BMW R12 vs. Royal Enfield Shotgun 650

Hard to believe! Both bikes can also be ridden in the EU with 48 hp and thus with an A2 license. Even the big 1200 BMW can be delivered with 48 hp instead of the 95 hp. Amazing!

On one side stands the brand-new BMW R12, a statement on two wheels that represents everything the Bavarian Motor Works has perfected over the years. On the other side is the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, a charming contender from India that enters the market with a great price-performance ratio. The question arises: Can the affordable challenger hold its own against the luxury cruiser from Munich? We rode both bikes extensively during the Balkan Rally. Both motorcycles had to cover a distance of 2,500 km. Both bikes were ridden by 8 test riders. There was a lot of swapping and then discussions about the bikes. Which bike appeals to which rider?

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 automobiles, the event has, over the years, opened its doors to classic motorcycles and retro bikes. The starting point is traditionally 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 finding the perfect balance. Despite the rally's automobile-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. In 2025, the Balkan Rally will once again present new routes and challenges – an event that should be on every retro and motorcycle lover's bucket list.

More information about the rally here.

The Equipment of the 1000PS Crew for the Balkan Rally 2024

The entire crew relied on casual retro-style clothing from Held for the journey. Particularly noteworthy are the Sirmione Gore Tex Sneakers 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 attachment options and is very affordable and compact. The bag had to withstand almost 3,000 km on 8 different bikes under adverse weather conditions!

Before the rally, we thoroughly impregnated 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 excellent, and the combination of "navigation announcements" + "music" + "communication" worked seamlessly. Even occasional phone calls didn't overload the system. A big recommendation for great adventures in a group!

The entire team opted for the HJC V10 helmet. The helmet offers various design options and matched wonderfully with our beautiful motorcycles. On the long tour, we enjoyed the high wearing comfort.

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

As soon as the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 stands before me, it is clear: This is not about technology competitions or horsepower madness. The Enfield exudes pure retro charm without seeming contrived. Its classic design harks back to a bygone era of motorcycling when speed wasn't everything, and you could still feel the wind through your fingers. The tank, slim and elegant, the round headlight, and the harmoniously curved lines make it a real eye-catcher.

The BMW R12, on the other hand, struts like a rockstar who is absolutely self-aware. Everything about this bike screams "Boxer BMW!": The magnificent, transversely mounted boxer engine juts out imposingly into the wind, and the teardrop-shaped fuel tank flows seamlessly into the massive front. It’s a bike that exudes "I can do anything" and draws attention—even when standing still. While the Royal Enfield takes us on a journey into the past, the BMW brings modern riding pleasure with a touch of nostalgia.

Under the sleek tank of the Royal Enfield hides a 648 cc parallel-twin engine, boasting 47 hp. This machine invites you to cruise. The power isn't designed to break records – but that's not the point. Rather, it's about relaxed riding, the feeling of becoming one with the road. The engine feels as if it has been beamed straight from the '60s into the present, and that's exactly its charm. Simple, honest, and unpretentious – a bike that slows you down and makes you forget the everyday hustle.

The BMW R12 is the complete opposite. Here, a 1170 cc boxer engine provides propulsion. With 95 hp on paper, the BMW shows that it can be both leisurely and fast. The boxer is a powerhouse that still acts gently and cultivated. It has that typical boxer balance, which allows for smooth cruising as well as dynamic rides over twisty country roads. The power is always available, the thrust comes evenly, without haste, but with the necessary emphasis. The sound of the boxer? Pure symphony! Compared to the modern 1250 or 1300 BMW boxer engines, it also brings a lot of liveliness. It jerks a bit. The engine braking effect is not as smooth as with modern engines, and you feel like you're directing a huge machine.

The BMW weighs in at 229 kg while the Royal Enfield tips the scales at 233 kg. Nevertheless, the Royal Enfield is overall the more accessible vehicle. The engine is simply tamer, and the bike demands less attention and concentration. However, the R12 can also be steered precisely and effortlessly. During our rally, a completely rainy day stage was completed by our new colleague Amelie. She only got her full motorcycle license a few months ago, and the tour in the Balkans was her first big tour with a large bike. She managed wonderfully with the 1200 BMW and always felt comfortable and safe on the seemingly heavy bike. On the other hand, the Shotgun 650 also delighted the hearts of experienced riders. It was never boring in the saddle - the ride was enjoyable. However, during the long stages, the BMW was more favored. Its advantages were of a more pragmatic nature: heated grips, cruise control, and greater range!

If you love comfort and technology, the BMW R12 will leave little to be desired. Heated grips, cornering ABS, traction control, riding modes – it has it all. The riding comfort is excellent, and the saddle remains comfortable even after several hours. If you are planning long tours, the R12 is your best bet.

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 offers less frills but a return to the essentials. The seat is comfortable, but simply really soft. Traction control? None. This is about pure riding, without distractions from assistance systems or riding modes. For some, this may be a disadvantage, but for others, it is exactly what motorcycling is all about. The Enfield focuses on the essentials – and it does that damn well.

The suspensions of the two couldn't be more different. The BMW feels right at home on good asphalt. The chassis feels surprisingly sporty, and the bike tracks precisely and stably. In contrast, the Royal Enfield feels a bit more laid-back and softer. The short suspension travel and the firm setup of the BMW are not a problem for most of the tour. However, with stronger impacts, you feel them mercilessly. The 90mm of suspension travel on the BMW simply offer too little reserve on poor asphalt. The Royal Enfield is softer and feels less confident on bumps. Unevenness in the asphalt causes less pain here, but you have to close the throttle. Overall, the Royal Enfield is more comfortable, relaxed, and softer. The BMW is sportier, crisper, but also more unforgiving on poor asphalt compared to the Royal Enfield.

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is not a long-distance cruiser. It performs well on long rides, but at highway speeds, it gets a bit uncomfortable. During overtaking maneuvers, you have to give it the beans, and it just doesn't feel as harmonious. The Royal Enfield also completed 2,900 km as part of the rally. The riders always got off the bike with a grin. But during the highway stages, the Enfield simply wasn't the most popular bike.

The BMW R12, on the other hand, is what you would call a true long-distance king. The journey has only just begun when you have to stop for the first time after 200 - 300 kilometers. It practically absorbs the road, and the kilometers just fly by. Seat comfort and engine performance are made for long tours – whether across Germany or along the Adriatic coast. Anyone serious about traveling on two wheels will not be able to pass up the BMW.

The R12 pleasantly surprised us during the test. We expected a budget version of the big R18. But what we got was a truly well-executed machine. It's just a lot of fun to go on tours with this bike. Besides, it looks great and offers a unique boxer motorcycle feeling. This bike is fantastic. Why haven't I bought one already? Immediately after the first day's stage, I fired up the configurator at BMW Motorrad. The good piece costs over 20,000 euros in my desired configuration. Cheaper than an R18 or a Harley, but still a bit too expensive as a third bike in the garage. But anyone looking for a charming cruiser and really wants to ride a lot - will be very happy with the R12. A cruiser for real motorcycle enthusiasts.

The situation is different with Royal Enfield. You look at a motorcycle that bravely handles everything and also has a cool image. Then you take a look at the price list and are positively surprised. It's amazing how much motorcycle you get for this price. Depending on the country/taxes, the motorcycle costs around 8,000 euros. The machine shone in the paddock between Ferraris and Porsches and made a confident appearance. It is a motorcycle that you would like to add to your garage. A motorcycle for special occasions that attracts attention and is uncomplicatedly ready for a variety of rides. In any case, the cruiser segment was enriched by two great motorcycles in 2024.