Appropriately learner approved and drawing inspiration from the spirit of a 16-year-old rookie named Eddie Mulder, the Royal Enfield Bear 650 delivers a scrambler package based on the brand’s hugely successful Interceptor.
Way back in 1960, that teen took on the Californian desert to win the wildest race of them all, the Big Bear Run, with his achievement delivering the name for the Indian bike maker’s latest creation.
Don’t be fooled by the links, like the side race number panels and some of its chassis components, to the ageing Interceptor either, as the Bear 650 holds its own strong individual character, with a soul and identity all of its own.
The rear third of the bike has been completely redesigned, with the Bear grabbing an extra inch ground clearance, a new seat and a repositioned handlebar and foot pegs. Combined with some tasty suspension upgrades, the bike handles a treat, both on and off road.
A full Showa setup features, including an upside down fork on the front and heavy duty rear shocks with five steps of adjustable pre-load. Add a chunkier set of MRF Nylorex dual sport tyres to the mix and although it’s not a true adventure bike, it’s a ball in the dirt.
Manageable and compliant, the Bear 650 is perfect for tackling fire trails or easy bush tracks, with good ergonomics aiding the rider’s cause. In a nice touch, the rear ABS can be turned off.
Increased suspension travel helps the Royal Enfield take on mild scrub but push too hard or far into hard terrain and you’ll reach the scrambler’s limitations. That’s okay though, Royal Enfield has a full adventure bike with the Himalayan 450.
On the road, the Bear 650 embodies all the great characteristics of Royal Enfield motorcycles. The brand’s principles of simplicity and pure riding are clearly present, with nothing too complicated in any of the bike’s functions.
The build quality is great too, forming part of a concerted effort by Royal Enfield to make their bikes better. Every new model has subtle improvements and this bike is no different, with the fork on the Golden Shadow variant we’re testing, a standout.
All the controls are standard Royal Enfield issue and the inclusion of the TFT Tripper 4.0-inch infotainment setup gets a massive tick from us. Clear and easy to read, it features smartphone integration for navigation and music.
In a first for the bike maker’s 650 platform, the Bear is the first model to score a full LED lighting package. Power comes from a 4-stroke parallel twin, producing 34.9kW and 56.5Nm from the air/oil cooled unit.
It’s obedient and dependable, offering what felt like a little more low to mid range torque than some of the purely road focused models. The two-into-one exhaust amplifies a nice soundtrack, whilst the 320mm single front and 270mm rear disc brake to an adequate job.
Tipping the scales at 214kg, the 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 is available in five colour options, including Boardwalk White, Golden Shadow (as tested), Petrol Green, Wild Honey and Two Four Nine.
Backed by a 3-year unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assistance for an identical period, it’s priced from $11,490 ride away. A budget friendly scrambler, the Bear 650 looks great, is built well, and embodies the spirit of the iconic Twins.
You can find out more on the Royal Enfield website or by contacting your local dealer.
Our test bike was provided by Royal Enfield Australia for independent review purposes.
