Two heavyweight scramblers are dividing motorcycle riders worldwide. On one side, fans say the BSA Scrambler 650 is what a proper scrambler should look like. On the other, Royal Enfield’s Bear 650 is being called their best 650 yet.
But once the hype dies down, real-world riders are hitting the same wall: both bikes come with serious flaws that show up only after you’ve lived with them.
Chris Cope from Visordown, after his first ride on the BSA Scrambler 650, offered this candid statement: “When I was riding the bike in its sweet spot, I loved it… However, the bike’s motorway performance makes me less certain that I’d want to purchase one. I’m a one-bike kind of guy, and the use case for this particular machine feels too limited”.
Meanwhile, Ben Purvis at Bennetts noted the BSA’s engine—a 652cc single—manages to keep up with the RE twin, thanks to its higher compression (11.5:1 vs 9.5:1) and aggressive tuning. But numbers only tell half the story.
Spec Sheet
- BSA Scrambler 650: 652cc liquid-cooled single, 45 bhp @ 6,500 RPM, 55 Nm @ 4,000 RPM, 5-speed.
- RE Bear 650: 648cc air-cooled twin, 47 bhp @ 7,150 RPM, 56.5 Nm @ 5,150 RPM, 6-speed.
On paper, they’re close. On the road, the BSA feels raw and rugged—perfect for those who love thump and character. The Bear is smoother and more refined, but lacks that scrambler soul.
BSA Scrambler 650’s Hidden Flaws
Owners say it stalls under 1,800 RPM—terrible for city rides. The single-cylinder engine runs hot in traffic, and with just a 12L tank, long rides are out of the question. No main stand + tube tires = major headaches when you get a puncture.
Royal Enfield Bear 650’s Flaws
Despite the praise, riders say the suspension is way too stiff for bad roads. Shorter riders struggle with the tall 830mm seat. And while it runs cooler than the BSA, that air-cooled twin still cooks your legs in traffic. Oh, and it’s heavy—216 kg heavy.
The Service Reality Check
This is where things get real. On social media, many riders say they love how the BSA looks, but avoid it because they don’t trust the service network. Parts are hard to find, and skilled technicians? Even harder—especially outside big cities.
Royal Enfield’s network is far better. But even then, owners report inconsistent service quality depending on the dealership.
The Surprising Verdict
It’s not about which bike is better. It’s about which flaws you can live with.
Go for the BSA if you want that classic scrambler vibe and can deal with a temperamental engine and spotty service. Pick the Bear 650 if you want smoother power, more features, and the peace of mind that comes with RE’s dealer network—even if the ride beats you up a little.
Both bikes fall short of being the complete package. The BSA runs hot, stalls in traffic, and lacks service backup. The Bear is heavy, stiff, and tall.
Maybe the real winner is still in the pipeline. One that finally nails scrambler style and rideability—without forcing riders to compromise.
