Royal Enfield has bolstered its 650cc lineup with the introduction of the new Interceptor Bear 650. This marks the fifth addition to the segment, joining the Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650, Super Meteor 650, and Shotgun 650. Since Royal Enfield launched the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in 2017, the segment has evolved, and the company now faces competition from the newly launched BSA Goldstar 650, which debuted in India on August 15, 2024. Let’s take a closer look at how the Bear 650 stacks up against the BSA.
Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650 vs BSA Goldstar 650: Engine
It is the classic case of a parallel twin versus a single-cylinder powertrain. The Bear 650 is powered by the tried-and-tested 648 cc air-oil-cooled parallel-twin that continues to produce 47 bhp and 7,250 rpm but has a superior torque of 56.5 Nm at 5,150 rpm, 4.2 Nm more than the rest of the Royal Enfield 650s. The Bear 650 generates the additional torque due to the two-in-one exhaust. The Bear 650 continues to be mated with a 6-speed gearbox but with a taller gear ratio.
The BSA Goldstar 650 boasts a 652 cc liquid-cooled engine, delivering 45 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 55 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, which was the best in its segment till the Bear elbowed its way. It’s complemented by a 5-speed gearbox.
| Specifications | RE Interceptor Bear 650 | BSA Goldstar 650 |
| Engine | 648 cc air-oil cooled | 652 cc liquid-cooled |
| Power | 47 bhp at 7,240 rpm | 45 bhp at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 56.5 Nm at 5,150 rpm | 55 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650 vs BSA Goldstar 650: Features
The Bear is the first 650 cc motorcycle in the Royal Enfield lineup to get an all-digital instrument console like the Himalayan and the Guerrilla. The new TFT display offers features like Bluetooth connectivity and Google Maps. The new motorcycle is equipped with a Type-C charging port on the handlebar.
BSA Gold Star 650 has a fairly simple set-up with a twin analogue instrument console with one having the speedometer, a low battery indicator and a small digital display for the odometer and trip meter. The other mount has an analogue tachometer, a digital fuel gauge and a low fuel indicator. The Goldstar 650 is the first motorcycle in its segment to offer a 12-volt socket and a USB port. The 12-volt socket is slotted in the left body panel while the USB port is on the left handlebar.
Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650 vs BSA Goldstar 650: Hardware
The Bear 650 is based on the same architecture as the Interceptor 650, but it comes with a host of new hardware. The Bear 650 gets all-new upside-down Showa front forks with dual coil suspension in the rear. Being a Scrambler, it sports dual-purpose spoke tyres with a combination of 19-inch in front and 17-inch at the rear. The new 650 cc motorcycle weighs 216 kg, has a saddle height of 830 mm and a ground clearance of 174 mm. It has all LED lights including the indicators and is equipped with switchable dual-channel ABS.
The Goldstar 650 is based on is also based on a double cradle frame with 41 mm front telescopic forks and twin shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload. It has an accessible seat height of 780 mm, a ground clearance of 150 mm and comes standard with dual-channel ABS. It sits on a 100/90 18-inch tyre in front and 150/70 17-inch at the rear.Â
Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650 vs BSA Goldstar 650: Price
As of now, Royal Enfield has not launched the Bear 650, but based on the price of the Interceptor, which starts from Rs 3.21 lakh, it is expected to be slotted above it as the new motorcycle has better equipment.
The Goldstar 650 starts from Rs 3 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 3.35 lakh, ex-showroom. It is available in six variants.
