RE Shotgun 650 vs Kawasaki Eliminator – new twin engines but which one suits your pocket and need

• Indian bike maker Royal Enfield has launched the Shotgun 650 in India.
• The Shotgun 650cc is priced starting at ₹3.59 lakh and is available in three variants.
• In this post, we compare the new Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 with the new Kawasaki Eliminator.

Indian bike maker Royal Enfield has launched its latest bike, the Shotgun 650, the fourth bike in the company’s 650cc series in India. The Shotgun 650 is inspired by the company’s Super Meteor 650, with some design changes that give it a distinct look.

While the Shotgun 650 has no direct rivals, it takes on the Kawasaki Eliminator as both are new twin-engine bikes. While the Eliminator is priced significantly higher than the Shotgun 650, it is one of the closest rivals to the new offering from Royal Enfield. The Kawasaki Eliminator is powered by a 451cc liquid-cooled engine compared to the 648cc air-cooled engine on the Shotgun 650cc.

Price

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 has been launched in three variants – Custom Shed, Custom Pro and Custom Special. The Custom Shed is priced at ₹3.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).


On the other hand, the Kawasaki Eliminator is available in a single variant, priced at ₹5.62 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Design

In terms of design, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is inspired by the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and is based on the same platform. However, the Shotgun 650 comes with a bobber design. It comes with a rugged design and features a round headlamp and rear-view mirrors. It comes with a single-piece seat and minimal body panels. It features blacked out engine parts that give it a retro look. It features a large 13.8-litre fuel tank and comes with an 18-inch front-wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel.

Coming to the Kawasaki Eliminator, the bike is also offered in a cruiser design. It comes with an exposed frame, with blacked out engine parts. The bike’s frame is inspired by the Ninja 400 and offers a relaxed riding position and a low seat height. While the Shotgun 650 comes with a single-seat design, the Eliminator offers split seats. It comes with a sculpted fuel tank, round headlight and a 18-inch front wheel along with a smaller 16-inch rear wheel.

Engine and performance

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is equipped with a 648cc air-oil cooled parallel-twin engine that powers the Super Meteor 650. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Eliminator is equipped with a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine.


The Shotgun 650, being equipped with a more powerful engine offers better performance, especially long play torque, when compared to the Kawasaki Eliminator. However, because the Eliminator is liquid cooled, it will offers similar horsepower.

If you are in the market for a bobber and are looking for a powerful bike, the Shotgun 650 is a good option. However, if you are looking for a slightly sportier cruiser, the Kawasaki Eliminator is worth considering.

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