24' Beta 500RS owner here. 27 hours, no issues. Would recommend, balanced wheels, Tusk rackless luggage. Great lightweight BDR dualsport. What a hoot! And plenty of power for the street.
I guess the Race Edition is the one to get, at least where I live where it's really easy to get a dirt bike tagged for the street. I have a 2023 XTrainer for tight single track stuff. My dual sport bike is a CRF450L. I've considered trading in the Honda for one of the Beta 4 strokes because of Beta rideability. It's real. But my Honda is a 2019, has almost 9000 miles on it, gets used as a commuter and thrashed in the woods on weekends and hasn't had a single hiccup or quality issue. Meanwhile, my Beta, which I've had for just one year now, is all faded and worn looking. It seems that no two pieces of plastic fade the same. All the red plastics are varying shades of orange and pink. The red on the Honda still pops like brand new after a wash. Even with the faded plastics, I love my Beta. I think I'm going to order aftermarket decals that totally cover the plastic. Because otherwise, I love the Beta. I have had some niggling electrical issues. The headlight and speedometer only work half the time. Not a big deal off road. But that stuff gives me pause when I consider trading in my Honda for a Beta 4 stroke, no matter how much easier the Betas are to ride off road.
@@jwaller1327 really valid points, I will say the simplicity of my previous DRZ400 was nice. But for me, the performance of the beta is worth it. I’ve had some teething issues with this one. But nothing major mechanical. I was definitely eyeing up a special edition RRS but they disappeared rather quickly
@@davehuffstetler1786 the non race editions are pretty soft, springing for your weight is a necessity with any bike. I do bottom this out but less than my DRZ
@@Papparratzi after the initial ECU failure it’s been dead nuts reliable. I wouldn’t say I’m weary just have some gripes, another beta will replace this bike when that time comes.
@@vlodpg realistically both are great. I prefer the 430 over both just because of how rowdy it is. But after riding the 390/430/500 I don’t find myself being unhappy with any of them. They have very different characteristics, but I don’t truly feel like I’m missing out anywhere. I will say the 390 is a weapon when you finally make it to the trail.
@@TV_Offroadi have to agree. The 390 beta reminds me of my 2007 KTM 400 xcw which I still believe was one of the best built most fun to ride bikes ever. I believe the 350 to 400cc range is the sweet spot for great trail bikes. I am seriously considering the 390RR for my next bike the main selling point for me is the KYB suspension.
@@user-se7vt5ow4e I’m seeing a lot of improvements with suspension on the newer X-pro models. The RE bikes I sat on in the show room were unbelievably stiff. But I think my next beta will be an RE also.
24' Beta 500RS owner here. 27 hours, no issues. Would recommend, balanced wheels, Tusk rackless luggage. Great lightweight BDR dualsport. What a hoot! And plenty of power for the street.
Great honest review, my friend. I agree that they need to tighten up the quality control.
Yeah for sure, QC and suspension improvements and it’ll be a great package.
great review man
Appreciate it my boy!
I guess the Race Edition is the one to get, at least where I live where it's really easy to get a dirt bike tagged for the street. I have a 2023 XTrainer for tight single track stuff. My dual sport bike is a CRF450L. I've considered trading in the Honda for one of the Beta 4 strokes because of Beta rideability. It's real. But my Honda is a 2019, has almost 9000 miles on it, gets used as a commuter and thrashed in the woods on weekends and hasn't had a single hiccup or quality issue. Meanwhile, my Beta, which I've had for just one year now, is all faded and worn looking. It seems that no two pieces of plastic fade the same. All the red plastics are varying shades of orange and pink. The red on the Honda still pops like brand new after a wash. Even with the faded plastics, I love my Beta. I think I'm going to order aftermarket decals that totally cover the plastic. Because otherwise, I love the Beta. I have had some niggling electrical issues. The headlight and speedometer only work half the time. Not a big deal off road. But that stuff gives me pause when I consider trading in my Honda for a Beta 4 stroke, no matter how much easier the Betas are to ride off road.
@@jwaller1327 really valid points, I will say the simplicity of my previous DRZ400 was nice. But for me, the performance of the beta is worth it. I’ve had some teething issues with this one. But nothing major mechanical. I was definitely eyeing up a special edition RRS but they disappeared rather quickly
They have a high pressure and low pressure oil pump to keep those cams and insides lubed ,i love mine little things but so does every manufacturer .
How does it do jumping vs a DRZ? Whenever I catch air on my DRZ I bottom out super hard. Has the beta been better in that aspect?
@@davehuffstetler1786 the non race editions are pretty soft, springing for your weight is a necessity with any bike. I do bottom this out but less than my DRZ
As weary as you are with your Beta purchase, you don’t seem to be worried about riding in the forest alone.
@@Papparratzi after the initial ECU failure it’s been dead nuts reliable. I wouldn’t say I’m weary just have some gripes, another beta will replace this bike when that time comes.
If you were to do a Beta again, 390 or 500 for better on road riding to the trails? This question comes from a Kaw KLX250 owner.
@@vlodpg realistically both are great. I prefer the 430 over both just because of how rowdy it is. But after riding the 390/430/500 I don’t find myself being unhappy with any of them. They have very different characteristics, but I don’t truly feel like I’m missing out anywhere. I will say the 390 is a weapon when you finally make it to the trail.
@@TV_Offroadi have to agree. The 390 beta reminds me of my 2007 KTM 400 xcw which I still believe was one of the best built most fun to ride bikes ever. I believe the 350 to 400cc range is the sweet spot for great trail bikes.
I am seriously considering the 390RR for my next bike the main selling point for me is the KYB suspension.
@@user-se7vt5ow4e I’m seeing a lot of improvements with suspension on the newer X-pro models. The RE bikes I sat on in the show room were unbelievably stiff. But I think my next beta will be an RE also.