Royal Enfield Bear 650 vs Interceptor 650 – What All’s Different?

The Indian two-wheeler giant has revealed the Royal Enfield Bear 650 which is based on the Inceptor 650 itself

This comparison between the Royal Enfield Bear 650 and Interceptor 650 in terms of features, design and specs is quite interesting. Note that the the new Bear 650 utilizes the same 650 platform as the Interceptor and many other Royal Enfield motorcycles. In fact, the Bear 650 is the 5th RE bike using this platform. It is commendable to see how the Chennai-based two-wheeler giant is able to launch distinct products with so many similarities. Nevertheless, this is great for buyers who are looking for a bike in the 650-cc segment in India. There are almost half a dozen alternatives available within the RE portfolio itself. Let us compare these two here.

Royal Enfield Bear 650 vs Interceptor 650 – Price

The Royal Enfield Bear 650 has just been revealed which is why the prices are not out yet. However, we know that the Interceptor 650 retails between Rs 3.03 lakh and Rs 3.31 lakh, ex-showroom. We shall have to wait to know the actual retail sticker of the former.

Royal Enfield Bear 650 vs Interceptor 650 – Specs

Let us commence with the specifications. Unsurprisingly, both these motorcycles share the powertrain albeit there is some difference in the output. The new Royal Enfield Bear 650 comes with a 647.95-cc inline twin-cylinder engine which produces a decent 47.4 PS and 56.5 Nm of peak power and torque. There is a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox with this engine with a wet multi-plate clutch. It has a steel tubular double cradle frame. The front wheel travel is 130 mm and the rear wheel travel is 115 mm. At the front, it gets a 43 mm USD telescopic fork, whereas the rear suspension setup is made up of a twin-shock absorber.

This bike has a great ground clearance of 184 mm which is more in line with the scrambler style. Also, the bike weighs 216 kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 13.6 litres. Moreover, it gets disc brakes on both wheels with dual-channel ABS. The front and rear disc diameters are 320 mm and 270 mm, respectively. Finally, at the front, we see 19-inch spoked wheels with a 100/90 section tyre and at the rear, the bike offers 17-inch spoked wheels with a 140/80 section tyre. These are different on the Interceptor 650 due to the very nature of the two bikes.

On the other hand, the Interceptor 650 has a 647.95-cc inline twin-cylinder engine which is capable of generating a healthy 47.4 PS and 52.3 Nm of peak power and torque. Hence, there is a slight difference in the torque figures. This bike uses a 6-speed gearbox with a wet multi-plate clutch. The weight of this motorcycle is 218 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 13.6 litres. With a wheelbase of 1,398 mm, the ground clearance is a decent 174 mm. At the front, it gets a 320 mm disc, while at the rear, there is a 240 mm disc. Even it uses a steel tubular double cradle frame.

Apart from that, the front suspension system is made up of telescopic forks, whereas in the back, we get to see Twin gas charged shock absorbers with adjustable preload. Furthermore, the motorcycle has disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS. Also, the front wheel is 18 inches in diameter with a 100/90 section tyre while the rear wheel is also 18 inches with a 130/70 section tyre. Therefore, there are some minor differences between the twoo.

Design and Features

The new Royal Enfield Bear 650 certainly looks much more adventurous than the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. At the front, it gets the retro-modern theme with a round LED headlamp, a short tyre hugger, spoked wheels with rugged tyres and a naked appearance. On the sides, it gets a single-frame seat, graphics on the fuel tank, a side plate board, a two-into-one exhaust system, and wide handlebars. At the rear, the grab handle and tiny taillamp look subtle. The features list includes:

• Tripper Dash
• 4-inch Round TFT Display
• Phone Connectivity
• Full Map Navigation (Google Maps)
• Media Controls
• USB 2.0 Tyre-C Port
• All-LED Lighting

On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 bears an even more retro styling with a round headlamp, chrome elements, wide handlebars with rearview mirrors and traditional turn indicators. On the sides, there are blingy elements on the fuel tank, side panels and exhaust pipe. Even it gets a single-seat layout with black side body panels. At the rear, there is a thin iron bar as a grab handle and a regular taillamp. I like the spoked wheels. Even it has many features and amenities.

My View

Both these motorcycles might seem similar in terms of mechanicals, but there are subtle design, features and specifications differences. However, I shall reserve my verdict until the prices are announced. In any case, you will get a compelling product with a tried-and-tested powertrain and architecture.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gun Grey Walkaround Video