Royal Enfield Bear 650 vs. Interceptor 650: A Comprehensive Comparison of the Newest Cruiser

Royal Enfield Bear 650 vs. Interceptor 650: A Comprehensive Comparison of the Newest Cruiser

Royal Enfield has recently unveiled the highly anticipated Bear 650, a motorcycle built on the Interceptor 650 platform that boasts several cosmetic and mechanical enhancements. Inspired by the legendary champion Eddie Mulder, who conquered the challenging Big Bear race in the California desert during the 1960s, the Bear 650 promises to deliver a unique riding experience.

Pricing and Availability

The Bear 650 will be offered in five stunning color options: Boardwalk White, Petrol Green, Wild Honey, Golden Shadow, and Two Four Nine. With a starting price of $6,849 (approximately ₹5.75 lakh at current exchange rates), the bike will be available in the Indian market from November 5, 2024. Additional customization options and accessories will be offered at extra cost, with bookings and deliveries expected to begin immediately after the launch.

Engine Specifications

Both the Bear 650 and Interceptor 650 share the same 648cc parallel-twin engine; however, their tuning differs slightly. The Interceptor delivers 47 hp at 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm of torque at 5,150 rpm. In contrast, the Bear 650 matches the horsepower but boasts an enhanced torque figure of 56.5 Nm at the same RPM. Additionally, while the Interceptor features a dual-exit exhaust, the Bear adopts a two-in-one exhaust system with a single pipe on the right side.

Hardware Components

In terms of hardware, the Bear 650 is equipped with Showa USD forks and twin shock absorbers, whereas the Interceptor utilizes telescopic forks and gas-charged twin shocks. The Bear provides more suspension travel, measuring 130 mm in the front and 115 mm in the rear, compared to the Interceptor’s 110 mm front and 88 mm rear.

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Moreover, the Bear updates its wheel configuration with spoked 19/17-inch wheels fitted with new MRF NiloRex tires, while the Interceptor rides on 18-inch CEAT rims. Unlike the Bear, which does not offer tubeless wheel options, the Interceptor can accommodate tubeless tires thanks to its alloy wheels.

Dimensions and Weight

The Bear 650 weighs 216 kg with a seat height of 830 mm and a ground clearance of 184 mm. The Interceptor, slightly heavier at 218 kg, has a lower seat height of 804 mm and a ground clearance of 174 mm. Both bikes feature a 320 mm front disc brake, but the Bear enhances its braking capability with a 270 mm rear disc compared to the Interceptor’s 240 mm rear. It is also equipped with dual-channel ABS, which can be switched off from the rear.

Features Comparison

When it comes to features, the Bear 650 stands out with fully LED lighting (headlights, taillights, and indicators), a fully digital TFT instrument cluster that includes Bluetooth connectivity and the capability to display Google Maps. In contrast, the Interceptor 650 has a more traditional aesthetic, featuring twin analog instrument clusters, LED headlights, and halogen taillights.

The Royal Enfield Bear 650 is poised to be a formidable contender in the cruiser market, appealing to enthusiasts who value performance, comfort, and advanced features. Keep an eye out for this exciting addition to the Royal Enfield lineup!