Inspired by the iconic 1960’s Californian desert race, the Bear 650 is Royal Enfield’s retro-styled scrambler that’s ready to roar
It’s bold. It’s burly. And it’s Royal Enfield’s most ambitious twin yet. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting the Bear 650 through its paces. From coastal highways to bustling tourist towns, this machine has been ridden in challenging conditions to see how the Bear performs in India. Here’s what I found.
Big Fun Bear Run: Torque, Touring and Trail-Ready
TL;DR: Buy this bike if you’re looking for iconic retro scrambler style with a handsome Royal Enfield heritage
First Impressions
When I first saw the Bear, I knew it was different. Taller stance. Chunkier forks. That signature twin-cylinder growl. It’s got presence. Like the Interceptor, but built for the long haul. I fired it up, rolled out of the yard, and was smiling before I hit second gear.
Where I Rode It
My test route? A mix of smooth tarmac, village trails, and fast open stretches. Baga to Panjim and back. A good loop with tight bends, loose gravel, and broken tarmac. The kind of terrain where a real scrambler needs to shine.
Join me on a group ride into the heart of the Himalaya:
The Ride
Comfort and Control
It’s planted. Stable in corners. Confident over rough patches. The new frame holds its line. The long-travel suspension eats potholes for breakfast. On open roads, it cruises at 110 without stress. Two-up or solo, it doesn’t flinch.
Power Delivery
Let’s talk torque. It pulls from low revs and doesn’t stop. The 648cc engine is the same twin we know from the Interceptor and Continental GT. But here, it feels tuned for load. You can sit in third gear all day. It’s that smooth.
Read about My experience as an ADV Guide in the Ancient Kingdoms of Kashmir and Ladakh
Engine and Performance
Parallel Twin Perfection
This motor is a gem. 47 horsepower, 52 Nm torque. Not blistering fast, but plenty for touring. It doesn’t overheat in traffic. No nasty vibrations. And it sounds good without being loud. Fuel economy? Around 28–30 km/l on mixed roads.
Compared to the 411 and 450
The Bear is heavier than the 411. It’s more road-focused than the 450. But it’s faster. Smoother. Better for covering distance. If the 411 was your hill-climber, this is your highway cruiser.
Read my review of the Himalayan 450
Ergonomics and Touring Setup
Sit Tall, Ride Long
The seat is wide and plush. Bars are high. Pegs are mid-mounted. After four hours in the saddle, I was still comfy. The stock screen works fine up to 90 km/h. Windblast picks up after that. I’d upgrade if you ride fast.
Luggage Ready
There’s an option for a small rear rack. Side pannier mounts come standard. I threw on soft bags for the test. No issues. The subframe is solid. This thing is built for weight.
Read my review of the Himalayan 411
Looks and Build
Modern Retro Done Right
Round headlight. Chunky tank. Clean lines. It’s got that Enfield charm but looks sharper. I liked the matte finish. The switchgear is simple but feels strong. Nothing rattled loose. Paint glimmered in the dust of the Goan backroads.
How It Compares
It’s more polished than the Himalayan 411. Less aggressive than a KTM. More character than a Honda CB. It finds a sweet spot — rugged and refined.
Ever wondered what it’s like Riding the Himalayas on a Royal Enfield
Tech and Features
Minimal but Functional
The dash is clean. Trip meter, gear indicator, fuel gauge. That’s it. USB charging port is tucked under the bar. No ride modes. No screen menus. And honestly, that’s fine. This is a rider’s bike.
The Tripper Dash, though, is something special, a world-first round Google Maps-powered navigation display. Pair it with your favourite Tripper app for easy navigation.
Bear 650 Test Ride Review
I took the Bear 650 out for a test ride around Baga, a tourist area of north Goa. The roads were busy, surface was broken in places and conditions were challenging.
Not the typical terrain the Bear 650 was designed for. However, I had an afternoon to get a flavour of the beast, and once on the highway, the Bear really took off.
Here’s a short three-minute video of my test ride review.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Smooth power delivery, simple and efficient dash, built for rough riding and dusty roads, looks awesome
- Cons: A bit heavy off-road, wind protection could be better, stiff suspension an issue for light riders, limited turning circle
Planning a big adventure?
Read My Essential Motorcycle Trip Packing List For All Terrain Expeditions
Royal Enfield Adventure Bike Comparison
| Spec | Bear 650 | Himalayan 411 | Himalayan 450 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 648cc Parallel Twin | 411cc Single Cylinder | 452cc Liquid-Cooled Single |
| Power | 47 hp @ 7250 rpm | 24.3 hp @ 6500 rpm | 39.5 hp @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 56 Nm @ 5250 rpm | 32 Nm @ 4000-4500 rpm | 40 Nm @ 5500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Fuel Tank | 13.7 litres | 15 litres | 17 litres |
| Weight (kerb) | 214 kg | 199 kg | 196 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 800 mm | 825 mm |
| Suspension | Telescopic front, Twin rear | Telescopic front, Monoshock rear | USD front forks, Monoshock rear |
| Brakes | Disc (F & R), Dual Channel ABS | Disc (F & R), Dual Channel ABS | Disc (F & R), Dual Channel ABS |
| Display | Tripper Dash | Analog-Digital | Full TFT with Navigation |
| USB Charging | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ride Modes | No | No | Yes (Eco, Performance) |
The Bear 650: In Gut We Trust
Final Verdict on the Bear 650
Is It Worth It?
If you want a bike that cruises all day, carries your kit, and feels solid, this is it. It’s not an enduro. It’s not a sportbike. But for real-world riding across India and beyond, it hits the mark. I’d take this on a Ladakh loop tomorrow.
Read more about my adventures around India by Motorcycle
FAQs about the Bear 650
Is the Bear 650 good for long rides?
Yes. It’s built for touring. Comfortable seat, strong subframe, smooth engine.
Planning an Indian Odyssey?
Read about My Awesome Six-Month Motorcycle Tour Of India That Changed My Life
How does it compare to the Himalayan 450?
The 450 is lighter and better off-road. The Bear is smoother and better for highways.
What’s the real mileage?
Expect around 28 to 30 km/l depending on how you ride.
Can I carry luggage?
Yes. You can upgrade the stock tail rack to add a small luggage setup, which can include rear rack and panniers over the saddle. Shop Bear 650 Top Rack here
Where can I find more information about the Royal Enfield Bear 650?
Motorcycling legend Nick Sanders is touring Europe on a Bear 650. You can follow his exploits on his You Tube channel Nick Sanders Adventure.
James Oxley took the Bear 650 for a preview ride in the US and you can watch his detailed review here.
There’s a useful one-month review over on Reddit which I find to be an excellent resource for asking questions and digging deeper with firsthand experience.
Motorcycle News made an extensive review of the Bear 650 and you can read it here.
Who was Eddie Mulder and what happened to him?
Eddie Mulder was a child prodigy who won the iconic Californian desert race, Big Bear Run, in 1960 on his privateer Royal Enfield Fury.
Let’s Ride
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below. Planning a tour? Join me on a motorcycle adventure in the Himalayas. And don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube for the next ride review.