Bullet Owner Shared His Riding Experience on Shotgun 650 and Bear 650

A long-time Bullet owner recently shared his hands-on riding experience with the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 and Bear 650, offering real-world insights into how these new machines perform on Indian roads.

As a loyalist to the Royal Enfield legacy, the rider has spent years with the Bullet 350. Now, with curiosity and enthusiasm, he tested out the new-generation 650s—Shotgun and Bear—to see how far the brand has evolved and whether these models cater to different lifestyles and terrain needs.

Bear 650: The Scrambler Built for Adventure

The Bear 650, positioned as a scrambler, instantly impressed him with its rugged design and purposeful stance. This bike isn’t just built to look good—it’s meant to explore tricky patches, broken roads, and mild off-road trails.

The owner rode the Bear through a messy patch near the hills and came back with a grin. “It’s not an out-and-out ADV, but it’s got the heart to handle uneven, unpaved terrain. You feel that confidence in the posture, the seat, and the overall stance,” he shared. With wide handlebars and upright ergonomics, the Bear gives you the control you need in the rough while maintaining comfort.

For anyone looking to tackle weekend trails or hilly shortcuts, the Bear 650 offers a balanced blend of capability and scrambler charm. It keeps things practical and exciting for those who prefer more than just tarmac.

Shotgun 650: Effortless Cruiser for Urban and Highway Joyrides

In contrast, the Shotgun 650 caters to a different rider. Built with a low-slung profile and smooth power delivery, the Shotgun stands out as a refined highway cruiser and an easy companion for city rides. The rider was particularly impressed by the optional wind visor, which helped reduce fatigue during longer rides.

“The Shotgun 650 really shines on open roads. You sit comfortably, the pillion has a relaxed seat, and the overall ride quality is plush,” he said. Whether cruising on a highway stretch or rolling through tight urban traffic, the Shotgun remains stable, torquey, and very manageable for daily or weekend rides.

Another major plus point is the pillion comfort. Unlike older models where the rear seat often got complaints, this one gets it right. “My partner felt the difference instantly,” he added.

Two Personalities, One Brand Heritage

What sets these two motorcycles apart is how Royal Enfield has crafted them with distinct purposes in mind. While both pack the powerful 648cc parallel-twin engine, it’s how they translate that power into road behavior that makes all the difference.

The Bear 650 is for riders who like a little dust, slope, and unpredictability in their ride. It leans toward an adventure-scrambler segment, great for Indian terrain that throws surprises now and then.

The Shotgun 650, on the other hand, is for those who want to take it easy, enjoy the journey, and have a versatile machine that feels at home on city streets and open highways alike.

Final Word: Choose Based on How You Ride

If your daily routes include off-road patches, village roads, or uneven hills, the Bear 650 will have your back. If your ride is more about comfort, pillion friendliness, or long-distance smoothness, the Shotgun 650 is hard to beat.

As this seasoned Bullet owner concludes: “It’s not about which is better. It’s about what suits your life. I see Bear for thrill and trails. Shotgun, for everyday fun and weekend escapes.”

In a world where motorcycle choices are increasingly about lifestyle, Royal Enfield has nailed the brief with these two distinct 650s. One scrambles. One cruises. Both deliver.