Royal Enfield, Interceptor, Bear 650, Scrambler, Leaked, Features, Launch, Price

Although there are obvious similarities to the standard Interceptor, this new model features several adjustments that make it more suitable for light off-road driving. From front to back: The first change is the block tires visible in the pictures, which provide better grip when the asphalt runs out. The front wheel also appears to be noticeably larger than the rear, suggesting that RE has moved from the 18-inch/18-inch combination on the Interceptor to perhaps a 19-inch/17-inch pairing on the Bear. This would better suit its intended role as a lightweight off-roader while also opening up more off-road friendly tire options.

The other big change here is the upside-down fork, which replaces the traditional unit on the interceptor. Not only is it designed in reverse, but it also appears to offer longer suspension travel, as do the dual rear shocks. This appears to have increased the ground clearance, and there’s a good chance the seat height has also increased. For reference, the standard interceptor sits 804mm above the deck.

As far as the instrumentation is concerned, there are changes here too. The Interceptor’s twin-pod design has given way to a more Scrambler-typical single-pod design on the Bear. This reduction in display real estate means there will likely be a large digital display in the pod, if not a fully digital screen.

While the engine appears virtually unchanged, its air now exhausts through a new exhaust that is reversed in construction and appears to offer longer travel. RE went all out and went with a 2-into-1 exhaust system, which looks very cool and certainly saved a lot of weight. However, the exhaust has been routed down under the engine in a more sensible route, as opposed to the high-mounted design seen on models such as the Triumph Scrambler 900 or 1200.

The fuel tank appears to be the same unit as the Interceptor, but the side panels have been re-infused with Scrambler DNA and now feature an additional oval shape reminiscent of the number plates of previous flat track racing cars. The rear section has been redesigned, with the Bear featuring a round taillight and an overall cleaner layout – although the gap between the rear tire and fender is now quite large. An unusual element in the rear is the rear reflector, which sits on a fairly long pin that extends below the license plate area. Whether this is specific to the Australian market, where the bike was homologated, remains to be seen.

Since the engine appears to be more or less unchanged, you can expect performance figures that match all existing 650s – 47 hp and 52 Nm. The Bear’s main frame also looks exactly like the Interceptor’s. However, the significantly different geometry and suspension setup will definitely have an impact on the dynamics.

With official homologation now beginning, it seems increasingly likely that we will see the Interceptor Bear 650 officially unveiled at EICMA in Milan this year. The show is scheduled to begin on November 5th. As far as pricing is concerned, you can expect the Interceptor Bear to cost a few tens of thousands more than the standard Interceptor, which costs between Rs 3.03 and Rs 3.31 lakh.

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