All-new Royal Enfield Bear 650 revealed

Royal Enfield has pulled the covers off the all-new Bear 650 scrambler – the latest model in the popular 650 Twins range. 

Pricing and Australian availability are yet to be announced, but it is expected the Bear 650 will arrive Down Under in early 2025. 

Unveiled at a media event in Palm Springs, California, the new machine is based heavily on the Interceptor 650 but introduces several key updates. 

The Bear 650 features a 2-into-1 exhaust system, a kicked-up rear end, upside down Showa suspension, and chunky dual sport rubber developed specifically for this model by Indian tyre manufacturer MRF. 

Suspension travel has been increased to 130mm and 115mm front and rear respectively, while ergonomics and geometry have also been altered for an upright ride position. The bike rolls on 19- and 17-inch wheels, while the rear brake disc has increased in size compared to the Interceptor.

Engine internals have been largely carried over from the Interceptor, however the new exhaust system has allowed Royal Enfield to squeeze out a little more performance. Torque is up by 4Nm, however horsepower has been left unchanged to maintain the bike’s A1 and LAMS licence credentials. 

Also new is the colour Tripper TFT dash, which is also featured on the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450 models. The new display allows for full-colour map navigation as well as phone calls and music. 

Additionally, rear ABS can be turned off via the dash or via a dedicated button.

The Bear 650 is inspired by the story of Eddie Mulder – a successful former motorcycle racer and stuntman. Mulder won the famed Big Bear Run desert race in 1960 as a 16-year-old on a Royal Enfield 500 single. He battled a missed start, a broken footpeg, a busted shock, and hundreds of other riders to claim the victory.

Mulder was in Palm Springs to help unveil the new Bear 650 and was presented with his own special Two Four Nine edition of the bike. 249 was his race number. 

Five colourways will be available globally, however it’s unclear whether all of these will make their way to Australian shores. 

Reviews and ride impressions are embargoed until November 4 when the bike is presented at EICMA alongside pricing for India, Europe, and North America. 

Australian pricing and availability will likely follow at a later date.