Summary
The 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 and Classic 650 mark a significant expansion of the brand’s mid-size motorcycle lineup in Malaysia, combining heritage-inspired design with modern technology and competitive pricing. The Bear 650 draws on the scrambler style and historic racing legacy of the 1960 Big Bear Run, featuring a 648cc parallel-twin engine tuned for enhanced torque, off-road-capable suspension, and contemporary amenities such as LED lighting and a 4-inch TFT display with Google Maps navigation. Meanwhile, the Classic 650 pays homage to Royal Enfield’s first parallel twin from 1948, blending timeless craftsmanship and traditional aesthetics with upgraded electronics and comfort features, making it one of the heaviest and most visually commanding motorcycles in the brand’s current range.
Officially launched at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, these models reinforce Royal Enfield’s growing presence in the Asia-Pacific market, where it competes strongly in the mid-size segment. The Bear 650 is available in multiple color variants starting around RM 34,500, while the Classic 650 is similarly priced, catering to a diverse group of riders—from style-conscious urban commuters to classic motorcycle enthusiasts. Royal Enfield’s expanding dealer network across Malaysia supports accessibility and customer engagement, underscoring the brand’s strategic focus on broadening its appeal in key regional markets.
The introduction of these models has had a noticeable impact on the Malaysian motorcycle market, broadening choices within the parallel-twin mid-range segment and complementing Royal Enfield’s existing offerings such as the Himalayan and Shotgun 650. Both motorcycles emphasize a balance of nostalgic design and modern performance, appealing to both new riders and experienced enthusiasts. This aligns with Royal Enfield’s wider global growth, highlighted by a 34% sales increase in early 2025 and expansion into new manufacturing hubs, confirming the brand’s strengthened position among mid-size motorcycles worldwide.
Despite generally positive reception for their blend of style, reliability, and affordability, some critics note the absence of higher-powered variants within the 650cc range and modest technical updates such as non-adjustable suspension and tubed tires on the Classic 650. Nevertheless, the Bear 650 and Classic 650 continue to embody Royal Enfield’s ethos of accessible, characterful motorcycling, solidifying their importance in both the Malaysian market and the brand’s international portfolio.
Background
Royal Enfield’s 2025 lineup includes the highly anticipated Bear 650 and Classic 650 models, both reflecting the brand’s commitment to blending heritage with modern performance. The Bear 650 draws inspiration from the iconic 1960 Big Bear Run, capturing the spirit of “Fast Eddie” Mulder’s victory on a Royal Enfield bearing the number 249. This motorcycle features a 648cc parallel-twin engine tuned for higher torque, combined with Showa suspension and bespoke tire and chassis development to offer confidence on both tarmac and light trails. Its design incorporates modern touches such as LED lighting all around and a 4-inch round TFT Tripper Dash with full Google Maps navigation and phone connectivity, embodying a balance between classic spirit and contemporary technology.
The Classic 650, meanwhile, pays homage to Royal Enfield’s first parallel twin, the 500 Twin from 1948, retaining the timeless craftsmanship and old-school charm characteristic of the Classic lineup. It features a classic double loop frame, sculpted fuel tank, round headlamp, and curved fenders that evoke the traditional Royal Enfield aesthetic, while integrating modern safety, comfort, and convenience features. The Classic 650 also received updates in recent years including upgraded switch gears, electronics, and options for alloy wheels without a formal announcement, suggesting ongoing refinement of the model.
Both models reinforce Royal Enfield’s growing presence in key Asia-Pacific markets, including Malaysia where the 2024 Himalayan has already made an impact. The Bear 650 and Classic 650 are positioned to appeal to a broad range of riders, from enthusiasts seeking a retro-styled middleweight cruiser to those wanting a versatile motorcycle that combines style, performance, and modern amenities. This strategy aligns with Royal Enfield’s ambition to maintain its leadership in the mid-size motorcycle segment across the region, with Thailand currently being its largest market outside India.
Launch Details
The 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 and Classic 650 were officially launched at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, marking a significant addition to Royal Enfield’s lineup in the Malaysian market. The Bear 650 is available in multiple variants, including the Two Four Nine, Broadwalk White, Petrol Green, Wild Honey, and Golden Shadow, with prices starting from approximately RM34,500 or Rs. 3,42,875 depending on the variant and market. The launch showcased Royal Enfield’s commitment to offering diverse styles, including the scrambler version of the Interceptor 650, which debuted on 5 November.
Royal Enfield’s presence in Malaysia continues to expand, supported by over eight authorized dealers across seven cities, providing customers access to the latest models and promotions. The Bear 650 complements the brand’s existing range in Malaysia, which includes models such as the Shotgun 650, priced at RM34,900, and the Hunter 350, available at RM22,000, thereby covering a broad spectrum of cruiser and cafe racer styles.
This launch not only introduces new models but also strengthens Royal Enfield’s standing as one of the leading mid-size motorcycle brands across key APAC markets, including Malaysia. The brand’s focus on quality and innovation has been recognized in the J.D. Power 2025 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study, further validating its reputation for craftsmanship.
Features and Specifications
The 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 and Classic 650 showcase a blend of classic design elements with modern technology, powered by the brand’s renowned 648cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 47 horsepower at approximately 7,150 to 7,250 RPM and a peak torque of 52 Nm at around 5,150 to 5,250 RPM.
Bear 650
The Bear 650 draws inspiration from scrambler heritage and is named after the Big Bear Run desert race in California, reflecting its rugged character. It features 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels equipped with off-road tires that contribute to its distinctive scrambler aesthetic and enhanced traction on varied surfaces. The suspension setup includes an inverted 43mm non-adjustable Showa front fork with 5.1 inches of travel and twin rear shocks adjustable through five preload settings offering 4.5 inches of travel, balancing off-road capability with on-road comfort.
Visually, the Bear 650 sports a scrambler seat designed for rider mobility and an authentic number board, along with LED lighting all around—including headlamp, taillamps, and turn indicators—that enhances visibility and adds a premium touch. Its ergonomics favor stability with lazier geometry and a longer wheelbase compared to the Interceptor 650, making it a confident companion on both tarmac and unpaved terrain. Additional features include a 4-inch round TFT display with phone connectivity, full map navigation powered by Google Maps, and media controls.
Classic 650
The Classic 650 retains Royal Enfield’s quintessential design language, combining a 1948 style with modern enhancements. It features a classic double loop frame, sculpted fuel tank, round headlamp, and curved fenders, evoking the timeless appeal of earlier Royal Enfield models. The motorcycle is distinguished by its twin long chrome-laden exhausts, chunkier forks, and larger brake discs that provide improved performance and a commanding presence.
The Classic 650 offers a comfortable riding position with a wider handlebar and low seat height, engineered for rider confidence and a gentle sports bias. It is equipped with a fully digital single-pod TFT instrument cluster that provides onboard Google navigation and connectivity features, further modernizing the classic riding experience. The bike is available in four colorways and is noted as one of the heaviest motorcycles offered by Royal Enfield, lending it a substantial road presence.
Both models maintain the hallmark craftsmanship and elegance associated with Royal Enfield, integrating safety, comfort, and convenience features that appeal to enthusiasts seeking a blend of nostalgia and contemporary performance.
Pricing and Availability
Royal Enfield offers a diverse lineup of motorcycles in Malaysia as of 2025, featuring 11 models across various categories including six cruisers, one adventure touring, and four cafe racers. Among these, the Bear 650 and Classic 650 are notable mid-size offerings that have attracted considerable attention.
The Bear 650, powered by a 648cc BS6 parallel-twin engine producing 46.8 bhp and 56.5 Nm of torque, is available in multiple variants and colors. Pricing for the Bear 650 starts around RM 35,700 for the Petrol Green, Wild Honey, and Golden Shadow versions, while the special edition Bear 650 Two Four Nine with unique paintwork retails at RM 36,000. In Indian markets, the Bear 650 variants are priced approximately between Rs. 3.42 lakh to Rs. 3.63 lakh ex-showroom. The Bear 650 is based on the Interceptor 650 chassis and benefits from similar engineering attributes, with the base price in the United States beginning at $6,849 USD, excluding additional customization and accessories.
The Classic 650, known for its imposing stance with larger discs, chunky forks, and twin long chrome exhausts, is positioned as Royal Enfield’s heaviest motorcycle to date. It is offered in four colorways, with pricing in Malaysia closely aligned with the Bear 650, ranging from RM 34,500 to RM 35,500 depending on the variant. Royal Enfield’s pricing strategy places the Shotgun 650 as its highest-priced model in Malaysia at RM 34,900, while the Hunter 350 represents the entry-level offering at RM 22,000.
Royal Enfield maintains a strong dealership network in Malaysia, with over eight authorized dealers across seven cities ready to provide offers and services to customers. This widespread availability ensures accessibility for buyers interested in the Bear 650, Classic 650, and other models. The brand’s growing presence in key Asia-Pacific markets, including Malaysia, underlines its commitment to catering to both youthful, style-conscious riders and older full-license holders seeking reliable and engaging mid-size motorcycles.
Market Reception
Royal Enfield has witnessed significant growth in its market presence, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. In March 2025, sales surged by 34% compared to the same month in 2024, with exports rising by 37% and sales in the APAC region increasing by 13%. This growth has positioned Royal Enfield as one of the leading mid-size motorcycle brands across key markets including Thailand, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
In Malaysia specifically, the brand has actively engaged enthusiasts through events such as the Art of Speed Kustom and Kulture show, where the 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 was showcased. The presence of over eight authorized Royal Enfield dealers across seven cities in Malaysia further supports accessibility and customer engagement, offering competitive pricing, promotions, and comprehensive services to buyers.
Royal Enfield’s expansion is the result of a long-term strategy, beginning with the Classic 500 in 2008 and culminating in the introduction of models like the Classic 650, which blend retro design with modern performance. The Bear 650 model, notable for its appealing aesthetics and stable ride quality, caters to a style-conscious demographic while offering reliable performance suitable for both new and experienced riders.
Impact on Malaysian Motorcycle Market
The introduction of the 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 and Classic 650 models has significantly influenced the Malaysian motorcycle market by broadening the mid-range parallel-twin segment with competitively priced and stylistically diverse options. These launches coincide with Royal Enfield’s expanded presence in Malaysia, where the brand currently offers 11 motorcycles spanning cruisers, adventure touring, and café racer categories, with prices ranging from RM 22,000 for the Hunter 350 to RM 34,900 for the Shotgun 650.
The Bear 650, a scrambler inspired by vintage racing heritage and equipped with a 648cc parallel-twin engine, is positioned as a more youthful, style-conscious alternative to existing models. It is available in multiple distinctive colors, including Petrol Green, Wild Honey, and Golden Shadow, with prices starting from RM 35,700 to RM 36,000 for special editions. Its debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 marks Royal Enfield’s strategic effort to capture a niche that appeals to riders seeking both modern performance and retro aesthetics.
Similarly, the Classic 650 complements the Bear by offering a more substantial and traditional cruiser experience with a larger engine, robust build quality, and chrome-laden design elements. Priced from RM 34,500 to RM 35,500 depending on color variants, the Classic 650 is recognized as the heaviest Royal Enfield motorcycle available locally and has been praised for exceeding expectations in quality and ride enjoyment despite its modest 47-horsepower output.
The availability of these models alongside the all-new 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan, which retails between RM 30,600 and RM 32,200 and includes a three-year warranty, demonstrates Royal Enfield’s commitment to offering durable, reliable motorcycles tailored to various riding preferences within Malaysia. This diversified portfolio reinforces the brand’s appeal to both younger riders and traditional enthusiasts, leveraging a reputation for reliability and low running costs established over years of production and customer experience.
Global and Brand Impact
Royal Enfield has been making significant strides in expanding its global footprint and strengthening its brand presence, particularly in emerging and key markets. The company recently launched a manufacturing unit and flagship showroom in Bangladesh, focusing on the local production and assembly of popular models such as the Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Classic 350, and Bullet 350. Additionally, Royal Enfield plans to establish a new completely knocked down (CKD) unit in Brazil by January 2025, marking a strategic move to tap into the automotive market in South America.
This expansion has translated into impressive sales growth, with March 2025 seeing a 34% increase in sales compared to the previous year. Export figures surged by 37%, while sales within the Asia Pacific (APAC) region increased by 13%. These figures highlight Royal Enfield’s emergence as a leading mid-size motorcycle brand across several APAC countries, including Thailand, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
Royal Enfield’s revitalized 650cc models, particularly the Interceptor and Classic 650, have garnered strong reviews for their reliability and enduring appeal. The 650cc engine is noted for being “understressed,” contributing to longevity even in challenging conditions, while maintaining a simple and low-cost ownership experience cherished by traditional riders. Despite some opinions suggesting that the brand could benefit from offering higher-powered variants, the current lineup successfully balances accessible power with traditional motorcycling values.
In Malaysia, Royal Enfield continues to bolster its product range with new launches such as the Guerrilla 450, Himalayan 450, and Shotgun 650 models for 2025, further cementing its presence in the regional market. The Classic 650, in particular, stands out as an embodiment of the brand’s DNA, combining old-school aesthetics with smooth power delivery. This model has received praise for exceeding quality and performance expectations relative to its pricing, despite its relatively simple technical specifications like tubed tires and non-adjustable suspension.
