Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 vs Kawasaki Eliminator – Currently, bike enthusiasts in India are aspiring for bikes that are tuned to their cravings for power while being comfy and usable on long rides. Highly anticipated, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 and the Kawasaki Eliminator are both due in 2026 in India. These two cruisers would fare pretty well in comfort on highway touring and long-distance cruising. But then again, which bike really is a cut above in terms of engine feel, ride comfort, and highway stability? Let’s make it clear.
Engine Feel Powerful Performance
The engine used in the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 will be that 650cc parallel twin mill, which offers a smooth throttle response and some decent mid-range torque. This pretty much makes for a linear power delivery ideally suited for city riding and overtaking in freeway conditions. From lower rpm, the torque is just fine enough for safe but smooth overtaking until that point of no return is passed.
The Eliminators’ engine, in contrast, is also potent enough. It is also a cruiser that can deliver high-end torque and smooth power. The engine feel is a bit on the sportier side, so that the bike would not snap under acceleration on the highway and would remain very stable. Both engines are very smooth operating in their own way. Shotgun 650 feels a bit earthier and classic, while the Eliminator feels modern and punchy.
Comfort and Suspension
The seat on the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is really something special. The seat has elegant lines, a nice upright-relaxed position, relieving neck and back strain even on long rides, with tuning towards long-distance comfort. It bears the mark of a touring motorcycle through and through.
The Kawa Eliminator provides a confusing sitting stance that is low, cruiserish, and offers good comfort for cruising long hours on the highway. Fair enough cushioning on the seat to wipe away fatigue after hours of riding. Additionally, the position of the handlebars is also quite friendly to riders.
Highway Ride
Stability and Handling
The frame and shock absorption of the Shotgun 650 feel nicely braced for highway riding. Even at fair speeds, they’re very stable on the road and give a trusting feel when leaning into the bends. Steering is so light that it makes overtaking happen with minimal jitters.
The Eliminator rides well for highway cruising. It offers good feedback under stability at high speeds due to the ultra-wide tyres and long wheelbase. With the cruising stance, it also assists fatigue from wind blast over long distances.
Conclusion
Royal Enfield put an aesthetically pleasing and well-balanced bike together by combining the feel of pure touring with contemporary smooth power delivery on the Shotgun 650. The riding feels combines the old with modern technology.
So if you want a cruiser that allows you a comfortable ride, yet feels that punch in the low end while cruising along a lazy highway, then the motorcycle that best fits your style is certainly the Kawasaki Eliminator.