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[[{“value”:”We suspected as much, but now we have confirmation. A new design registration includes a picture that clearly shows a Royal Enfield INT 650 modified for scrambler duty, putting a face to the previously registered name of INT Bear 650 (or Interceptor Bear 650 in the rest of the world because Honda owns the “Interceptor” name in North America).
This picture tells us a great deal about the new scrambler. At first glance, it looks a lot like a standard INT 650, with the same engine, frame, and gas tank clearly visible. Look more closely, however, and some big differences start to appear. The scrambler has proper wire wheels instead of the standard cast ones. It’s hard to tell from the pictures, but some suspect a 19-inch front wheel instead of the standard 18-inch and possibly a 17 or 18-inch rear. While the exhaust is in its standard location, not mounted up high like many scramblers, the Bear has a two-into-one design, not two separate pipes from front to back like the standard model. The side covers have oval inserts that look like where number boards belong, a common trait among homebuilt and factory scramblers alike. The seat has a slight two-tier effect rather than the standard flat seat, an interesting choice since off-road focused bikes usually have a flat seat.
One significant difference between the INT 650 and the INT Bear 650 is the suspension. The rear retains its traditional twin-shock setup, but the standard model’s remote reservoirs are missing, indicating that these units may be specially tuned for the scrambler. In front, upside-down forks replace the standard units. They bear a striking similarity to those of the new Himalayan 450, making me wonder if they’re the same units or perhaps reworked to better match the INT Bear 650. One feature almost certainly lifted from the Himalayan 450 is the round TFT display rather than the INT 650’s traditional gauges, an upgrade that keeps a retro look while adding modern functionality.
All in all, the INT Bear 650 looks to be a welcome scrambler addition to the lineup. While it may have a bit of parts bin engineering, that’s not necessarily bad, as it can keep costs and, hopefully, prices down while adding a new, unique model to the Royal Enfield lineup.
The post It’s a Scrambler: Royal Enfield INT Bear 650 appeared first on Adventure Rider.”}]]
