2020 BETA Demo 350 390 430 500 Ride Review
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- Опубліковано 30 жов 2019
- Ride review and comparison of the 2020 Beta 4 stroke Line up.
Which Beta makes the Best Hare Scramble race bike that can double as a Dual sport Motorcycle? - Авто та транспорт
What you experienced on the 500 was carrying more speed without realizing it and overshooting corners. You will adjust to it, but it gets places quicker, but gently.
INERTIA! Think about it when choosing displacements.
This ride review is great, thank you. It illustrates the significant difference in bike feel and even performance due directly to differences in total inertia. By total inertia, I mean rotational and linear inertia. Crank spinning (rotational) and the piston going back and forth (linear - the up and down you can think of as a weight moving in one direction).
Riders often don't get this technical subtlety. They focus on displacement, power, torque, and tend to adopt a more-is-better mindset. "The bikes weigh very close to the same so why wouldn't I want more displacement - more power - for my money? Bigger is better!" Ah, no.
There is a certain luxury to bigger, but it's not always a positive... all things considered.
I compete on a 250cc, not 300cc trials bike. The two sizes are IDENTICAL in all but the top end in piston diameter and some minor mapping differences. Weight is the same. But the 250 feels significantly more agile and does not break traction as easily.
In a competition-level dual sport I chose a 2019 Beta 390, which at times I find a bit too powerful. It was a compromise decision because the 350 was the most fun to ride. The 430 flat wore me out on single track and the 500, though it was better on the highway than all of the sizes, just felt too ponderous. The longer-stroke 390 represents a best of both worlds compromise. You've got less raw power than a 430 or 500, but more torque than the 350.
Before you decide on a size, consider inertia and its role. Smaller displacement bikes of the same design are more agile (inertial response differences). Smaller displacement bikes of the same design will wear you out less physically AND mentally. Smaller displacement bikes of the same design will scare you less during technical or aggressive riding, increasing confidence and sometimes safety. Smaller displacement bikes of the same design have a WIDER usable rpm range. That's contra intuitive, but if you doubt me on this this just listen to the video. You don't need as much self governing of the throttle and you short shift less. The 350, for example, will pull nicely down low then you can run the gear WAY out into high rpm. It just puts out everywhere without a big surge or hit that makes the sphincter pucker up.
👍this is why l downsized from a ktm450 to the 350. Almost handles as lite as a 300 2stroke
Beta 4t line is so impressive! My favorite was the 390rr. The 500rrs was so easy to ride and gentle too!
Thanks for the review. I'd love to make it to one of these. Lots of things interacting. But some of them have nothing to do with the model and displacement. The larger displacement motors have more gyroscopic effect. It does affect changing direction a bit. Even though engine braking is well controlled on the Betas, a small difference could act like some trailing brake in a slow corner and make the front end feel heavy. But things like tracking/deflection over roots and composure over choppy ground is almost certainly sag, compression, rebound settings, bar position and maybe even tire pressure. You were riding essentially the same chassis back to back [except for the RR which has different suspension]. I think you also got a demo of how much difference even small changes in setup can make.
Nice! Can't complain about riding bikes all day, especially a demo bike. Nice reviews!
What a great day on some amazing machines. Rode them all and that 390 still is my standout. It instills a comfort and confidence that I hadn't felt on a 4 stroke before. Think one of the first things I said after the first of three rides on it was that it's what I wished my YZ250fx had been.
Would that bike be enough for a 200 lb person?
@@thomastometich6767 Absolutely with plenty to spare. I'm probably 180 fully geared up.
That was a great review. My favorite of the four strokes was the 350 race. The 390 was close, but I didn't feel it. Maybe it would be more controllable with a steering dampener. Too bad they didn't have the 390 race available. I heard someone wrecked it pretty bad in a previous demo. The 430 engine has the biggest punch, but it rides like a tank and the front end was very difficult to keep in line with the trail. I did like the 500. The engine didn't pack the punch that the 430 has, but the toque is there. It was a very pleasant ride, and I could see myself throwing it around some high speed single track for many hours.
If I was to have only one bike, It would be the 350 race. Fortunately for me, I already have the 2019 200rr and I love it for hard enduro and technical single track. It does pretty well at high speed single track also, but I want a bigger bike for them days. For that I would go with the 500. The weight is obvious, but it is very manageable. Now, to pay off the 200 so I can buy a 500. Happy trails my friend.
Congratulations on 20k
I went to the demo last year and rode the 480RE because it was the only bike without a line. Makes me want to go back to 4st's.
I’m looking at these as well, to go with my 200rr. Kinda leaning to the 500. But that 390 is sweet. Thx for your video 👍🏼
Great video! I would roll with the 390. Love that bike
I completely agree with your comments on the 430. I rode the 430 race bike in AZ and it just took on everything without a hitch. We had 2 long sections of deep sand and I ripped right through it on the 430 with confidence. It’s magic.
Yea i dont understand what they did or why it is. But their is definitely some voodoo going on.. haha
I have a 19 500 rrs.the bike is phenomenal. I ride it on single track and roads.after you own it for a while it feels as capable as any 250-300.i have a back up 250 but i prefer the 500 except in the tightest of the single track
Cool video thanks, have a Beta 390RR on the way, cheers!
I tryed all the bikes too and the 390rrs was my favourite aswell!!
I just did the Beta demo yesterday and here is my take away. The 430 was my favorite followed by the 350. I didn't much care for the 390 and from what I've read I thought it would be my top pick. The 500 was at the bottom of the list for me. My point, you can read all the reviews and other riders opinions, but it's no substitute for a actual back to back ride on same course.
bcole505 very true!!! It’s really cool beta puts these events on!
I’ve got a 2017 350rr race edition, and like you said it’s a real woods weapon. Would be nice to try out some of the newer models, and I think that extra long stroke that 390 has would be ideal for blasting around with your mates
Really thorough review video Jon I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on all the bikes. My favorite was definitely the 350 RR Race 🤘
Derek Hallman hell yea! Thanks for watching bro!
@@GladiusJon Are you from Virginia? We should ride sometime
Derek Hallman yea I’m north of Richmond. I could always meet you at slades or ccdr. You do any vchss events?
@@GladiusJon Nice I'm in Virginia Beach. I'm down to ride anywhere pretty much! Never done a vchss event, never done a race at all actually!
@@GladiusJon if i may say, Jon, maybe - i'd bet on a better preparation they did on the 430 than on the other bikes, maybe the forks were a bit flexed inside the triple clamps (which gives a nasty harshness feel,as you know) or maybe they paid more attention to that bike's suspension set up...? or, maybe it' because the bike is a bit heavier so it "irons" everything on it's path ??
Might have to try some of these betas! Look decent
Feeling that 390
Thanks for the awesome review! Trying to decide between these 4 strokes for a snow bike. I’m a definite oldtimer but plan to use a new sport to keep the juices flowing.. Thinking the rr-s will compliment my other road motorcycles. My motocross days are 30 years behind me but man, snow biking looks like a blast and some enduro miles or even BDR’s should keep a guy fired up... 430 might be the happy medium? The Beta’s being Italian should keep my Guzzi’s from pouting too much.
I’ll be at the Demo Day tomorrow in New Jersey. I can’t wait to try the 350 and 390
see you there!
Enjoy... 390 is a gem.
What did u decide on an why?
Great review.
Great video. I really want a beta . But I’ve never tried one . But I got a feeling there the miracle bike lol
Congrats on 20k my dude
The MX Guru thanks bro, been almost 5 years now lol. The grind is real.
@@GladiusJon it truly is...this month is 3 years for the channel and 2 years seriously posting consistently...people have no idea the grind!
I'm over your direction all the time now as a sales rep for MTA. Let's ride sometime!
The MX Guru That would be awesome, what’s your email address? I’ll send you my contract info so we can meet up for a ride.
@@GladiusJon TheMXGuru@gmail.com thanks bro!
Did you notice much of a difference in power between the Race Edition, and the RRS edition of the same displacement? Last year, the Race Edition 4 strokes had dual injection and aggressive tuning, and the RRS had single injection. Riding them back to back, it was apparent to me there was more power in the Race Editions. It wasn't just suspension and graphics.Apparently all the 4 strokes have dual injection now. So I'm curious if the power is more similar between the two. Thanks!
Thanks for the video.
I was glad to hear your comment on the 390 engine being aggressive. I rode the 2019 390 and really liked it. The 2020 character has changed, in my opinion. They made it more aggressive in my opinion. If you go back and look at my test ride of the 2020 390 you will notice when I went down I stalled it first, but I was super tired.
You should come down and ride the Loretta's Spring Trail Ride in April with us. Lots of fun.
Did you get to try the 390 and 500 in race edition, with the KYB forks? Or any of the Betas with the KYB forks, if so, how are they compared to the ZF forks? I'm also torn between the 390 and 500. I'm coming from heavy adv, want a dual-sport, want to put on some luggage and extra fuel.
Nice!! Thanks for posting! Yeah.. it’s what slice of good Beta do you like. I think Id pick between 430 and 500.. leaning to biggest bore. The thing is you haven’t even set up suspension yet etc. Once you dial that in then it’s even better... Once the bike breaks in then you’ll get more power too.
I watched the video at 1 and 3/4 speed 1.75 speed and it hyper exemplifies really shows you the engine crank and RPM working and how it displays on the track check this video out at higher speed playback to see each engine
I don't think I ever heard a mention about the suspension on any of the bikes which tells me it must have been pretty good on all of them.
My dad has the 390 and my best friend has the 500, I love riding both for different reasons. I don't think you can go wrong with either of them, but if I was doing anything on the freeway the extra legs on the 500 helps. I only rode them off road though, and they're bitchen'.
390 is what i think you should get
I don't ride single tracks and I'm trying to decide between 390 and 430 but, I'm from Spain and I don't understand all that you said about the 430. What do you think is better for "trails"?? And, probably the character of each changes when you use the other sprocket that Beta gives with a one tooth more or less, isn't it?
I don't know anyone that owns the 430 to try, the 390 is very soft and easy to handle (I owned the 701😅) thank's ✌👊✊
What state were you doing that demo ride in?
I test rode the 2020 Beta range as well and my favourite for single track was the 350 followed by 430. The 390 I didn't Gel with at all, I think the long stroke motor makes the power delivery to snappy and instead of cleanly powering out of turns it unbalances you and tries to climb the berm. 390 is just to snappy in my opinion. It would tire me out riding that in the woods. 350 for the win
Wow... I felt like the 2020 390 was softer on the bottom and made it very easy to ride a bit more aggressively. The 350 and 430 were much more snappy. 430 rolled like a tank.
I would say the 390 if you wanted to be able to do a bit on the road. You should try the cr450l see what you think
I am not ridding a hundred miles on a dirt bike. Nope not for me. Are you concerned about wearing your tires out to the race? What happens is your bike brakes down at the race? What if you brake at the race? I hope you love what ever you decided to do. Good luck with it.
another rider I watch was actually there for that too
It seems as though your comparison of the 390 and 430 was the opposite of what the characteristics of the two bikes would dictate. Strange because the 390 has the 350 piston with a longer stroke, ( read lugability and torque ) and the 430 makes it's power later on because it's a higher revving motor. Dirt bike magazine or someone similar did a dual sport shootout and the 430 made the most power and I think torque of all the bikes, at the highest rpms. Even over a KTM 500.
Proud to have a #betamotor1905
I'm trying to decide between the 350 race and 390 race. i'm looking to use it as a race bike mostly but plated for our local dual sport events where we cruise down the shoulder for a few miles to connect to the next section of trail. trailering it to the event every time.
390
@@GladiusJon picked up a 2022 left over 390 race out the door for a bit under MSRP.
wait so are u dualsporting ur new two stroke ?
Not sure how you can tell cruising around in 2nd gear, would like to have seen them out in the open but anyway
why they have different display than 35p
I'm interested in the 390 & 300rr & 430 I just figure out witch one I want to get.. 2 me it looked like you were having more fun on the 390 I think that's what you should get
I am in the exact same boat... did you make a decision on what model?
From what I saw, 390 all day! Looked like the easiest and most fun to ride with all the power anyone would need.
till you get out on the hi way....lol...... 500 says see ya.....
Depends if it has to be my only bike probably the 350 for me if I could keep another dirt bike to harescramble on I'd get the 500 .
wrench One Agree! The 500 is very surprising, you can definitely do some damage off-road. And yet it’s a “big thumper” dualsport. Japan has a lot of catching up to do....
Did a Demo day last year w/ the 2019's, my favs were the 430, 390, and 300 2T. I want to try the 2020's, esp the 300 w/counter balancer. i left confused as well!
I can tell you that if you're expecting the Beta CB to be similar to the Austrian bikes you will likely be dissapointed. I would have never guessed they had one if it wasn't advertised. That said it wasn't bothersome in the least.
How would the ktm500 stack up against that 500?
I haven't ridden off road too much. I have done up to 2ft. of snow and even ice with stock enduro tires on a fe501. I've only lost the front end once and that was at 2mph stopping on glare ice. The entire bike slide out.
I fit the stock weight setup but I wouldn't think it would make my front end stick as well as it does. In fact I've ridden about 10hrs. in very slippery conditions with massive knobbies on the rear and slightly worn stock enduro on the front. Still the front never so much as pushed noticeably.
Not sure he has even ridden a KTM 500, at least I haven't seen a video about it. Not sure how he can declare there isn't anything like the Beta 500 on the market without trying the KTM/Husky 500.
@@ArkansaDave1 ive rode all 3.i bought the beta
@@robertstanger4129 Awesome, I haven't ridden any of the 500's so I don't have an opinion on them. I don't like when people proclaim a certain bike is the best despite not trying anything else. Or even worse in this case saying there isn't anything like a 500cc(478cc for beta) dirt bike with a license plate when there clearly is others available.
what a shame you didnt include startup
they aren't duel sport bikes they are Enduro bikes built for competition. you can't put Beta 500rr in the same sentence as a klr650 that thing is a road bike pretending to be a dual sport
Well the thing is once I’m on top of a big cubed off road bike I want to rip it like the smaller capacity 450/350/300
Bikes but I can’t to do that I’m not David knight
Isolating weight from the larger capacity is going to make a huge difference in the tight going
It’s up to you and your riding the 500 will handle the distances the best and can cope with higher gearing on the black stuff
The 430 could do the same and perhaps change the front sprocket on your arrival at the track
350/390 there going to buzz like help on a long journey and prob wear out a lot quicker there not XL650/DRZ400 type of bikes
Anyway the choice is yours it’s your money and your the lucky guy who gets to pick one
Q/the seats put some sheep skin on those on rout lol
Did you go with the 390? If not, what did you get?
I went with the 300 2 stroke. Did not disappoint!
I thought that was the claim to fame for the KTM500
Great video Jon. Theres only one perfect dual sport and that's the 500 XCF-W :)
I want one pretty bad. Haha
Good but the beta is better imo
@@robertstanger4129 eh...I do like it...
I rode the Beta's last year. Beta 500 is silky smooth. The KTM 500 vibrates like jack hammer. Of all the Beta's, the 350 was the most fun. I was the lightest feeling and quickest turning and still had a ton of low end power. However, the 500 would still be my choice for a dual sport if riding on the road.
I completely agree with this. I own, and have become extremely accustomed to my Beta 500. I recently jumped on a brand new KTM 500, and it felt archaic in comparison. It vibrates, the power delivery was jerky, and it seemed to lack the refinement the Beta carries with it. It reminded me exactly of my old heavy 2005 Honda CRF450X. Also the WP forks on the KTM are so weird. how can a fork feel so harsh in the initial stroke, but bottom out off of nothing?
@@americandirtrider7662 thats interesting for sure. IME, the KTMs feel far more refined than the Betas.
I'm late to the game here but I'd like this same video but with street riding or with Dirt and street. Does that exist anywhere? I currently have a CRF250L and in the woods it's more than enough for me at my skill level. But on the road it's underwhelming for me at my skill level. I think I'd love the 500 for the street but in the woods I'd likely be scared tbh. I should probably just buy a dirt bike and a street bike and stop trying to use a swiss army knife. For now I'll ride the CRF250L and get my dirt skills up. Eventually I'll get some seat time in a true woods bike and fall in love with how light and nimble it is and go from there.
Crf250L is a good bike man. Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently! I currently have a dedicated road bike, and a 300 2 stroke. But I would not hesitate to sell them both and buy an allrounder. Beta 500 is gona be very well mannered on and off-road. If you can believe this, the 500 feels lighter then a 250L. But it’s power is a handful!!!
I started on a 250L before I knew how much I'd like single-track riding. I loved that bike and was going to keep it even after I found a used Beta 430...until it was stolen. I replaced it with a street-only bike and honestly, it's way better having two bikes rather than trying to do everything on one bike. I do miss the carefree all day dual-sport rides on the 250L but the 430 is ok on the street (better on gravel) and so much better in the dirt. If you can swing it, a lighter dirt bike will improve your dirt riding skills in a hurry...and the 250L is a beast to pick up repeatedly!
So I’m new to riding. At 30 + years I’m hoping to finally get my first bike. I am looking at a wr250 vs the drz400. From what I’ve read, many people eventually dislike the 250’s engine capacity, but they don’t like the 400’s weight and lack of a sixth gear.
Do you have any preferences? I’m fairly tall with a long inseam (about 34 inches) so seat height isn’t a big deal to me.
Edit: I have zero plans for racing of any sort. I’m looking to mostly trail ride and maybe motocamp with friends and family.
TommyNitro so I was a drz or nothing fan boy ontell I rode my buddies wr250r. The wr does not have a tone of power. But it handles way better off-road. Like so much better that I beat my drz record on a local off-road loop the first time I rode the wr. Being that off-road performance is more important to me at this time. If I had to spend money on one or the other tomorrow. It would be the Wr250r.
Gladius Jon nice! Thanks for the input. Any road use would be fairly limited for me anyway. Just want a few back roads and to get from trail to trail. That was really helpful.
TommyNitro no prob, enjoy and stay safe out there!
2 Strokes Please ;)
When you gonna put your knee guards under your pants? Lol
Justin Huffman never!! Haha. Would have to shave my legs cause they are covered like mammoth.
Big daddy will braid those mammoth hair legs
For ya 😘
I'm seriously considering to buy a 390 Beta instead of a KTM 350 after viewing that
Patrick Leclercq I have rode the Ktm 350 and it’s a fine machine! Personally I would rather the 390 tho. The only thing I didn’t consider in this video is reliability. I wonder how the beta stacks up to Ktm in the long run.
@@GladiusJon The choice is difficult indeed. My brain says KTM and my heart is attracted by the Beta bike. My first dirt bike was an italian too, an Aprilia and it was a wonderful machine. So I think I'm gonna give my heart once again to an italian Lady.
Patrick Leclercq Hey, I’m in the same boat; I have a KTM 250 EXC-F (my first proper dirt bike) and ride mainly hare scrambles. I really like the new Beta range so I did a test day here in the UK expecting the 350 to be the stand out bike, and it was excellent, definitely comparable to a KTM/Husky 350, but the 390 really surprised me! If I had to chose a bike to take home that day I think I’d have taken the 390. My only hesitation is that the test track was very open, classic enduro style so is was lots of fast, sweeping corners and that plays to the advantage of the 390 over the 350. The races I do tend to be a fair bit more tight & technical than the test track.
I also rode the 2 strokes but as I don’t have much 2t experience I came away thinking that they were a LOT of fun, but I’d make too many mistakes on them - I’d have the 200 as a 2nd bike though, SO much fun.
Are all these street legal?
Michael Schneider All of them except 350 RR. But they can make the 350 street legal at the dealer, i believe all they do is Add mirrors.
@@GladiusJon 350 can be had up here in Canada as the RRS.
I'm told it has different forks than the Race edition,tho I've yet to confirm that.
I've owned quite a few dual sports,but went back to dirt only bikes last 3 years....a decision I regret.
Not that the Husky 300 or 250FX are bad bikes(I actually think the 250FX is amazing).
But my 530 and especially the 350exc could do everything I wanted offroad but with the flexibility of being street legal.
I'm leaning toward the 350exc again but have been eyeing up the Betas....either the 350 or 390RRS.
Winter here so no rush....the Betas are cheaper than the KTMs and require nothing to get peak performance, KTMs got a bit of work to do on them.
I beat the crap out of my 350exc tho,with no issues so that's hard to ignore,Beta 4 strokes are a bit of an unknown here,tho guy's loves their 300s.
@@rodjbosch Hey, where in Canada are you? Did you settle on a Beta or KTM? 350 or 390? I ride around Vancouver and Vancouver Island and get on some pretty technically single-track stuff. I'm tied between the Beta 350RRS and 390RRS currently. Leaning a bit more towards the 350 though as I've read it has more power on top and is higher revving. For my riding style, I think I'd like that better compared to the low-down torque of the 390. I learned to ride on a CRF250L and KLX250S and used to rev the snot outta those. I've never tried a 450 before but if I had to guess, I don't think I'd be a huge fan of lugging around in tight single-track. Only thing holding me back is my weight. I am 225lbs which makes me think the 390 might be better for all around riding.
@@danpluso
Sorry didn't see ya asked me something.
I bought none of the above.
I have had recurring eye issues,,and a 2017 YZ250FX with 2 hrs on it popped up....for an awesome price.
I figured my riding time would be limited(and it has been),so I may ride endurocross,moto,harescramble track more 10 minutes away from house.
So far it has proven to be a wise move....its a great bikel...dare I say the best "stock" bike I've owned or ridden.
I live in SE corner of Alberta,so the nearest appropriate DS riding isnt close,our area is more suited to eating up miles with the 1190.
That being said I will probably buy a 350exc if I go street legal again.
Simply because the dealer is aan hr away not 3.
The 250FX motor I feel is similar to the 350s,lugs well,revs to the moon and is very controllable.
The 390 is not like that and now that I've had the 250FX I'm pretty sure I'd miss it.
If I did go Beta I think I'd do 350 as well....for the same reason.
Watching this is like asking someone for advice an answer is idk....
Shannon Scott pretty much.
still waiting to see the "aggressive" riding , i don't think any of the bikes went above 2000 rpm lol
Marc Williams Childish keyboard warriors get banned from my comment section. Final warning.
@@GladiusJon That is the correct way to ride these bikes, that's what Beta's do and it makes life easy.
@@GladiusJon its not meant as a childish comment just a fact. it would have been nice to see them getting a good workout to see how they go. didn't mean to offend and i'm not a keyboard warrior that term is for people who give abuse online, however if it makes you feel better be my guest and ban me from the comments. have a nice day.
Marc Williams I’m only a Mid pack C class rider. Not the fastest by any stretch. However, I’m a lot quicker then most dirt riders... It would be childish of me to poke fun at the vast majority of offroad youtubers who are slower then me wouldn’t it? It’s not cool at all.. Unless your a pro rider talking smack to an opponent. There is no point in tearing other riders down.
I was hoping you caught that loser that crashed into the tree on video. Nice reviews tho.
Dude your knee pads ???
Rich Newman crime against humanity 🤦♂️🤣
😂😂 fair play buddy
I own a 390 rr, just went and bought a KTM again. Wouldn't buy another Beta,
Bob Loughlin how come? What happened?
@@GladiusJon Unreliable with wiring, clutch, fasteners are poor on my bike.Other friends with Betas have found that they have just not held up to other bikes we've own. Almost everyone has gone back to prior brands - been an expensive experiment.
@@bobloughlin8221 What year 390RR??? I am thinking about a 2022+ Beta 390RR Race Edition to add to my TM Racing EN300ES 2t...gonna try and stay Italian, as I LOVE my TM! Way better for me than the 2020 Husqvarna I had. Sat on the 21s, and watched a guy ride his before and I'm pretty impressed with the new 350s and 390s!
@@jonathondavis170 I think it was a 2018 but don’t remember. Good luck with whatever you purchased.
Try a CRF 450 L
that's a dog
Lol
Isn't crf 450 l really reliable?
@@megapet777 detuned and heavy
The Falkor you can always tune it better and get performance parts
Gladius Jon thanks for the video. please stop talking about "feelings" tho. it makes me want to puke.
Have you ridden the ktm 500? How does it compare with the beta 500?