Royal Enfield has finally revealed the much anticipated Royal Enfield Bear 650 scrambler. The motorcycle is based on the Interceptor 650 and gets many cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. RE says that the new Bear 650 takes inspiration from Eddie Mulder, the youngest champion to win the brutal Californian desert race, the Big Bear run in 1960.
The new Royal Enfield Bear 650 will be offered in five colour options – Boardwalk white, Petrol green, Wild honey, Golden shadow and Two Four Nine. The price for the bike starts from $6,849 US dollars (about INR 5.75 lakh at current exchange rates), additional customisation options and accessories will cost extra. The bike will be launched in the Indian market on November 5, 2024, and the prices are expected to begin from Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom). The bookings and deliveries are expected to begin right after launch.
In terms of design, the new Royal Enfield Bear 650 features a scrambler-style seat which is kicked up slightly at the rear and gets a circular LED headlight and taillamp. The motorcycle also features LED indicators with a bike with short fenders at both ends. Other highlights include race-plate-style side panels, raised ground clearance (184 mm), spoke wheels and more. The Bear 650 gets a circular TFT instrument cluster as seen in the Guerrilla and Himalayan.
As mentioned previously, the new Royal Enfield Bear 650 is based on Interceptor 650 which means it uses the same chassis setup. However, it gets different suspension and wheel sizes. The Bear has updated its wheel configuration from an 18-inch front and rear setup to a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, aligning it more closely with scrambler designs. Additionally, it features a Showa USD fork similar to the Shotgun but with distinct internals. The rear suspension now includes new dual shock absorbers.
The suspension travel has also increased in the Bear 650 from 110mm front and 88mm rear on the Interceptor to 130mm front and 115mm rear. Consequently, the seat height has also increased to 830mm, making it the tallest model in the 650 range. Additionally, the Bear 650 introduces new MRF Nylorex block pattern tyres on spoked wheels, with no tubeless option available. The bike also features a 320mm front disc brake similar to the Interceptor, while the rear disc has increased from 240mm to 270mm. It is equipped with dual-channel ABS that can be turned off at the rear. The bike’s ergonomics have been updated with a new wide handlebar and altered foot peg positioning.
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Talking about the engine, the Bear 650 is powered by the same 648cc parallel twin engine as the Interceptor 650, but features a two-into-one exhaust system with a single pipe on the right side, replacing the dual exhaust setup. This change increases torque from 52Nm to 56.5Nm at 5150rpm, while peak power remains unchanged at 47hp at 7250rpm.