Can The RE Shotgun Fill The Shoes Of The Axed Harley-Davidson Sportster?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- When Darcy first reviewed the new Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, hew pondered the question of whether RE have replaced Harley in the Low capacity middleweight cruiser market.
Today we put that to the test by putting the Shotgun head to head with the Harley Davidson Iron 883, which has been the king of that sector of motorcycles for a long time until it was sadly discontinued due to emission laws.
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As a potential new buyer. I prefer the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. If they make a Classic 650, I'm gonna be sold. I really love the RE Classic 500, but it and the 350 really can't maintain hwy speeds in Maryland. Everyone goes 75-80mph or faster on the hwy. You're gonna be on back roads mostly. Not bad, but we have deer year round, raccoons, possums, foxes, squirrels, etc. that think the road way is a dining room. Not to mention the big ass turtles on the other side of the bay bridge.
A Royal Enfield Classic 650 is completely perfect, but a 1000cc Royal Enfield Classic 😍 that would be the lifetime bike for me.
Where in Maryland are you? I'm in Newark, Delaware, and the highways are the same. My 1200 Bonneville does the trick, though.
I quite agree. I have a stencil white Shotgun but would have loved a 650 Classic. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a Q&A session at my Enfield dealer with the global CEO or Royal Enfield and I did ask that question. He didn't really give much away but he hinted to "watch this space". I must say that I really like my Shotgun and certainly would never regret buying it but yes, if I had the space and spare cash, I'd also buy a 650 Classic.
classic 650 might just come sooner or later there were spy shots of it in testing and RE said they'll release two bikes per year for a while at least in the indian market.
Classic 650 is in testing phase, n it will be launched soon.... 😊👍
It’s a shame Harley couldn’t bring the newer models under £10k like the iron was.
They did with the Street 750. It was a huge failure.
@@cowmath77 that's a good point.
As an American, I encounter more sportsters, and HD bikes on the road in particular than any other motorcycle, and so it’s quite a familiar sight and sound that we all grew up with here. It’s hard to imitate the “potato potato potato” and customization of a HD, which is honestly still very attractive to a lot of people, but the character and value for money of a RE is pretty hard to beat, and checks the old school boxes for a lot of people, including myself. I think RE has more in common with the original concept of a HD than current HD does in the sense of it being a basic motorcycle for people who aren’t looking for complications, can work on their own bikes, and ride around in style without breaking the bank, but also one ups them in one category in particular, and that’s you get to ride them on the weekend rather than work on them, and if they do have to go in the shop for repairs that is beyond the average owners skill set, it’s going to be a literal fraction of what it will require from a HD dealership.
The sportster motors is one of their most reliable motors ever built. Over 30 years of the same motor. The bigger 114s arent nearly as reliable as the sportster. Luckily we can only get them used now for a lower price
the sportster evo is more reliable than any royal enfield
@@TheBabyDerp and yet, they 86’d the sportster, and are trying to go all in with that awful water cooled Rev Max nonsense instead. I appreciate HD for what they brought to the table, but I really don’t think HD does any longer. When you dump the very bike that built your brand, what else am I to take from that?
@@miked1254 They were forced to dump it by increased european regulations as well as american epa. the sportster sold out until the very end. blame governments not harley.
@@TheBabyDerp fair enough, but it honestly begs the question why an Indian Motorcycle Company can manage to produce an air cooled engine for their bikes to comply with Euro regulations but a company like Harley Davidson cannot.
0:47 "That's what she said"
I think that quip went straight over "pops" head 😂😂
@@JW20236 I think he's probably heard it stacks of times.
@@JW20236 don't think so... youngin got a clip round the ear, hence edit.... and red ear after
The Iron 883 is one of the all-time best looking bikes in my opinion. I've test ridden them and was determined to buy one, but never talked myself into it. Conversely, after riding the Shotgun once I ordered one and picked it up a month ago, the controversial stencil white. Everyone rides Harleys here in Utah, USA, very few RE bikes, and even fewer Shotguns, so it's kind of nice having something different than everyone else. I still prefer the look and sound of the Harley, but far prefer the ride of the Shotgun. The power is fine (especially compared to my other bike, a G310GS), and the pillion seat on the Shotgun is far better than any Iron 883 option. The 883 always felt small, and I'm not a tall guy, but I like that the Shotgun is more substantial. I've got a great canyon with awesome twisties two miles up the road from my house, and the Shotgun handles the twisties far better, it's a lot more fun to ride in the canyon. I will always want an 883, and I could go get one, but I'm sure I never will. The Shotgun is its own breed and look, and with a 3-year warranty it's hard to beat. Anyway, fantastic show gentlemen, always well done. Take care! Oh, and your new bike, my guess would be some sort of Guzzi or BMW r9t, you won't be buying a bike without an engine that pops in looks, power, feel, and sound. Could totally see you on an Indian as well. Looking forward to finding out.
Nice was Guzzi 😊
I think Indian is beating Harley big time in the US. I also don’t see the younger generation going for Harley much. RE is marketing based on value/price point and doing a fabulous job IMO.
I honestly don't think the Shotgun fills the gap left by the HD Iron 883, and don't think it was meant to. I think it's its own thing, hard to categorize, and I absolutely love mine. It handles fantastic, much better than the average cruiser, is very comfortable to ride with the mid pegs and seating position, and contrary to your opinions, I think they look great - with the blacked out motors and vivid paint and decal schemes. They are like a modern-retro-sport-cruiser, or something like that. I've never cared for HD's, but not going to bash them, it's just my opinion. But I've owned lots of other midsized cruisers, and my Shotgun is my favorite of them all. It has plenty of character enough for me, but not so much that it's uncomfortable or unrealistic to commute on or make quick runs to the store. Great video guys - keep up the great work!
That Iron 883 is a good looking Bike.
Very appealing and stylish. A looker.
Yes it is.
One of the best created by Harley but j like the shotguns design so much
I own 2 Royal Enfields, the Shotgun and Super Meteor, i love the lines of the bikes. Harley-davidson and Triumph have beautiful lines, their fuel tanks are a work of Art, but i find Royal Enfields fuel tanks on both my bike's unfinished at the bottom of their tanks. It's the fold at the bottom of the Triumph Speedmaster has a stunning fuel tank, the shape is beautiful, i just wish Enfields tanks looked the same.
@@davidcoleman4941 never seen one to have a good look around it i have a plain Jane meteor fireball but it does at least seem to be well finished even under the tank to be honest it seems much better finished than it has a right to be considering what it cost to buy
whicht royal enfield you like more? i want to get 1 of then as well
I object to the exposed seams on RE tanks, they look unfinished & the paint chips off too easily. Can't they be rolled flat after welding, or would that process add £1.50 to the bike?
I swapped my old Superglide for a RE 411 Scram. Then I could not resist buying a 5 yr old Sportster 1200 as my second bike. The Sporty has got very much character and looks but the Scram is the real "Easy Rider" in the sense of the word. Hope to be able to try the Shotgun within a few weeks.
To me the green or the gray are the only colour options for this model.
The Iron was the last Harley I found aesthetically gorgeous. It's just proportioned so nicely, and it's exactly how I feel about the Shotgun. The perfect size for the city and both capable of cruising across a country. Damned nice machines both.
I just got back from a ride on my 1976 Yamaha XS650 frame up restoration, aftermarket pipes, it sounds ,and vibrates like an old Harley. Don't see many on the rode these days. I live in the desert Southwest, so if you go out early enough or late enough, it's really nice. Love the channel !
Many thanks 😊
I have a Evo Fatboy and a Road King and have had a Dyna and a Sportster and the most fun bike to ride was definitely the Sporty. It was a 1996 model 1200 so a rigid mounted engine and carburatored. Extremely crude, shakes your teeth loose and sneezed oil on your knee from the air filter but damn it was fun to ride. Gotta get another Sporty!
MD - My guess for your new machine is a Moto Guzzi Stone…..great chat today OM and MD!
I am goin for the enfield. Have a classic 350 and i love it but my job has changed, i drive longer distances, i need something that can sit at 120kph without a struggle.
I like the simplicity of the enfields, easier to maintain and get parts for, theres no fancy nonsense, just an enjoyable experiences, the engines only seem to run in at over 10,000klms, they change, they become more vibratey and louder. I do love that colour on the harley though, ox blood red. absolutely mint. Might get the shotgun painted in the same colour.
I'd go with the Shotgun, myself. The Sportster is raw, has no centre stand, and a small fuel tank giving a range of 100 miles or so. It is a real classic which has not been replaced directly either by HD or anyone else. They have a certain appeal and will retain values well. I agree with you about the graphics on the Shotgun, they are gimmicky, and it would look better in a more traditional paint scheme. I prefer the neutral foot peg position of the Shotgun compared to the FF position on the Super Meteor. Congratulations on the new bike, Darcy, whatever it is!
Good discussion gentlemen. I have a HD 883C model year 2007. Everything you said about the Iron 883 applies to it as well. The bike is old-fashioned, compared to the new ones, it drives rather poorly, vibrates and makes noise. All of that makes it endearing. Greetings from Finland. You guys have the best motorcycle channel.
Many thanks 😊
I have a Iron 883 2017.
All the “the issues” you mentioned are all the reasons of why I like it so much. The more agricultural, the better for me 😂
change the motor mounts, Drag Specialties in the rear and OEM in the front, BTW its 6 hours or better to do it and the dealer ask $1000 American . I piddled around over a three day period and got it done. Glad to help if I can.
I find it amazing that an 883 can be regarded as low capacity! It wasn't that many years ago that a 750 was a superbike!
Even a 650
600 , 650 , and 750cc are still superbikes. You can’t compare and air cooled engine like a Harley 883 that only makes torque and little horsepower. A gsxr750 tops out at 180mpr. The 883 is hardly over 100.
Big difference , displacement doesn’t tell the whole story
Harley and Royal enfield engines put out really low power. A Japanese 650 from Kawasaki or Honda will put out dsouble the power of these engines. BUT those are so clinical and characterless for this type of bike.
5:31 I have an 883 and an sm650 and also an int650 as well enjoy them all
‘Plasticated’ - great term to describe a motorbike!
Loving seeing you both back together. Your doing a fantastic job.
I'm 6'2" so I'd go for a RE Super Meteor as it's got forward controls. Great to see they all have mag wheels. I would never buy a bike with spokes.
I am 6'1" & my 883 Iron lasted 3 months with me, traded for a much more suitable Midnight Star 950.
Great comparison choice. Apologies if you have already, but a review of both the CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage and the Sport would be interesting as down the south of Eng, they seem to be very popular. The price tag may have something to do with that as they are selling as new for just under £5,000 & you do seem to get a lot for that price. They look great to surprisingly. I spoke to a few owners & they are raving about them.
There’s the Indian Scout, a truly fantastic bike, that competes with the HD 883, but…there’s the price. Definitely pulls a premium. I’m in the US and my first experience with Enfield was when a buddy imported a brand new 2002 Bullet (there were no dealers at that time, there were only select individuals who worked as importers). I took it for a spin up the road and back, it was a fantastic experience. Years later, I was fortunate enough to own an Enfield Conti GT 535, which Enfield in the US somewhat had a sparse dealership presence. Then, I had a Conti GT 650…which the Enfield brand started having a massive presence in the US. I’ve been fortunate to see how much Royal Enfield has grown here and how much their bikes have changed over time. With these new Enfield models, I have zero doubts that the Enfield js a great value. The description you gave of non alcoholic beverage VS whiskey is perfect. The HD js going to be the pub warrior while the Enfield is going be the new “you meet the nicest people on a Honda”. Gentle, easy going, and fun.
Thanks for always putting out quality content, one of my favorite motorcycle channels on here!
When it comes to sound I can remember the sound of open pipes on a 1965 BSA 650 Spitfire Hornet and a Triumph 650 TT Special and the 360 degree vertical twin was more than characterful, they were fast for the time.
I've been waiting for a video like this for years! At last someone made it.
I’m a Sportster fan my 1200 roadster is very smooth from 2700 rpm up
the torque and pipes are addictive simple upgrade to a 1275 cc kit makes it really pull like a freight train
I like Royal Enfield but it’s not even close to the Sportster experience
I just bought a 350 classic and really do hope they bring out a 650 classic
Good video as always enjoyable
The used harley market in the USA is fantastic right now
Sportsters are also easy to maintain no valve adjustment no chain to oil
Great VDO as usually, lads 👍
You are absolutely correct, to pick in-between these two is rather difficult, I suppose.
Back in the early '90s I rode one of those 883 (next to the Z900/GPZ 900R). It belonged previously to one of the local 1%ers, was a little bit chopped already when I bought it.
I put forward controls and T-handles, nothing more was required.
Financially it was good value, soled it after 2 years for more than I paid for 😁
Because of the low rev torques it was fabulous in the Alps, because of the brakes it was horrible in the Alps 😢.
That's why I bought a Vulcan 650S (for keeping my Z900RS in the garage during the Monsoon season) a few moments ago 😂
And it's a shame that Yamaha didn't continue developing the 'Bolt'. It was never a big seller here in Australia, not suited to taller guys, but it was the closest alternative to a H-D Sportster. It wasn't my cup of tea, but thumbs up to Yamaha for making it a belt drive model.
I got a RE Interceptor 650 before the Shotgun was available and use it as my primary transportation. So I would go for the Sportster for it's agriculture character as a fun pleasure bike. I was looking at the Sportster too and have been since I started riding in 2006. Other bikes always win due to dealer fees in the States (cost) and the same character I like would make a worse daily then others 😂. If I didn't have the Interceptor, I'd go for the Shotgun.
I'm guessing the new bike you're getting is the Moto Guzzi V7. I would love one of those, but the dealer network around here is limited. One of my bucket list bikes is a early 70's Californian or Eldorado.
The side comment about the Harley being American (crued or rough) made me chuckle out loud as an American.
Totally agree with you both about wishing moto manufacturers would center the dials. Love symmetry and hate offsets
I have the Iron 883. A great bike for people my height 177cm, 89 kg, for plodding about locally and on day trips on the back roads. I love the clunky gearbox and the low down torque. Certainly not fast by any means but it always makes me happy when I ride it. I still turn around and look at it after 10 years ownership. That must say something.
@@stevet599 plenty of taller heavy people that drive Harleys here in Norway at least, with forward controls though. Advantage with the low seat height is great balance. Wouldn't recommend a sportster for taller people though.
My sister in law has a triumph speed twin. The seat height is not too high on that. That would have the same height as the Bonnie I would think, not fully sure?
@stevet599 most Harley Davidson's are not suitable for short riders 👍🏼
You guys are brutally honest, love it!
Another great chat guys. What about an Indian scout , pretty similar. Don't know about price though in uk.
I find the stock grey color the best one for the RE shotgun. The other ones feel weird, like plastic. Perhaps RE should being some warm desaturated colors , would fit the theme much more
I recently picked up a 98 XLH 1200 Sporty and I adore the bike. So much character, and when running, it's smooth as glass. Granted with mid controls at 6'4 the bike feels a touch cramped, though a bonus of Harley is there's so many custom parts and forward controls can be installed later.
I've had my 2012 H-D Nightster 1200 since 2013, its my first bike since passing my test in 2013. I Love It! It was from Lakeside H-D in Essex, it was their entry bike for The Battle of the Kings Dealership competition. Its fully Willie-G logoed, it has 48 rear springs, Forward controls with Gun silencer foot peg kit, 14 inch Apes, Sissy Bar, Buckshot exhaust shields with Straight through long V&H pipes, & painted in Red and Black.
Awesome 👍🏼👍🏼
I love it when you two get sidetracked, and off you go on a tangent.
Moto Guzzi v9 Roamer, with Mistral pipes would be a fine alternative to either the Royal Enfield or Harley.
Yes we are wanting to ride a V9 soon 👍🏼
Mein liebste Royal Enfied gefällt gut zu genießen fahren.❤
Harly ist viel viel viel Schwergewicht und viel zu teuer. Daumen unten. Ich bin kein Fan Harly.
There are many vtwins on the market but none are rough like a 883 mostly they are to polished
Thank you for your video! From these two I would choose Iron883. I owned one few years ago, but traded it in for a Electra glide standard. But missing the Iron every day! Greetings from Finland, Europe.
I would sure like to see RE make 865cc versions of the Shotgun and Super Meteor (Super Duper Meteor?). And the Interceptor and Conti GT. THEN you'd have something to compare to the H-D Sportster and Iron 883.
I'm fortunate, I have an 07 883 and a 21 Interceptor, depending on my mood is what I ride that day. I try to be a good neighbor and during the school year I ride the Sporty only after 9AM . You can find the Sporty all over for $3 grand.
I'm 6' 200lbs and have an 883 with wider and raised bars with forward controls. Those upgrades cost me about $700 US. I absolutely love it.
My 883's shocks were struggling with my 220lbs ass, so I got a set of 13½" heavy duty Progressive shocks, and they are great. No more bottoming out, and the ride quality is so much better. The extra ground clearance is also a bonus. I'm going to do the forks next. I'm going to raise the front a few inches. I'm looking at a cartridge setup from Progressive, but there's also a different kit that will give me 7" of travel, so I'm not sure which one I'm going with.
Another excellent conversation. Comparing bikes gives a better overview of each. Highs and lows not just positives.
been waiting for the Shotgun to come out, seen the pre production pics last year and thought that RA would be on to a winner with that style of bike.
Cracking video. But how the bloody hell can 2 relatively small bikes be so heavy. 🤯
Made from Iron, instead of plastic 😂
I recently subscribed to watch all of your continental GT videos (I’m saving to get one in BR Green) and I love all of your videos. It’s like a motorcycle Top Gear, minus the competition/challenge type segments. I love to unwind and relax to your show at the end of my day with a drink. Thanks guys.
Awesome to hear 👍🏼
Same lol I'm downing a quarter of old monk rum watching this right now haha
Love that shotgun
I had a 1988 883/1200 that was a blank canvas which allowed me to build a cafe racer that snapped necks and gave me a grin like a split watermelon . It was however far from stock xr 750 road race tank and seat ,Koni,racetec ,twin reverse megaphone kerker pipe ,clip ons ,Stortz rear sets ,mags off a 99 dyna ,sticky tyres,steering damper,se ignition module etc.They can be addictive and I miss that bike ! It echoed off the cliffs of the great ocean road like nothing else and blurred my vision at 6000 rpm.. visceral !!
The old man's fit always is on point. Seem like a nice pair of lads that make good content.
Another great, well presented video 👍 My middle-weight is a rare in the UK 1982 Kawasaki KZ750 CSR Twin. Chrome mudguards, exhausts, bars, etc. Lovely metallic burgundy paint. The parallel air cooled twin puts out 55HP @ 7000RPM, with max torque of 60.8Nm @ 3000RPM, which is great as once I'm in top gear I can cruise happily without gear changing (5 speed). Like the HD and RE in your video my Kawasaki is a little cramped for me being 6' 3", especially as the bike has buckhorn handlebars. What I've done is changed the bars, a couple of weeks ago, to 10" rise mini apes, and now feels much more roomy. Also I've just fitted highway pegs for the forward foot position when cruising. The Kawasaki has a great sound, character and feel. Out of the HD and RE I would go for the HD as I do like the more old school design and engine. Keep up the great work....
@@TallBiker great to hear, many thanks 😊
Thanks for helping me to better understand the appeal of the Harley. It has epic sound and I can sort of get my head round the ‘tractor appeal’… but that 7 year old bike costs more than my mint 2014 BMW R9T which (seems to me) has retro appeal + incredible engineering. Nice video gents and great to see a dad and son team working so well together 😊
That’s what she said 😂
I bought a used Iron 883 (2019) with 2k on it last year from Sycamore Uppingham. Love it. Knowing they hold their value too. Is a plus.
Good review! Sportster owner here, I agree that the Shotgun is more comfortable and has better handling (and is cheaper), but the Sporty is a more iconic cruiser; just because it's raw and outdated, and has that agricultural feel. However I do appreciate the Enfields. Imagine upgrading the Shotgun's engine to 865cc with the big bore kit. It would smoke the 883😆
Harleys like that sell for about 1/2 the price in the USA as they do in the UK
True, same in Netherlands
Two things I'd hoped for in the comparison between these two bikes; how it is standing up on each because the Harley seems more like a Super Meteor than a Shotgun - and - which bike takes you farthest, both milage and sitting comfort.
This video just made me buy an Iron 883 and im in love , forward controls which is great as I sold a Royal Enfield meteor which was forward controls and I loved , cheers guys 😎
Awesome enjoy your Harley 👍🏼
There’s’ Moto Guzzi V7, Indians, Triumph T100 & T120, Bobber, Speedmaster, Kawasaki W800, BMW R9, R18, BSA Goldstar & I’m sure there’s more. The RE is good value for the money but not in the same league as most.
Great channel good to see you both
The main thing I don’t like about the Shotgun is the colour schemes, if I bought one, I’d get the cheapest option (the dark grey) and get it painted to something better. I’d also replace the handlebars with the slightly higher bars from the Super Meteor.
Incidentally there’s currently a grey Shotgun with 1497 miles on the clock, on Auto Trader for £4999 !
Yeah the modern REs have weird color schemes tbh. They're Going for an extremely young audience. And me being 26, still think it looks ugly compared to their previous bikes.
you only have to see the amount of videos on youtube of the 883 iron to know its a good bike. not perfect but good. so easy to work on, customize and improve. mine has progressive suspension front and rear, stage 2 engine up to 1275cc and it is a fantastic bike to ride. not built for comfort but it looks and sound really good.
Hello, I had a 2017 Iron as my first and only HD. I got rid of it for safety reasons riding around Miami. And because there was almost no rear suspension! I hurt my neck and spine hitting hidden potholes. The shock was so severe that I would often need to recover my awareness after the shock. No safety equipment, such as ABS. Very raw, solid as "iron," and zero performance. Very "characterful"!
My 2017 iron has ABS and long rear shocks. As i know its coming with shorter rear shocks in US market .Long shocks are not that bad ,we are even heading to the dirt roads here in South Africa , shocks handle it really well.
I sold my HD Iron 883 a week ago (27.06.2024), a 2020 model.
I rode it for twelve hours straight from Narvik to Alta (Norway), and had approximately twelve hours left to drive after spending the night in Alta. I had pain in my back and butt after driving for hours. The bike is stylish and makes a good sound, but it is heavy (255 kg).
In Alta, I found that I need something more practical, and went to a dealer to sell the HD. The dealer bought it and I got a new vehicle, a Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV 2024. I sold the HD Iron 883 with mixed feelings.
HD 883 Iron is a classy bike.
Great content, Guys. Your channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
Another great video gents.
Love the description on the yobo inducing part of the Harley 😂
I would go for the HD all day long.
Being an owner of a GoldStar i love bikes with character but I've never got Harleys but also I've never tried one out so it's unfair to make a comparison. Perhaps i should try one and see for myself but i doubt it.
I'd love to see a comparison between the Harley 883 and a RE 865 with S&S big bore kit.
I agree with others about the Moto Guzzi V9. It has a displacement that is between the Sportster and the Royal Enfield and in the US sells at a discount and can be had for less than any HD but more than the Royal Enfield. I have a V9 Bobber and a 1200 Sportster and love them both. Also agree very much with y'all regarding the Enfield's graphics. The bodywork and seat are spot on, and are very much undermined by the graphics.
I still remember an early Sportster reviewer saying: “I’d buy one, and then hire somebody to ride it back and forth in front of me all day” 😂 (I put 100,000 miles on a ‘94 883)
My mate had one of those, I rode it back when he bought it as he didn’t have a full licence at the point of purchase. Those handlebars are standard and the bike is totally made for shorter riders; at 6”1 I got off of it feeling slightly crippled as I was too cramped up riding it.
Regarding the design of the shotgun, I would add two things: the lower line of the fuel tank should accompany the upper line of the twin engine (also on its engine sisters) and I would definitely like to see it with wire-spoke wheels. The Harley is perfect like that. It is its essence. Thanks for the video!
I’ve had a HD Sportster 883 with Big bore SE 1200 kit and SE exhaustpipes for 19 years. I wanted a new Sportster, air cooled and completely as I knew it, but it wasn’t possible (Euro 5 norm in Denmark). I loved my Sportster apart from the brakes, but the look, the sound, the feel - an amazing bike. However I sold it in 2022 and bought a brand new Kawasaki W800, air cooled and with a 360 degree crank. The look, the sound and the feel are different, but just as amazing. It’s a real classic bike, I think, and maybe as close as you get?
I'm not a Harley guy but you are doing a good job advertising for them. I am curious haven't not ridden one...
I've owned a Stencil white Shotgun since the end of April and i love it. It is more than powerful enough for anything im gonna want to do and it handles way better than it really should. As far as Harley's are concerned, i cant pretend that i don't like them, but in the UK at least, they are too expensive for what they are. It's all about buying into a brand which either does or doesn't matter to you. All i would say is that i paid £6,900 for my Shotgun and as far as i can tell, that's about half the price of the cheapest Harley. When you put that into context and even allowing for Harleys heritage, id say the Harley is abouty £4k-£5k too expensive. Or in simpler terms, its not twice the bike that my Shotgun is. Interestingly, i live about 20 miles away from a town called Littleport where William Harley Senior was born.
I went for the Shotgun 650 in Green Drill. The most classic color. Also, its only the tank and side panels that's green drill. Så if want to go for other colors i can paint the tank and side covers (open for idees). I have a Classic 350. I had a Harley Road King for about 10 years. But when it comes to sens an smiles pr miles. It's now Royal Enfield for me.
I love my Sporty, but it is not much good for distance or motocamping. RE is a better all-rounder. Which is why I have another bike as well as the Harley😂
I strongly feel they (RE)should have increased the capacity ti 800 cc in this 😊
One would think they would be working on a bigger engine.
So many people don't seem to understand, and RE have always said this, they only make motorcycles which make sense in India. 800cc doesn't make sense in India!
@@jimmyjam8795 no now the market is growing you see ppl riding 350-400 want to upgrade to 650 so 800at 4-5 lakhwill be a steady seller
Cars today are just appliances and digital entertainment centres. I drove EV for nearly 10 years, never again, back in petrol manual and I love it, can't beat the sound of an engine or changing gears and not having all the tech, touchscreens etc, a lot to be said for simplicity, cars are too expensive due to all the tech and all they make are crossovers and SUV because they can sell at much higher prices and I think they are awful to drive and they are too big for most of our roads and parking spaces.
This is why I love classic bikes or modern classics, they have character unlike modern cars.
That Harley does sound amazing !
Harley stopped selling the air cooled Sportsters in the US in 2022. The water cooled replacement that they call a Sportster is not a legit replacement. Yes, it has more power, but it does not have the history or character. If they are going for performance they should drop the cruiser look with forward pegs and plastic styled engine and take advantage of the greater power. I have ridden the Royal Enfield and I like it and appreciate what they are doing. I'm in the US, and fortunate enough to be able to own more than one bike including a 900 Tiger and a SuperDuke. I have a 2005 Sportster 1200 that has suspension mods to make it more compliant and better cornering at speed and I really enjoy it. The feel and sound and looks are hard to beat.
Bought a Sportster Forty Eight a few months back and it has character by the bucketload. The agricultural feel and sound of the bike is inimitable, and every ride is an experience. I rode an Interceptor a while back, and enjoyed its toy-like feel (you nailed it with that description btw:) as it felt simple and super easy to handle. But the feeling of the bike and the feedback you get from it was nothing compared to the Harley. If you're just looking for practical and decent value, get a Royal Enfield. If you're looking for something special that feels like nothing else however, it's got to be the Harley. Or a Moto Guzzi V7 by the sounds of it Darcy;)
Thanks for this video gents.
I agree 100 % with your observations.
May I add one component?
We're, the citizens of this planet entering a new paradigm...... all around.
I appreciate you.
Harley-Davidson brand loyalty is very strong in America. You'd be hard pressed to find a fan of HD agree that any other make has "filled a hole in their market." That said, I love the new Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and I've never been too keen on Harley-Davidsons. Can't wait to try the Shotgun 650.
Ich brauche keine Harley kaufen.
Liebste Old. Royal Enfied ❤
Darcy, if you don't buy the Triumph Bonneville Bobber I'd be very surprised. Definitely one of my favourite classic/cruiser/cafe racer/retro style bikes out there right now.
I haven’t ridden one yet 😢
@@MrDarcy-OlMan when you go to the dealership and have a test ride, don't bring your wallet! The Triumph Thruxton Final Edition with the extra Dolphin Fairing is the other one I'd buy. In fact, I'd buy both!
The 883 isn’t sold in the US either, they opted for the Nightster/Sportster only now for us. I always was a fan of the 883 starting on a Sportster 883 Superlow myself. The Softail Standard or Street Bob are the closest things now to the Iron 883 in the US.
Another mention of the dials on the Shotgun is that it throws me off even more with it off center and the dials being different sizes. I agree that it would be better all in the middle but it draws even more attention since the symmetry is off. It draws attention in not a good way in my opinion because of that & since it’s what you are always looking at it can’t be ignored.
The Harley here has an aftermarket exhaust. They did say so in the video. I’ve heard Harley’s with market exhaust and they sound just as quiet. The quiet sound of the RE can be solved with an aftermarket exhaust. Tons have done it on TH-cam shorts with the super meteor 650 and it sounds like a beast. My only complaint with the RE is the paint scheme and lack of chrome.
Guzzi would be my choice over them.
Great there is such variety.
Personally, I started riding in my late 20s whith the dream of riding a harley. My first bike was a Benelli Imperiale 400, much similar, at least in the looks, to a RE classic 350. After some time I grew tired of it, it really just looked like a modern toy (as the ol man says) with retro looks, that I had bought because the 883 prices had gone sky high after the interruption (I've seen 2nd hand 2017-18 harleys being sold for 10k euros, here in southern Italy, where summer riding is a must). Anyway, I purchased my 1998 883 just a month ago for a "reasonable" price (still much more than the american prices) and I think I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. It seems to me (and this is something you often spoke about on the channel) that harley went the wrong way with the new models, paving the way for REs - which are pretty nice, especially the GT for me, but lack that "bad biker" kind of factor - and the chinese market.
I think if they could manage to find a way around the euro 5 limitation and re-boot the 883, armies of people would start buying them again!
New guzzi special it is then lol!!.
The 883 is a dental-filling-dropping vibrating adult toy, rare are the motorcycles that can rival this primal force. And rare are the people who resist the 1200 kit, giving it even more punch. This is a motorcycle from a lost era, when motorcycles were made of metal and the riders made of steel.
Harley Davidson strongest aspect is its marketing and your comment only confirms that point.
@@Beedji In this case, the vibrator part is real, you can feel it, has nothing to do with marketing.
I had an 883 Iron, was ok, but the 950 midnight star l replaced it with is far better in every aspect, apart from not being an HD, & l got £1k back.👍 Not wanting to be rude but for somebody 6'+ like myself the Sportster is a good town bike only.
Totally lost their USP& their way, now stuck selling very expensive leisure toys to a market that is dying, literally. The new lardy Sportster a perfect example. It's a crying shame.
Brotherrrr! Chug that HD Kool-Aid😜
If I had to choose between the two, I'd go for the shotgun. I'll also customise it to be more like the Meteor Minor, or 500 Twin of old. It'll make a fantastic roadster for everyday use! It'll also make a great sidecar lugger!
The Harley here has an aftermarket exhaust and they did say so in the video. I’ve heard Harley’s with market exhausts and are just as quiet. The quieter sound of the RE can be solved with an after market exhaust. Tons on TH-cam shorts have done it the super meteor and it sounds like a beast. My only complaint with the shotgun is the paint scheme and lack of chrome.
There are many bikes that did not make the cut to Euro 5 and have been discontinued that I think your viewers would be interested in seeing reviews of. The Triumph Thunderbird Storm comes to mind as a machine that seems absolutely a fit for your audience and your likes, as well as being very cheap on the used market.
I wish they brought back the Iron with the 1200's engine, the 883's looks and better stock suspension. It would fly off the shelves!
I feel like Hd has utterly and completely lost the plot with the abomination they're trying to pass of as a Sportster (it is most definitely NOT) However, after seeing videos about the Himalayan 450, I think Re has also begun the process of losing the plot.
I think the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is the closest to an HD 883, with it's 942cc air-cooled V-Twin, belt-drive, and classic looks. It's a pretty good deal at about $9k, but I've never seen one on the road, and I'm not even sure if it's available over in the UK, so maybe the demand for such a bike is too low (or maybe manufacturers just want to push buyers up market)
I love royal Enfield bike mainly the classics but I do also like the Himalayan. But the royal Enfield classics like the 500 bullet efi is incredible I was taken out on it by my sister boyfriend and he wasn’t really into but for me I’d like to own a classic bike like that to just take fun rides out. The sound, shape etc it’s all just right but maybe the engine for the 500 bullet could be a bit more touquey as it’s a lot of bike to shift. I think royal Enfield classic bikes will always hold that following from fans that like classic bikes. As with the harleys they are trying to keep the classic feel but trying to keep up with the trend which I don’t think it’s working too well. The iron 883 is a nice bike if you like that sleek shape but it’s no match for royal Enfield in my opinion
This is why I won't get rid of my kawa vn900 custom. V twin, fwd controls, drag bars low down torque , good suspension and reliability.
It's a tough decision between a sportster and an RE super meteor. I've actually been thinking buying either one of the two. I find myself leaning to the HD for a couple of reasons. First is the accessories available for the sportster is unreal plus every mechanic here in the US knows how to work on an Evo motor. 2nd reason is maintenance is less on the evo, I'm lazy and self adjusting valves are a huge plus. The main plus for the RE is the 3 year warranty plus roadside assistance. It will still be a tough decision b
Great video, unfortunately highlighting the move away from mid capacity cruisers to adv bikes 😢. Character in a machine is a ( or was)a big part of the riding experience and characterful bikes of the past have long held a small (niché) but important part of pride of ownership and generally long-term ownership to boot! It would be great to see a return but it would seem that modern emissions make mid capacity character almost un achievable. That's a big loss to enthusiasts.The Enfield J platform shoes how much regard these character machines are held in!! RE..Give us a 500 or 600 Single and clean up!!
@ Mr Darcy & The O'l Man: Thank you for this content!
I'm an owner of a 2014 Iron 883 but I'm having a hard time with "shoe polish brown" on your testbike 😅
I like the Shotgun, but in my perception the standard BMW R12 in black without hipster bling bling or fancy 719 options is kind of a spiritual predecessor of the 883, even pricewise.
With the road conditions you guys seem to have to deal with I would go for a CRF 300 L all day every day 😅
@ Darcy: I understand the reasons for selling your mint Softail Standard although at heart it must feel like an absolute keeper.
So what's coming? V 7?
What about a CCM ?