Royal Enfield Bear 650 review

The Royal Enfield Bear 650 is everything the Interceptor could not be, but is it a scrambler? Visually it ticks a lot of the boxes but the weight and dimensions speak otherwise. Lets find out.

Design & Ergonomics: A Scrambler with Roadster DNA

Visual Appeal & Styling

The Bear 650 embraces a distinct scrambler aesthetic while retaining its roadster underpinnings. Notable design features include:

• A raised rear fender, contributing to its rugged appeal and hinting at off-road capabilities.
• Knobby-style MRF tires, reminiscent of Pirelli Rally STRs, providing a rugged look while maintaining road usability.
• A two-into-one exhaust which sounds great, which not only reduces weight but also enhances torque delivery, giving it a punchier feel compared to its siblings.

Ergonomics: Not a True Scrambler?

While the Bear 650 may look like a scrambler, its ergonomic setup leans more toward road-focused riding. This is evident in several design choices:

• The footpegs are positioned lower and slightly forward compared to the Interceptor, enhancing overall comfort for longer rides.
• A wide handlebar encourages a slightly forward-leaning stance, which feels natural for road use but may not provide the best leverage for serious off-road adventures.
• The seat is flatter and more comfortable than the Interceptor’s, allowing for a relaxed posture. However, the firm rear suspension and not so comfortable seat affects long-distance comfort, making it less ideal for extended touring.
• Standing on the pegs is possible for light off-roading, but its 216 kg weight makes it less agile.

Performance: More Torque, Better Throttle Response

Engine & Power Delivery

The Bear 650 retains the familiar 650cc parallel-twin engine but receives a performance boost in key areas:

• An 8% increase in torque (56.5 Nm), thanks to the revised exhaust setup, ensuring better mid-range pull.
• Sharper throttle response makes it feel more eager compared to the Interceptor, which had a more relaxed power delivery.
• A claimed 0-100 km/h time of under six seconds makes this the quickest RE 650 yet, positioning it as a more dynamic performer.
• Excellent gear flexibility, with 3rd and 5th gears allowing smooth low-speed cruising without knocking, making city riding easier and more refined.
• Mileage hovered around 22 kmpl with city and highway combined.

Exhaust Note & Weight Savings

• The two-into-one exhaust shaves off approximately 10 kg compared to the Interceptor’s dual-pipe system, improving weight distribution and handling.
• A throatier, louder exhaust note enhances the overall riding experience, making the Bear 650 feel more engaging and exciting, particularly under hard acceleration.

Ride & Handling: Confident on Roads, Limited Off-Road

Suspension & Stability

The Bear 650 gets significant suspension upgrades over its siblings:

• The front suspension features Showa USD forks with 130mm travel—longer than the Shotgun 650, ensuring better absorption of bumps.
• The rear setup consists of conventional Showa shocks with 115mm travel, tuned for a firm ride that prioritizes handling over plushness.
• High-speed stability is excellent, with no noticeable steering weave, unlike the Interceptor, which sometimes felt nervous at highway speeds.
• However, the firm rear suspension makes rough roads less comfortable, making it better suited for sporty riding than relaxed cruising.

Cornering & Braking

• Handling is more precise than the Interceptor, with improved cornering clearance allowing for more spirited riding on twisty roads.
• Feels very stable on fast corners, slow corners needs a bit effort to muscle the bike to change directions.
• MRF Nylogrip/Zapper tires provide decent grip on tarmac but feel vague on loose terrain, limiting its off-road credibility.
• Braking has been improved with a 320mm front disc and 270mm rear disc, though ABS intervention can be overly sensitive, especially in emergency braking situations.

Off-Road Capability: A Scrambler in Name?

• With 184mm ground clearance and knobby tires, the Bear 650 can handle light off-roading, such as gravel trails and mild dirt paths.
• However, at 216 kg, it lacks the agility of true off-road bikes, making it a less viable option for hardcore adventurers.
• While the rear ABS can be switched off for better control in the dirt, the front suspension tends to bottom out on hard landings, showing its limitations.

Features & Value Proposition

Tech & Equipment

• The Bear 650 shares its TFT display with the Himalayan 450, featuring turn-by-turn navigation support for added convenience.
• Surprisingly, it lacks tubeless spoked wheels, a notable omission for adventure riders who prioritize ease of puncture repair.
• Standard LED lighting improves visibility, though it lacks features like cornering ABS and ride modes, which some competitors offer.

Verdict: The Best RE 650 Yet, But Not Perfect

Strengths:

✅ Best-performing RE 650 (quicker, more torque)
✅ Sharper handling & improved stability
✅ Scrambler styling with roadster comfort
✅ Enhanced exhaust note and throttle response

Weaknesses:

❌ Firm suspension affects comfort
❌ Heavy for serious off-roading
❌ No tubeless spoked wheels
❌ ABS intervention can be intrusive

Final Thoughts

The Bear 650 is the most refined iteration of Royal Enfield’s 650cc platform yet. It successfully blends scrambler aesthetics with roadster dynamics, making it more engaging than both the Interceptor and Continental GT 650. However, its firm suspension and weight prevent it from being a true all-rounder.

Who Should Buy It?

• Riders seeking a stylish big bike experience with plenty of torque, a performance-oriented roadster with occasional off-road capabilities.

Who Should Skip It?

• Hardcore adventure riders (the Himalayan 450 / KTM 390 ADV is a better choice).