Interceptor, Shotgun, and Super Meteor 650: how they ride, how much they cost, and how Royal Enfield's bigger sisters differ.

Royal Enfield has established itself as one of the leading brands in the mid-range segment in Argentina thanks to its 650 line. The 648cc twin engine and the Harris Performance-developed chassis have positioned the brand as a benchmark in the industry and a popular choice for the public.

Retro aesthetics, power, and robustness were the keys to the Interceptor and Continental GT models' rapid public acceptance when they arrived in the country in 2018. All this was aided by a competitive price and financing options. For many, they represented a leap forward from a motorcycle considered aspirational in terms of style and performance.

Later, the Shotgun and Super Meteor models were added to this range, equipped with the same engine and chassis, albeit with different configurations, appealing to different rider profiles. And now Royal Enfield is preparing the arrival of the Bear 650 , a scrambler inspired by the Interceptor to complete the family.

While we wait for the new launch, we analyze the Indian brand's flagship line to learn more about its features and differences.

The Shotgun 650 is the latest addition to this family, launched a year ago. It's a hard-to-pigeonhole roadster , combining classic style with a sporty yet urban profile. It's surprisingly steady on the road and easy cornering. In fact, it's a bike that feels like it was designed to take corners at speed.

Its 648 cc twin-cylinder engine—paired with a six-speed gearbox—delivers plenty of thrust, especially at mid-rev range, with a maximum torque of 52 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Because of this, and because the maximum power of 47 hp appears at 7,250 rpm, it boasts great resilience, and sometimes you have to look at the dashboard to know what gear you're in: when accelerating, sixth feels like fifth.

The chassis and engine combo is complemented very well by the Showa suspension, with a 43 mm inverted fork at the front and a dual shock absorber at the rear. It's surprisingly comfortable in the city and offers excellent handling on the road, aided by the bike's low center of gravity , which weighs a total of 240 kilos.

The brakes are Bybre with 320 mm discs and double piston both front and rear, which guarantee a good response.

The riding position is somewhere between relaxed and aggressive, with a wide seat that allows for easy adjustments depending on the situation. Fuel consumption, around 18 to 20 km/h (6 to 12 mph), depending on usage, is one area where improvements are needed. Especially since the fuel tank has a capacity of 13.8 liters, which, at best, provides a range of 280 kilometers (175 miles). Not much for a bike that's ideal for getaways.

Another notable aspect is the deep, metallic sound of the exhausts, which gives it that rebellious touch and draws a lot of attention at every stoplight.

The Interceptor is the most iconic Royal Enfield in the brand's modern history. It was the first of this series to arrive alongside the Continental GT, with which it shares several similarities except for the riding position. The most striking feature is the minimalist retro design: elongated and rounded tank, flat seat, circular headlight, and a dashboard with the essentials: speed, revs, odometer, warning lights, and fuel level.

This bike's strong suit is the city. It has a larger turning radius than the Shotgun and weighs considerably less (217 kilos). It's very maneuverable and agile. The engine's power is more than enough to move through traffic with ease. The suspension is conventional and has a more urban than road-ready setup.

On the other hand, the road is where this setup suffers the most. Above 110 km/h, there are some twitching movements, and the factory-equipped Ceat tires don't inspire much confidence. The brakes also leave some doubts; you have to push them a bit to stop within the desired distance. They are Bybre , with 320 mm discs at the front and 240 mm at the rear. In these aspects, the difference in seven years of engineering development of this model compared to the Shotgun and the Super Meteor is noticeable.

The riding position is aggressive, with the feet slightly set back and the body leaning forward. The seat is fine for short journeys; for long ones, it's a bit minimalist.

Along with its design, the engine is a standout, with peak torque arriving at 5,250 rpm. In terms of style and performance, we could say it's the ideal bike for taking a spin along Libertador.

The Super Meteor's design speaks volumes. It has a low center of gravity, a relaxed riding position, a chair-like seat, and stiff suspension. It's the most custom-built of the 650 line, and we had the opportunity to test a bike equipped with the tourer package with a taller windshield and wider seat.

This Harris Performance-designed steel twin-cradle tubular frame setup allows the 648cc twin-cylinder engine to be fully exploited on the road. Legal top speeds are easily reached, and there's plenty of traction for passing.

The handling is excellent thanks to the low ground clearance (135 mm) and the low weight distribution. The wide 16" rear wheel also provides a sense of stability.

The suspension is a Showa type with 110 mm of travel and an inverted fork at the front and 101 mm at the rear. In the city, they felt a bit stiff, and you shouldn't be careless when hitting potholes or speed bumps, as they can take their toll on your back.

While average fuel consumption remains at around 18 to 20 kilometers per liter, the Super Meteor gains some range with a 15.7-liter tank , which on paper would allow it to travel 300 kilometers.

The brakes are Bybre with 320 mm discs at the front and 300 mm at the rear, both with dual-channel ABS.

Beyond the classic design, it incorporates modern details such as LED lighting and a USB port (to charge your cell phone or GPS during the trip).

The riding position is consistent with the custom style, with feet well forward. The tourer package suits it very well, with a higher windshield to block almost all headwinds and a very wide seat that provides extra comfort.

Prices for the 650 line include: Interceptor, starting at $12,400,000; Shotgun, starting at $14,500,000; and Super Meteor, starting at $14,200,000. All models offer the option to finance up to 50% of the motorcycle in 12 interest-free installments.