I've always noticed that whenever Royal Enfield releases a bike, if the indian audience don't like it, the UK audience seem to like it and vice versa. I'm like uncle stu, i like all Royal Enfields😂
Bear. Goldilocks. I see what you did there........ RE are really on point with design though - even that 2 into 1 looks neat & doesn't need aftermarket. Enjoy your porridge.
A few years ago, when RE introduced the Interceptor, I was in a dealership in Newcastle and alongside the ‘new’ interceptor they had the last of the old 500 Bullets, which were being discontinued. Among them, they had 2 of the ‘Trials Bullets’, one with a red frame and the other with a green frame and it was simply love at first sight! From that day, I have always yearned for that green framed trials bike and now it’s back with better everything than the old bullet version. The only other bike that could generate such desire would be if RE introduced a bigger version of the Classic 350, say a 500 or 650. Wait, what’s that you say, they just did!!! What a wonderful dilemma to have, thank you Royal Enfield.
Nice, but I don't like having so much matte black paint everywhere. I prefer chrome and polished metal parts. Also, for me, a scrambler has to have a raised exhaust system.
If the number of scramblised interceptors on the road is anything to go by this will be a big seller. For most of us older guys a Scrambler that doesn't scramble is a better bet that a Cafe Racer that doesn't really race. Motorcycle/car names can seem a little odd when they first come out but most seem normal after a while. Maybe they think a Bear could beat a Tiger!
We have been waiting for this since 2019!! Since then I've had a new Goldwing( which Covid ruined my plans for) then I sold that, after frustration bought a T100 triumph however went out for freezing cold ride to Bristol and back from Brighton then sold that bought an ST1300 which was great, however found myself travelling too fast!! So sold that and bought a Harley Dyna 1450 carb model, great bike but also sold my bullet 500 which I had just spent 6 months restoring! Now I see this, the Harley has to go, its what I think fits all my needs, not too quick, light enough to manoeuvre easily you can fit luggage a screen and heated grips, it's the perfect fit, the T100 was good but everybody's got one it seems and these Royal enfields do it better and you can service them yourself easily, a trick Triumph haven't learnt yet. You know this is going to be a winner. I'm glad you approve Stuart because your a trustworthy source of information. Thank you.
CHRONOLOGY: On 2006 Triumph brought back the Scrambler concept with the 900 cc air cooled. Around ten years after Ducati stole the name, and now, almost 20 years after, Royal Enfield brings this absolutely stunning beauty based on the original air cooled Triumph Scrambler 900 from 2006. I heard that the original Triumph Scrambler 900 designers are the responsible of the Interceptor, but I can’t certify this. In between, all the other brands tried their own Scramblers with different level of success. Thank you Triumph and thank you Royal Enfield.
Off the charts cool 😎 factor with this bike! Royal Enfield and Uncle Stu get it spot on again! Not too hot or cold, just right! I almost can't decide which colour scheme looks best. I've just finished running in the Scram 411, and part of me is itching to trade it in for one of these! But I love the little Scram and how capable it is. The Bear, with its history, its looks, and design is very tempting!
Still don't understand how Harley Davidson has not been producing this motorcycle for a decade. Air cooled 500/650 dirt track/ scrambler. Blows my mind. Wait, it would cost 20k dollars.... forgot the HD mark-up. Your right , it would not sell. 😂
@markymarknj can't tell me, even with Americans manufacturing that bike, they could sell it for less then 9k out the door. Which is over priced, as all analog speedo and bare knuckle feel, that bike would sell well to the American market and first time riders. I am not an HD fan, but I want to buy an old sportster, but if this came out and simple to work on like the old bikes. They would knock it out of the park. But I am an idiot, so what do I know.
@@BlakesPipes I agree. H-D could produce a less expensive, more affordable bike; in fact, they've done so in the recent past. I guess H-D is still pursuing its wealthy, Baby Boomer buyers who are now dying off.
The weight is still a bit more than I'd care to deal with - my Classic 350 is borderline overweight. But it's likely the cost would go up as the weight goes down so I guess we'll have to deal with it. Oddly I find the color options for the Bear not all that appealing - the base white looks ok in the pictures they've released but I'll need to see these in metal. Good to know I'm not the only one underwhelmed by the 650 Classic - it just looks 'off', especially the tank, though the black/chrome looks much better than the other schemes. So far nothing from RE I'd give up my 350 for but good to see them expanding the model line with bikes that should sell well.
For me all other manufacturers seem to be on the edge of being samey if thats even a word but RE always seem to keep me on the edge of my seat , they don’t really do anything radical and they don’t bring out completely new bikes , they seem to keep the stuff that works and quietly get on with changing the things they need to change , the knock on effect is that the DNA is there in all the machines in the range and all the bits n bobs seem to work without the buyer paying a high price so if you like one of them you like something about all of them and thats me , i can never decide which is my favourite RE and i like them all for different reasons and as for the one i ride ! I have no criticism at all for it it has done one winter already and here we are in the second it still has no rust and nothings tarnished or fallen off even though i confess to not being a polisher and never making a real fuss of it cosmetically 😁👍
Fuzzy biker has done an onboard riding review of this. It may be the bike I'm after... I thought it was going to be the classic 650 but I really don't like that bike now it's been released. It feels like what they did when they modernised the mini cooper. Anyway, my concerns with the Bear is its weight for a 'scrambler' and the naturally higher seat... my Jack Russel legs may not be happy. Great pre-review as ever.
Good video, thank you. A week ago I placed a preorder with my RE dealership for one in the Two Four Nine colour. It's going to be a long wait until February!
You have to hand it to Enfield, they sure know how to make the most of their engine range and they sure know their market. I expect this new model to fly out of the dealerships and Triumph and Ducati will be hit hard.
If I owned a motorcycle brand that started with T, I would be REALLY worried as the bikes year over year fill out more of what the market needs. We own a Bullet 500 (Pegasus), a Himalayan and previously a INT650 and I cant imagine looking at another brand for a neo retro or utilitarian bike. As I get older, I get more and more into rarer vintage models, but RE is a force to be reckoned with. It would be cool to see them come out with something like an even more approachable small displacement single along the lines of a CL/CB125.
This Bear really looks like a fantastic fun bike, i'm in the process of getting the new 450 himalayan for more capable touring, i've put 35000 kms on my classic 350 this year and cannot fault it, This new Bear might be a better option than the 450, i will do a bit more research. Keep the great content coming.....
The mud guards are metal and the frame has also been tweaked. I have already reserved one in the US and the mechanics were looking at adding some accessories but not a lot of stuff fits between the original Int 650 and the new Bear.
Amide the oohs and ah's of the BSA, Himi 450 and the Classic 650...for me, I think the Bear will do it. Thank you Royal Enfield! Stu, I hope you are doing well!
I think it's a winner. A good all rounder and sensible sized 'adventure' bike after a couple of bolt on bits. That'll go nicely in the garage alongside my classic 350, 500 bullet and Continental GT (I wish) :)
For me it was the same: Bear released and I barely beat an eye at it. I was soo focused on 650 classic. Then 650 classic was unveiled at eicma and.... Nothing in the feel department plus a bitter taste after the 243kg figure was announced. Now I decided that I will make a choice after I will ride both of them and Himalayan back to back and I will let the pillion user to decide.
seems RE is wrapping the 650 engines in every motif to see what sticks.... The " Bear " looks to play the dirt bike part very well. I'll keep my Interceptor 😎
Yes, the Bear will be a very successful bike. A well designed, lovely machine and as You say, Stu, probably a perfect touring bike. I'll have a close look at it when it comes to my dealer shop.
I held off buying an Interceptor due to their long splayed out silencers, negative reports about the seat, foot peg position and iffy suspension. I ended up buying a SCRAM 411 which I modified to 'loosely' resemble the style of the Bear, and I'm pleased with the result, or was until the new Bear 650 appeared. The more I see, the more I'm tempted to buy one.
Good afternoon Stu. Late to the party today. Another good video. I’m not so sure about the colour schemes but it looks a nice version of the Interceptor. I notice that they’ve placed the rectifier regulator in a position to get some airflow.
Hello Sir - Thank you for making this video..I agree with you that the Bear 650 should have been the Interceptor...that was my thought when I looked at the Bear for the 1st time...
I'm surprised there is no bash guard, but it has a decent front fender extender, which Triumph lack and the radiator gets a good pelting of detritus. Good videos.
We are in the same boat, my hope was for the Classic 650, which disappointed me a lot, but I liked the Bear, it looks like a friend's modified Interceptor, which he uses in the countryside in difficult places without any consideration. Be careful with those tires, I've heard that they don't grip very well on asphalt.
I love everything about this bike! I have an Interceptor 650 that I changed to a very capable Scrambler. I would much prefer the Bear. The new gages, wheels, seat, exhaust, turn signals, etc is perfect. I have no interest in the classic.
That is a damn nice looking bike! A fat arse single seat would be the cherry on the top. How freaky that I referred to a bike you tested earlier this year as ‘Bear’, after the yoke and its fittings looked like a bears head, in certain lighting conditions. You need to swing your leg over a bear and get some roads testing done!
Went to my local dealer the other day to test ride a shotgun (which was ok, but the way to harsh suspension really put me off the bike) and while I was there I sat on an interceptor. I could just get my toes on the floor either side. Although I love the looks of the bear, I don't think I've got a hope of getting my feet down, no matter how much I like it.....
The only thing i think lets its looks down,and of course this is subjective is the black tail pipe as i think it makes the bike look like a Hunter,imho chrome would make it stand out a little more.
I can't wait for you to get a loaner, and do a review. This may turn out to be the best yet. I am surprised that I have only heard about the Bear in the past 3 or 4 weeks, Baxter Cycle here in the US has already received several of them. I think that they are considered to be a premier dealer by Royal Enfield, and tend to get bikes early. Fuzzy Biker has already ridden one, and has purchased a 249 edition based on that first ride. He is actually receiving the bike today. One thing he noticed was a significant improvement in low end grunt, and that 2 into 1 exhaust sounds fantastic. The US price is in line with the other new 650 models.
It does look nice. I have the scram 411. I like it because it's based on the himalayan. It will remain my do everything bike. But this is a beautifully styled road bike. Nice. Muz from oz.
I agree with most points. Suspension, seat comfort, pillion riders woes, position of the foot pegs, weight of the bike, and modest power are some of my peevs. The Classic 650 does not impress and the Bear has surprised me. And the subtle digs at Triumph are not to be missed....uniquely Uncle Stuart.
Those round tanks look serxy, raised bars a lot to like!! (not struck on the USD forks but I am old I guess) at least the clock is in the centre Hooray, Thanks for sharing Stuart.
You know, now that you mention it, I'm curious as to why RE hasn't brought out a scrambler version of the 650 until now. Why? Because I've seen used Interceptors for sale that had been modified as scramblers. That is, Interceptor owners were already doing this. Oh well, better late than never, right?
same here , wasnt ineterested in bear initially was looking forward for classic , but bear exceded my expections, and the classic 650 is a dissapointment, they should have used bear platform for classic 650, instead of that crusier chasis which is haunting since meteor 350.
Of course, after I've turned my own Interceptor into a scrambler the hard way! This bike will sell like crazy though, all the upgrades over the standard Interceptor are well worth the very slight price increase.
BEARS=British, European, American Motorcycle Racing (mainly 2-3 cilinders) As memory serves well, the predecessor of the Superbike class where John Britten, Ducati,BMW,Moto Guzzi ,Triumph and the Harley Davidson V1000 competed. I was lucky to see a race at Assen a few decades ago and the V1000 and britten are stunning IMO. This Bear650 could be interpreted as a clubracer later or a hint for competition or linked to the heritage you mentioned. kr, Erik
650cc, simple, aircooled bikes are 100% the goldylocks size but if we bought bikes with are heads we would all ride Honda Dull-villes, unfortumatly we buy with are hearts (Generaly) For me, the BEAR is the coolest thing on the road and me mates Brando, McQueen and Fonzy would agree 😊
Nice bike. Ticks all the boxes and fills a gap in the range. They've really knocked down the price of a new Interceptor now and if the Bear is keenly priced too, then I reckon they wipe the floor with the new 400cc Triumphs. As far as names go, at least RE went down a more pleasing route than Datsun/Nissan did with their 70s/80's cars. Otherwise we'd be lumbered with the Sunny, the Cherry and the Violet!!! lol 🙂
Great looking bike, Royal Enfield has missed a trick, by only producing am emasculated 47bhp version, a different cam & ignition timing set up, & you would be talking about 60 bhp game changer for almost no extra cost.
This will cost you $12500 out the door in Canada (taxes, fees, PDI etc) which is a little on the steep side considering the huge variety of other bikes at this price point arguably with better stats, and performance. Though I like the Bear, I think it's just a bit pricey.
RE are throwing out models like confetti - guess they've had great sales +cheap labour. Well done - but should be careful not to crowd their range. Always wondered if these 'scramblers' are actually thrown around forests and dirt tracks? If so - having a radiator taking flying objects could be interesting... maybe they actually mean...'scrambling' to the Pub
Triumph 400 Scrambler “Lackluster”??…….I wouldn’t say that Stuart , It’s a great bike and far better bike than the Interceptor 650 I got rid of. I like the look of the bear though
I think RE upcoming bullet 650 is exactly what you described Classic 650 should be. From the spy shots it is clear that they changed the rear mud guard and seat in bullet 650 according to your liking😜😆. Everything else is mostly similar to Classic 650
I always thought the aggressive position cafe racer should have been called the interceptor and the upright longer distance machine should be the Continental
maybe it's was a bit pessimistic estimate on my part. just checked and the cheapest interceptor is 3mil, so I think 3.3-3.4 for the cheapest bear is in the ballpark. + around 200k on the road ripoff fees of course...
Bugger. The biggest problem I have with Royal Enfield, isn’t a problem at all, but dilemma!…. mine. I just get to the idea of ‘ ooh, I really like that. Wouldn’t mind one of those’ and then they bring out another model which leaves me thinking the same! Now this and I want one! Good grief. It’s a great looking bike.
The only thing I don't "get" about this bike, is why it took them so damn long to make it. It's not even a close decision when it'll be NZ$2k less than a second hand Triumph 900. Will the Interceptor and Conti get a refresh and gain the USD forks etc?
It's not my thing - looks a little modern and I'm not into scramblers, but it does look quite nice and it does seem weird they didn't make one sooner. I know the desire for single cylinder and Bullet-like bikes is very strong nostalgia in India, but there must be demand for something even more practical for Indian rural roads? Oh well, whatever the reason, here it is.
Bugger! I was about to take the plunge on the new 450 Guerrilla but this thing looks ace.
I was the same, no competition, Bear ordered.
It does doesn't it 😊.
I've always noticed that whenever Royal Enfield releases a bike, if the indian audience don't like it, the UK audience seem to like it and vice versa. I'm like uncle stu, i like all Royal Enfields😂
Bear. Goldilocks. I see what you did there........
RE are really on point with design though - even that 2 into 1 looks neat & doesn't need aftermarket.
Enjoy your porridge.
Hey! GT535 Owner here!
It's an amazing bike as you know Stuart. That engine is a beating heart full of joy that makes me smile in every ride
Good coverage great bike , who would ever thought Royal Enfield would become a world leader
I never liked the looks of interceptor but this looks beautiful. This and continental GT.❤
A few years ago, when RE introduced the Interceptor, I was in a dealership in Newcastle and alongside the ‘new’ interceptor they had the last of the old 500 Bullets, which were being discontinued. Among them, they had 2 of the ‘Trials Bullets’, one with a red frame and the other with a green frame and it was simply love at first sight! From that day, I have always yearned for that green framed trials bike and now it’s back with better everything than the old bullet version. The only other bike that could generate such desire would be if RE introduced a bigger version of the Classic 350, say a 500 or 650. Wait, what’s that you say, they just did!!! What a wonderful dilemma to have, thank you Royal Enfield.
Nice, but I don't like having so much matte black paint everywhere. I prefer chrome and polished metal parts. Also, for me, a scrambler has to have a raised exhaust system.
If the number of scramblised interceptors on the road is anything to go by this will be a big seller. For most of us older guys a Scrambler that doesn't scramble is a better bet that a Cafe Racer that doesn't really race. Motorcycle/car names can seem a little odd when they first come out but most seem normal after a while. Maybe they think a Bear could beat a Tiger!
I just hit the Like button even before I watch your video...that's the kind of love and respect you command...
Ditto.
Blind followers
Good lad that Stuart 👍
@@1234fazermannwhy are you here then ....lost your white stick.
We have been waiting for this since 2019!! Since then I've had a new Goldwing( which Covid ruined my plans for) then I sold that, after frustration bought a T100 triumph however went out for freezing cold ride to Bristol and back from Brighton then sold that bought an ST1300 which was great, however found myself travelling too fast!! So sold that and bought a Harley Dyna 1450 carb model, great bike but also sold my bullet 500 which I had just spent 6 months restoring! Now I see this, the Harley has to go, its what I think fits all my needs, not too quick, light enough to manoeuvre easily you can fit luggage a screen and heated grips, it's the perfect fit, the T100 was good but everybody's got one it seems and these Royal enfields do it better and you can service them yourself easily, a trick Triumph haven't learnt yet.
You know this is going to be a winner. I'm glad you approve Stuart because your a trustworthy source of information. Thank you.
CHRONOLOGY:
On 2006 Triumph brought back the Scrambler concept with the 900 cc air cooled. Around ten years after Ducati stole the name, and now, almost 20 years after, Royal Enfield brings this absolutely stunning beauty based on the original air cooled Triumph Scrambler 900 from 2006. I heard that the original Triumph Scrambler 900 designers are the responsible of the Interceptor, but I can’t certify this. In between, all the other brands tried their own Scramblers with different level of success. Thank you Triumph and thank you Royal Enfield.
Off the charts cool 😎 factor with this bike! Royal Enfield and Uncle Stu get it spot on again! Not too hot or cold, just right! I almost can't decide which colour scheme looks best. I've just finished running in the Scram 411, and part of me is itching to trade it in for one of these! But I love the little Scram and how capable it is. The Bear, with its history, its looks, and design is very tempting!
Thank you Stuart, I’ve been waiting for this bike to come along, and I think Bear is a great name.
First RE that made me say "Wow" I do like a scrambler :)
The white green 249 isa killer looking motorcycle
Still don't understand how Harley Davidson has not been producing this motorcycle for a decade. Air cooled 500/650 dirt track/ scrambler. Blows my mind. Wait, it would cost 20k dollars.... forgot the HD mark-up. Your right , it would not sell. 😂
Forget the HD markup indeed! Their cheapest model is now the new liquid cooled Sportster selling for $14K...
@markymarknj can't tell me, even with Americans manufacturing that bike, they could sell it for less then 9k out the door. Which is over priced, as all analog speedo and bare knuckle feel, that bike would sell well to the American market and first time riders. I am not an HD fan, but I want to buy an old sportster, but if this came out and simple to work on like the old bikes. They would knock it out of the park. But I am an idiot, so what do I know.
@@BlakesPipes I agree. H-D could produce a less expensive, more affordable bike; in fact, they've done so in the recent past. I guess H-D is still pursuing its wealthy, Baby Boomer buyers who are now dying off.
The weight is still a bit more than I'd care to deal with - my Classic 350 is borderline overweight. But it's likely the cost would go up as the weight goes down so I guess we'll have to deal with it. Oddly I find the color options for the Bear not all that appealing - the base white looks ok in the pictures they've released but I'll need to see these in metal. Good to know I'm not the only one underwhelmed by the 650 Classic - it just looks 'off', especially the tank, though the black/chrome looks much better than the other schemes. So far nothing from RE I'd give up my 350 for but good to see them expanding the model line with bikes that should sell well.
For me all other manufacturers seem to be on the edge of being samey if thats even a word but RE always seem to keep me on the edge of my seat , they don’t really do anything radical and they don’t bring out completely new bikes , they seem to keep the stuff that works and quietly get on with changing the things they need to change , the knock on effect is that the DNA is there in all the machines in the range and all the bits n bobs seem to work without the buyer paying a high price so if you like one of them you like something about all of them and thats me , i can never decide which is my favourite RE and i like them all for different reasons and as for the one i ride ! I have no criticism at all for it it has done one winter already and here we are in the second it still has no rust and nothings tarnished or fallen off even though i confess to not being a polisher and never making a real fuss of it cosmetically 😁👍
Great stuff as usual, Stu. Looking forward to your review once you've ridden it. Cheers.
Fuzzy biker has done an onboard riding review of this. It may be the bike I'm after... I thought it was going to be the classic 650 but I really don't like that bike now it's been released. It feels like what they did when they modernised the mini cooper. Anyway, my concerns with the Bear is its weight for a 'scrambler' and the naturally higher seat... my Jack Russel legs may not be happy. Great pre-review as ever.
Good video, thank you. A week ago I placed a preorder with my RE dealership for one in the Two Four Nine colour. It's going to be a long wait until February!
I ordered my Himalayan months before I got it. Worth the wait, though. Patience is a virtue, I understand.
You have to hand it to Enfield, they sure know how to make the most of their engine range and they sure know their market. I expect this new model to fly out of the dealerships and Triumph and Ducati will be hit hard.
I’ll wait till Stu’s actually riding review for a nuts and bolts appraisal 😎👌
Brilliant video as always Stuart and the bear 650 is a mighty fine looking bike - I want one 😊👍🏻
If I owned a motorcycle brand that started with T, I would be REALLY worried as the bikes year over year fill out more of what the market needs. We own a Bullet 500 (Pegasus), a Himalayan and previously a INT650 and I cant imagine looking at another brand for a neo retro or utilitarian bike. As I get older, I get more and more into rarer vintage models, but RE is a force to be reckoned with. It would be cool to see them come out with something like an even more approachable small displacement single along the lines of a CL/CB125.
This Bear really looks like a fantastic fun bike, i'm in the process of getting the new 450 himalayan for more capable touring, i've put 35000 kms on my classic 350 this year and cannot fault it, This new Bear might be a better option than the 450, i will do a bit more research. Keep the great content coming.....
off to NEC tomorrow for a closer look, think i need a bigger garage
For me and my pals,Not going to the NEC bike shows anymore pure rip off! But have a great day .
The mud guards are metal and the frame has also been tweaked. I have already reserved one in the US and the mechanics were looking at adding some accessories but not a lot of stuff fits between the original Int 650 and the new Bear.
I’ve never been a scrambler type of guy but I like this! Recently bought a place with a large oval gravel driveway, maybe I need a Bear 650…
Amide the oohs and ah's of the BSA, Himi 450 and the Classic 650...for me, I think the Bear will do it. Thank you Royal Enfield! Stu, I hope you are doing well!
It's beautiful, I just find the lack of a high-pipe an odd choice for their vintage-inspired scrambler.
I think it's a winner. A good all rounder and sensible sized 'adventure' bike after a couple of bolt on bits. That'll go nicely in the garage alongside my classic 350, 500 bullet and Continental GT (I wish) :)
Yes, a 650cc hits the sweet spot....has large bike stability/power, but isn't too much of a handful to manoeuvre.
Happily the garage is full with Ural outfit, Hunter, Bullet...nice bike. Maybe the lawnmower out and other things...
For me it was the same: Bear released and I barely beat an eye at it. I was soo focused on 650 classic. Then 650 classic was unveiled at eicma and.... Nothing in the feel department plus a bitter taste after the 243kg figure was announced. Now I decided that I will make a choice after I will ride both of them and Himalayan back to back and I will let the pillion user to decide.
seems RE is wrapping the 650 engines in every motif to see what sticks.... The " Bear " looks to play the dirt bike part very well. I'll keep my Interceptor 😎
Yes, the Bear will be a very successful bike. A well designed, lovely machine and as You say, Stu, probably a perfect touring bike. I'll have a close look at it when it comes to my dealer shop.
I held off buying an Interceptor due to their long splayed out silencers, negative reports about the seat, foot peg position and iffy suspension. I ended up buying a SCRAM 411 which I modified to 'loosely' resemble the style of the Bear, and I'm pleased with the result, or was until the new Bear 650 appeared. The more I see, the more I'm tempted to buy one.
Needs two analog gauges like the jntercepter
Nice video thanks
Good afternoon Stu. Late to the party today. Another good video. I’m not so sure about the colour schemes but it looks a nice version of the Interceptor. I notice that they’ve placed the rectifier regulator in a position to get some airflow.
I think i agree with all your observations and comments. Cheers. Nuff said.
Hello Sir - Thank you for making this video..I agree with you that the Bear 650 should have been the Interceptor...that was my thought when I looked at the Bear for the 1st time...
I'm surprised there is no bash guard, but it has a decent front fender extender, which Triumph lack and the radiator gets a good pelting of detritus. Good videos.
im sure RE will sell you one
Great to hear your thoughts on the Bear - This may be the Royal Enfield that should have been build, but no-one expected!
We are in the same boat, my hope was for the Classic 650, which disappointed me a lot, but I liked the Bear, it looks like a friend's modified Interceptor, which he uses in the countryside in difficult places without any consideration. Be careful with those tires, I've heard that they don't grip very well on asphalt.
Looks interesting. Hopefully I'll get a closer look at the NEC next week.
Nice. Very nice. My friend sitting next to me had to be restrained to stop him drooling over my keyboard.
I love everything about this bike! I have an Interceptor 650 that I changed to a very capable Scrambler. I would much prefer the Bear. The new gages, wheels, seat, exhaust, turn signals, etc is perfect. I have no interest in the classic.
That is a damn nice looking bike! A fat arse single seat would be the cherry on the top. How freaky that I referred to a bike you tested earlier this year as ‘Bear’, after the yoke and its fittings looked like a bears head, in certain lighting conditions. You need to swing your leg over a bear and get some roads testing done!
At this point i think i should buy every 650 model but only one with an engine.
Clip ons and slip ons.
Quick release engine and wheels.
You're definitely onto something.
Looks like RE took a look at the UK roads and built something for the future.
@@theodavies8754 Probably my greatest business idea so far 😂
Oooh, that's the one ok. Nice.
There's a major problem with this bike!.. Which colour to pick!?!
The yellow one for me.
@@fabfafa Me too. Oh wait a minute, I've changed my mind again! 😆
@@daddy_cooliono yellow still
It’s beautiful! In my opinion it would look even better on knobby tires!
Went to my local dealer the other day to test ride a shotgun (which was ok, but the way to harsh suspension really put me off the bike) and while I was there I sat on an interceptor. I could just get my toes on the floor either side. Although I love the looks of the bear, I don't think I've got a hope of getting my feet down, no matter how much I like it.....
That's why i liked the shotgun. Bought a triumph bobber instead lol.
The only thing i think lets its looks down,and of course this is subjective is the black tail pipe as i think it makes the bike look like a Hunter,imho chrome would make it stand out a little more.
I can't wait for you to get a loaner, and do a review. This may turn out to be the best yet.
I am surprised that I have only heard about the Bear in the past 3 or 4 weeks, Baxter Cycle here in the US has already received several of them. I think that they are considered to be a premier dealer by Royal Enfield, and tend to get bikes early.
Fuzzy Biker has already ridden one, and has purchased a 249 edition based on that first ride. He is actually receiving the bike today. One thing he noticed was a significant improvement in low end grunt, and that 2 into 1 exhaust sounds fantastic.
The US price is in line with the other new 650 models.
It does look nice.
I have the scram 411.
I like it because it's based on the himalayan. It will remain my do everything bike.
But this is a beautifully styled road bike. Nice.
Muz from oz.
It certainly is a lovely looking bike👍
I'm actually looking for a simple bike to ride around Australia, with a few mods this may be the one...
I agree with most points. Suspension, seat comfort, pillion riders woes, position of the foot pegs, weight of the bike, and modest power are some of my peevs.
The Classic 650 does not impress and the Bear has surprised me.
And the subtle digs at Triumph are not to be missed....uniquely Uncle Stuart.
lol not digs just facts, these two brands are competing for the same air space.
I really needed it to have a centre stand.
Those round tanks look serxy, raised bars a lot to like!! (not struck on the USD forks but I am old I guess) at least the clock is in the centre Hooray, Thanks for sharing Stuart.
This is definitely the one for me ❤
You know, now that you mention it, I'm curious as to why RE hasn't brought out a scrambler version of the 650 until now. Why? Because I've seen used Interceptors for sale that had been modified as scramblers. That is, Interceptor owners were already doing this. Oh well, better late than never, right?
Thank you. This RE is interesting and I am shure you will test it for us on the roads 😃👍🏼
Big Bear Run 1960: "Fast Eddie" Mulder
Apparently that's why it's called Bear.
Another cool bike classic design
same here , wasnt ineterested in bear initially was looking forward for classic , but bear exceded my expections, and the classic 650 is a dissapointment, they should have used bear platform for classic 650, instead of that crusier chasis which is haunting since meteor 350.
Be nicer if the wheels were tubeless, that will be a consideration for those that might choose the Triumph over this. The Bear is pretty though.
And have cast wheels
Perhaps they should have named the LS410 "Sloth"😂
Oii
Of course, after I've turned my own Interceptor into a scrambler the hard way! This bike will sell like crazy though, all the upgrades over the standard Interceptor are well worth the very slight price increase.
RE has very smart marketing people. Bring out the bike that everybody want as late as possible to the market.
Hence the Bear, Classic 650.
BEARS=British, European, American Motorcycle Racing (mainly 2-3 cilinders)
As memory serves well, the predecessor of the Superbike class where John Britten, Ducati,BMW,Moto Guzzi ,Triumph and the Harley Davidson V1000 competed. I was lucky to see a race at Assen a few decades ago and the V1000 and britten are stunning IMO.
This Bear650 could be interpreted as a clubracer later or a hint for competition or linked to the heritage you mentioned.
kr, Erik
650cc, simple, aircooled bikes are 100% the goldylocks size but if we bought bikes with are heads we would all ride Honda Dull-villes, unfortumatly we buy with are hearts (Generaly) For me, the BEAR is the coolest thing on the road and me mates Brando, McQueen and Fonzy would agree 😊
I honestly think royal enfield have just given triumph a good kick in the knackers 😁.
Peace out ✌️
Thank you Stuart
Thank You mr Dragon!
Nice bike. Ticks all the boxes and fills a gap in the range. They've really knocked down the price of a new Interceptor now and if the Bear is keenly priced too, then I reckon they wipe the floor with the new 400cc Triumphs. As far as names go, at least RE went down a more pleasing route than Datsun/Nissan did with their 70s/80's cars. Otherwise we'd be lumbered with the Sunny, the Cherry and the Violet!!! lol 🙂
Great looking bike, Royal Enfield has missed a trick, by only producing am emasculated 47bhp version, a different cam & ignition timing set up, & you would be talking about 60 bhp game changer for almost no extra cost.
Another great insight into REs latest release. Do you know if there will be a tubeless/spoked rim option? That would be a deal breaker for me.
Hopefully Uk bikes will have the option of cast wheels instead of tubed/spoked....same as the new Himalayan....I'd be interested then🤔
This will cost you $12500 out the door in Canada (taxes, fees, PDI etc) which is a little on the steep side considering the huge variety of other bikes at this price point arguably with better stats, and performance. Though I like the Bear, I think it's just a bit pricey.
looking forward to sitting on one at motorcycle live it seems to address the things I don't like about the Interceptor
Cracking review as usual!
Cracking bike!
They also moved the foot-controls; forward and down slightly.
5:00 No surprise here, they've dropped the prices for all existing models for £1000 sometimes more.
RE are throwing out models like confetti - guess they've had great sales +cheap labour. Well done - but should be careful not to crowd their range. Always wondered if these 'scramblers' are actually thrown around forests and dirt tracks? If so - having a radiator taking flying objects could be interesting... maybe they actually mean...'scrambling' to the Pub
its not a radiator
@@stuartfillingham what is it - oil cooler?
Its a novel idea , making bikes people want .
Triumph 400 Scrambler “Lackluster”??…….I wouldn’t say that Stuart , It’s a great bike and far better bike than the Interceptor 650 I got rid of. I like the look of the bear though
RE should bring up a 535cc single cylinder engine may be based on the J series model
I think RE upcoming bullet 650 is exactly what you described Classic 650 should be. From the spy shots it is clear that they changed the rear mud guard and seat in bullet 650 according to your liking😜😆. Everything else is mostly similar to Classic 650
I always thought the aggressive position cafe racer should have been called the interceptor and the upright longer distance machine should be the Continental
Are you testing Gurriela 450? It is available in Britain for quite some time🤔
i just hope my 172cm height wont be a problem for this bike, because im getting one the minute it's available in Hungary. gorgeous
It’s on Full-Gas website already but the price unknown at the moment. I hope it will be available for a test ride in the spring.
@@tamasvarga67 estimating it somewhere between 3.6-4 mill depending on the colorway .but yeah, early spring hopefully!
@ Sounds steep but considering the HUF is going downhill it’s possible
maybe it's was a bit pessimistic estimate on my part.
just checked and the cheapest interceptor is 3mil, so I think 3.3-3.4 for the cheapest bear is in the ballpark.
+ around 200k on the road ripoff fees of course...
@ I bought a Himalayan this year but the Bear is very tempting to have a second bike. The only problem is that I don’t see a tubeless option.
Looks awesome 🤓
Bugger. The biggest problem I have with Royal Enfield, isn’t a problem at all, but dilemma!…. mine.
I just get to the idea of ‘ ooh, I really like that. Wouldn’t mind one of those’ and then they bring out another model which leaves me thinking the same! Now this and I want one! Good grief. It’s a great looking bike.
The only thing I don't "get" about this bike, is why it took them so damn long to make it. It's not even a close decision when it'll be NZ$2k less than a second hand Triumph 900. Will the Interceptor and Conti get a refresh and gain the USD forks etc?
I will wait for the proper Uncle Stu ride review.
The styling is great ,but... they should have go for a new 650 engine based on 450 sherpa ...
It's not my thing - looks a little modern and I'm not into scramblers, but it does look quite nice and it does seem weird they didn't make one sooner.
I know the desire for single cylinder and Bullet-like bikes is very strong nostalgia in India, but there must be demand for something even more practical for Indian rural roads?
Oh well, whatever the reason, here it is.