A spring motorcycle ride through Cheshire on the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 with a chat about lessons I’ve learned in why crash protection matters.
Starting out in sunshine – my ride got a bit soggy – join me from from Appleton and heading towards Arley in Cheshire for this scenic POV ride.
I talk about the reasons I’ve decided to install crash bars on both the Shotgun 650 and my Moto Guzzi V85 TT — including the story of a dropped demonstrator bike that changed my perspective completely.
Back home, the second half of the video covers:
– Shotgun 650 crash bar installation
– Replacing the throttle/injector side covers
– How to turn bright chrome into a brushed satin finish
– Thoughts on the new Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Apex Edition
– Royal Enfield Goan 350 – new colour thoughts
Like every proper British spring ride, the day started with sunshine, sunglasses and optimism… and ended as a washout.
If you enjoy relaxed motorcycle rides, honest ownership experiences, Royal Enfield content, touring bikes and real-world motorcycling, you’re in the right place.
Mentions:
@ianhughesroyalenfield
#RoyalEnfield #Shotgun650 #Motovlog #CrashBars #RoyalEnfieldShotgun650 #Motorcycling #Cheshire #SpringRide
8 Comments
Afternoon Kiran. Thanks for the mention. Last time I “dropped” my bike (before dropping Scorpio), as opposed to “crashing” it, was my Suzuki AP50 in 1978. It had crash bars fitted, so very minimal damage as I recall. I had however, picked 3 up due to crashing them 🤦♂️😂. At some point, I will buy some for Scorpio, just for peace on mind where the engine casings are concerned. So you noticed the similarities between the Red Guerrilla Apex and a Ducati Monster too…..I mentioned exactly the same in my last video 😊. The side panels look good, nice job 👍.
Think the bike looks great with those bars on, adds some width to the bike and makes it look more muscular in my eyes. Great tip with the brushed look on those covers, they also look fab! Not changing it for anything else yet then? 😂 All the best mate 👍
Interesting, before getting the V85 I tested a Vstrom 800DE I did find it tall but not too high, much preferred it to the Transalp, however the vibes at 70mph & tubed tyres put me off.
Now, regarding V85 engine bars, I had them fitted though I have never dropped a bike, guess what, one afternoon I left the disc lock on without the orange reminder, down she went ! Thank goodness I put cheap Amazon sliders on it, best 8 quid I have spent, just bought some new black sliders off Amazon.. easy to install & match the bars.
Bonjour. Les crashbar sont finalement très discret et je trouve la touche chromé juste ce qu il faut .bravo et merci pour le partage. 👍✌
Liked the two part format. You made fitting the bars look so easy that I'm motivated to do the same. Gotta invest in a quality torque wrench though. Cheers from Alabama
Lovely bike…😊
It’s looking good. Like the mods you’ve done and makes it yours. I would consider fitting the engine bars on both bikes as you’re right, it’s the low speed or garage spills that it protects you with not the rip rawing crash on the road.
I was watching another video this week suggesting that fitting engine bars could increase your insurance. Not sure if that’s soothing to consider.
In regards to the Gorilla, I’m looking forward to seeing the scrambler variant of that which has been leaked out lately. That looks well wicked.
I dropped my NX500, due forgotten I'd put her in neutral closing the garage door. Got back on the bike and up with side stand, turn right and – crap! Going for first gear, with no side stand, meant down she went…
Split second indeed…
Gear lever bent, needed to replace…
Pride broken hurt more