After much anticipation, Royal Enfield has finally taken the covers off one of the worst-kept secrets in the scrambler world, the Bear 650. There are no major surprises here, but it confirms that what we had hoped for is real. Even better, after the long wait for its release, we won’t have long to wait before it arrives at dealers, with shipments starting November 5.

As suspected, the Bear 650 is strongly based on the INT 650, sharing its frame, gas tank, and engine. This is not a bad thing since most of Royal Enfield’s existing accessories for this platform, particularly engine and sump guards, will automatically fit the Bear 650. However, the engine tuning is slightly different, emphasizing mid-range torque. While both models make 47 horsepower, the Bear 650 puts out 41.6 lb-ft of torque rather than the INT’s 38.4.

According to Royal Enfield,  the Bear 650’s two-into-one exhaust system enhances torque and also offers a broader power band. As far as its design, the pipe hangs low, which is unusual for scrambler-style machines that typically feature a high pipe and exhaust routing. Royal Enfield points out that both low and high pipes are acceptable for a scrambler, and they chose to keep the Bear 650’s low to more easily accommodate luggage and avoid leg burns.

Although the basic platforms are the same, the details set the Bear 650 apart. It has a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels standard, along with the MRF NYLOREX big-block knobby tires for a more dirt-oriented setup. The suspension is also completely different. Upside-down 43 mm front forks by Showa provide 5.1 inches of travel. They seem quite similar to those of the Himalayan 450 but with less travel, indicating a more road-friendly tune specific to the Bear 650. Out back, it retains the classic dual rear shocks, with Twin tube RSU Showas soaking up bumps on 4.5 inches of travel. Along with the Bear 650’s 7.2 inches of ground clearance, this should give the new Scrambler mild off-road capabilities while retaining good manners on the pavement. The whole package tips the scale at a claimed 476 lbs (216 kg) wet.

The brakes continue the trend of mild tweaking for on and off-road use. The 320 mm front rotor appears to be the same as the INT 650, while the rear gets upgraded to 270 mm rather than 240 for improved power and heat dissipation. The best part, however, is that the rear ABS can be switched off, a feature not available even on some ‘true’ adventure bikes.

The name Bear 650 comes from the Big Bear Run, a California off-road race that still takes place today. In 1960, 16-year-old Eddie Mulder won the race on his Royal Enfield Fury, becoming the youngest winner ever to this day. Royal Enfield is leaning hard into this heritage with the Bear 650, attempting to emulate the package that earned Mulder the name “Fast Eddie.” Indeed, one of the five color schemes available is named simply “Two Four Nine,” referring to Eddie’s racing number at the Big Bear Run. It’s the only one that actually puts a number on the side covers’ oval inserts designed for that purpose. The other choices–Boardwalk White, Petrol Green, Wild Honey, and Golden Shadow–feature a similar retro style and look. 

One aspect of the Bear 650 that is very much not retro is the Tripper Dash, which first appeared on the Himalayan 450. The single round “gauge” in the Bear 650’s design registration drawings rather than the INT 650’s traditional gauges was a strong hint that it would get this. This four-inch diameter round shape differs from other TFT displays on the market and features integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn directions. Royal Enfield’s website has a great demonstration of what it looks like and how it works. A first on the twins platform, the motorcycle also gets full LED lighting. In addition, the new bike includes a USB port to keep your phone charged while connected to the Tripper Dash. 

You’ll only pay a small premium over the INT 650 for the scrambler-spec Bear 650, which will start at $6,849. That’s in the same zone as the Honda SCL500 at $6,799 and much less than the Yamaha XSR700 at $8,899. The Bear 650 also looks to be better equipped for dirt, with an improved suspension and big-block knobby tires instead of a more street-oriented setup like the competition. I wouldn’t hesitate to take one down the dirt county roads where I live straight off the showroom floor. By combining the best features of some of its other models and giving it a unique twist, Royal Enfield may have a serious threat to the competition on its hands, just like “Fast Eddie” himself.

Royal Enfield Bear 650 Specs

Author: Justin Hughes

Justin has been an automotive and motorcycle journalist for the past 10 years. After learning to ride on a series of Suzuki GSs, he took up touring on a Honda Silverwing and PC800 before turning his attention to off-road adventures. His racing experience is mainly with cars, although he did do a track day once on a KLR650. He has traveled with his cat, Lister, to 44 states in his “moto-glamping” camper van, Smokey Da Van, with his V-Strom 650 in tow.