Let’s get one thing straight: specs don’t tell the whole story. As someone who’s spent months riding both the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 and the Super Meteor 650 across Mumbai’s chaotic streets and Kerala’s serene highways, I’m here to cut through the marketing fluff. This isn’t about horsepower or torque curves—it’s about real-world thrills, spills, and bills.

So, grab a chai, and let’s dive into what these bikes actually feel like when the rubber meets the road.

1. First Impressions 🎭

The Shotgun 650 walks into a room like a brash, tattooed rebel. Its bobber-inspired design, flat handlebars, and mid-set footpegs scream, “I’m here to break rules.” Remove the pillion seat, and it transforms into a minimalist single-seater—perfect for solo rides where you want to look like a Bollywood anti-hero.

The Super Meteor 650, on the other hand, is the polished godfather of cruisers. With its teardrop fuel tank, swept-back handlebars, and plush seating, it oozes old-school charm. My friend Ravi, a tourer from Pune, put it best: “It’s like riding a vintage sofa with a 650cc heartbeat”.

Verdict:

  • Shotgun: For Instagram-worthy aesthetics and cafe-racer vibes.
  • Super Meteor: For riders who want to channel their inner Dev Anand on highways.

2. City Riding 🚦

Let’s talk about the Shotgun 650 in Mumbai traffic. That 240 kg weight? You feel it. But the nimble handling and narrow handlebars let you slice through cars easily. The suspension soaks up potholes better.

The Super Meteor? It’s a tank. The wide handlebars had me doing 3-point U-turns. One rider on the Royal Enfield Forum joked: “Turning this bike in traffic is like steering a bullock cart through a mall”. And don’t get me started on the engine heat—my calves still have grill marks from summer rides.

City King: Shotgun 650.

3. Highways 🛣️

On the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Super Meteor 650 shines. At 100 km/h, it glides smoother than Shah Rukh’s dialogue delivery. The seat? A literal couch. I did a 6-hour ride to Goa and stepped off feeling fresher than a Bollywood debutant. Plus, the 15.7L fuel tank means fewer stops—critical when you’re chasing sunsets.

The Shotgun holds its own, too. The shorter wheelbase and lighter feel make overtaking trucks a breeze. But the windblast at 110 km/h had me clinging to the handlebars like a scared puppy. Pro tip: Add a windscreen if you’re planning long rides.

Highway Emperor: Super Meteor 650.

Read: 6-Months Journey on the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

4. Comfort Wars

For the Rider:

  • Shotgun: The upright seating is perfect for my 5’10” body. No backaches after 4-hour rides.
  • Super Meteor: The laid-back cruiser stance is heaven… until you hit a speed bump. The stiff suspension made my spine regret existing on rural roads.

For the Pillion: Let’s be real—the Shotgun’s pillion seat is an afterthought. My sister lasted 30 minutes before threatening to disown me. The Super Meteor’s wider seat and optional backrest? Family-approved. “Finally, a bike where my wife doesn’t complain!” says Rajesh, a Bangalore-based rider.

5. Ownership Costs: Fuel & Repairs

  • Mileage:
    • Shotgun: 22–23 kmpl in cities, 25–27 kmpl on highways.
    • Super Meteor: 24–25 kmpl in cities, 28–30 kmpl on highways.
  • Maintenance: The first service for both costs ~₹3,500. But the Super Meteor’s chain issues post-10,000 km had my mechanic muttering curses in Tamil.
  • Resale Value: REs hold value, but the market’s flooded. A Delhi rider on BikeDekho complained: “I got ₹50k less for my Super Meteor than expected—blame the 10 new listings every hour”.

6. Real Rider Confessions

  • Shotgun Lovers: “It’s my daily escape from office chaos. Feels like a fighter jet in traffic!” – Aditya, Mumbai.“Customizing this bike is addictive. I’ve spent ₹1 lakh on mods and zero regrets!” – Rahul, Hyderabad.
  • Super Meteor Fans: “Took it to Leh last summer. Didn’t miss my Thar once!” – Vikram, Chandigarh.“The Tripper Navigation saved my marriage—no more getting lost on road trips!” – Ananya, Chennai.
  • Common Gripes:
    • “Why no USB port on the Shotgun? My phone dies faster than my patience in traffic!”.
    • “Super Meteor’s turning radius needs a prayer and a GPS”.

Which One Should You Buy? 

  • Choose the Shotgun 650 if:
    • You’re a solo rider who loves city chaos and customizing.
    • Your idea of fun is weekend rides to hidden dhabas.
  • Choose the Super Meteor 650 if:
    • Highway therapy is your religion.
    • You need a bike that impresses both your buddies and your dad.

Still confused? Test-ride both. As I learned after 5,000 km on these machines: “Your heart picks the bike, not your brain”.