VOLUME ISSUE NOVEMBER , P93
Tripper Dash display, enhancing the bike's
minimalist retro style while providing GPS and
smartphone connectivity. The main screen
displays an analog-style tachometer and all the
usual essential info like fuel range. A joystick
on the left switchgear intuitively adjusts set
-
tings. Off-road mode disables rear dual-chan-
nel ABS and lowers front wheel intervention.
That's about it when it comes to mode offer-
ings. The dash can display turn-by-turn naviga-
tion, which I did not get the chance to utilize.
A portion of our ride took place on the open
road, where the Bear 650 could run freely. It
has no problem keeping up with traffic flow,
often 70 mph and higher in California outside
the big cities. Not an issue for the Bear. In spite
of its asymmetrical 270° firing crankshaft,
the engine is very smooth and nearly free of
vibration at any revs. (It sounds nice, too, even
for a parallel twin.) Acceleration starts to sign
off as you approach 7000 rpm, but you don't
want to get close to that anyway when banging
through the Bear's six gears. Your best bet is
to shift early and often and take advantage of
the Bear's meaty torque. It might have "only"
47 horsepower on tap, but don't worry; it still
moves along nicely. It's surprisingly spunky.
Speaking of shifting, the Bear does that well,
too. Smooth gear changes are easily accom
-
plished, and the clutch pull is light and with
excellent feel.
The simple and small instrument pod looks
old-school but packs a punch.
When it comes to the
dirt, the Bear 650
probably performs
about as well as
Mulder's 1960 Big Bear
Run-winning Royal
Enfield. The Bear is
essentially a street bike
capable of light-duty
off-road riding.
