Royal Enfield Shotgun 650-based Reload 650 custom motorcycle unveiled

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Royal Enfield’s Shotgun 650 has inspired another striking custom build, with Thor Drake of See Motorcycles unveiling the Reload 650 at The One Motorcycle Show in the US. This one-off machine takes a much more radical approach than last year’s Shotgun-based custom from Rough Crafts, while still keeping the Royal Enfield platform at its core.

The Reload 650 is inspired by 1980s AMA racing motorcycles, and that theme is visible in its boxy rear section, solo-seat setup, and overall period-correct stance. The design reflects Thor Drake’s racing background, as he was the 1998 AMA 250GP road-racing national champion, giving the build a strong personal connection to the golden era of American motorcycle racing.

The custom build also gets upgraded suspension, five-spoke Morris wheels, and a 2-into-1 S&S race exhaust. At the front, the bike has been fitted with bar risers and a wide handlebar, which gives it a more upright riding position even though the styling remains heavily race-inspired.

While the colour scheme shares some visual similarity with the earlier Shotgun-based custom by Rough Crafts, the Reload 650 stands apart thanks to its more aggressive and focused design language. It is less of a cruiser-style reinterpretation and more of a nostalgic race-inspired showcase that highlights how versatile the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 platform can b