I'm generally a sports and performance and horsepower junkie. And at middle age, I absolutely love the looks and specs on this Bear 650. I keep wondering what a motorcycle company could do if they brought out the best motorcycle they could possibly bring out, BUT avoiding the two most worn-out trends: increase tech amenities, increase horsepower. If it's not about tech and it's not about horsepower (a shocking mindset for most of the motorcycle media to possess), then what would it be? I think it would be this machine.
I bought a new Int 650 and turned it into a cool Scramble. But it doesn’t have the 19” front wheel and longer suspension of the Bear. Now in thinking of selling the Int at a loss so I can get the Bear. I’d go for the one with the green frame.
Having had an Int650 and absolutely LOVED it, this is bound to be a success. Something like 'Not really an adventure bike', you said in the opening minute. No, not in the modern definition. However, remember this one is not far off the look and style of the original R80GS boxer that started it all. And that RE engine is a gem of smoothness with a great gearbox that reminds me of the old aircooled boxers.
I liked the INT650 but was waiting for the Scrambler650--im glad i waited..i like the rear grab rail easy removal and the ability to bolt on racks. U could see chilled out travel on this bike. Black/grey or Green? The White looks good too-very nicely done RE
If the bike has the same peak hp and a higher peak torque, then it makes more power. Torque is a component of power. Power is made across the rev range. If there's more power in the middle, but the same up top as another bike, then it is more powerful across the rev range.
The Bear looks and sounds sweet, but it's about 80 pounds heavier than my 400x, so I won't be trading anytime soon. Between the Bear 650 and the INT650, I'd go with the Bear for sure.
RE understands cool factor and riding, and that riding a 100+ hp bike at $20k+ prices no longer gives one bragging rights. More like the opposite.
Totally agree. When I see a Ewan McGregor wannabe with waaay more money than sense just riding to work I think "knob".
I'm generally a sports and performance and horsepower junkie.
And at middle age, I absolutely love the looks and specs on this Bear 650.
I keep wondering what a motorcycle company could do if they brought out the best motorcycle they could possibly bring out, BUT avoiding the two most worn-out trends: increase tech amenities, increase horsepower. If it's not about tech and it's not about horsepower (a shocking mindset for most of the motorcycle media to possess), then what would it be? I think it would be this machine.
I bought a new Int 650 and turned it into a cool Scramble. But it doesn’t have the 19” front wheel and longer suspension of the Bear. Now in thinking of selling the Int at a loss so I can get the Bear. I’d go for the one with the green frame.
Having had an Int650 and absolutely LOVED it, this is bound to be a success. Something like 'Not really an adventure bike', you said in the opening minute. No, not in the modern definition. However, remember this one is not far off the look and style of the original R80GS boxer that started it all. And that RE engine is a gem of smoothness with a great gearbox that reminds me of the old aircooled boxers.
Oh, snap! Kevin Duke is back! Great to hear your opinions and observations, again.
Good, PRACTICAL motorcycle
It's great to see the return of Kevin Duke, a highly-credible moto-journalist.
Extremely sweeter way to put across all good & short coming of the bike.
Really easy to understand what Bear 650 gives over the INT 650. THANK YOU.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent, man! I’m picking up one in KC this week! Can’t wait! Thanks for the great review! - Ed
how come so fast, where i am in europe they are not even out till end of february at the earlies
I liked the INT650 but was waiting for the Scrambler650--im glad i waited..i like the rear grab rail easy removal and the ability to bolt on racks. U could see chilled out travel on this bike. Black/grey or Green? The White looks good too-very nicely done RE
Been waiting on the classic 650 but…. This just looks right. Very nice.
Looks like something out of a post apocalyptic movie
50 ish HP is enough for the road and best part is you can push it to the limit which is fun. Nobody can or should push a 100+ hp bike on the road.
Why can’t we have info. on…
MPG
Maintenance intervals
Average cost of maintenance
Average out the door pricing beyond MSRP.
i am from india i am big of kevin duke first review I I ever saw was vmax review
The Vmax was a hoot! Video production has come a long way since 2009! ua-cam.com/video/_GV_uwEAKn0/v-deo.htmlsi=QeUxc4pC38EZ8dNc
If the bike has the same peak hp and a higher peak torque, then it makes more power. Torque is a component of power. Power is made across the rev range. If there's more power in the middle, but the same up top as another bike, then it is more powerful across the rev range.
beautiful bike!
Love it. Just wish they had differentiated the gas tank a little more from the INT650.
I think it’s the duck’s nuts!
I will buy this if they give tubeless. I am not pushing a 200+ kg bike through gravel and dirt if I get a tyre puncture.
What would you pick?
Bear 650 vs. Triumph scrambler 400x?
The Bear looks and sounds sweet, but it's about 80 pounds heavier than my 400x, so I won't be trading anytime soon. Between the Bear 650 and the INT650, I'd go with the Bear for sure.
This bike looks a whole lot like the original BMW GS from the 80's.
Can you fit a main stand or do you need to remove the catalytic converter?
Drink whenever he says, "and..."
No damn center stand
Optional I would think. But yes, annoying
This bike has dog shit colour options
Too bad for a bike this expensive to offer such an aweful array of colours to choose from