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Head to head

Yamaha XSR900 vs Royal Enfield Bear 650

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Yamaha XSR900 and Royal Enfield Bear 650 are among the most cross-shopped modern classic bikes of 2026. The Royal Enfield Bear 650 undercuts the Yamaha XSR900 by about $3,750, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha XSR900 leads on power with 117 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Yamaha XSR900
Our pick
8.4

Yamaha

Yamaha XSR900
Royal Enfield Bear 650
7.9

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Bear 650

The verdict

The Yamaha XSR900 edges it overall at 8.4/10, but the Royal Enfield Bear 650 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Royal Enfield Bear 650

A2-legal, 47 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Yamaha XSR900

117 hp and 0.61 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Royal Enfield Bear 650

Our 7.9/10 at $6,849, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Yamaha XSR900

193 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Yamaha XSR900

Our top score in this matchup at 8.4/10.

Price & rating
Price$10,599$6,849
KickTheStand score8.4 / 107.9 / 10
Performance
Engine890cc triple648cc twin
Power117 hp47 hp
Torque93 Nm56.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.61 hp/kg0.22 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm KYB USD fork43mm Showa USD fork
Rear suspensionLink-type monoshockTwin shocks, preload adjustable
Front brakesDual 298mm discs, radial 4-pistonSingle 320mm disc, ByBre 2-piston
Rear brakesSingle 245mm discSingle 270mm disc, ByBre
Dimensions & practicality
Weight193 kg216 kg
Seat height810 mm830 mm
Fuel capacity14 L13.7 L
Suitability
ClassModern ClassicModern Classic
A2 licenceNoYes
Good for beginnersNoYes
Best forsport, commuting, cruisingcommuting, cruising, learning

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Yamaha XSR900 vs Royal Enfield Bear 650: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Yamaha XSR900 or the Royal Enfield Bear 650?

The Yamaha XSR900 makes the most power at 117 hp and 93 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Yamaha XSR900 or the Royal Enfield Bear 650?

The Royal Enfield Bear 650 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $6,849.

Which is lighter, the Yamaha XSR900 or the Royal Enfield Bear 650?

The Yamaha XSR900 is the lightest at 193 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha XSR900 or the Royal Enfield Bear 650?

For a new rider we'd point to the Royal Enfield Bear 650: A2-legal, 47 hp and 216 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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