slow sometimes.
Both deserve the place in my garage....
Having tried it, I prefer the Shotgun, but I'm hesitant because there are currently no options for side bags and a windshield. Overall, we'll probably find some aftermarket accessories in the future, but for now, the Supermeteor seems better equipped for travel, don't you think?
The only difference between the two is some cosmetic work and riding position.
I always thought it was snobby Europeans that don't want anything to do with American styling that made this criticism. The only thing that is remotely American in the styling is the seat. The rest is completely English.
Loved your break down of these two fine bikes.
I've given up waiting for the scrambler and bought a 10 year old Triumph.
Sold my 1200gs to downsize and there’s lots of choices for decent money
Waiting on the RE hard panniers to resurface before I buy a Super meteor. It will be my touring bike while my Interceptor will be my coffee run bike.
I had a word with Iron City Motorcycles, Gateshead who said they could get them, I have them on order along with a Super Meteor.
well my new Enfield dealer opens tomorrow so its the meteor or the shotgun the decision rests on comfort rather than speed but the road to kettlewell will decide as for the Himalayan well that's another question keep my old trusty friend or gamble on the new 450 stallion 😄😄😄😄
Now having 5 bikes, BMW and RE, faster to slower, they all get their fair share of riding., and all excite me in different ways. Donut and coffee runs vary from 10 miles to 50 miles and never disappoint me when getting there on any one bike. Sort of like having different girlfriends, but now you get away with it. This also applies to girls who enjoy riding different mounts. Hopefully, my comment didn't offend anyone. Was a late April fools jest. 👍👍5🏍🙋♂️
👍
❤❤
Sports ,cruiser, tourer or commuter? Who label's these bikes? If you just like a bike and it fits you and your needs does it need a label? I've always bought bikes from the heart and my only limit has been budget!! I find pure sports bikes very uncomfortable, I even had the ultimate sports tourer a Hyabusa but maybe its my hips or gentleman's appendages but the leaning forward position always causes me discomfort. I've always considered comfort over performance. One of the best bikes I've had was an ST1300 however its too big as an everyday bike, I've had 4 ER5 kawasakis great all round bikes, however Kawasaki forgot to put stuffing in the seats so uncomfortable! I've had numerous Harleys over the years from sportsters to electra glides, I've had moto guzzis and even Triumphs in fact my T100 was probably one of my best bikes, however I've now got another Harley, a Dyna this time it's got leather bags a cissy bar a rack a small Bikini fairing and mid footrests, its smallish light ish and has had a little engine work so can lifts its skirt and move along when needed. I know Harleys aren't everybody's bag, however those views are from people who don't get them. I've had an older model 500 enfield for years, if that bike was quicker to do motorway work it would be my next choice. Now I have the dilemma, will we see a 650 bullet? Could that be my goldilocks bike? I'll have to wait and see. Thank you Stuart.
Gonna that my trike to the shop to be serviced, let the pro's look at it lol. if it causes too much trouble i'll just give up riding....no love losted.
Why not have both like me😁