The Royal Enfield Bear 650: A Modern Echo of a Scrambler’s Soul
Royal Enfield has unveiled its latest creation, the Bear 650, a scrambler-inspired iteration of the beloved INT 650. With longer-travel suspension and a newly designed exhaust system complementing its air-cooled parallel-twin engine, this machine is a tribute to grit, adventure, and an enduring legacy.
The Bear 650 draws its name and spirit from a historic triumph in the 1960 Big Bear Run, where a 16-year-old Eddie Mulder piloted a Royal Enfield to victory against more than 700 competitors. This grueling endurance race through the rugged terrain of California’s Big Bear mountains cemented both rider and machine in the annals of off-road history.
“This bike embodies the ethos of raw instinct, sheer impulse, and relentless determination,” said B. Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield. “It’s a scrambler at heart, built for confidence and control across all terrains—be it bustling city streets or winding, dusty trails.”
A Scrambler Born
While the Bear shares its DNA with the INT 650, the transformation into a scrambler required significant reengineering.
The suspension sees a major overhaul, designed for tackling mild off-road adventures. Up front, a 43mm inverted fork equipped with Showa’s Separate Function Big Piston (SF-BP) technology delivers 5.1 inches of travel. Showa rear shocks provide 4.5 inches of travel and come with preload adjustability. To handle the additional stress from this more robust suspension, the frame’s steering head has been reinforced, paired with a larger-diameter front axle to improve handling.
The Bear rides on a 19-inch spoked front wheel and a 17-inch rear, both shod in specially designed MRF tires. Inspired by Pirelli’s Scorpion Rally tread patterns, these tires promise a balance of grip and durability for mixed terrain.
Aesthetic and Performance Enhancements
One of the Bear’s standout features is its 2-into-1 exhaust system, highlighted by a compact muffler and a catalytic pre-chamber tucked near the rear tire. This setup not only keeps the lines sleek but also boosts torque by 8%, delivering 41.7 lb-ft at 5,150 rpm, while horsepower remains at 46.4 hp at 7,250 rpm. Aside from the striking black engine finishes, the air/oil-cooled motor remains unchanged.
Visually, the Bear strikes a scrambler pose with its bench seat perched on a kicked-up frame loop, perfect for light touring or securing gear. A vintage-style number plate panel beneath the seat reinforces its off-road pedigree. The familiar 3.6-gallon fuel tank from the INT is retained, but now features a retro flip-up filler cap.
For the first time on a Royal Enfield 650, all lighting is LED, enhancing both style and functionality. A modern TFT instrument panel, borrowed from the Himalayan and Guerilla, adorns the cockpit. Known as the Tripper Dash, this 4-inch circular display offers essentials like gear position, fuel level, and a tachometer, while also including smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication.
The Legacy Continues
The Bear 650 isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a bridge between the golden age of scramblers and the demands of today’s rider. Whether you’re meandering through urban labyrinths or carving paths through uncharted backcountry, the Bear 650 is ready to channel that same spirit of adventure that won the Big Bear Run in 1960.
Royal Enfield has once again captured lightning in a bottle—this time, shaped like a scrambler.
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