I know this video was posted a while ago, but just a tip from watching you ride: You tend to ride through turns from inside to outside, bringing you across the natural rut. You generally should either stay inside or stay outside on trails. Try not to sweep across mid-turn
I'm always open to tips, no matter how old the video is. I've never had any instruction on how to ride, so any good feedback is appreciated. I will see if I can pay attention to that and do better. Thank you!
Those are my home trails I grew on and have been riding for the past 30+ years. I am currently riding a 2022 Beta 390rr after several yrs on a Honda 450x. The 450x now feels a bit over powered and bulky with it's aggressive acceleration and massive power band on single track and tight trees. The 390rr has noticeably less power in the upper end of the power band, but more torque down low, nimble and smoother for this type of riding. The perfect match-up in my opinion.
Nicely done! I bet you do haves the skills for single track riding…but maybe without the narration ;^) Went to the grocery store yesterday and another fellow had just arrived on his ‘22 430 RR-S. Since I’d only seen Betas on UA-cam I couldn’t help chatting him up for a few minutes. He raved about the bike and also recommended this video.
@@rockymountainlife single track that's tight wont be that fun for you on the 500, but get any woods rated 2 stroke and you will enjoy it a lot. the 2 stroke is more ok with going slower.
I used to have a 2003 xr650r. Forced to sell it in 2009 because of economy and being laid off. Killed me to sell it. This year my son bought a Beta 300rr. I rode it and got bit by the bug again. Ordered a 2022 Beta 390rr-s. Itll be here at the end of March 2022
@@rockymountainlife Got it at the end of June. Stupid Logistics. Love the bike. Rode it easy for first 3 hours. Changed oils. After oil changes, sons friend got on it and drive around neighborhood, he now wants one. Took it out yesterday for some more break in time. Went to 13 tooth front sprocket for trails I ride on. Great bike!
I was all set to buy a Beta until I was at the dealership looking at them and a mechanic from the back was walking through and whispered to me "go orange". I said you think? He said "I know"
I had the exact opposite experience, I got mine from a dealer that sold orange, Beta, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Sherco and all the shop guys were riding Betas and about 3 of the shop guys all told me to get the Beta. Nearly four years later and I haven't regretted it for one second.
I'll have a video coming out in the next week where Pharettface and I talk about the RRS line and their differences. I haven't ridden a 430 myself, but apparently it prefers high rpm's to produce power, more like a race bike. Not as good of a trail bike, but again, I haven't ridden one. I almost bought a 430 Race Edition before deciding on the RRS.
@@rockymountainlife I've never ridden a Beta period! So I don't have much room to speak. There was a guy on here who rode all 3 on the same day and mentioned the 430 still had some of the tractor factor and the 390 was the more revy one. Not 100% conclusive facts here but different view points help. The 500 looks the best on paper but all seem to feel different in the real world. Like you said, I don't think any of these models would disappoint!
13 tooth is to small and not needed. I've got the 390 rr with a 15t and first gear feels perfect for climbing and good speed to get over obstacles. Nice video. Think 500cc is over kill and burns to much fuel for long rides.
Spot on! I had a lot of similar thoughts between the bikes. The 500 really gives that fast hard hitting race bike feel while being composed enough to tackle tight single track. The 390 is really the trail beast of lower gearing and a light nimble feeling. Like you I'd be happy riding either machine. Glad you were okay after that spill! The 390 has taken much harder falls no worries! And to give you an idea of what I do to Hermit's bikes here is me about going over the handle bars ua-cam.com/video/8iTxSOj1MZE/v-deo.html 8:32
'21 500RR-S here -- currently running the stock 15t/48t gearing... not a fan -- WAY too tall for my liking... gonna swap out the front sprocket to the 13t that they sent along with it... see if that changes my thoughts! Have you messed with gearing on yours yet?
I don't think you would be. If your Honda is a 450F or X and not the newish dual sport version I would guess the power would be very similar. If you have the RL 450, then the 390 Beta would have more power. It's a great engine, not all corked up even though it is EPA compliant and spark arrested.
@@plantpower3048 I had to search for the dyno run, and I found a 500 and a 430, but not a 390. Here's the 500 dyno, it has torque on it as well. ua-cam.com/video/-3Mebv4DwQ0/v-deo.html
@@plantpower3048 it will be so much lighter, it will make trail riding easier and less tiring. The mirrors suck the most, and the seat. I replaced my seat, it was well worth the money. The stock seat is hard as a rock.
If you got to buy a bike tomorrow, would you buy the 390 or the 500? My only reservation with the 390 is the road manners with gear during a multi-day BDR trip. Thanks for any insight!
Well, if I were to buy one tomorrow knowing what I do now, for me I would get the 390 because of how and where I ride. But it depends so much on how each person plans to use it. The 500 is probably more capable of multi-day BDR trips with gear. But, the 390 is a little easier to manage on the trails. To me they are dirt bikes that happen to be road legal, neither one has great pavement manners, even with a better seat, there's no wind protection etc. 😊
@@rockymountainlife Went to the dealer, and they had a 2020 390 on consignment. While low miles, the owner wants more than the current 2021 price (had aftermarket handguards, radiator guard and a seat concept seat). I would would put a larger tank on it so the seat might not fit a larger tank and the hand guards weren't what I would fit. Thinking I'd would rather go new and equip per my preference, but then will be waiting on a 2022. Thank you for your insight. Now, do I get the larger 500 cc for those highway miles? I can't think the road performance is much different between the 390 and 500 - uncomfortable for long trips, but both can do the 65 mph with gear and a 200lb man on board? Amazed how light the bike is, even compared to my WR250R, which feels bloated compared.
@@MichaelShaw206 Yeah, both are ok to handle 65 for a while. The final drive on the 390 is shorter, so it's better at tight trails. Even with my 13t front sprocket my bike is geared taller than the 390. But again, either would be a great bike.
390 matches you better and is confidence inspiring.... ( it will make you better rider faster ). You are struggling with 500 on nearly every bend - we can all hear it from your breathing. With 500 you will develop bad ( wrong ) habits - much more difficult to fix latter on..... Just my 2 C....
@@wirth315 Yes, I have thought about that, and I likely will end up with some small soft bags back there, I just haven't done it yet. Hopefully this year I can put that together, as I would love getting some weight off my shoulders. 😬
@@rockymountainlife I’m stuck between a 450l and a 390 … ride over 100 miles on road sometimes to get to my trail head in California… such a hard decision
The 450L is better on the pavement, harder to work with on the trails. The Beta 390 will do fine on the pavement, just not as comfortable as the Honda, but has a much better motor and will be better on the trails and is much lighter. I like both bikes, it all depends on what you want it to be good at, but both are good bikes.
I know this video was posted a while ago, but just a tip from watching you ride:
You tend to ride through turns from inside to outside, bringing you across the natural rut. You generally should either stay inside or stay outside on trails. Try not to sweep across mid-turn
I'm always open to tips, no matter how old the video is. I've never had any instruction on how to ride, so any good feedback is appreciated. I will see if I can pay attention to that and do better. Thank you!
@@rockymountainlife hope it helps. Stay safe out there
Those are my home trails I grew on and have been riding for the past 30+ years. I am currently riding a 2022 Beta 390rr after several yrs on a Honda 450x. The 450x now feels a bit over powered and bulky with it's aggressive acceleration and massive power band on single track and tight trees. The 390rr has noticeably less power in the upper end of the power band, but more torque down low, nimble and smoother for this type of riding. The perfect match-up in my opinion.
The 390 is in my opinion a great trail bike, good tractor and easy to move around. I'm glad you enjoy it!
Man, you guys are blessed with some cool trails out there in CO. I haven't found trails in the forests like that, here in San Diego/So Cal.
Yes, we have some great places to ride up here, no doubt about that. 😊
There out there. You need to look harder.
Carrol canyon OHV, upper santa isabel road, ocotillo wells and all the borrego springs trails near there.
@@brocwavra8813 , "They're out there".
Nicely done! I bet you do haves the skills for single track riding…but maybe without the narration ;^)
Went to the grocery store yesterday and another fellow had just arrived on his ‘22 430 RR-S. Since I’d only seen Betas on UA-cam I couldn’t help chatting him up for a few minutes. He raved about the bike and also recommended this video.
I didn't know anything about Betas either until I went into the dealership the first time. I love mine, it's been great!
@@rockymountainlife single track that's tight wont be that fun for you on the 500, but get any woods rated 2 stroke and you will enjoy it a lot. the 2 stroke is more ok with going slower.
I used to have a 2003 xr650r. Forced to sell it in 2009 because of economy and being laid off. Killed me to sell it. This year my son bought a Beta 300rr. I rode it and got bit by the bug again. Ordered a 2022 Beta 390rr-s. Itll be here at the end of March 2022
Grats! I think you'll love it!
@@rockymountainlife Got it at the end of June. Stupid Logistics. Love the bike. Rode it easy for first 3 hours. Changed oils. After oil changes, sons friend got on it and drive around neighborhood, he now wants one. Took it out yesterday for some more break in time. Went to 13 tooth front sprocket for trails I ride on. Great bike!
@@raybaker8726 Awesome! They are great for sure. Congrats!!
I was all set to buy a Beta until I was at the dealership looking at them and a mechanic from the back was walking through and whispered to me "go orange". I said you think? He said "I know"
I had the exact opposite experience, I got mine from a dealer that sold orange, Beta, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Sherco and all the shop guys were riding Betas and about 3 of the shop guys all told me to get the Beta. Nearly four years later and I haven't regretted it for one second.
If I were buying new on the market today, it would be the Beta 430 rr-s.
Sounds like the perfect middle ground between the two.
I'll have a video coming out in the next week where Pharettface and I talk about the RRS line and their differences. I haven't ridden a 430 myself, but apparently it prefers high rpm's to produce power, more like a race bike. Not as good of a trail bike, but again, I haven't ridden one. I almost bought a 430 Race Edition before deciding on the RRS.
@@rockymountainlife I've never ridden a Beta period! So I don't have much room to speak. There was a guy on here who rode all 3 on the same day and mentioned the 430 still had some of the tractor factor and the 390 was the more revy one. Not 100% conclusive facts here but different view points help.
The 500 looks the best on paper but all seem to feel different in the real world.
Like you said, I don't think any of these models would disappoint!
@@fynn8252 Yeah, I agree. I always say we should buy the bike we like best, no matter what other people say.
13 tooth is to small and not needed. I've got the 390 rr with a 15t and first gear feels perfect for climbing and good speed to get over obstacles. Nice video. Think 500cc is over kill and burns to much fuel for long rides.
I'm guessing you would call that a well worn track?
Spot on! I had a lot of similar thoughts between the bikes. The 500 really gives that fast hard hitting race bike feel while being composed enough to tackle tight single track. The 390 is really the trail beast of lower gearing and a light nimble feeling. Like you I'd be happy riding either machine. Glad you were okay after that spill! The 390 has taken much harder falls no worries! And to give you an idea of what I do to Hermit's bikes here is me about going over the handle bars ua-cam.com/video/8iTxSOj1MZE/v-deo.html 8:32
That's a pretty nice endo! Too bad CDS wasn't a tad closer. 🤣 One for the ages!
'21 500RR-S here -- currently running the stock 15t/48t gearing... not a fan -- WAY too tall for my liking... gonna swap out the front sprocket to the 13t that they sent along with it... see if that changes my thoughts! Have you messed with gearing on yours yet?
Yep, I talked about it in this video. Much better for trails with the 13t.
Nice trail!
Thanks! The offer still stands if you ever want to bring that KLX and ride these places. 😃
I love the power of my crf450 and I’m considering buying the 390. Anyone think I would be disappointed with the power of the 390?
I don't think you would be. If your Honda is a 450F or X and not the newish dual sport version I would guess the power would be very similar. If you have the RL 450, then the 390 Beta would have more power. It's a great engine, not all corked up even though it is EPA compliant and spark arrested.
did you decide what to do? i'm curious to hear comparison with bikes i'm more familiar with (MX). the 390 sounds perfect.
The video I was looking for! I'm going 390!
Congrats! It's an awesome bike, the motor is just about perfect. I love my 500, but if I were to do it over again I'd get the 390. 👍
@@rockymountainlife I will get it next week! I come from a xr650l and xr650r, so its gonna feel wayyy lighter
its weird they don't post any torque and HP figures tho..
@@plantpower3048 I had to search for the dyno run, and I found a 500 and a 430, but not a 390. Here's the 500 dyno, it has torque on it as well. ua-cam.com/video/-3Mebv4DwQ0/v-deo.html
@@plantpower3048 it will be so much lighter, it will make trail riding easier and less tiring. The mirrors suck the most, and the seat. I replaced my seat, it was well worth the money. The stock seat is hard as a rock.
I believe the 390 suites you better
If you got to buy a bike tomorrow, would you buy the 390 or the 500? My only reservation with the 390 is the road manners with gear during a multi-day BDR trip. Thanks for any insight!
Well, if I were to buy one tomorrow knowing what I do now, for me I would get the 390 because of how and where I ride. But it depends so much on how each person plans to use it. The 500 is probably more capable of multi-day BDR trips with gear. But, the 390 is a little easier to manage on the trails. To me they are dirt bikes that happen to be road legal, neither one has great pavement manners, even with a better seat, there's no wind protection etc. 😊
@@rockymountainlife Went to the dealer, and they had a 2020 390 on consignment. While low miles, the owner wants more than the current 2021 price (had aftermarket handguards, radiator guard and a seat concept seat). I would would put a larger tank on it so the seat might not fit a larger tank and the hand guards weren't what I would fit. Thinking I'd would rather go new and equip per my preference, but then will be waiting on a 2022. Thank you for your insight. Now, do I get the larger 500 cc for those highway miles? I can't think the road performance is much different between the 390 and 500 - uncomfortable for long trips, but both can do the 65 mph with gear and a 200lb man on board? Amazed how light the bike is, even compared to my WR250R, which feels bloated compared.
@@MichaelShaw206 Yeah, both are ok to handle 65 for a while. The final drive on the 390 is shorter, so it's better at tight trails. Even with my 13t front sprocket my bike is geared taller than the 390. But again, either would be a great bike.
did you get one?
@@MichaelShaw206I’m in the same hole between 390 and 500 what did you get ?
Just 500🔥🔥😝😝✊
390 matches you better and is confidence inspiring.... ( it will make you better rider faster ).
You are struggling with 500 on nearly every bend - we can all hear it from your breathing. With 500 you will develop bad ( wrong ) habits - much more difficult to fix latter on.....
Just my 2 C....
Heh, I brought bad habits with me before I ever got the 500. Lol But if I were to start over knowing what I know now, I would get the 390.
That tool kit on the front doesn't help with the front
Nope, but it feels better than hauling them around in my backpack. 😬
@@rockymountainlife You should get a rear rack / tool bag. Less weight on the bars / fender makes for far less fatigue for us 50+ aged riders. :-)
@@wirth315 Yes, I have thought about that, and I likely will end up with some small soft bags back there, I just haven't done it yet. Hopefully this year I can put that together, as I would love getting some weight off my shoulders. 😬
Do you still love the 390?
Oh yes, it's an amazing machine. The absolute sweet spot for a trail bike.
@@rockymountainlife I’m stuck between a 450l and a 390 … ride over 100 miles on road sometimes to get to my trail head in California… such a hard decision
The 450L is better on the pavement, harder to work with on the trails. The Beta 390 will do fine on the pavement, just not as comfortable as the Honda, but has a much better motor and will be better on the trails and is much lighter. I like both bikes, it all depends on what you want it to be good at, but both are good bikes.
if you get the 390 you will be impressed with how light it is.