Royal Enfield Bear 650 at autoX Awards: Best Bikes of 2025 Ranked

The Royal Enfield Bear 650 entered our jury round with high expectations from every member, promising to be the scrambler interpretation of the brand’s celebrated 650-twin platform. Inspired by 1960s Californian desert racers, its design is its biggest highlight. However, this is where the praise ends and the bike’s identity crisis begins. The term ‘scrambler’ implies off-road capability and rough-road comfort. The Bear delivers neither. And that’s why it scored a low 5/10 for comfort and practicality.

Our experience at the track confirmed the initial impressions from our first ride review – the new reinforced frame and long-travel Showa suspension are overly stiff for everyday roads and feel nervous over rutted off-road sections.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Bear 650 First Ride Review: Offroad Machine or Overdressed Interceptor?

Ironically, this same stiffness – a flaw in the real world – is what allows the Bear to shine on the race track. Despite posting a lap time of 1:25.3 – earning a dismal 1.6/5 for performance – the bike felt surprisingly planted, sharp, and extremely torquey on the smooth tarmac of the BIC. It’s not fast, but it feels planted. This is not an off-roader; it’s a stiff on-road canyon carver in scrambler clothing.

The engine, scoring a solid 7.5/10, is another of the bike’s highlights. The new 2-into-1 exhaust and revised tuning make it feel livelier and snappier, with a nice spread of performance in the low- and mid-range. But as we settled in and pushed harder, it began to feel strained at the top end, which, combined with the 21-inch front wheel, marred what could have been a very satisfying on-track experience.

Also Read: KTM 390 Enduro R vs Royal Enfield Bear 650 Spec Comparison: What's Different?

Overall, the Bear 650 is a confusing motorcycle. For the price it commands, you can get more comfortable and capable motorcycles. While it looks fantastic and has a strong engine, it left the jury wanting more. In fact, the other 650cc Royal Enfield in this year’s lineup felt like a better thought-out and more cohesive package.