Royal Enfield recently unveiled another model in its 650cc class the Bear Interceptor 650. As the name suggests, it is a derivation of the existing Interceptor 650 albeit certain changes. So, we have compared the two on paper and here are the results.
Design
The Bear Interceptor 650 borrows its design from the standard Interceptor. Hence, both bikes get a round LED headlight and peanut-shaped fuel tank. However, the single-piece seat on the Bear appears different than the one on the Interceptor 650. Further, the short single-sided exhaust and the oval side panel make the Bear look like a proper scrambler and give it a rugged look, unlike the Interceptor’s bulky dual exhaust setup.
Moreover, Royal Enfield is also offering the Bear Interceptor in comparatively youthful colours compared to the Interceptor’s colour palette.
Features
The Bear Interceptor packs an LED headlight, switchable dual-channel ABS, LED turn indicators, and a TFT with smartphone connectivity. On the other hand, the Interceptor 650 gets a dual-pod analogue setup with an LCD inset. It too gets dual-channel ABS but is non-switchable.
Clearly, the Bear is more modern in the feature department.
Engine
A 650cc parallel-twin motor powers both bikes. It makes 47bhp of peak power and 57Nm of maximum torque for the Bear and 47bhp with 52Nm for the Interceptor. The Bear has about 5Nm more torque, which should help it at lower speeds and off-roading.
Hardware
The hardware package for the Bear Interceptor is the major difference between it and the bike it is based on. Royal Enfield has suspended the Bear on USD front forks and regular dual rear shocks unlike the Interceptor’s conventional front forks and gas-charged rear springs. Meanwhile, owing to its scrambler purpose, the Bear also gets spoke wheels with MRF Nylorex off-road whereas the Interceptor now comes with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres.
Price
Royal Enfield has priced the Interceptor at Rs. 3,21,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Given its hardware, better features, and higher output figures, we think the Bear could cost slightly more than that.
