I jumped at it when I got the chance to test the Royal Enfield Bear 650 and Triumph Scrambler 400 X back-to-back. Both bikes promise nostalgia with modern guts, but which one actually delivers? Buckle up—this isn’t just a specs battle. It’s a story of torque, dirt, and two very different personalities.
1. Muscle vs. Finesse
The Bear 650 is the Hulk of this showdown. With 56.5 Nm of torque (that’s 8% more than Royal Enfield’s Interceptor 650), it lunges forward like it’s got a vendetta against gravity. This engine feels like it’s flexing even at 3,000 RPM. Perfect for highway passes or hauling gear uphill.
But here’s the catch: At 476 lbs (216 kg), the Bear isn’t exactly light on its feet. Swapping lanes in traffic? Doable, but you’ll feel every pound.
The Triumph Scrambler 400 X, meanwhile, is the nimble cousin. At 395 lbs (179 kg), it’s like riding a mountain bike with a motor. But that agility comes at a cost: Its 37.5 Nm torque (peaking at 6,500 RPM) means you’ll be revving higher to keep up.
Real-World Verdict:
- Bear 650: Feels like a freight train in the mid-range. Ideal for riders who hate downshifting.
- Scrambler 400 X: Zippy and forgiving but demands more gear changes to stay in the powerband.
Read: 5 Hidden Flaws Before Buying a Triumph Scrambler 400 X
2. Off-Road Cred
Scramblers live and die by their dirt chops. So, I took both bikes to a mix of gravel, mud, and loose sand. Let’s say… things got spicy.
The Bear 650 surprised me. Its MRF Nylorex tires gripped well on hard-packed dirt, and the 5.1-inch suspension travel soaked up bumps without drama. But throw it into deep sand? The front wheel started plowing like a confused bulldozer. One rider said: “It’s a street bike in scrambler clothing.” Fun for light trails, but don’t expect KTM-level heroics.
The Scrambler 400 X, though? This little Triumph is a dirt whisperer. The 8.66-inch suspension travel and Pirelli Scorpion tires laughed at ruts and rocks. On a steep hill climb, I kept waiting for the single-cylinder engine to tap out—but it chugged along, even at altitude. Sure, the rear brake felt spongy (a common issue), but for $7K, it’s shockingly capable.
3. Retro Aesthetics vs. Modern Smarts
The Bear 650’s Tripper Dash TFT is a love-it-or-hate-it gem. This 4-inch circular screen serves up Google Maps navigation—a lifesaver when I got lost chasing backroads. But purists groaned: “Why does my scrambler need GPS?” Meanwhile, the Triumph keeps it old-school with an analog-digital cluster.
The Bear’s full LED lighting (a first for Royal Enfield’s 650s) is brighter than my future. But it’s tubed tires? A headache waiting to happen. Fixing a flat mid-ride isn’t my idea of adventure.
4. Heavyweight Champ vs. Featherweight Contender
City traffic is where these bikes show their true colors. The Bear 650’s weight is glaring in stop-and-go chaos. U-turns require a three-point plan and a prayer. But once you’re moving? It’s butter. Stable at 70 mph, planted in corners—like riding a sofa with a jet engine.
The Scrambler 400 X, though, dances through traffic. Its narrow frame and low seat had me filtering like a London courier. It’s a hooligan on twisty roads—flickable, playful, begging for mischief. But at highway speeds, the single-cylinder engine buzzes like an angry hornet. My hands were numb after an hour.
Check out: 6 Months with My Triumph Speed 400
Handling Scorecard:
- Bear 650: 8/10 on open roads, 5/10 in urban jungles.
- Scrambler 400 X: 9/10 in the city, 6/10 on long hauls.
5. What Spec Sheets Won’t Tell You
The Bear 650’s stiff Showa shocks had me eyeing $1,000 aftermarket upgrades. And those tubed tires? Add $200 for a puncture kit. The Triumph’s lighter weight means cheaper maintenance, but its single-cylinder engine vibrates like a paint mixer. I’d budget for bar-end weights.
6. Who Should Ride What?
Choose the Bear 650 if:
- You crave torque that pins you to the seat.
- You’re 60% road, 40% gravel-path explorer.
- You value retro vibes with a dash of tech.
Choose the Scrambler 400 X if:
- You want a lightweight, flickable plaything.
- Your weekends involve actual dirt, not just coffee runs.
- You’d instead blend reliability with British cool.
Final Thoughts
Riding these bikes felt like dating two very different people. The Bear 650 is that bold, slightly high-maintenance partner who loves grand gestures. The Scrambler 400 X? The easygoing one who’s up for anything, no drama.
Which would I pick? If I lived near mountains and needed a daily thrill, the Triumph. But for cross-state adventures with a side of nostalgia? The Bear’s torque wins my heart. Either way, scrambler fans are eating good in 2025.
