Royal Enfield BEAR 650 | Initial Impressions | PODCAST

[@sauravshete6088]

Saw the 249 color in person and absolutely fell in love. It looks like a proper custom hot rod! Went and booked it, what a coincidence that your review popped up just a couple of days before delivery!! Can’t wait for the Bear!!

[@ronishane]

two bears ....in a video what a collab 😅

[@swapnilbarhate6229]

Wrong. Three bears...

[@abhayjaitly619]

I had the interceptor for 2 years and toured on it a bit. Did multiple trips to the himalayas, the ladakh circuit, and a trip to Gujarat. Sold it in 2023 and was interested in the Himalayan 450 but, missed the twin's power and exhaust note. Since then, i have been waiting for a new 650 from RE which is better and more usable than the Int 650. This bike on paper is exactly what i had been waiting for! More GC, more suspension travel, more torque, and some soft road ability, which i used to miss on the interceptor when i would inevitably get lost in a village with nothing but dirt roads. Sad about the rear suspension tho.. maybe it will get better with time. Maybe ill get used to it. Maybe I'll bite the bullet and go aftermarket. Guess a test ride is in order!

[@theguywithcoolid]

Give an update after testride here.

[@anshdeepgaming8499]

@@theguywithcoolidits too stiff, throws you off almost everywhere

[@anshdeepgaming8499]

you can stand up easily to go past the potholes tho

[@drd3816]

Im in the same boat as you --i will test ride the Bear but i will look to YSS or other reasonable aftermarket suspension upgrades to complete the bike--its too gorgeous of a bike and motor to pass up over suspension issues....i really do not like stiff suspension so if it is truly not going to break in and loosen up i will change it at the dealership--the whole point of a Bear 650 to me is relaxed riding with teh occasional road trip with luggage--i am looking forward to seeing the RE accessory luggage and racks on this bike too--its a gorgeous bike

[@ManojGopalakrishna]

I truly wish another brand would launch a similar/inspired design, with a 250-300cc engine and a kerb weight of 150-160kg, it would be the perfect addition for those who love and miss the iconic Yamaha RX 100/RD 350.

[@Rocker4040]

TVS Ronin

[@peterholthoffman]

I think it is a scrambler in the Honda CL sense. In the 1970s, Honda made a range of bikes: CB-350 = street bike CL-350 = scrambler SL-350 = enduro XL-350 = dual sport The Bear sits between the CL-350 and the SL-350. That makes it a scrambler. The CL-350 was an effort to build on the scrambler movement which was to take a street bike and make it as off-road capable as possible. Some were purely off-road and some still had some legal bits hanging on. However, none of them were anything like a dual sport or an ADV - they were clearly street bikes hacked into being off-road capable.

[@ShurikGi]

you are the best team of thorough reviewers !

[@sudhansuranjanmohapatra6429]

Enjoyed your bearish conversation ❤

[@raghavendrayaraganal]

Brought it (249) 10 days back .. after your thumbs up more happy to own it .. thank you.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Congrats! Enjoy your rides.

[@rameswarpatra6384]

There you said it... It has a few things over the interceptor. That's where I thought a comparison with your BSA was in order... I don't know why people are so against that comparison 😅

[@twonoobs7236]

Always great to see you two talk about motorcycle ..

[@BlackdogADV]

The 17”/19” wheels will give you a better off-road tire selection. I like the Bear more then my Interceptor. I ride gravel roads frequently.

[@matusknives]

A really cool bike - as you said it gives the impression of improved Interceptor. The 249 could well be my first bike. Just one thing makes me unsure - from all that I could find online - for my ears the Interceptor sounds better even with stock pipes. But I will of course check it out live once it reaches Germany.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

With the way BSA treat their customers it's the Enfield every time.

[@prathaps848]

I test rode the bear 650 from Chennai RE official showroom. The rear suspension preload was at its softest setting. So, i didn't find the rear hard as most reviews mentioned, but the handling was wallowy. I didn't know if the bike was slowing/stopping when i tried the brakes hard. To me, the bike felt more like a cruiser (i ride a sports naked).

[@atmanirbharbangali]

I was really wanted this... I was constantly looking into your Profile's (all of them literally) everyday. I had the same understanding with the rear suspension.

[@johncranwell3783]

I test rode the shotgun 650 and loved it and was just about to buy one when the bear came out and I really like the bear so maybe I’ve got a wait a bit…. It really appeals.

[@vzvish357]

whats up with RE these days!? rear suspension of their new bikes are usually tuned unnecessarily firm esp wrt our Indian roads

[@snehasishdev3296]

Watch motorincs reviewof B650 and you will know the secret of stiff suspension of RE

[@denzilfernandes8754]

As bosky said After 5K kms the rear suspension softens. I have experienced the same with my RE. So expecting the same from the Bear too

[@user-qq5kv2oq6x]

@@denzilfernandes8754rofl it doesn't soften it's just that your spine gets used to it xD

[@RJ-yp2ew]

Mine got amazingly stiffer after 15k kms. Replacing it with classic 350 ones now.

[@user-qq5kv2oq6x]

@@RJ-yp2ew guess meteor 350?

[@thelonewolf666]

that offset speedo is a dealbreaker

[@devanathanbalaji]

Got myself one two days back. Absolutely loving it. Feels nimble and quick.

[@SanketKambli]

Stiff suspension?

[@devanathanbalaji]

@SanketKambli I am riding it in Rajasthan and we have good roads. Besides it's really easy to stand up on the pegs if going riding over a rough patch. So I really don't mind a slightly stiff rear suspension.

[@suryakathiravan]

I have booked it once I test rode the bear 650 as it was really good and somehow it quickly got connected to me. And somehow the knowledge i got from these informative KZbin channels made me take a good decision😅😅 Thanks to the efforts on all the each and every video you put

[@bigbearbangalore]

Congrats

[@baluchandu26]

Much awaited video, what's your opinion on pull back risers for this one and the seat which feels a bit too stiff

[@bigbearbangalore]

The posture is already upright and needs no further change. Seat is great.

[@ksrikanth2386]

wish they had low seat version 😢 will be booking either duke 390 or an RE today

[@paritoshpande2786]

Great video. Now that this is launched. Between bear 650 and bsa 650 which one will be your pick?

[@nilothpalbhattacharya7279]

Same question

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks. I’ll still pick the BSA. I have an Adv motorcycles so don’t need a Scrambler style one and hence would go with an out and out retro.

[@kristophertrout7328]

My local dealer in Columbus Ohio US is getting a few of the Gray and Gold fork press bikes. They have 500 to 700 miles and are available with a $1000 US discount. Very tempting 🤔 😎

[@bigbearbangalore]

The only way to rid temptation is to yield to it 😀

[@kristophertrout7328]

@bigbearbangalore Oh I have a feeling my bank account is in trouble 😅

[@udayakiran2087]

Agree with boskey.. Some designs are sooo cool they are classic

[@spidboy42]

Motorinc said bear suspension was the worst. What did you guys think? Especially with the potholes on blr roads? Was planning on getting one of these. Test ride was amazing but didn't get enough time to feel the suspension.

[@bigbearbangalore]

We’ve spoken quite a bit about the suspension and what we think about it.

[@atleefernandes264]

Perhaps the showa suspension at the rear are designed for more payload or taller heavier folk. Since you mentioned the 650’s have an international target, it could be also to satisfy the road conditions. Felt it smoother as I rode with a pillion… 😁😁😁

[@bigbearbangalore]

Ah ha! Interesting point. 👍

[@kjsj2304]

Hi Great and discriptive video . On the test ride I felt that the rear brake paddle is quite uncomfortably placed .I am 6.2 ft tall and the brake paddle felt very very small 😀 Waiting for your ride review Thanks again for this great review

[@bigbearbangalore]

Many thanks. Yes we plan to get this again for a longer ride and share feedback.

[@razmakrazdam6202]

Interceptor 750 is coming with dual discs in the front !

[@drd3816]

Its the best looking RE bike ever--hands down--and RE has some great looking bikes--i can live with changing the shocks [or maybe just the springs to a lighter spring rate?]

[@ogasi1798]

ask RE why they are not sending that colour to the UK - it makes me sad, great fun video as always guys

[@bigbearbangalore]

This colour isn’t available there? Wonder why!

[@ogasi1798]

@bigbearbangalore no, we have 3 colours coming here and the yellow isn't one 😭

[@platina4711]

Bosky n CK, the RR unit is finally relocated to below the radiator!

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes!

[@richiechakre]

Can we swap the spoked wheels with the new 18" Alloys of the Int 650 on both ends? How will that affect the ride quality? Also, how does it compare with the Shotgun? I hear Bosky mentioning that he prefers the Shotgun until the Bear showed up...

[@bigbearbangalore]

Don’t know about the alloy swap. Unlikely to be a straight swap. I shall ride the Bear and Shotgun back to back to know more. And at the moment, I think the Bear riding posture is better.

[@richiechakre]

@bigbearbangalore Looking forward to hear from you on the comparison. Am curious about the suspension setup. Your comments on stiff suspension setup on Bear has spooked me a bit. Most "off-roading" I get is the bad Mumbai roads... And few rare road trips. Hence want to know which one is better daily driver...

[@bigbearbangalore]

@richiechakre test ride to know more. When reviewers comment that’s it’s stiff it depends on their personal preferences and experiences and biases. You need to know first hand and not rely totally on what’s being said in reviews.

[@richiechakre]

@@bigbearbangalore I have. I loved the old Interceptor, then tested the Shotgun and was pleasantly surprised. It promises the road presence and also the torque. Then heard of the Bear, it promised to be the better, new and improved Int650. And now am confused. It's like I have developed feelings for both of them...

[@SanketKambli]

My dream bike -himalayan450 frame/suspension + bear650 engine/exhaust

[@anishv4757]

There is an himalayan 650 upcoming

[@arunbhoopasamudra1136]

Wow.. awesome.. was waiting for it..

[@radarroi27]

17:01 They have 2 different base bikes with 4 modified versions of them. . .

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes different

[@anishv4757]

BOSKY.... what do you think about romours about himalayan 650 upcoming. Are there any possibility.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Rumour is may be in 2026.

[@niranjansubash8473]

I ride Benelli Imperiale 400. I'm planning to upgrade to Bear 650. But I'm in dilemma over what to choose between Bear & Interceptor. Done a test ride with Bear and loved it. Never rode an Interceptor. Any suggestions for me on what to choose? Your comment has some weight in my decision, because chose to upgrade after watching your videos of RE 650cc bikes.

[@Z-Pilot]

I did't rode one of them, but I think if You are tall enough, You may suggest having a bear. And the bear has more torque than the interceptor. - I love the colour variants of the bear. - When it's available in my country, I'll go for a test ride. I'm sure in the end I'll buy one.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Ride them back to back to know more.

[@Amory98]

The test mules looked like a bullet 650, yet they launched a Classic. Check the mules for the classic 650, they're Bullet 650 instead, with single seat and squared read fender. I'm confused. Could we expect a bullet 650 too?

[@bigbearbangalore]

I don’t know. We wait and see.

[@denzilfernandes8754]

A main stand is required as a accessory.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Due to the position of the exhaust that may not be possible.

[@shriharshanrao]

Big bears sniffing around Wild Honey 😂... Well done gentlemen 👌 Two questions, for RE through this channel... 1. Will Bear 650 get tubeless spokes? 2. Will it also have an option for a Centre stand?

[@bigbearbangalore]

😀 thanks. That’s a nice line! And tubeless availability I don’t know. And unlikely the center stand can be installed.

[@SlipperrClutch]

Im in love with how the bike looks it beautiful, i did take a test ride realised suspension is a lil too hard for my taste. But what spoiled my mood is the weight of the bike I thought it will start feeling a lil lighter while riding it but it still feels heavy while riding it so this or classic 650 is what i was planning to buy 🥲 now idk what to buy

[@manjugoku6206]

If you are coming from Low weight bike of other brand then you will feel Royal Enfield bikes weight. Classic 650 is around 240KG and bear is 214KG

[@bigbearbangalore]

@manjugoku6206 yes agree 👍

[@SlipperrClutch]

@@manjugoku6206 already used Himalayan 411 and classic 350 used to heavy bikes bro but while riding other RE’s you don’t feel that this bike in specific feels heavy even while riding it

[@manjugoku6206]

@@SlipperrClutch Bro i took test ride and i had no issues with weight while riding it😄

[@SlipperrClutch]

@ may b i should take another test ride then

[@woody_vlogs]

I rode the himalayan and the bear 650 and surprisingly i felt more comfortable in the bear than the Himalayan. Bear was more forgiving to my tail bone😅

[@bigbearbangalore]

👍

[@amardeep851]

Owner of z650 , I am having second thoughts now😅

[@raiudayruvk234]

Sir, would it be possible to have the Bear’s front suspension on Interceptor without any aftermarket customisation to the front wheel hub. I understand it might need several other parts possibly the front fender, triple T etc., but would help alot of Int owners if it can be done without having to fiddle with ABS and wheel hub. Thank you!

[@jayprashanth]

Don't. Go the YSS route. That's easier and more effective if aet up right.

[@dnyaneshpatil3921]

Best review, as usual. 👍🏼 Dear Sir, now that you have ridden both Gold star 650 and Bear 650, how do you compare the ride and handling of these two beauties?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks. Quite different is say. Considering my garage today that has the H450 and 400X, I’d still prefer to keep the Goldstar over swapping it for the Bear 650.

[@Faith-po9pf]

I test drove the Bear it looks amazing but i saw many drawbacks, its rear suspension is stiff as hell every little bump you can feel , idk why i couldnt get my feet properly on the footpegs if you try yo stick your feet inside you’ll struggle to find your footing ,ik its supposed to be better than interceptor but its not imho the handling is definitely better but rest im skeptical the breaking is good though the acceleration is amazing.also if you’re thinking to take this as your Primary bike it drinks fuel like its drinking water so keep that in mind its good for good tarmac roads and if you want to do some off-roading idk if you can do this with this bike. My bad for my english im not so proficient.

[@bigbearbangalore]

No bad English. Well communicated. 👍

[@arunbhoopasamudra1136]

Very well written.. thank you for the inputs..

[@praks007]

It does look like a well balanced and elegant design.

[@nish147]

Can I swap Interceptor's front and rear suspension with that of Bear?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Don’t know. Unlikely to be a straight swap. But, almost anything is possible

[@bharathjaishankar4536]

Can we retrofit the front shocks assembly to the existing interceptor?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Almost anything is possible

[@supriyode8716]

how does it compare with the Scrambler 400x?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Not a comparison I’d make.

[@vishnunair1845]

Which all parts are swappable from bear to interceptor?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Don’t know yet.

[@balasubramanian6602]

Is that possible to replace the rear shocks with Hero Maverick rear shocks?

[@bigbearbangalore]

I don’t know.

[@balasubramanian6602]

​@@bigbearbangaloreI got my Bear 650 last week and the rear shocks are indeed hard. Heard that Maverick 440 rear shocks are well tuned.

[@bigbearbangalore]

@balasubramanian6602 congrats and thanks for this information on the rear shock.

[@DC3AFA]

Will the seat of Bear 650 fit to the Interceptor?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Don’t know yet.

[@Whatreally123]

Royal Enfield has nailed the aesthetics of almost all their bikes. Except the Hunter, I dont really a single bike that wasnt a beaitoful machine.

[@bigbearbangalore]

🙌

[@Visionplays007]

❤❤i bought it a week ago..the rear suspension is way too stiff for me...but there's no aftermarket suspensions released at this point for this bike.. So can I put a YSS interceptor 650 suspension in this ?? Or should I wait till they release a suspension for this ?? Please help me here

[@bigbearbangalore]

Congrats! Am not sure that RE would release any alternate suspension. You could look at YSS when they release an option.

[@Visionplays007]

@bigbearbangalore thanks for the reply ..appreciate it.. I thought I could fit the interceptor's YSS suspension in Bear 650

[@grabslab9689]

Could you make a podcast kind of video on KTM's future. Does it make sense to buy the upcoming KTM Adv 390 considering KTM is going into self administration/bankruptcy. Are buyers likely to face issues with service/spare parts. There is a lot of confusion right now in the market - If only you could share your thoughts/perspective about the same.

[@bigbearbangalore]

We will check on this possibility.

[@abiofficial-ws7pn]

Stopped watching at 5:30, after learning from 5:18 that it was not tubeless.

[@niranjankolur6317]

Can I replace front suspension of inty with the usd forks on this one

[@bigbearbangalore]

Don’t know about this yet. Changing just one suspension set will dramatically mess the balance of the motorcycle. Better to consider both when changing .

[@flyingbullet-53]

Sir are you considering selling goldstar 650 and get bear 650

[@bigbearbangalore]

I am not. 😊

[@aamit3052]

Hi sir, i like the bear 650 very much, but for my height i find it bit difficult to handle , i just want to know if by any chance can we reduce the height of the bike. Is it possible . Kindly share some thoughts on it please.

[@bigbearbangalore]

I don’t know of any way at the moment to do this. Pardon.

[@aaroongunner4444]

Nice info bro 🙌👏👌

[@marcspectre7826]

Those double exhausts have their unique charm in the int650

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes they do. And this is for those who were not enamoured by them.

[@marcspectre7826]

@bigbearbangalore bear is also a nice bike

[@gokulrajg1136]

Can this usd fork and triple tree fit on interceptor?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Don’t know. Unlikey that it’s a straight fit.

[@vishakr7194]

Can interceptor rear suspension used in this?

[@JITH-rl1sb]

a giggling team😄 reviewing a grizzly 🐻

[@dindips]

Tube with such a heavy vehicle not recommended. I heard KTM is coming without cross spoke tubes wheel

[@edgarayala5630]

Se podría cambiar las suspensiones 🤔

[@bigbearbangalore]

Nothing is available yet. We wait.

[@Faith-po9pf]

Ig the interceptor is good for cruising but not meant for high speeds.

[@mohammedafridi6276]

Mileage expected in city and highway?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Similar to the Interceptor. Can be anything from 18 to 28 depending on road and traffic.

[@longtalljay]

Motor Inc is saying the suspension sucks as much as all RE 650s.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes they did. So they say what they feel and we say what we feel. There is no right or wrong opinion here. Just varying opinions. Finally it’s up to the buyer to take a test ride and choose.

[@yohanmychal]

It makes no sense to me that 98% of the punctures are on the rear, what's the logic/ reasoning behind this (considering they are similar in dimensions

[@bigbearbangalore]

A few reasons. Most intruding and offending puncture causing objects lay harmlessly flat on the road, but get kicked up by the front tyre and spin randomly and pierce the rear. Also, the contact patch of the rear tyre is significantly larger than the front tyre. Personal experience amongst my riding group also indicates the same. We’ve had a few punctures over the years and almost all have been on the rear tyre.

[@lifeliving4492]

Boskey, I think you could invite your subscribers who own a motorcycle to showcase their bikes on your channel. It will be interesting to find who owns what bike. Of course it will be your discretion to decide which bike you would like to show on your channel and your expert comments will be an added touch. May be even increase your viewership?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Noted 🙏

[@ravict]

Next would be big bear 850

[@roopraj1156]

planning to buy my first motorcycle which 650 should i consider(don't like cont 650) or even consider it or not. (I'm quite calm person )

[@abhayjaitly619]

My two cents, go for the interceptor. It was my first RE650 and the most usable of them all IMO. Put 40k km's on that bike in 2 years and enjoyed every minute of it!

[@bigbearbangalore]

Take a test ride back to back of the short listed motorcycles to know more first hand.

[@denzilfernandes8754]

The Bear will do very well in Parking and handling in tight spots. Parking in crowded areas is a daily norm for me with the Scram411....So the Bear would be my next bike if I would upgrade

[@atharvajadhav9517]

Will you buy it?

[@bigbearbangalore]

At the moment, no. I don’t need this type of motorcycle.

[@cruze86]

When two bears got a bear 😅

[@equalopportunityoffender6732]

Laugh it up funny guys 😳🤣😳

[@MB67845]

Not Scrambler ❌.. scrambler ❌.. Royal Enfield Scrambler ✅

[@splinter1817]

Bosky 's next bike ? 👀

[@bigbearbangalore]

😀 unlikely

[@splinter1817]

@bigbearbangalore suits the channel name haha

[@sting9933]

Honda cb highness +scrambler

[@karacerept]

Big bear bearing with bear 650

[@paroxymal7688]

There is a reason it was launched in California

[@gunsNwings]

I still feel that this bike is trying too much to look like scrambler... It looks more like a improved interceptor 😊

[@bigbearbangalore]

We’ve said that too. 👍

[@chirulovely8523]

❤

[@SunnyBanerjeePlus]

2:08 Hero needs to steal him

[@Sastryravi69]

If someone come's with solu for suspension then RE really wasted this bike. 😂

[@mukundthorat5672]

Why should any reviewer talk about the looks ? And create opinions ..lets the viewers decide..perhaps

[@bigbearbangalore]

What the???? 😀 Dude, are you OK? One can read the printed spec sheet data and decide the purchase. Why watch KZbin? Or may be mute the video and watch?

[@mukundthorat5672]

@ that’s exactly why I am watching the KZbin .. to see the bike and create my opinion of the bike . You see the beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. And find the bear handsome . But a negative review of looks might convince someone otherwise.

[@Ashes-9]

The bear needs a beak badly

[@motorfabricartadrenaline7432]

Vow that's bear custom

[@Gondriman]

They took interceptor and ruined it again ..😢

[@bigbearbangalore]

No they didn’t. The Interceptor is still available as clean as it used to be when launched.

[@Gondriman]

@bigbearbangalore i am aware of that but i hoped with this they would atleast solve the suspension issue .. sadly they havent . Made it worst .. too stiff for our conditions

[@bigbearbangalore]

@Gondriman YSS has a great set of suspension mods for the Interceptor.

[@SunilKumar-jl6dl]

Love your videos, but the unnecessary giggles after a while is irritating and can be avoided.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks and that’s us and we are a couple of old goofy guys who enjoy what we do. And we don’t take anything too seriously including ourselves. So we will giggle, goof off, fool around and may come across like children and that is us. Please bear with it. Thanks.

[@SureshKumar-jq9vh]

It's quite clear that you're an RE fanboy. As soon as a new model arrives, you point out the flaws of the older model and compare the new one, claiming it's better. This will happen with the next model too. When you present RE bikes, it's all heart, but when it comes to other brands, it's all about logic. Brother, don't become so obsessed with a brand

[@bigbearbangalore]

I like RE. I’ve been using REs for last 15 years. And so, I have more information than many who don’t use them but speak so much about them. And yes, every new iteration gets better than the previous one in most cases and stating that is only appropriate. Yes, RE appeals to the heart more than some other brands. And may be you could watch the Goldstar video. I own a Goldstar and I love it. And it’s your perception that I am obsessed because probably you are on the other side of the fence. Thanks for sharing what you think. And I will continue to share more about a brand that I like and I enjoy riding most of their motorcycles. Cheers!

[@thatoneguy2756]

​@bigbearbangalore I really appreciate your view as a long time RE rider. You noticed alot of small details that other reviewers missed, like the headlight mounts and the cylinder head changes.

[@nishantgurjar7232]

It's completely a esthetic oriented bike Looks good but rides like shit. First hunter then guerrilla and now this , you can't make good suspension then just source it from outside, why completely ruin your bike. All of these new 650 are plagued with extremely stiff borderline unridable suspension.

[@abiofficial-ws7pn]

Content was good. But why so much, what felt like to me, forced laughing?

[@bigbearbangalore]

We are goofy light hearted motorcyclists. We don’t take anything too seriously including ourselves. Laugh a little. Chill a little. Enjoy motorcycling. Cheers!

[@abiofficial-ws7pn]

@bigbearbangalore :) appreciate the reply. Cheers you too. P.S: Just realised both my comments (this about laughing and the other about tubed tyres) inadvertently sound negative and critical. Didn't mean that.

[@VishnuVck]

❤