Suzie reacts to the Royal Enfield Bear 650 ‖ We've ruined the BSA Goldstar fuel tank 😥

[@thegilamonsterrides]

Nice to see you both. Totally agree that the real and white Bear is the best colorway. A small point to consider, the Bullet has existed since the 30's. The Classic was created to emulate the Bullet of the 50s. Whereas the Bullet of today hasn't really changed much since the 60's. So the Classic is just a variation meant to look like an earlier Bullet. That's part of its appeal to me personally.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thank you for the kind comment 👍

[@Bob-xc2us]

The BSA may not have much more torque but the torque is lower in the rpm range right where you need it. Makes it feel more powerful at low speeds and pulling away from stop lights. Much more friendly to ride in regular traffic situations.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Great video guys!! Hopefully the scratches on the tank will T cut out 🤞 Loving the raw unediited videos 😍

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

We can only learn from the shoot and upload master, your fine self sir!

[@crumblymal8479]

Shame about the tank Sean but glad Suzie is feeling better and this Inter sounds very interesting I also like the new Triumph 800 triple tourer the Banditman showed the other day looks like some good things coming out at the show .👍

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Crumbly, I'll be going to the show to try and see all the exciting new stuff. I'm going to keep the BSA for a while longer tho

[@crumblymal8479]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist Omg must proof read what I write how did you work out what I had written 🤣

[@RewildwithSuzie]

Thank you for your kind words 😘

[@Knowarxana]

Yeah, the tank scratches so easily. I'm of the opinion that I'm just going to use it as an Excuse to get it resprayed a better colour in a few years. I really like the Classic 350 in Halcyon Green, so maybe getting the BSA something closer to that, in a more durable finish, with a brown seat.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I had a similar thought, have a look at Jaguar Racing Green, that's a paint I had on an old x type a few years ago, would look fab on a bsa

[@matthewbenjafield5470]

Another great, helpful, and unpretentious video - thank you ! I’ve just got back from the place that you may or may not have been to, and was very surprised at the amount of rain, and how cold it was in the mountains: I thought I’d made a mistake by not wearing a mesh jacket 😮 It’ll be interesting to see how the Bear sales take off. I agree that the exhaust placement is much better for luggage; I’ve travelled with people who have scramblers with a high exhaust, and have a pannier on one side only. It looks daft and is a waste of luggage capacity in my humble opinion ! Like you, the proof will be in seeing the Bear in the flesh (or rather metal) at Motorcycle Live. By the way, I love how you’ve decorated your home … I’m not allowed any input on decoration either, and feel that clashing is the way forward 😂 Keep up the good work with the channel, and best wishes to Suzie for a speedy recovery 🤞🏻 Matt

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

That's a lovely comment Matt, Suzie and I thank you and really appreciate the kind words...

[@nigelcox7477]

Suzi you’re right… those scratches aren’t scratches, they are patina. I love the back & forth banter, obviously unrehearsed hence the washing line and ‘lived-in’ kitchen! It’s called ‘keeping it real’ !! Really glad you’re feeling a little better Suze, beauty and a lighter mood are a great combo.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Nigel that's a very kind comment. We are lucky to have such a fun time and no you couldnt rehearse it, oh dear don't say 'lived-in' kitchen if she reads this she will think we put the messy kitchen on the Internet for all to see 😂😂😂...

[@stephenmundane]

After you sort the scratches you could put some clear window film on the tank where the bag sits to protect the paint.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

My brother just messaged me to say he has a machine polisher... lets see if I can get it sorted.

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Hiya Sean, the tank and tank bag. I always used an Oxford rubber blanket under my tank bag to stop any potential paintwork issues and that works. The scratches, I think most of those will polish out - first use a cutting compound, then T Cut, followed by a resin coat of Polish all over then a good coat of Carbornora Wax and that should do the trick. If however any marks are still quite prominent how about a (tasteful) tank pad and perhaps a universal tank rack (30 quidish) from Hitchcocks. Not only are they decorative they are also functional and are ideal for mounting your tank bag too. I've got one on my Meteor and previous Classic and they are great for the money, available in black or chrome and a 5 minute job to fit - will also be a period piece for the bike. It will help to minimise any remaining scratches and detract the eye from them. Worth a try, but some of those marks and scratches look worse than they are.🤔🙂👍

[@ChrisParrett-qo4sx]

I think you mean 'carnauba wax' Jonathan 🤣

[@jonathandeeley6276]

@ChrisParrett-qo4sx I think you're probably right. I blame the comprehensive ejukashun system myself.😉🤣

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thank you Jonathan, I'll likely follow your recommendation to the letter when I come to deal with the tank. I have all the products you mention in the shed already...

[@larrywade9041]

Nice video guys! We really enjoy you two. It is what it is. Just keep the bike & enjoy it. Glad your feeling a bit better Suzie. Have a beautiful day!! Cheers!!! Illinois, USA

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thank you Larry, we will try and keep doing the videos when we can. Appreciate the kind comment as always 🙏 👍

[@RewildwithSuzie]

Hi Larry, thanks for your support as ever ❤

[@johnbellamy6449]

have been a subscriber since the begining . really enjoy your content , also Suzies take on things . best wishes both of you .

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

That's kind John thank you for your continued support. By the way my Dad is also called John and spelt the same way!

[@RewildwithSuzie]

Thank youuuuuu. I just throw my input in, not sure it's relevant or anything buy here we are chatting away 😅❤

[@lesterhall5310]

Nice work guys. Love a Bristol accent reminds me of my days in Shepton Mallet. On the Gold Coast in Australia now, I have 10 Royal Enfield's but preferer the back catalog I'm afraid.....too many TFT screens and always off set these days for my liking. However it is the last real heritage brand with passion and continuity, long may they continue. Love the BSA however not really available here at the moment. 350 Harley and 500 are however, so all is not lost.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thank you Lester... BSA also have a scrambler coming but I can't help but thank RE has stolen the thunder on this one...

[@pete36524]

Hi both, The bear seems to be available now in the US. It looks good to me and using that 650 engine makes sense although that is a little heavy. The blue seat on the white bike has that retro look for me. I know what you mean about new bikes I nearly folded the other day when I was offered a trade at my dealer on a new bike. Too add to the advice on dealing with those scratches. T cut is probably not the best option. You’re better off with a polish or cutting compound 🙂

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Pete, I have a variety of products in the shed so I'll have a go at getting the tank back or at least improved from it's current state. Blue and white on a bike is very retro, I'd love a blue seat 💺 💙 😀

[@tonywilliamson4512]

Glad your feeling better young lady.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Tony appreciate that 👍

[@RewildwithSuzie]

Thank you. It's an up and down journey but I'm here when I can be 😅

[@markxt2]

This is the bike I've been waiting for , I had the interceptor in 2019, and like me many tried every way possible to scramblerise ! them and now Royal Enfield have realized there is a market for it , can't wait .

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I think many will agree with you. Very unlikely to regret buying this one...

[@markxt2]

@MindfulMotorcyclist I'm hoping they will be on show at the NEC in November 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@SamWaide-t6r]

Good video guys I watched Stuart Fillinghams video last night he put the motone rack on his bsa tank which keeps the tank bags of the surface

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I will check that out thank you for the tip! That will certainly help...

[@peakrider4886]

I was going to suggest the Motone tank rack as well. Good shout Sam!

[@KevinofWessex]

I also suffer from new bike addiction... I will also be having a look at the Bear..it looks very nice

[@tonyshearman9620]

I am a great advocate of bikes being used rather than cherished. Although it can sometimes be considered a shame if we get marks and scratches on our bikes, these tell a tale of the adventures we have had and serve as reminders of the fun our bikes have brought us.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Well said Tony, strangely I'm not as annoyed as perhaps I should be about this one. Like you say it was used and enjoyed...

[@luddite6239]

I definitely like the new Bear, and the one with the teal frame is a real eye-catcher. It reminds me of the frame on the Ducati Paul Smart replica. I had a strap on tank bag on my Ducati and cut up a sheet of that rubber net-style matting that's used to line tool drawers. Placed between the tank and bag, it stopped the bag moving and prevented it from being in contact with the tank.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Teal frame is my favourite also, I think the white of the tank is 'off white' from what I could see, meaning it looks very 'retro' with the teal. Lovely paint.

[@alanpestell8657]

Suze might be moody blue, but I could listen to her lovely voice speak all day, well maybe not non stop.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

That's kind Alan, thank you for a lovely comment.

[@RewildwithSuzie]

Definitely couldn't deal with it non-stop 😂 Sean will tell you 😅❤

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

Good points raised in the video. The RE bear is the only 650 in Enfields range that interests me if the riding position is not cramped. I didn't like the Interceptors riding position, comfort and suspension. The Shotgun was a vast improvement but like the SM it is far too heavy. The classic 650 looks a bit lazy just like the Bullet 350 and I feel the Classic should be a single of around 500cc. I am very close to buying the BSA but will wait to see the Bear hopefully at the NEC.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Will be interesting to see the Bear pricing... that said I hear BSA is also planning a Scrambler. Now I doubt that will be as smart as this one as RE just do the finish on their bikes so well BUT it will be a single... so a decision to be made... Both bikes at NEC hopefully.

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist I couldn't understand why BSA didn't release a scrambler version when the Goldstar was first launched as the main components were already in place.

[@stevethebikinggrandad]

The scratches are a shame, but unless you keep them wrapped in cotton wool it's sometimes unavoidable. If you can feel the scratch with a fingernail (as Suzie mentioned) then you won't be able to fully polish it out. The only way to remove it completely would be a respray - BUT, with a good polish it will probably look a lot better than it does now, even if it's not perfect. On the subject of bad news vs good news, I was always told to deliver bad news in what's known as a "sh*t sandwich" - Good news first, then the bad news, but add some good news at the end, so you've wrapped the sh*t inside the good bits 😂😁😉

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I think I will try a polish out and like you say we will get some improvement at least! Thank you

[@RewildwithSuzie]

Oh yes the good ol' sh*t sandwich 😂 always works haha x

[@richardgitz2264]

Thank you for this discussion as it's quite timely for me; currently wobbling over a new BMW R12 to replace my perfectly good and beloved 2018 Moto Guzzi V7. I have enjoyed your channel since its inception, I don't remember you speaking to the mental disorder motorcycle ownership & acquisition sometimes displays, though maybe that is exactly what this latest installment is truly addressing. Thanks as always for your interesting perspectives and good humor. Best.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Richard. I am actually looking to keep my current bike for a while, I was very happy when I first acquired it, only a lust for new and shiny things coupled with manufacturer's marketing is trying to get me to stray! You've done well running you 2018 Guzzi, I was hoping to make it to September with my bike at least 😀

[@robmance1611]

Good one, the Bear is an interesting proposition, looking forward to finding out what you think of it when the time comes 😊

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I will probably really like it Rob, I can't wait to A) see it in real life and B) get a ride on one...

[@robmance1611]

@ same here, and I get why you would like the Two Four Nine colour way, I really like the Boardwalk White, they all look great.

[@PeterHolland-mu7yn]

Hi Sean remember I mentioned to you (possibly a long time ago) and mentioned the same to Willy very recently, pound shop rubber mesh drawer liner stops all the scratching between the bag and the tank bag, strap on, or magnet bags saves all the scratching been using it for years on all my bikes on big tours, But that’s pretty bad scratching mate has your bag got a soft pad on the bottom of it where it contacts the tank, sorry you got that damage, I’m not to precious about scratches and dings / chips etc but I’d be gutted at that damage, glad the place and road number system worked, 👍 if you don’t like the rubber mesh idea, try laying a couple of layers of cling film on top of the tank that’s what I used to use in the 80 early 90s on tour before I discovered the drawer liner idea, but don’t do what my mate did and cover the top of your tank with Gaffer tape good idea right up to the point he took it of and the glue had eaten into his paint so his tank looked like the top side of gaffer tape ruined his tank and it was on his 888 strada 🥴🤬😡 oops, other than the tank was it a good tour 😎☀️ …. Pete ps 888 strada and 888 SP are early Ducati models that gave birth to the 916, very desirable and expensive and my mates strada “was” original and mint 😢

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Oh gosh, that gaffe tape would be one of those things you'd hate, totally unexpected but self inflicted. I know the exact rubber mesh stuff you mean as my Dad used to use it to line the car boot to stop tools and boxes rolling about, very grippy stuff. The bag does have a soft bottom I think it is weak paint from factory and the amount of very abrasive dust from the drilling, the whole road was billowing with white clouds. I think this fine layer got under the tank and then after a few 100 miles clumped up to scratch, especially after a bit of rain 🌧.... to be honest I could be one of these guys whose bsa a mint 800 mile bike and worth only a third of what they paid, at least I've used mine and so I've got the value out of it somehow... I'd he much more devastated if it was a ducati haha 😄 😆

[@PeterHolland-mu7yn]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist best way Sian stop chasing your tail like I used to do, dreaming of the next best thing and get you moneys worth from what you have hence me fitting Himalayan bark busters and and much to my mates amusement fitting my big tank bag to the classic already with a new sheet of rubber mesh drawer liner 🤣 to make sure all is ok for next year, can’t wait, 😝 ….. Pete 🇫🇷

[@benschofield7565]

I think it looks great. Wasn't one I was bothered about, but the Gold Shadow and the 249 versions look mega. I like them all bar the yellow and blue, to be fair. I can't think of any other manufacturer that gives such good choice of colour straight from the factory. Their marketing is second to none. The 900 Triumphs have always looked a bit pudgy to me, and the big ones are a bit too pricey to risk dropping if you are going to try and get it off road.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I think they have seen the T400 success and go down a similar path, which is no bad thing IMO

[@barriekeegan1426]

Absolutely brilliant your woman is so funny you should have her on more I know it's not a good thing for you but yeah it puts you ratings up then go for it

[@kennethheldreich6604]

Your both in a great mood, perhaps it's the new bike on the horizon 😉🙂👍🇬🇧🏍

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Haha thank you Kenneth, I'm trying to resist a new bike at the moment, I'm out of work currently so it would have to be a bargain and unlikely to be a brand new bike...

[@exeterrider]

It's good to hear the torque will be better on the upgraded engine, it's something that it needed I think. Although it's the same old engine, RE airways seem to pull out off. Gutted about the tank, at the same time every scratch tells a story about the place you may or may not have been featured in your last video😂😂🙄 Cutting compound will be needed on that I think or a custom respray!? Or even a wrap? Or just leave as its. No bike that may or may not have been on an adventure ever comes back like new. Battle scars👍

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks ER, my brother just messaged me to say he has a machine polisher I'll give that a go probably. I won't respray the bike, I made that mistake before you never ever get the money back 😂

[@daveanderson70]

I think RE are releasing some very appealing bikes and I thought the Guerrilla paint schemes looked amazing when I dropped into Cooperb last Saturday. As far as the UK market goes we desperately need to attract younger people to motorcycling so strategies like RE are going to be important.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

RE paint options but also the paint quality just seems second to none at the moment. It's very deep and lustrous up close too, gives the bikes a very premium feel...

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Suze missed that face, what about the rest of you Shaun. Your tank looked blue in that picture but i know its green, strange. When I had my GoldStar i never put my magnetic tank bag on because i was worried it might scratch the chrome and the other ďesigned one you mentioned I've also got but with the offset cap i couldn't use that also. Don't forget two wheeled Willie's is good at using a rattle can and staining a seat or two.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I might have to take it to Willie's respray shop to get this sorted! Now my BSA is worth even less Ian 😂

[@Kamarov2090]

Had the same issue with the magnetic tank bag causing scratches on my interceptor solution was to stich an old t shirt to the underside of the bag its ugly but it worked for me another would be to clean the tank with a wet microfiber cloth before use

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks 👍

[@weemark67]

Oh gee Sean. Might have to get a valeter to buff with a compound.😢 Think the Bear be a big seller. Be a lot of interesting new bike on show at the bike show. Was gonna go. But held of and now the flights and hotel gone up. Can’t warrant spending £600, to travel and stay. Enjoy. Look forward to seeing the video’s 😊😊😊.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Mark, appreciate the comment. I've got a few cleaning products in the shed so I'll have a go when it's dry. Woth MCL we are lucky to be 45 mins away from the show so it's easy to get up to. Also 20mins from ABR. So although living in the midlands is far away from the beautiful riding there's a small silver lining in the shows are closer. I wouldn't pay 600, mind you Exeter rider was telling me there's a bus from Devon, perhaps it would be too far from you tho. ...

[@stevenlambert1895]

I think you need to buy some very fine wet and dry sand paper and roll the dice if you can get the scratches out without going through the paint good luck

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Those dice are probably loaded against us as BSA paint is very thin apparently 😟

[@critterIMHO]

The Bullet should have been called the Classic 350 Bullet edition. And like everyone, I like the Bear with the teal frame, but I also like the white one at the low end of the price spectrum with the orange and blue graphics.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I was told the teal frame is the most expensive of the bunch, shame 🤔

[@RS23545]

1 more difference, bear 650 has almost no viberation on highway speeds but bsa have some vibes.

[@timothybrockbank7474]

Sounds like your getting one 👍👍

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I'll leave that to two wheeled Willie 😁😁😁

[@Brockbqck]

Bsa own by Mahindra and they had great engineering team they are selling great car in chip price in India, Africa and Australia market. BUT problem is that they more focused on there car market.... probably not that serious on their bike.

[@alexbowey2760]

2 into one pipes are called SIAMESE EXHAUST PIPES

[@lipsee100]

just regarding your tank damage,,, what about getting one of those tank frames from Hitchcocks ,,just place your bag on that ,,job done

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Lipsee, I'll send them an email to ask about that. Thank you...

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

"You don't need to make sense on KZbin" Just about sums YT up.....especially the comments section....

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

No truer words were ever spoken!

[@AdamForeman]

The problem I have with BSA and Royal Enfield is not power/torque, design, colours etc it's WEIGHT. I have no idea why they are so heavy compared to their mainstream counterparts. I know they are built to a price, but I wish they'd recognise their bikes weight. It will feel more lively even with a 40 BHP engine. It just feels sluggish to me. Of course, being on a different type of bike, that's bound to happen

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

This is unfortunately true Enfield has never prioritised weight saving on it's bikes and BSA hasn't chosen to do so either...

[@AdamForeman]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist Just think about this, the new BMW 1300GS Adventure is 269KG and that's a huge bike! So when you realise that Royal Enfield's 650 Meteor is 240kg that's simply ridiculous isn't it?

[@bluecheese4877]

The Bear is allegedly 2kg lighter than the Interceptor and comes in around 216kg I think

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

That's not as much as losing the exhaust would make you think 🤔

[@SteveInskip]

Technically speaking……you need a de-humidifier for the washing? 😉👍👍

[@stephensmith1118]

get over yourself Enfields had scramblers in the 1960's.....

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

You missed the memo on this one 😂

[@chriswhite-i3m]

When will royal enfield start moving forward they seem to use the same engine configuration 650 450 350 stick different parts on it and give it a different name but in all purposes there the same bike . Was looking at a triumph 400 speed twin looked cracking loads better quality than re

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Yes I very much like the T 400s, best engine in class, better than RE 450 imo 👌

[@millinutz]

Blue and green should never be seen unless there is a yellow between..., there's a rule to get round all, and every clashing issues, this is just one of them!

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

That was the case with my BSA and my blue jacket, many people commented on that 😂

[@Bob-xc2us]

Bare and share! Sounds like a different kind of video. Just kidding. Thanks for the insights.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hahaha True!

[@chriswhite-i3m]

They dont use two pack paint anymore. New paint on new bikes is not as good as it use to be .

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

This paint is known to be poor... I didn't help it of course so not all the paints fault

[@bobberdaddy]

Thank god we didn't have to look at one of Suzie's meals. Watching your vids I always find myself getting increasingly anxious in case there is a close up of her feeding bowl. Suzie is the reason I am now predominantly carnivore! 🤮

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

The pancakes are nice! In fact it's all nice lol 😆

[@bluecheese4877]

The what ???? The Classic will be 240kg ????? you are kidding 😟

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I don't know for a fact, I'm just going off the SuperMeteor frame being used...

[@aidens04]

I know it's probably been asked before but are you going to learn to ride a bike Suzy?

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

She's still really not well enough with this fatigue issue and passing a test is very draining and stressful these days but we would like her too long term. She's into bikes as much as she next woman as as much as most men tbh!

[@aidens04]

Hope she gets better soon then. My gf has absolutely no interest at all!

[@timothybrockbank7474]

Another model that begs for customization