Page 48 - February Edition 2025_Neat
P. 48
2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 Review:
Scrambler-Lite Fun!
clutch making light work of shifts.
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable
aspects of the engine is its sound.
The twin exhausts emit a throaty
growl that's equal parts nostalgia
and exhilaration, ensuring you'll
always have a grin on your face
when you twist the throttle.
Chassis and Suspension
Royal Enfield has made some
notable changes to the chassis to
give the Bear 650 its scrambler
credentials. The double-cradle
frame is slightly modified to
accommodate a higher ground
clearance of 210 mm, making it
more capable on rough terrain.
The wheelbase remains compact,
e n h a n c i n g t h e b i k e ' s
maneuverability in tight spaces.
When it comes to blending classic Beige" and "Forest Green," The suspension setup is where the
a e s t h e t i c s w i t h m o d e r n alongside bold options such as Bear truly shines. It features 41mm
functionality, few brands do it as "Crimson Blaze" for those who telescopic forks with 150mm of
seamlessly as Royal Enfield. With want to stand out. The retro-styled travel up front and twin shock
the release of the 2025 Royal round LED headlamp and tail lamp, absorbers with preload adjustment
Enfield Bear 650, the company has coupled with the ribbed leather at the rear, offering 130mm of
once again captured the essence seat, reinforce its vintage appeal travel. This setup is tuned to soak
of timeless design while delivering w i t h o u t c o m p r o m i s i n g up potholes and gravel trails with
a machine that's both capable and functionality. The Bear's silhouette, ease while maintaining a planted
fun to ride. Positioned as a complete with a raised front fender feel on tarmac.
"scrambler-lite," the Bear 650 and a wide handlebar, strikes a
promises a mix of urban agility and balance between a classic The 19-inch front wheel and 17-
off-road versatility, making it a scrambler and a modern street inch rear wheel, wrapped in dual-
compelling choice for riders bike. purpose tires, provide a good
seeking a motorcycle that can do a Engine and Performance b a l a n c e b e t w e e n o ff - r o a d
little bit of everything. Let's dive into capability and road comfort. The
what makes this bike stand out in The heart of the Bear 650 is the choice of spoked wheels over
an increasingly competitive same parallel-twin engine that alloys reinforces its rugged image,
middleweight market. powers Royal Enfield's popular though it does mean tube-type
Interceptor 650 and Continental tires, which can be a downside for
Design and Aesthetics some riders.
GT 650. Displacing 648cc, this air-
At first glance, the Bear 650 and-oil-cooled motor produces 47 Riding Experience
radiates a rugged charm that's horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 52
quintessentially scrambler. The Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm. While Throwing a leg over the Bear 650,
high-mounted twin exhausts with the numbers may not set records, you're greeted by a comfortable
brushed stainless-steel finishes, the engine's character is what upright seating position that feels
the chunky semi-knobby tires, and makes it shine. natural for long stints in the saddle.
the minimalist bodywork all The Bear 650 is tuned for smooth, The wide handlebars and slightly
contribute to its adventurous linear power delivery, which is r e a r - s e t f o o t p e g s o ff e r a
p e r s o n a . Ye t , t h e r e ' s a perfect for its dual-purpose nature. commanding yet relaxed posture,
sophistication to its design that Whether you're navigating city making the bike equally enjoyable
feels deliberate rather than traffic or taking a detour down a dirt for urban commutes and weekend
utilitarian. adventures.On the road, the Bear
path, the engine provides ample feels nimble and responsive. The
Royal Enfield has nailed the color grunt to keep things entertaining. steering is light yet precise,
options with this model, offering The six-speed gearbox is slick and allowing for quick directional
earthy tones like "Desert Dune precise, with a slip-and-assist changes, which is especially useful
48
LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 10 February 2025
