Royal Enfield Bear 650: All You Need To Know About Interceptor-Based Scrambler
Royal Enfield is gearing up for its next big launch- the Bear 650. Essentially a scrambler based on the Interceptor 650, the motorcycle brings an interesting proposition. It is based on a reworked version of the familiar 650 platform and comes with a distinct identity. Here is everything you’d want to know about it:
RE Bear 650: What Is It?
In simple terms, this is the scrambler version of the Interceptor 650, which can do slight off-roading, has more ground clearance, more suspension travel and rides on chunky dual-purpose tyres. The name derives from Eddie Mulder’s historic win at the 1960 Big Bear Run.
Design And Features
The Bear 650 has an attractive design and comes in five colourways. The Yellow colour scheme has a signature ‘6 1/2’ written on the tank- denoting 650 cc. It sets itself apart from the Interceptor with a more aspirational and stylish look. It has a loud, modern paint scheme, reworked exhaust, and robust tyres. With a scrambler-styled seat and a side-panel number board, it looks cooler than you think.
The motorcycle gets all LED lighting and new 19-inch/17-inch spoke wheels. The Interceptor instead, rides on 18-inch/18-inch wheels. The motorcycle rides on new MRF Nylorex-X block pattern tyres, which are claimed to be made specifically for this motorcycle. The single-piece seat is slightly raised, as well. The stance is thus, that of a scrambler.
The motorcycle gets a single-pod digital display from the new Himalayan. The TFT will come with smartphone connectivity. The Interceptor had a twin-pod analogue cluster. The new display might appeal to many, but there could still be people who’d wish for the analogue gauges.
Platform, Engine And Other Specifications
The Bear is based on an improved iteration of the Interceptor platform. It gets a new rear section and a reworked suspension. The front used Showa USD from the Shotgun. The internals of this, however, are new. The rear suspension is now a set of new dual shocks. The setup offers significantly more travel than that of the Interceptor. The travel was 110mm at the front and 88 mm at the rear for Interceptor. However, the Bear has 130mm and 115mm respectively. The ground clearance is now 184mm.
At 830mm, the motorcycle has a high-set seat. The Bear thus becomes the tallest of 650s in Royal Enfield’s lineup. Braking duties are carried out by 320mm discs at the front and 270mm at the rear. The motorcycle gets dual-channel ABS and there is even the option to switch off the rear ABS if needed. The overall ergonomics seem fresh, with a wide handlebar and revised foot peg position.
Lighter Than The Interceptor
The motorcycle has shed some weight and stands 3 kilos lighter than the Interceptor. It weighs 216kg. The new suspension, wheels, and reworked chassis are to be thanked here. A reduced weight would be an advantage when going off roads.
Launch Date, Accessories And More
Royal Enfield is also known to be working on a wide range of accessories and customisations for the Bear and will reveal it officially at EICMA, on November 5th. The India launch could be at the Motoverse 2024, in Goa, starting from November 22.