The Himalayas—rugged, untamed, and spiritual—have long been the proving ground for motorcycles in India. And when Royal Enfield launched the Bear 650, an adventure tourer based on its proven 650cc platform, it naturally begged one question: Can it handle the mighty Himalayas? We took the Bear 650 on a grueling 1,800 km journey from Delhi to Kaza and back to find out. Here’s a comprehensive real-world review that blends performance, practicality, and pure adventure.
Design & Build Quality
From the first glance, the Royal Enfield Bear 650 radiates ruggedness. It borrows its DNA from the Interceptor 650 but has been purpose-built for adventure riding. The tall stance, upright windscreen, spoked 19” front and 17” rear wheels, aluminum bash plate, and long-travel suspension scream “take me to the mountains.” The dual-tone matte color options paired with knobby tires give it the authentic ADV look, rivaling even more expensive machines in presence.
Build quality has been significantly refined. From the handlebar grips to the welds on the frame, the Bear 650 feels premium and ready to withstand rough terrain. The tank is muscular with a generous 18-litre capacity, which was a godsend on the remote stretches toward Kaza.
Ergonomics & Comfort
The Bear 650 is built for long hours in the saddle. The wide, comfortable seat, tall handlebar, and forward-set foot pegs create a relaxed riding triangle. With a seat height of 830 mm, it offers decent accessibility for most riders while still providing ample ground clearance (200 mm) for off-road sections.
Riding from Delhi through the congested city, fast highway stretches, and narrow Himalayan trails, the Bear offered supreme comfort. Even after riding 7-8 hours per day, fatigue was surprisingly minimal. The pillion seat is well-padded and usable for short-to-medium rides.
Engine Performance
Under the tank lies the same buttery smooth 648cc parallel-twin engine used in the Interceptor and Continental GT. It produces 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque. However, the Bear 650 has been tuned for better low-end grunt and mid-range performance, ideal for off-road and uphill riding.
On open highways like NH44 and NH5, the engine performed effortlessly, cruising at 110–120 km/h without any stress. In the hills, the torque made overtaking slow vehicles on inclines easy and stress-free. The throttle response is linear, and the 6-speed gearbox is crisp and well-spaced. A slip-and-assist clutch made frequent gear changes smoother, especially during uphill hairpins.
Suspension & Handling
Here’s where the Bear 650 shines. Up front, you get 43 mm USD forks with 200 mm travel, and the rear features a preload-adjustable monoshock with 180 mm travel. This suspension setup handled everything we threw at it—from broken tarmac and gravel to rocky trails and water crossings.
The bike maintains composure on rough terrain and feels stable at high speeds. Cornering on twisty mountain roads felt confident, aided by the grippy dual-purpose tires (CEAT GRIPP Trail). Even when loaded with saddle bags and gear, it maintained balance and poise.
In terms of weight, the Bear 650 tips the scales at around 230 kg with fuel. Yes, it’s heavy, but the weight is well-distributed, and once in motion, it doesn’t feel cumbersome.
Braking & Safety
Braking duties are handled by dual-channel ABS with a 320 mm disc up front and 270 mm at the rear. The bite is progressive, with adequate feedback for both city and off-road conditions. ABS works well on gravel and loose terrain, though having an option to disable the rear ABS would’ve been useful during serious off-roading.
The bike also includes traction control (switchable), which came in handy during slushy patches near Nako and Losar. LED headlights with integrated DRLs offer good visibility at night, and the hazard lamp switch is a welcome addition for riding in foggy or low-visibility areas.
Features & Tech
The Bear 650 gets a semi-digital instrument cluster that includes an analog tachometer and digital speedometer, gear indicator, trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, and a turn-by-turn Tripper navigation pod (powered via Bluetooth and the RE app). It’s not a tech-laden bike like the KTM Adventure 390, but it covers all essentials without overwhelming the rider.
A USB charging port is provided near the handlebar, useful for navigation and mobile devices. Cruise control would’ve been the cherry on top, but its absence isn’t a deal-breaker.
Fuel Efficiency & Tank Range
Adventure rides demand efficiency, especially when fuel stations are scarce. On our Delhi–Kaza–Delhi ride, the Bear 650 returned a consistent 26–28 km/l on highways and around 22–24 km/l in the hills. With an 18-litre tank, you can expect a real-world range of 400–450 km—enough for most long rides without worry.
We carried an extra 5L jerrycan just in case and only needed it once near Spiti, proving the tank capacity and economy to be reliable.
Real-World Test: Delhi to Kaza Ride
Our journey started from Delhi at 6:00 AM, cruising effortlessly through the Yamuna Expressway. By evening, we reached Narkanda after 450 km. The next day, the real test began—rocky trails, broken roads, water crossings, and extreme elevation gain. The Bear 650 tackled the treacherous Gramphu–Batal–Kaza stretch like a champ, with its torque-rich motor and ground clearance proving invaluable.
Climbing Kunzum La at 15,000+ feet, the engine did not stutter. While carbureted bikes struggled with thin air, the Bear’s fuel-injected motor kept chugging along with minor loss in power.
Kaza itself offered picturesque rides to Key Monastery, Hikkim (world’s highest post office), and Langza—all tackled with ease. Returning to Delhi through Kalpa and Rampur, we averaged 400 km per day with no mechanical issues whatsoever.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Rugged design and premium build
- Smooth, torquey 650cc engine
- Comfortable ergonomics for long rides
- Excellent suspension setup for off-road
- Reliable fuel efficiency and tank range
Cons:
- Slightly heavy for hardcore off-roaders
- No switchable ABS (rear)
- Lacks advanced rider aids like cruise control or ride modes
Market Positioning & Price
The Bear 650 is expected to launch at ₹3.5–3.7 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it squarely between the Himalayan 450 and more premium ADVs like the Triumph Scrambler 400X or KTM Adventure 390. For riders seeking an affordable twin-cylinder adventure tourer, the Bear 650 is unmatched in value and performance.
Conclusion
The Royal Enfield Bear 650 is not just a motorcycle—it’s a companion for the brave, a machine that carries you beyond roads and into the soul of the mountains. Our Delhi–Kaza–Delhi journey proved that it’s not only capable but made for such adventures. It strikes the perfect balance between old-school charm and modern-day reliability, making it one of the most exciting ADV launches in recent years.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Bear 650 suitable for beginners?
While the engine is friendly, the weight and size may be a bit much for new riders. Best for those with some riding experience.
Q2: How does it compare to the Himalayan 450?
The Bear 650 offers more power and better highway touring capability, but the Himalayan 450 is more nimble off-road.
Q3: Will Royal Enfield offer accessories for touring?
Yes, RE plans to offer luggage racks, panniers, crash guards, fog lamps, and jerrycan mounts through their MIY (Make It Yours) program.
Q4: When is the launch expected?
The Royal Enfield Bear 650 is likely to be launched by late 2025, with deliveries expected soon after.
