Royal Enfield’s Stunning New Custom-Class Retro Cruiser Costs Much Less Than You’d Think

From the Meteor 350 to the Scram 411 to the Guerrilla 450 to the Continental GT 650, I’ve ridden basically every size and shape of Royal Enfield motorcycle — and written about many more. 

Over the past several years, I’ve come to really appreciate the brand’s knack for combining fantastic looks, reliable performance and unbeatable prices. 

Royal Enfield

Even still, I feel pretty confident saying that I’ve never seen a Royal Enfield bike so singularly stunning as the new Shotgun 650 x Rough Crafts Drop.

Not too many non-Royal Enfield motos either, to be honest.

Luck of the draw

While the bike was unveiled in the fall, it’s back in the news this week now that purchase details have finally become available.

The price is $7,999, which is $700 more than the base, but considering it’s as close to custom as can be (see details below), that’s a surprisingly small upcharge, with a catch.

See, as it is a very limited release, with just 100 individually numbered units divided among India, Europe, North America and APAC, actually getting one will require winning a lottery.

To get your shot in the US (10 units) and Canada (2 units), you must register by July 28; on July 29 at 10 a.m. EDT, each of the 25 winners will begin the payment process.

Royal Enfield

Assuming all the paperwork is in order, you’ll receive your individually numbered unit within 120 to 180 days of the booking date.

All these details and more just dropped on Royal Enfield’s US site, where you can not only get the full scoop but also register now.

Clap your hands, say “Yeh”

So what is this bike exactly? Only the latest brainchild of renowned custom builder Winston Yeh, who first teamed up with the brand in 2018 on a dramatic reimagining of the GT650 dubbed the Midas Royal.

That one-off led to another, an equally out-of-this-world overhaul of the Shotgun 650. 

Royal Enfield

“The result — a low-slung, elegant but menacing build we’ve called the Caliber Royale — is a spiritual successor to Midas, but all its own motorcycle at the same time,” notes Yeh. “And of course it was a perfect inspiration for our Shotgun x Rough Crafts Drop.”

Which means that even though the Drop is limited to 100 units, it still ultimately makes a masterful Yeh creation much more widely available than his typical project. 

Royal Enfield

Not to mention the fact that only the most eagle-eyed enthusiasts would be likely to recognize one of these bikes as not an individual custom build.

That’s because the man and brand have done an excellent job of carrying over the most compelling qualities of the Caliber Royale to a factory-produced edition.

Drop it like it’s hot

Exhibit A is the real gold leaf stripe with a grey shadow running across the body of the bike and beautifully accenting the gloss jet black and matte stealth black fenders, tank and side covers.

That tank also boasts a hand-cast solid brass badge — a direct replica of one you’ll find on the Caliber Royale.

Royal Enfield

Meanwhile, the saddle features real quilted leather that matches the custom build’s seat pattern, plus gold fork inner tubes, contrast cut alloy rims and bar-end mirrors, all of which reflect the general understated elegance of a motorcycle that simply shines without trying too hard.

Of course, none of these glorious aesthetic touches interfere with the qualities that make the Shotgun 650 such a sweet, irresistibly customizable ride in the first place.

Royal Enfield

Those include but are not limited to a 648cc parallel twin engine making 46 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and peak torque of 38.6 ft-lbs at 5,650 rpm, ample suspension and responsive disc brakes.

The bike also boasts a digital-analog cluster with Tripper navigation, retro-style switch gears, USB charging and a feature that will ensure you see as well as you are seen: a big round LED headlamp. 

Availability and pricing

As outlined above, you can now register for a chance to purchase the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 x Rough Crafts Drop for $7,999.

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 x Rough Crafts Drop

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