While there are obvious similarities to the standard Interceptor, this new model does feature several adaptations that make it better suited to some light off-roading. Let’s start from the front. The first change is the block-pattern tyres visible in the images. The front wheel also appears noticeably larger than the rear, suggesting that RE has moved away from the 18in/18in combo on the Interceptor to perhaps a 19in/17in pairing on the Bear. This would be more in line with its intended role as a light off-roader.
The other significant change is the upside-down fork, which replaces the conventional unit on the twin shocks at the rear. As a result, ground clearance seems to have increased, and there is a good chance that seat height has gone up. For reference, the standard Interceptor perches you 804mm off the deck.
As for instrumentation, there are changes here as well. The Interceptor’s twin-pod setup has made way for a more Scrambler-typical single-pod design on the Bear. This reduction in display area means that there will likely be a large digital display within the pod, if not a fully digital screen altogether.
While the engine appears pretty much unchanged, it now exhales through a new exhaust, which is inverted in construction and seems to provide longer travel. RE has gone the whole hog and opted for a 2-into-1 exhaust setup that looks very cool and is sure to have shaved a good chunk of weight. That said, it has routed the exhaust along the more sensible path, down under the engine, as opposed to the high-mounted design you see on something like the Triumph Scrambler 900 or 1200.
The fuel tank appears to be the same unit as that on the Interceptor, but the side panels have once again seen an injection of scrambler DNA, now featuring an additional oval shape that harks back to number plates on flat track racers of yesteryears. The tail section has been redesigned, with the Bear sporting a round tail-lamp and a cleaner layout overall – though the rear tyre-to-mudguard gap is rather massive now. One unusual element in the tail section is the rear reflector, which sits on a rather long prong that stretches out underneath the number plate region. Whether this is specific to the Australian market, where the bike has been homologated, remains to be seen.
Because the engine seems more or less unchanged, you can expect output figures in the same ballpark as all the existing 650s – 47hp and 52Nm. The main frame on the Bear also appears the same as that on the Interceptor. However, the considerably different geometry and suspension setup will definitely impact the dynamics.
With official homologation now beginning to take place, it seems increasingly likely that we will see the Interceptor Bear 650 officially unveiled at EICMA in Milan this year. The show is scheduled to begin on November 5th. As far as pricing is concerned, expect the Interceptor Bear to cost a few tens of thousands more than the standard Interceptor, which costs between Rs 3.03 and Rs 3.31 lakh.
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