Overseas Test Ride Report: The American Scrambler “BEAR 650” created by Royal Enfield, born in the UK and raised in India

Royal Enfield’s Scrambler flourished in the American desert

Royal Enfield (hereafter referred to as RE) is a motorcycle brand that originated in the UK and later grew in India. What does it mean that a new model in the lineup of such a manufacturer is “American”? Let us explain.

In the 1960s, America was a huge market for motorcycles. In an effort to expand their market share, motorcycle manufacturers from all over the world sent out a stream of unique models. These ranged from small-displacement commuter bikes to large-displacement, powerful flagship models… As you know, bikes of all styles and displacements that fit American motorcycle culture were developed for the American market and exported.

RE was no exception. Starting in the 1950s, they began to move towards larger displacement (up to 500cc) and more cylinders (two cylinders at most), and actively exported to the North American market. As an aside, from 1955 to 1960, RE manufactured Indian Motorcycles. They sold vehicles with single- and two-cylinder engines ranging from 150cc to 700cc under the Indian brand. Meanwhile, RE, following their success in desert racing (off-road racing in desert areas) and flat track racing, which are popular in the US, began promoting themselves using dirt motorsports. They also developed new models for the dirt market.

These dirt bikes are what we would now call scramblers or trackers, and are based on on-road bikes, but with tires and suspensions that are more suited to off-road riding.

Then in 1960, the INTERCEPTER 700 was announced, which was based on the CONSTELLATION 700, which was equipped with a parallel twin engine, but with upgraded tires and suspension, and this is where the history of RE’s Interceptor began (currently in Japan and the United States, the name Interceptor cannot be used for motorcycles due to trademark rights, so it is written as INT).

Twin platform with evolved engine and frame

The newly added BEAR 650 to the lineup is also a model that is part of the Interceptor (known as the INT in Japan) lineage. The BEAR 650’s engine is a 648cc air-oil-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve, parallel twin-cylinder engine, mounted in a double cradle frame. This engine and frame combination is called a twin platform, and the fact that it is shared with the CONTINENTAL GT650 and INT650 that RE introduced into its lineup in 2018 shows its lineage.

However, the BEAR 650 is not a model based on a twin platform that has been modified to become a scrambler by changing the suspension and appearance.The frame and engine have been updated to improve off-road performance and enhance the performance of the scrambler.

Let’s explain in more detail. The twin-cylinder engine models in the RE lineup share almost the same engine appearance and mechanism (the later-released cruiser model SUPER METEOR 650 and the SHOTGUN 650 based on it have engine mounts added to the cylinder head). Maximum output is also almost the same, about 47 PS, with only slight differences. However, the BEAR 650 has changed the ignition timing and fuel injection program, increasing maximum torque and output torque in the low and mid-range by about 10%. The BEAR 650’s 2-in-1 silencer is also the first to be used in the RE twin-cylinder series.

The double cradle frame has added special gussets around the steering head and under the fuel tank. The left and right frames are connected under the seat, and the area below the rear suspension mounting point has been newly designed to optimize frame rigidity. These measures also allow for the installation of SHOWA SFF-BP inverted front forks, which have a stroke that is 20mm longer than that of the INT650. The top bridge and under brackets that connect the front forks to the frame have also been modified to match the inverted forks. When we spoke to the development team, they explained that in addition to the inverted forks, the increased weight around the front wheel due to the enlarged 19-inch front wheel meant the bike was also designed to improve off-road performance. They also explained that the reasons for the decision to increase frame rigidity included the desire to improve riding stability and comfort on long-distance and off-road touring trips when accessory panniers or soft bags are mounted around the new rear frame.

A brisk, roadster-like scrambler

These changes were clearly reflected in the driving performance. The engine, with increased torque even in the low and mid-range, powerfully pushes the vehicle forward. The response to throttle input is not abrupt, but rather feels like the explosions inside the cylinders have become larger and more powerful, and the vehicle’s response to throttle input has become more linear. This makes it extremely enjoyable to raise the vehicle early out of a corner, twist the throttle hard, and accelerate. The crisp exhaust sound from the 2-in-1 silencer creates an even more powerful feeling of acceleration.

Both the front and rear suspension strokes have been extended, but the slightly stiffer settings mean that the bike doesn’t become unstable even when riding in a sporty, roadster-like manner. At first, I wished the suspension had a bit more movement, as I was expecting a scrambler-like reaction where the center of gravity of the bike shifts significantly when accelerating and decelerating, but as I rode along the winding roads, guided by the test rider who was leading the group at a good pace, I began to feel that this roadster-like setting was fine.

During the ride, we took some off-road sections to take photos, and it felt like the bike needed a suspension setting that made better use of the suspension stroke, but if that was possible, coupled with the engine’s power at low and medium revs, it would be enough to enjoy a fun off-road ride on flat dirt.

Incidentally, the “BEAR” in the model name was inspired by the Big Bear Motorcycle Run, a race that took place around Big Bear Lake in California from 1921 to 1960. Originally starting as a cannonball race from LA, the race evolved into a desert race held in the desert area around the lake. At the final event in 1960, the winner out of around 800 riders was a machine based on the RE’s single-cylinder 500cc engine and modified into a scrambler.

As mentioned at the beginning, RE strengthened its promotion in North America after its success in desert races such as the Big Bear Motorcycle Run, which was held all over the U.S. Therefore, it is easy to imagine that the BEAR 650, which bears the name, is not just a scrambler model in appearance.

We would recommend this bike to riders who like the scrambler style and want to try out the BEAR 650, as well as riders who want to enjoy a little off-road fun.

Riding position & foot reach (170cm/65kg)

The ground clearance has increased to 184mm due to the extension of the front and rear suspension, but the seat height has also increased to 830mm. The footpegs are slightly lower and moved forward compared to the INT650.

Detailed explanation

“BEAR 650” main specifications

■Length x Width x Height 2,216 x 855 x 1,160 mm■Wheelbase 1,460 mm■Ground Clearance 1,840 mm■Vehicle Weight 214 kg■Engine Type Air-Oil-Cooled 4-Stroke SOHC 4-Valve Parallel Twin-Cylinder■Total Displacement 648 cc■Bore x Stroke 78.0 mm x 67.8 mm■Compression Ratio 9.5:1■Maximum Output 34.9 kW (47.4 PS) / 7,150 rpm■Maximum Torque 56.5 Nm / 5,150 rpm■Fuel Supply System FI■Fuel Tank Capacity 13.7 L■Frame Steel Tubular Double Cradle Frame■Suspension (Front & Rear) SHOWA SFF-BP 43 mm Inverted Type / 130 mm Stroke / SHOWA Twin Shock / 5-Level Preload Adjustment & 115 mm Stroke■Transmission Type 6-speed return ■Brake type (front and rear): 320mm single disc x twin piston caliper, 270mm single disc x twin piston caliper ■Tire size (front and rear): MRF NYLOREX-F 100/90-19M/C57H, MRF NYLOREX-X 140/80B17M/C69H ■Price: TBD