Say what you may about RE that they're milking the 650cc platform a little too much but if you rationally think about it, it is one of the most cost effective and efficient ways to give different riders what they want. The 650cc platform has already spawned a handful of motorcycles including a roadster, a cafe racer, a cruiser and a bobber. Now? It is time to scramble because the next offering from RE that is going to be underpinned by this platform is going to be the Bear 650. The Interceptor Bear 650 to be precise. In this digital age, it is getting harder to keep things under wraps and the Bear 650 has fallen prey to the same trend as it has now been leaked online.
Looks... Interesting?
Once you take your eyes off the eye-piercing colour palette of this particular unit, you would be able to gauge the differences between this and the Interceptor better. Starting with the updated front end itself, it gets a 19-inch front wheel shod with dual-purpose tyres to give it some off-road cred. What would further give it a dynamic edge over the Interceptor is the utilization of USD forks up front, possibly sourced from Showa. At the back, the Bear 650 will continue to be suspended upon twin shock absorbers. It is worth noting here that since a Scrambler is destined to take trails every now and then, the Bear 650 could use longer travel suspension at both the ends, as compared to the Interceptor 650. Another key element that makes it different and more rugged than the Interceptor is the 2-into-1 exhaust unit which looks like it can take a hit. Not just this, the Bear 650 further differs itself from its roadster cousin and falls more in line with the Scramblers by utilizing a different tail light setup, wider handlebar and redesigned side panels. In terms of equipment, by the looks of it, it will borrow the same instrument cluster that we have seen on the new Himalayan and the Guerrilla.
Same engine... Again!
The new exhaust layout might imply that RE could introduce a different state of tune for this engine that we have come to love over these years. However, we can expect the performance figures to remain the same. It will utilize the same 648cc, parallel twin-cylinder engine putting out 47PS at 7150rpm and a peak torque of 52Nm at 5250rpm. This engine has been performing duties since forever now, without any major upgrades since its inception. It is not like it lack any juice in this day and age but RE, good things shouldn’t last forever. They should be replaced by better things.
Expected pricing
Given the premium cycle parts that the Bear 650 is going to utilize, we can expect it to carry a sticker price in the bracket of INR 3.25 - 3.50 Lakh. If you think about it, the Bear 650 has virtually no competition. Until and unless Classic Legends decide to build a Scrambler out of the BSA Goldstar platform. Oh and did you know? They have already showcased one at one of the motorcycling events abroad. Will this Bear get Gryll-ed? Time will tell.
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