In brief: We hopped into the saddle of the new Chennai scrambler for an extended test spanning traffic and dirt roads. Crazy styling and record-breaking fuel economy, but watch out for those two structural flaws.
When a motorcycle turns heads at a traffic light, it means the target for style has been hit dead center. That’s exactly what happened to us during over 1,000 kilometres of testing aboard the new Royal Enfield Bear 650. Inspired by 1970s desert sleds, this twin-cylinder machine promises to blend past aesthetics with modern practicality. But how does it behave once you turn off the dramatic engine sound and start riding in earnest?
The answer isn't simple. Our editorial team dissected it, stripping away every bit of marketing rhetoric.
🛑 Passed or Failed on the Road?
Right from the first touch, the riding triangle convinces: upright torso, wide handlebars, and a comfortable saddle that only starts to feel fatiguing after about 400 kilometres in a single day.
On twisties and in the city: It’s an absolute toy. It weaves nimbly through potholes and cobblestones thanks to soft suspension, and on mountain passes it’s a ton of fun leveraging the engine's mid-range punch.
The highway limit: Being a pure scrambler, above 110 km/h aerodynamic protection is completely absent, exposing your torso and helmet to the slipstream.
What about off-road? It’s not a specialized enduro bike (it has some weight and limited ground clearance), but on gravel roads (strade bianche) and hard-packed surfaces, it delivers entirely unexpected fun and feel.
⚙️ The Engine and the Fuel Economy Surprise
The parallel-twin engine pulls strong and smooth in the mid-range, with a real-world top speed topping out around 160 km/h on the speedo. The 6-speed gearbox is precise and boasts an ultra-light clutch that never wears you out in traffic.
The real jaw-dropping part, however, comes down to the actual fuel consumption recorded during our rigorous test:
A surprising average of 28 km/litre (approx. 66 MPG UK).
Record peaks up to 34 km/l (approx. 80 MPG UK) on extra-urban touring runs.
A "minimum" of 20 km/l (approx. 56 MPG UK) only under the most demanding conditions.
⚖️ The Final Balance Sheet: Real Pros and Cons
🟢 What Convinced Us
The authentic scrambler look: Charismatic and detailed, it’s impossible to go unnoticed.
Running costs: Extremely low fuel consumption and a highly competitive entry price.
Engine flexibility: Perfect for commuting and weekend getaways.
🔴 What DIDN'T Convince Us
Suspension too soft: When riding aggressively on smooth asphalt, the front end tends to dive a bit too much under braking.
Front braking system: Relying on a single disc requires a firm pull; stopping distances are correct, but not lightning-fast.
Spoked wheels with inner tubes: The lack of native tubeless tires limits long-distance travelers a bit.
🏁 Who Is It Recommended For?
If you're looking for a stylish companion for leisure, weekend trips, and the home-to-work commute with a unique personality, the Bear 650 is an ultra-smart purchase. If, on the other hand, you want a highway mile-muncher, you'd better look elsewhere.
For full technical details, thermal management, and market alternatives like the Ducati Scrambler Icon or the Yamaha XSR 700, our in-depth technical review remains your ultimate reference: ROYAL ENFIELD BEAR 650 2026: Test Ride Review, Pros, Cons, Opinions & Real-World Performance
Passed or Failed? 1,000 km in the Saddle of the Royal Enfield Bear 650: The No-Filter Test