Royal Enfield Bear 650 First Ride Review - Cycle News

Royal Enfield has added a new twin to its growing family of motorcycles, the Bear 650, a scrambler-style twin offered in five standout colorways, one of which is inspired by Eddie Mulder’s legendary win at the 1960 Big Bear Run off-road race. We take it for a first ride review at the brand's global launch in Southern California, just miles from the historic race venue.
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[@ag_streak3209]

I just bought one of these (2-4-9 model) on Saturday and only have 200 miles on her, but so far it's amazing. It's got that loping, easy-going torque that makes it sweet, relaxed, and easy to ride casually on a twisty back road, and can still be exciting to open up on more open roads. It's the kind of bike that makes you say, "what more would anyone need?". With a little wind protection and some luggage, you could tour on it, or you could just rip around town or down some dirt roads. I cancelled a deposit on the new CFMoto 450 Ibex for this, and I'm glad I did. No regrets.

[@benjamin.f.b.]

enjoy and welcome to RE ❤

[@pvt_gosling7383]

You think it could go 70-80mph on a highway for a couple hours? That’s the only thing stopping me from getting it

[@selfmy60]

@@pvt_gosling7383 from what I have heard , Easily.

[@Rallistatos]

Great choice, 249 version also!Rear suspension is as stiff as is it described by reviewers so far??

[@cyclenews]

Sweet! The 249 is our favorite. Congrats on the new ride.

[@joshb3929]

What a great looking, affordable bike. RE just keep getting better and better. Showing a bike built in India doesn’t have to feel cheap or plastic. Seems like a real bargain!

[@percentbigfoot]

Alot of tech and equipment is now built in India, India isn't the same in 2024 as in 1900's. The influence will only grow, slowly.

[@kc4276]

REs haven’t been light or “plastic” since for ever lol 😂

[@jyotiguin1007]

Going to test ride one this weekend, I am very excited! Glad someone is making quality affordable bikes again

[@cyclenews]

Very cool, enjoy!

[@FlyingBrickADV]

Pre-ordered today, struggled with the colour selection. Went the petrol green.

[@cyclenews]

Nice, the green looks good.

[@MadChalet]

I appreciate the thorough review! Personally, I'm not a fan of background music, even if I'm into the type of music. Other than that, rock on! Err, wait a minute. ;-)

[@cyclenews]

Thanks for that. Trying to capture that classic scrambler vibe. Noted for next time!

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review, enjoyed the video.

[@cyclenews]

Thanks for watching!

[@nl5095]

Nice looking bike, should be another popular model.

[@cyclenews]

Yep, they just keep adding them to the catalog.

[@BlackdogADV]

Of course this came out right after I spent $2,000 converting my Int 650 into a scrambler. I really like the special edition Bear.

[@gurbie]

Nice looking bike. I do my own routine maintenance. Is it easy on the RE650s? Oil and filters, battery access, etc? Any issues?

[@frankpinion4937]

Can you fit a mains stand on the Bear? Is the mounting still their from the Interceptor to mount the main stand?

[@clausentumsoton]

To clean the oil strainer the whole exhaust needs removing and the frame rail?

[@lorimcquinn3966]

Is the suspension the same on both the Bear650 and Eddie Mulder edition? RE seems to like to install too stiff a suspension on their bikes.

[@cyclenews]

Same suspension, just different paint schemes.

[@lorimcquinn3966]

@@cyclenews Thanks. RE needs to sort out their suspension, throughout the line.

[@MickH60]

I'm about your weight and a bit of a suspension nerd , I think you were probably bouncing off bumps with those stiff rear springs. I've seen bigger reviewers than us complain about the stiff rear suspension in a number of reviews, I set my road bikes up stiff and occasionally i get the bounce from the rear when hitting a pothole, it does sort of feel like you are bottoming out, but it's just the stiff spring rebounding harshly....

[@themoonhurtsdaddy]

So you're a suspension nerd that has no clue what to do 😂😂

[@mldiode]

What are the maintenance intervals? When are the big maintenance intervals? What would be the average dealer prep. charges, and shipping? What would be the average out the door price?

[@MrThejunkman]

You aren't gonna get that info from a review most times. Google it.

[@MickH60]

Pretty easy to find out...

[@patrickfischer2718]

To manymany😢

[@jaypopsti]

The smacking has to stop

[@lightning_8340]

Lmao😂

[@ollie9506]

Great content, good videography but please get some voice coaching for 'and errr' it made it hard to watch and i only lasted 3minutes. Just wanted to give balanced feedback. Keep up the good efforts ❤

[@JagLite]

I am interested, but less than 6" suspension front & rear? C'mon RE what's up with that? And special tires designed for the bike? Right, like we are going to buy the same tires when worn out? Very heavy unfortunately. So close but... Hmmm

[@thebestevertherewas]

nope Not sure about US, but Indian dealers are already playing with different tires

[@ollie9506]

Like a ridiculously common tyre size you can put pirellis right on there

[@petittrainguernsey3297]

It’s not an adventure bike. RE know their market more than any other manufacturer. They’ve got it right. Need more suspension travel? Buy a Himalayan.

[@D_Man56]

Не будет маленький для роста 1 метр 80 см?

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

Does Royal Enfield have bad head gaskets???

[@jonwilliams5869]

Maybe a bigger cc is coming soon?

[@adityan3208]

It has to spotted testing. But it won't be a scrambler to start with, yet

[@MauriceHess-y1d]

I’m sorry,, not trying to be rude ,, but I’ve never seen a person more nervous in front of a camera ,, severe stage fright or what I don’t know but a review should not contain,, and uhh ,, and uhh ,, and uhh ,, hand slapping,, voice shaking,, sorry,, but on camera reviews are not your thing,, very distracting

[@cyclenews]

Can't wait to see your video Maurice! Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment.

[@MauriceHess-y1d]

@ Again,, sorry not trying to be rude ,, genuinely,, but if you’re going to do public speaking as a career,, I suggest some classes to help ,, I had plenty to help me ,, pointers on how to connect with your audience can make a huge difference,, just a suggestion 👍

[@Tom-90210]

​@@MauriceHess-y1d Why uh all the uh comma's? Only need one, not to be rude, just a suggestion. Cheers

[@MauriceHess-y1d]

@ Sorry you can’t take any constructive criticism, I’ve had my career in pubic speaking, some of the things I offered helped me and others I know , good luck with yours 👍

[@ollie9506]

​@@MauriceHess-y1dI thought it was constructive and clear, people are so fragile these days lol