Late last year Royal Enfield fans and the motorcycle press were sprung a surprise when the India-based brand launched a 650 Scrambler named after‘ The Big Bear Run’ in Idaho, USA. And, once again, Royal Enfield seems to have hit all the styling cues bang on, the new bike looking great just standing still. In the new model, the Interceptor’ s 650 parallel twin engine gets a mid-range torque boost, along with a gear ratio change, and taller, upgraded suspension in a sleek, new Scrambler package. The new 650 just has that‘ Scramblercool’ look.
UNBIASED OWNER? I’ ll state up front that I’ m a Royal Enfield owner.
You might think I would be biased, but I am always objective. In the past three years I have covered 15,000km on a 2021 Interceptor, and a further 10,000km in total on modern 350cc and 411cc machines with no faults or problems.
THE BIKE So, a quick glance at the Petrol Green paint and all the cycle parts confirms that the quality is well up there. With each new model release, Royal Enfield quality seems to keep getting better. The handlebar controls and switchgear sure are easier to use, with the clutch-pull effort reminding me of riding a mini-bike, it’ s that light now. After collecting the Bear from 1901 Rentals,
KIWI RIDER 47