Royal Enfield Bear 650: Is it the Interceptor's Grizzly Demise?

We've flogged the entire Royal Enfield lineup, from the Himalayan to the Classic to the Shotgun, and they consistently nail that sweet spot between retro charm and modern practicality. But the question on everyone's lips (or at least mine) is: does the new Bear 650 finally dethrone the reigning champ, the Interceptor in the mid capacity segment? After spending some quality time in the saddle, the Biker Torque team are leaning heavily towards "yes."

First impressions? Comfort. Let's talk about that seat. It's a revelation, a plush oasis compared to the Interceptor's, shall I say, minimalist approach to posterior support. Seriously, my backside thanked me profusely. It even looks comfortable, which is a rare feat. The riding position is also a major win. The footpegs are intelligently placed – not too far forward, not too cramped. They’ve also employed some kind of seat-wizardry. It looks completely flat, yet subtly leans you forward into a comfortable, commanding position. Magic.

The single clock is a stylish and functional touch. Nothing new, same as the one seen on the Himalayan and Guerrilla. Clean, informative, and big enough for my aging eyes to actually read at a glance. No squinting required.

And the exhaust note? A bit more growl and character than the Interceptor, thanks to the two-into-one setup. It's not obnoxious, just a pleasant rumble that adds to the overall riding experience. Plus, I love that they're tipping their hat to Royal Enfield's history with the "Big Bear Run" homage. A nice touch of heritage.

The heart of the bike, the 650 twin engine, is classic Royal Enfield goodness. Smooth, tractable, and a joy to use in any situation. Plenty of torque for effortless cruising, and enough power to have some fun when you twist the throttle. Fourth and fifth gears are perfectly spaced for everyday riding, and sixth acts like a relaxed highway overdrive. The horn? Let's just say it's… assertive. Tegan had the pleasure (or rather, the necessity) of testing it when a car decided to merge directly into her lane. It definitely got their attention.

Now, let's talk suspension. Showa all around, and it's a massive upgrade over the Interceptor's somewhat… agricultural setup. The front end is planted and communicative, giving you a real sense of connection to the road. Combine that with the plush seat, and you've got a bike that's surprisingly comfortable for longer rides. It's also a dream to commute on. The wheelbase is just right, the height is perfect (at least for me), and the styling is on point. It's nimble, the mirrors offer excellent visibility, and you can actually filter through traffic without feeling like you're wrestling a particularly stubborn hippo.

Okay, now for my one gripe, the thing that keeps me up at night. Royal Enfield, what in the name of all that is symmetrical is going on with that slightly off-center clock?! I'm a bit of a symmetry freak, and this drives me absolutely nuts. It's just enough to be noticeable, and once you see it, you can't unsee it. It's like a tiny, nagging imperfection that ruins an otherwise perfect picture. Move the ignition barrel, for crying out loud!

The Bear 650? Love it. Clock aside, it's a brilliant bike. Go ride one. You won't regret it. (Unless you're really, really into symmetry.)

For more information check out our review on YouTube.