Honda CL500 vs. Royal Enfield Shotgun 650

When adventure calls, you need the right bike under your seat. But does it always have to be the big adventure bike? We wanted to find out and put two A2 retro bikes to the test – not just anywhere, but at the legendary Balkan Rally. 2500 kilometers of pure riding pleasure, peppered with tricky navigation tasks, breathtaking landscapes, and the occasional surprise. In the ring: the lively retro bike Honda CL500 and the characterful cruiser Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. Two bikes that could hardly be more different, but both promise to deliver genuine motorcycle feeling at an acceptable price. Let's warm up the engines and dive into this unique duel!

What is the Balkan Rally?

The Balkan Rally is not your ordinary motorcycle tour; it's a blend of adventure, retro charm, and exclusive enjoyment. Originally designed for vintage cars, the event has opened up over the years to include classic motorcycles and retro bikes. The starting signal traditionally goes off in Budapest, from where participants travel through picturesque routes across the Balkans to the coast in the Kotor region. The organizers emphasize maximum comfort – the stages always end in selected, luxurious hotels. Accompanied by an espresso mobile and evening champagne and wine tastings, the rally offers a stylish program that fosters exchange with automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts. But that's not all: During the daily stages, participants must determine their arrival time by solving puzzles and mastering photo challenges. Driving too fast or too slow results in penalty points – it's all about the perfect balance. Despite the rally's car-oriented focus, motorcyclists feel welcome in the group, as the relaxed atmosphere and diverse tasks make the rally a unique experience that goes far beyond an ordinary tour. The Balkan Rally will once again feature new routes and challenges in 2025 – an event that should be on the bucket list of every retro and motorcycle lover.

More information about the rally here.

The 1000PS Crew's Gear for the Balkan Rally 2024

The entire crew relied on casual retro-style clothing from Held for the trip. Particularly noteworthy are the Sirmione Gore Tex Sneaker and the cool leather jacket Jester.

We used the same luggage solution for all motorcycles: the Legend Gear tail bag from SW-Motech. It offers various mounting options and is very affordable and compact. The bag had to endure almost 3,000 km on 8 different bikes under adverse weather conditions!

Before the rally, we thoroughly waterproofed our clothes with PROTEX Spray from MOTOREX. During the rally, we used the small and refillable mini chain spray cans from MOTOREX.

Communication worked exceptionally well this time. The entire team was connected with Cardo Packtalk devices. The batteries lasted all day, and the devices were 100% waterproof. The sound quality was great, and the combination of "navigation announcements" + "music" + "communication" worked flawlessly. Even occasional phone calls didn't overload the system. A strong recommendation for big group adventures!

The entire team used the HJC V10 helmet. The helmet offers various design options and matched our beautiful motorcycles perfectly. We enjoyed the high wearing comfort on the long tour.

For navigation, we had roadbooks from the race management. However, we tried to map the course as accurately as possible with Calimoto. On the way to Budapest and especially on the return trip from Kotor, we opted for the "fastest" highway option due to weather conditions. Those who want to follow the tour in good weather should set the sliders on Calimoto to "twisty" for these sections. Here is the link to the rough route.

The 1000PS Crew at the Balkan Rally 2024

• Amelie
• Mex
• Poky
• Philipp
• Carlos
• Marcel
• Wolfgang Weiß
• Micha
• Nils

Before we dive into the fray, let's take a look under the compact fairing of our test bikes. The Honda CL500 comes with a 471 cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 47 hp at 8500 rpm to the chain. The maximum torque of 43.4 Nm is available at 6250 rpm. The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 counters with a 648 cc parallel-twin engine, which also delivers 47 hp, but already at 7250 rpm. In terms of torque, the Shotgun takes the lead with 52.3 Nm at 5650 rpm.

But numbers are only half the story. The CL500 boasts a dry weight of 192 kg, while the Shotgun tips the scales at a significantly heavier 233.5 kg. In terms of seat height, both bikes are nearly identical, with 790 mm (Honda) and 795 mm (Royal Enfield).

In the chassis department, Honda relies on a 41mm fork at the front with 150mm of travel, while the rear features twin shocks with 145mm of travel. The fork can be adjusted for preload and rebound, while the rear only allows for preload adjustment. Royal Enfield equips the front with an USD fork with 120mm of travel and the rear with twin shocks offering 90mm of travel. Here, only the rear preload can be adjusted.

For the brakes, Honda uses a single 310mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear. Royal Enfield opts for a 320mm single disc brake at the front, complemented by a robust 300mm disc brake at the rear. Both bikes come with ABS but lack modern electronic aids such as traction control or a quickshifter.

Enough of the dry facts, let's hit the road! Right from the first twisties, it's clear: the Honda CL500 is a true lightweight. The playful handling is a pleasant surprise, even on twisty roads the CL500 is effortlessly maneuverable. "You can steer the CL500 wonderfully through the curves with your hips," raves our tester Mex. The compact dimensions pay off especially in tight sections.

In contrast, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is decidedly relaxed. It invites you to cruise leisurely and conveys an almost nostalgic riding experience. "You get little feedback from the bike and don't feel the urge to keep up with sportier motorcycles," reports tester Wolfgang. The higher weight is particularly noticeable when maneuvering, but on the road, it gives the Shotgun a solid road presence.

The engine of the Honda CL500 surprises with its smooth running. Even at low revs, it runs quietly and smoothly. "Like a sewing machine," it says in the test report. At higher revs, the twin becomes lively without losing its manners. The 47 hp is sufficient for a brisk pace, but it reaches its limits during spirited overtaking maneuvers on the highway.

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 scores with its strong grunt from the lower rev range. The larger displacement is noticeable in city traffic and on uphill stretches. However, the engine does not invite you to wind out a gear – it's more about relaxed cruising than frantic revving. On the highway, you have to give it the beans. This increases the fuel consumption!

The true test for both bikes was the Balkan Rally itself. 2500 kilometers through four countries, from urban jungles to remote mountain passes. The Honda CL500 surprised with its long-distance capability. "Despite the many kilometers, I was able to complete the route surprisingly well without pain or tension," reports NastyNils about the journey home. The upright seating position and the soft yet supportive seat contribute to the comfort.

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 also proved to be enduring. However, the initially relaxed knee angle was found to be tiring on long stages.

In daily use, both bikes showed their strengths and weaknesses. The Honda CL500 scores with its low weight, which is particularly advantageous in the city and when maneuvering. The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, on the other hand, impresses with its features. The USB port located behind a cover on the left side is a practical detail for long tours.

Both bikes forgo luxuries like cruise control or heated grips – no surprise in this class. The limited luggage options of the Royal Enfield led to creative solutions during the rally: "The luggage was attached to the indicators, which resulted in a damaged indicator," reports the 1000PS crew.

After 2500 kilometers of intensive testing, it's clear: both bikes have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Honda CL500 impresses with its playful handling, good build quality, and reliability. It is the ideal companion for riders looking for a light, agile bike that is fun both in the city and on twisty roads.

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 scores with its characterful engine, nostalgic flair, and classic cruiser vibe. It appeals to riders who seek the classic motorcycle feel and enjoy relaxed cruising.

For the Balkan Rally, both bikes proved to be surprisingly capable. The Honda CL500 impressed with its lightness and agility. The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 scored with its characterful presence, perfectly matching the spirit of the rally.

In the end, the realization remains: sometimes you don't need a high-tech adventure bike to experience a true adventure. Both A2 motorcycles have proven that they can do more than just pose in the city. They are true all-rounders that can also master a demanding rally with flying colors.

Whether it's the lively Honda CL500 or the characterful Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 – both bikes have convinced in their own unique way. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal taste and preferred riding style. One thing is certain, though: with both machines, you experience motorcycling in its purest form – direct, honest, and with a broad grin on your face.