Back in 2018, I was excited as a kid in a candy store when I’d heard Royal Enfield was bringing in a 650cc parallel-twin motor. Not just as a motorcyclist, but as a mechanic as well. A big chunk of the motorcycles I repaired consisted of Royal Enfields, and I drooled at the prospect of getting to take apart and tinker with a twin-cylinder engine.
Ever since, I have ridden and worked on a number of Royal Enfield 650s. Although it is a brilliant engine and both the initial motorcycles powered by it have done well, buyers have also modded their motorcycles to suit their needs. I’ve come across many customised 650 twins, but I’ve always found the scrambler builds the most endearing. Maybe, the mere thought of being able to use all that torque on the dirt fans my fascination for them scramblers.
Come 2024, and spy shots of Royal Enfield’s 650 twin-equipped scrambler had started popping up on the internet. I was elated again, inquisitive as heck. Amidst the hordes of custom 650 scramblers, how different could the one from Royal Enfield itself be? Enter the Bear 650, with a taller subframe, bigger wheels, upside down forks, a reinforced chassis and paint jobs that make you go Ooh La La. Royal Enfield has blessed it with looks that attract attention, but I wondered how much of the scrambler persona is actually functional and not just eye candy.
Abhay rode the Bear 650 in California, the home of the Big Bear Motorcycle Run, where Eddie Mulder won the final race astride a 500cc Royal Enfield back in 1960, and came back impressed. I waited to check it out myself and see how it fared on its home turf, in India. The Wild Honey and Petrol Green paint schemes are my two favorites and coincidentally, we got the bike with the Wild Honey paintjob.
The Bear 650 is tall. Saddle height is 25mm taller than the Interceptor 650’s, though the narrow seat helps even shorter riders put their feet down properly. Footpegs have been moved towards the front and feel more comfortable than the Interceptor’s. The handlebar is also set higher, but one still has to stretch slightly forward to grip it.
Swing a leg over and the Bear 650 feels like a bigger and different motorcycle, and once it starts moving, the differences as compared to the Interceptor become even more apparent. The first thing you notice is the lighter front end and increased flickability. You also sit taller and in a more committed riding position. Riding through traffic is fun, as you have more torque available now courtesy the Bear’s two-into-one exhaust system.
A few kilometres into my first ride I was quick to notice the stiffness of the suspension. I was expecting a more pliant suspension setup meant to tackle gravel-filled roads and rocky tracks, but the suspension feels surprisingly firm. Jerks from every undulation and bump were being channeled to my body. I pulled over, pulled out my toolkit and adjusted the preload to the lightest, hoping it would reduce stiffness, but it didn’t do much. The rear suspension gets unsettled around bumpy corners, affecting your line and makes you a little conscious every time you lean in. The USD Showas at the front behave a lot better than the rear suspension but are rather quick to bottom out when you hit a hard bump. The lack of rebound damping on the front and the stiff, bouncy rear suspension does affect the motorcycle’s stability thus.
The Bear 650 runs on 100/90 R19 (front) and 140/80 R17 (rear) MRF Nylorex tyres, developed specially for it, and these look a lot like Pirelli STRs. They grip well on dry surfaces and despite the bouncy rear end, I have to say, the the Bear is a hoot to ride, and the tyres certainly have a big role to play. The rear starts to lose grip on wet surfaces though. You might think I am nuts to say this, but the Bear is a lot of fun on a wet surface, as the sliding rear end combined with some careful throttle inputs and counter steering can bring a big grin to your face. That’s something not many buyers would try though. Most would appreciate the bike’s charming looks and appeal, and the likeable engine performance.
All said and done, the Bear 650 is the crazy one in Royal Enfield’s 650cc lineup. It might not be as trail friendly as its looks suggest, but it can definitely be a lot of fun as an everyday motorcycle, and a good set of wheels for weekend excursions too.
