Page 49 - February Edition 2025_Neat
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It's not the most powerful or feature-packed


                                        motorcycle in its class


      in  congested  city  traffic.  The          Thanks to its relatively low weight
      suspension  strikes  a  sweet             of 198 kg (wet) and a seat height of
      balance  between  firmness  and            810mm, the Bear is accessible to a
      compliance,  ensuring  a  smooth          wide  range  of  riders.  Whether
      ride  without  feeling  overly  soft      you're  a  seasoned  rider  or  a
      during spirited riding.                   beginner looking for a manageable
                                                middleweight, the Bear 650 is easy
      Off the beaten path, the Bear 650
      holds  its  own  remarkably  well.        to handle and confidence-inspiring.
      While it's not a hardcore dirt bike,      Pricing and Competition
      it's more than capable of handling        Royal Enfield has priced the Bear
      gravel  roads,  grassy  trails,  and      650  competitively,  with  a  starting
      moderate  inclines.  The  semi-           price of around $6,500 USD. This
      knobby  tires  provide  decent  grip,     puts  it  squarely  in  the  sights  of
      and the 210mm ground clearance            bikes  like  the  Triumph  Scrambler
      ensures  you  can  tackle  small          400  X,  Honda  CL500,  and  the
      obstacles without worry.
                                                Yamaha  XSR700.  While  these
      Braking and Electronics                   competitors  may  offer  more
                                                advanced  features  or  higher
      Stopping  power  comes  from  a
      320mm  disc  at  the  front  and  a       performance  figures,  the  Bear's
      240mm  disc  at  the  rear,  both         charm  lies  in  its  simplicity,
      equipped  with  dual-channel ABS.         character, and value for money.
      The  brakes  are  progressive  and        Verdict
      confidence-inspiring, with the ABS         The 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 is
      tuned to allow a bit of slip when off-     a  delightful  addition  to  the
      road to maintain control.
                                                scrambler  segment.  It's  not  the
      In  terms  of  electronics,  the  Bear    most  powerful  or  feature-packed
      650  keeps  things  simple  yet           motorcycle  in  its  class,  but  it
      effective.  It  comes  with  a  digital-   doesn't  need  to  be.  Instead,  it
      analog  instrument  cluster  that         focuses on delivering an engaging
      displays essential information like       and  versatile  riding  experience
      speed,  fuel  level,  trip  meter,  and   wrapped  in  a  package  that's
      gear  position.  The  bike  also          undeniably cool.
      features  Royal  Enfield's  Tripper        For riders seeking a bike that's as
      Navigation system as an optional          happy carving through city streets
      extra,  allowing  for  turn-by-turn       as  it  is  exploring  backroads,  the
      navigation via Bluetooth.
                                                Bear 650 is a fantastic option. It's a
      There's no ride-by-wire throttle or       motorcycle that invites you to take
      selectable ride modes here, but the       the long way home, find new paths,
      lack of overly complex electronics        and  enjoy  the  journey—all  while
      is part of the Bear's charm. It's a       looking  effortlessly  stylish.  In  a
      motorcycle that prioritizes the raw       world  of  increasingly  complex
      connection  between  rider  and           machines, the Bear 650 stands out
      machine.                                  by keeping things simple and fun.
      Practicality and Comfort                  Whether  you're  a  fan  of  Royal
                                                Enfield or simply in the market for a
      The Bear 650 is designed to be a
      versatile machine, and it excels in       scrambler-lite that won't break the
      terms  of  practicality.  The  15-liter   bank, the Bear 650 deserves a spot
      fuel tank offers a range of around         on your shortlist. With its winning
      350  kilometers  (217  miles),            combination  of  classic  design,
      depending  on  riding  conditions,        approachable  performance,  and
      which is plenty for most day trips.       real-world  practicality,  this  bike  is
      The  seat,  while  minimalist  in         bound  to  win  over  hearts  and
      appearance,  is  well-padded  and         minds—one  adventure  at  a  time.
      offers all-day comfort for both rider      LHR
      and pillion.


                                                              49
        LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 10                                                                                             February 2025
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