Introducing The ROYAL ENFIELD BEAR 650
IN GUT WE TRUST
● Presenting the Bear 650 – a stylish new scrambler with a 60’s soul | Based on the Interceptor / INT
650 and inspired by Eddie Mulder’s historic win at the 1960 Big Bear Run.
● Fueled by gut feel and powered by Royal Enfield’s celebrated 650cc parallel twin, the Bear 650
combines authentic heritage scrambler styling and raw, uncompromising spirit.
● 19”/17” front/rear wheel-combo with chunky dual-purpose tires, scrambler-style seat, kicked-up
rear loop, and 184mm ground-clearance make it the perfect companion for riders seeking style and
attitude.
● Available in five distinct and striking colorways at a starting price of $6,849 USD / $8,899 CAD
● Bear 650 motorcycles will begin arriving in North American dealerships on November 5, 2024.
“When you got out on the track, the green flag dropped, and the bullsh*t stopped”
– Eddie Mulder (a.k.a. Fast Eddie), 1960 Big Bear Run Champion
Isolation from reality, flagrant audacity, complete disregard for the outcome, and listening to the GUT;
this best describes the mindset of motorcycle racers, and is certainly the perfect description for the
16-year old rookie from the Checkers Motorcycle Club – Eddie Mulder, a.k.a. Fast Eddie – who in 1960
became (and till date remains) the youngest Champion to tame the brutal Californian desert race, the
Big Bear Run
In 1960, the unforgiving Mojave Desert served as a backdrop for the Big Bear Run; the biggest, baddest
race the Californian desert had ever witnessed. With no rules, roads or tech, and only cacti and coyotes
for spectators, alongside 765 other riders, Eddie Mulder, shocked the racing world as he surged first
across the finish line in 4-hrs and 21-minutes, igniting a legacy that reverberates through the ages.
Astride his 500cc Royal Enfield Fury and fueled by instinct, unwavering determination and guts, Eddie
was one among only 197 who made it to the end of the finish line.
When asked about what he thought was the turning point for him in the race, Eddie Mulder says,
“I was in thirteenth place when I lost control and took a tumble down a ravine. I hauled up the bike and
inspected the damage. The handlebars were bent right back, the header pipe had been wrenched out of
the cylinder head, and one shock absorber was bust. I heaved the bars into shape and kicked the
header pipe back into place. Couldn’t do anything about the broken shock absorber, so I rode the rest of
the race on just one”.
Sixty-four years later, that fearless spirit has sparked the inspiration for a motorcycle that embodies that
indomitable grit and determination in its soul – the new Royal Enfield Bear 650, a stylish and versatile
scrambler. Designed for riders who trust their instinct and stand out from the rest, the Bear 650 is more
than just a motorcycle – it is a journey, a statement, and a reminder to follow your gut. With its versatile
capabilities, robust engineering, and distinct scrambler aesthetic, the Bear 650 is poised to redefine the
riding experience for ‘scrambler-ers’ across the globe, inviting them to forge their own path, one ride at
a time.
Speaking about the inspiration, conception and design of the Bear 650, B Govindarajan, CEO – Royal
Enfield, says, “We’ve always drawn deep inspiration for our motorcycles from our community, and from
our riders who’ve achieved extraordinary feats. Our inspiration for the Bear 650 came from one such
legendary story – Eddie and that of the 1960 Big Bear Run. The Bear 650 channels the same spirit of raw
instinct, sheer impulse, relentless determination, and embodies the ethos of a true scrambler ‘full-send’
mindset and DNA. It is built to deliver confidence and control across all terrains—whether you are
navigating urban streets or dusty trails. The Bear 650 is not just about performance; it’s about
versatility, resilience, and an uncompromising spirit.
In Gut We Trust … and the Gut Roars!
The Bear 650 is fuelled by gut feel and powered by Royal Enfield’s globally renowned 650-Twin platform.
Known for its smooth performance and character, the engine delivers a robust 47 bhp (34.6 kW) at
7,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 56.5Nm @5150 rpm which increases the mid range punch on the
Bear 650 as compared to the other Twin models. The innovative 2-1 exhaust system enhances torque
and offers a broader powerband, while the compact single silencer reduces weight and adds to the
Scrambler aesthetic.
Scramble in style
Chunky tires with retro flavor, open square tread blocks, contoured scrambler seats, 2-1 exhaust,
kicked-up rear loop, competition number board and raised ground clearance – each element on the
Bear 650 conveys its true Scrambler DNA. Additionally, the inclusion of a competition number board
gives the motorcycle a heritage scrambler look; an ode to the scrambler motorcycles of yore.
Accentuating the scrambler aesthetic further are the 5 striking colourways inspired by the vibrant spirit
of California. Boardwalk White, Petrol Green, Wild Honey, Golden Shadow, and a special color
edition called Two Four Nine, paying tribute to Eddie’s iconic race winning number. Together, all these
elements make the Bear 650 a scrambler that embodies the spirit and style of the 60’s desert racing
scene of California.
Boardwalk White contains the Bear 650 base level MSRP of $6,849 USD / $8,899 CAD. Petrol Green and
Wild Honey will share the common MSRP of $6,999 USD / $9,199 CAD. Golden Shadow and Two Four
Nine round out the lineup with pricing of $7,099 USD / $9,349 CAD and $7,199 USD / $9,549 CAD
respectively.
The quintessential ‘bad-roader’
For those who crave a quintessential ‘badass’ scrambler experience, the Bear 650 gets a revised and
stronger chassis, Showa USD big piston forks in the front with 130mm travel and Showa Twin tube RSU
at the rear with 115mm travel aid provide a pliant experience while riding on the tarmac. Higher ground
clearance of 184mm coupled with the combination of 19″ front and 17″ rear wheels, fitted with dual
purpose tires, provides an authentic scrambler look, improves grip and lends it mild off-road ability. The
contoured seat of the Bear 650 has been designed to allow the rider to move around freely and prevent
the rider from slipping while riding on rough surfaces. A wide handlebar and neutrally positioned
footpegs provides uncramped and confident ergonomics. The motorcycle is equipped with 320mm front
disc and 270mm rear disc for superior braking performance with the option of switching off rear ABS
while riding on broken roads or graded trails.
Not so basic instinct | Modern scrambler essentials
Inspired by legacy but modern in many aspects, the Bear 650 is equipped with Tripper Dash, the all-new
TFT display has a simple user interface and experience for easy comprehension on the move. The black
aluminum switch cubes and joystick aid in effortless and intuitive interaction while using the Tripper
Dash. The Google Maps integration, USB-C charging port provides more confidence for urban
exploration. A first on the twins platform, the motorcycle also gets full LED lighting for increased
visibility and scrambler aesthetics.
#InGutWeTrust #GutWants #REBear650 #PureMotorcycling #RoyalEnfield
About Royal Enfield:
The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted
motorcycles since 1901. From its British roots, a manufacturing plant was established in Madras in
1955, a foothold from which Royal Enfield spearheaded the growth of India’s mid-sized two-wheeler
segment. Royal Enfields are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible and fun to ride; a vehicle for
exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls Pure Motorcycling.
Riders and a passionate community are fostered with a rich profusion of events at a local, regional and
international level. Most notable are Motoverse (previously Rider Mania), an annual gathering of
thousands of Royal Enfield enthusiasts in Goa, and Himalayan Odyssey; a yearly pilgrimage over some
of the toughest terrain and highest mountain passes. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield
operates through more than 2,000 stores across all major cities and towns in India and through nearly
850 stores in more than 60 countries around the globe. Royal Enfield also has two world-class technical
centers, in Bruntingthorpe, UK, and in Chennai, India. The company’s two state-of-the-art production
facilities are located at Oragadam and Vallam Vadagal, near Chennai. Across the world, Royal Enfield has
five modern CKD assembly facilities in Nepal, Brazil, Thailand, Argentina, and Colombia.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a
growing network of more than 160 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S. and Canada.
RENA currently offers the all-new Bear Hunter 650 along with four other twin-cylinder engine models
(Shotgun 650, Super Meteor 650, Continental GT 650, and INT 650. Royal Enfield recently introduced
the Himalayan 450 as an evolution to the iconic Himalayan 411 and Scram 411. The lineup’s 350 class
for new riders and commuters includes the Classic 350, Meteor 350, and Hunter 350. All models can be
customized and personalized with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel
