Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 vs Bear 650: differences explained

The fifth bike to utilise Royal Enfield’s tried-and-tested 648cc twin-cylinder motor is the Bear 650. The Bear is a scrambler based on the Interceptor and here we’ll list all the differences between the two bikes. 

Bear vs Interceptor: engine 

While the engine powering both bikes is the same, the Bear is the first bike to debut a two-into-one exhaust system. As a result, Royal Enfield has managed to eke out a little more torque. The Bear’s motor makes 56.5Nm of torque, which is 4Nm more than the Interceptor (and the other 3 RE 650s).

Bear vs Interceptor: chassis and dimensions

The frame on the Bear is visually similar to the one on the Interceptor but RE has strengthened it in key areas for the light off-road usage it intends the Bear to undertake. 

Another difference comes in the form of the underpinnings, which are entirely new on the Bear 650. A Showa USD fork and twin shock absorbers are on the Bear as opposed to the telescopic fork and gas-charged twin shocks on the Interceptor. The Bear also has increased travel at both ends 130mm/115mm (front/rear) compared to the Interceptor’s 110mm/88mm (front/rear).

The Bear’s wheel sizes and tyres are also different. It runs on spoked 19/17-inch wheels shod with brand-new MRF Nylorex tyres compared to the Interceptor’s 18-inch rims and CEAT tyres. There is no tubeless wheel option available for the Bear, while the Interceptor can be equipped with alloy wheels and therefore, run on tubeless tyres.

All of this has resulted in a difference in the key dimensions of both bikes. The Bear weighs in at 216kg with an 830mm seat height and has 184mm of ground clearance. Meanwhile, the Interceptor weighs 218kg, and has an 804mm perch and 174mm of ground clearance.  

Bear vs Interceptor: features

The Bear 650 is the first 650cc Royal Enfield to use the TFT dash, which is also found on the Guerrilla and the Himalayan. This display has Bluetooth connectivity and one can even cast Google Maps onto the screen. This display is a big upgrade in terms of features and functionality over the handsome digi-analogue dials seen on both the Interceptor and Continental GT. 

The Bear is also the first RE 650 to have all-LED lighting as standard. The indicators on the Bear are also seen on the Himalayan and Guerrilla, while its round tail lamp is shared with the Hunter 350. 

Also See: Updated Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 spotted with twin front disc brakes