I'm still in love with my 2021 390 Race Edition. I agree it's way more expensive than it should have been. I was really looking for a KTM but at the time nobody within 100 miles had a 350 KTM in stock so I took what I could get and I'm still quite satisfied. I have noticed some of the same issues however - shitty plastics, crap stickers, small tank ... but the motor is great. I love the torque on the 390 and the top end doesn't make me feel like my arms are gonna rip off. For an intermediate rider like me this bike is Goldilocks territory. I don't have too many miles on it yet though ... time will tell. Thanks for the video.
Mid-50's rider too. I picked up my '22 Beta 500RR/S in June 2022. Only have around 500 miles on it so far but I pretty much agree with everything you like and dislike about the bike. - The seat sucks. I also went with a Seat Concepts Comfort XL seat. - The mirrors suck. The wind messes with them but I've discovered that setting them in a lower position helps. - The range sucks. I'm averaging around 38 mpg. A 2.3 gallon fuel tank won't get you very far. I don't like the aesthetics of a bigger tank. - I'm 6'3" and opted to go with taller handlebars (ProTaper ATV High Bend). I gained around 2" in height. - No issues with the plastics so far. I wiped out once in my pasture but no damage to the bike (or me). - The dealer installed his version of a tidy tail which cleaned up the ass end of the bike. - The dealer removed the emissions equipment. No starting or stalling issues so far. - I upgraded the gps to the Voyager Pro. - Would I do it all over again? Probably not but mainly because I'm not using the bike for what it's good at. Haven't ridden any trails yet. Mainly backroads, dirt roads, gravel roads, etc. For this type of riding, I could probably get by with something more mellow like a CRF300 Rally or a corked up CRF450RL. Make no mistake, the Beta is a dirt bike with a license plate.
Mine has all the emission stuff in it, and I've never had any starting or stalling issues, the Betas run really well straight from the factory. And your mileage will improve, mine got better once the bike was fully broken in. Now I get 45-52 per gallon depending on how hard I ride it.
In fairness $5500 in 2004 is the same as $8,100 today. I do agree though its insane that you have to spend $11k on these bikes now but that being said the Beta IMO is a much better deal than the CRF450L. As for the plastics that is pretty crazy to me, almost worth talking to beta about. I have dropped, dragged, looped, cashed into trees, ect my beta so much and I have never cracked any plastics. Cole on Georga pass pretty much drug is beta on its side down rocks and didn't crack. Really much have hit it just right lol. Very similar to my thoughts on the 19 betas though good video. BTW if you get the 3 gal tank mark and I are happy to help.
Thank you for your in depth review and thoughts. Extremely helpful. I am trying to decide between the 390/430. I will purchase motard wheels for it and swap back and forth on occaision. Most riding will be 60/40 on/off. Fire roads, 2 track, more wide open stuff, higher speed (some desert but not much). Not into blazing/making trails or technical riding, slow speed etc.. I know there is only 2lbs diff but that can be noticeable off road. Did a short stint (road) on a 2018-390 RR-S in both maps and was very impressed. I know the new ones are even better... but still wonder about the 430 or 500. Anyone with actual riding comparos between the 3 sizes (RR-S only) please comment and chime in ! Is there a "seat of the pants" diff between the 390 and 430 ? Would i feel the extra inertia in the 430 opposed to the 390 ?
Just about every performance dual sport you see in the wild has a seat and a tank added. You'd think the manufacturers would notice this? No dual sport should be sold without a 4 gallon tank. Have a look at the G2 throttle tamer if you want to soften your bike for the trails. Nice honest review.
Oh and ‘princess plastics’ all new in box, polisport for beating up. Throttle tamer is sweet too. Tank is big enough for me cause I’m old. 25 mpg and worth it!
Yeah, they seem to think that putting mx seats on dual sports is the "in" thing to do. It was like sitting on a 2x4. Terrible. The replacement seat was well worth the money.
Hey there. I live in the Springs also and have been looking at the 21 500s. If you ever consider selling yours for a 390 let me know. I'd love to come check it out! I have fallen in love with these bikes.
I love mine, I don't see me selling it for a 390, even though the 390 is awesome. I honestly think it's hard to go wrong with any of them. I bet even the 350 is a great bike. I like having the ability of the 500. Put that taller front sprocket it on it and it would handle 70 mph for hours I would imagine.
Mine isn't too bad. Of course because it is so light 70 mph isn't great for long periods of time. Plus there's no wind protection, but I have cruised mine some at 65-70 and haven't had any trouble. It's just not near as confortable as a more "road oriented" bike would be.
People are asking too much money. The day you take it off the dealer lot, it drops 33% off msrp (not out the door). Love Betas btw as that’s what I ride but yes, the used market is out of control and bikes in general are too expensive.
Question on seats as I’m a relatively new rider: do most riders wear padded underwear like in mountain biking? I mountain biked for 30 years. I usually wear padded pants. I do the same when dirt biking and it makes the seat a lot more comfortable (although I don’t dual sport, only trail ride so I stand most of the time.)
I have some padded shorts, but for me it's mostly for crash protection for my hips rather than seat comfort. The padding in mine over the tailbone area is pretty thin, and while I think it helps a little with comfort, for me it isn't much of a difference. The biggest improvement for seat comfort usually comes from the seat upgrade I think. 😊
This motorcycle is perfect for what it is, a enduro , it is not a dual sport motorcycle. It would have been great if Beta would ad a secondary balancer shaft , ABS and a biger gas tank but it would not be competitive with the other motorcycles in her class.
How do you define a "dual sport"? To me a dual sport is something that is legal and capable off and on road. And what are the other bikes in this class? KTM 500? Husky 501? Honda CRF450L? This is more than competitve with them, it even costs less than the KTM and Husky and puts out more power, comes with better tires. Adding a secondary balancer shaft and bigger gas tank would make it heavier and more expensive and probably push it into a different class, like light adv or something. So what is a dual sport? What does a bke need to fit into that category? The Beta RR lines are more suited to "enduro" stuff I think with stiffer suspensions and shorter gearing. I define my bike as a dual sport thst is more at home on the trails than the pavement. That's how it feels. Light, nimble, good at trail riding, but is decent on the pavement as well.
2:30 It must have just been at the perfect angle (watched the vid), I've never seen dirtbike plastics crack like that. I also don't understand why new plastics are so f**king expensive... my left and right shroud cost $145 EACH! So almost $300 for a fresh oem pair. Luckily my 450X shares lots of parts from the moto-cross bike so you can get a full body acerbis plastic kit for around $175. It sounds like most of the dislikes are small niggles, which is a good thing! Have you found any problems with the wiring or the trail tech dash glitching?
2020 fixed all things electrical with the Betas. My 19 had some charging issues stemming from aluminum crimps where solder joints should have been but truthfully most of them didn't have issues. The Trail tech is pretty cool though I use mine all the time its very useful once you figure it out.
I initially replaced all of my plastics with "Polisports" and they had more flexibility and the entire set was $110 through rocky mountain for my 2021 300rr So replace them with after market!
Depends a little on the weather, but mine gets up to 210-215 at slow speeds pretty easily. I think I've seen it hit 220, but I think that's about the max I remember.
I just rode my 2023 500 RRS on a local trail yesterday. We had a high of 80 degrees and riding slow on loose gravel I was up to 220. At temps in the 70's on county roads it's down to 145. What's really tough is going uphill on rough terrain!
Not really, they have a race edition with stiffer springs and no turn signals, no key, and no mirrors that more closely fits the "plated dirt bike" thing.
@@Bischlarbo69 I agree, they are more dirt bike than a lot of others, but I wouldn't call an RRS a "race bike". But they are definitely dirt oriented, and a lot happier on the dirt.
Man that Sucks that You spend that kind of Money on a new Bike,and You still have to buy Better After Market Parts,and a Seat,because The Stock is Garbage!,I've been considering buying a dual sport as a Brand New Rider in my 50's!,and I'm trying to decide between this bike and a Husqvarna or a KTM!
Any would be great bikes. They all have their quirks and they all come with 2x4 seats, but you'd be pretty happy with any of them. For me the Beta won over the other two for these reasons: better stock tires for dirt, more power, and a little less expensive. 😊 The Trail Tech gps was also a nice plus, but wasn't a deciding factor for me really.
Bigals. ktms. , that would be "should have", and the problem is the gap between the 300's and 450's. You can get a KLX or CRF 300 which is on the small / slow side or jump to a CRF450L or Beta.
@@gabrielkopp2036 I agree. Just keep in mind the 390 and 430 engines behave much differently. The 390 is a lugger/tractor, while the 430 is a revver, so they'll feel different.
Thanks for sharing! I own an ‘18 390 RRS and it’s more than I ever was lol; 66 now so mostly dirt roads less single track. Merry Christmas
I'm still in love with my 2021 390 Race Edition. I agree it's way more expensive than it should have been. I was really looking for a KTM but at the time nobody within 100 miles had a 350 KTM in stock so I took what I could get and I'm still quite satisfied. I have noticed some of the same issues however - shitty plastics, crap stickers, small tank ... but the motor is great. I love the torque on the 390 and the top end doesn't make me feel like my arms are gonna rip off. For an intermediate rider like me this bike is Goldilocks territory. I don't have too many miles on it yet though ... time will tell. Thanks for the video.
Mid-50's rider too. I picked up my '22 Beta 500RR/S in June 2022. Only have around 500 miles on it so far but I pretty much agree with everything you like and dislike about the bike.
- The seat sucks. I also went with a Seat Concepts Comfort XL seat.
- The mirrors suck. The wind messes with them but I've discovered that setting them in a lower position helps.
- The range sucks. I'm averaging around 38 mpg. A 2.3 gallon fuel tank won't get you very far. I don't like the aesthetics of a bigger tank.
- I'm 6'3" and opted to go with taller handlebars (ProTaper ATV High Bend). I gained around 2" in height.
- No issues with the plastics so far. I wiped out once in my pasture but no damage to the bike (or me).
- The dealer installed his version of a tidy tail which cleaned up the ass end of the bike.
- The dealer removed the emissions equipment. No starting or stalling issues so far.
- I upgraded the gps to the Voyager Pro.
- Would I do it all over again? Probably not but mainly because I'm not using the bike for what it's good at. Haven't ridden any trails yet. Mainly backroads, dirt roads, gravel roads, etc. For this type of riding, I could probably get by with something more mellow like a CRF300 Rally or a corked up CRF450RL. Make no mistake, the Beta is a dirt bike with a license plate.
Mine has all the emission stuff in it, and I've never had any starting or stalling issues, the Betas run really well straight from the factory. And your mileage will improve, mine got better once the bike was fully broken in. Now I get 45-52 per gallon depending on how hard I ride it.
I have a CRF450L that I love. 6k miles and running strong. I still desire a Beta 430RRS. The short stroke is my favorite vs the 390/500 long strokes.
I almost got a 430, but I don't ride in the higher rpms, so I think it wouldn't have suited my riding style, but I hear it's a great motor.
This is a good ride along and talking about you bike great video bud and your adventure thank for sharing
Thank you! 😊
In fairness $5500 in 2004 is the same as $8,100 today. I do agree though its insane that you have to spend $11k on these bikes now but that being said the Beta IMO is a much better deal than the CRF450L. As for the plastics that is pretty crazy to me, almost worth talking to beta about. I have dropped, dragged, looped, cashed into trees, ect my beta so much and I have never cracked any plastics. Cole on Georga pass pretty much drug is beta on its side down rocks and didn't crack. Really much have hit it just right lol. Very similar to my thoughts on the 19 betas though good video. BTW if you get the 3 gal tank mark and I are happy to help.
Yeah, I feel like my plastic cracked really easily. I've heard others complain about it as well.
3 gallons is definitely a good investment.
@@fynn8252 Yeah, I'd love to get one. Maybe in a year or so I can order one.
@@rockymountainlife contact Beta USA tell them you'll do a review they'll give you some money off for a tank
@@pharettface Heh, not sure my channel is big enough for them to accept that just yet. 😬
Thank you for your in depth review and thoughts. Extremely helpful. I am trying to decide between the 390/430. I will purchase motard wheels for it and swap back and forth on occaision. Most riding will be 60/40 on/off. Fire roads, 2 track, more wide open stuff, higher speed (some desert but not much). Not into blazing/making trails or technical riding, slow speed etc.. I know there is only 2lbs diff but that can be noticeable off road. Did a short stint (road) on a 2018-390 RR-S in both maps and was very impressed. I know the new ones are even better... but still wonder about the 430 or 500. Anyone with actual riding comparos between the 3 sizes (RR-S only) please comment and chime in ! Is there a "seat of the pants" diff between the 390 and 430 ? Would i feel the extra inertia in the 430 opposed to the 390 ?
I've never ridden a 430, but I'm told it's a "revver", likes higher rpm's and speed. Hopefully someone who's ridden one can chime in and help.
I believe the 2023s have improved graphics now
That's good. It's been one of my biggest gripes.
Just about every performance dual sport you see in the wild has a seat and a tank added. You'd think the manufacturers would notice this? No dual sport should be sold without a 4 gallon tank. Have a look at the G2 throttle tamer if you want to soften your bike for the trails. Nice honest review.
I like 500cc because the way that takes the steep hills .It goes very smooth.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Sounds like you got yourself into a sport you really can't afford or don't want to spend the money... Thanks for your honesty, Happy New Year...
Oh and ‘princess plastics’ all new in box, polisport for beating up. Throttle tamer is sweet too. Tank is big enough for me cause I’m old. 25 mpg and worth it!
Very sensible comments, review.
The stock seat on my 390 is awful. Then again the stock seat on my Husky Dual Sport is awful too
Yeah, they seem to think that putting mx seats on dual sports is the "in" thing to do. It was like sitting on a 2x4. Terrible. The replacement seat was well worth the money.
Hey there. I live in the Springs also and have been looking at the 21 500s. If you ever consider selling yours for a 390 let me know. I'd love to come check it out! I have fallen in love with these bikes.
I love mine, I don't see me selling it for a 390, even though the 390 is awesome. I honestly think it's hard to go wrong with any of them. I bet even the 350 is a great bike. I like having the ability of the 500. Put that taller front sprocket it on it and it would handle 70 mph for hours I would imagine.
Keep in mind these guys selling used bikes are asking for 3xthe value..doesn't mean they are getting it
A bike, or anything for that matter, is only worth what someone will pay for it. Some people get a bit drunk over what they own.
How's the highway on that, can you travel at 70MPH, or is it super twitchy, thanks
Mine isn't too bad. Of course because it is so light 70 mph isn't great for long periods of time. Plus there's no wind protection, but I have cruised mine some at 65-70 and haven't had any trouble. It's just not near as confortable as a more "road oriented" bike would be.
People are asking too much money. The day you take it off the dealer lot, it drops 33% off msrp (not out the door).
Love Betas btw as that’s what I ride but yes, the used market is out of control and bikes in general are too expensive.
Question on seats as I’m a relatively new rider: do most riders wear padded underwear like in mountain biking? I mountain biked for 30 years. I usually wear padded pants. I do the same when dirt biking and it makes the seat a lot more comfortable (although I don’t dual sport, only trail ride so I stand most of the time.)
I have some padded shorts, but for me it's mostly for crash protection for my hips rather than seat comfort. The padding in mine over the tailbone area is pretty thin, and while I think it helps a little with comfort, for me it isn't much of a difference. The biggest improvement for seat comfort usually comes from the seat upgrade I think. 😊
This motorcycle is perfect for what it is, a enduro , it is not a dual sport motorcycle. It would have been great if Beta would ad a secondary balancer shaft , ABS and a biger gas tank but it would not be competitive with the other motorcycles in her class.
How do you define a "dual sport"? To me a dual sport is something that is legal and capable off and on road. And what are the other bikes in this class? KTM 500? Husky 501? Honda CRF450L? This is more than competitve with them, it even costs less than the KTM and Husky and puts out more power, comes with better tires. Adding a secondary balancer shaft and bigger gas tank would make it heavier and more expensive and probably push it into a different class, like light adv or something. So what is a dual sport? What does a bke need to fit into that category? The Beta RR lines are more suited to "enduro" stuff I think with stiffer suspensions and shorter gearing. I define my bike as a dual sport thst is more at home on the trails than the pavement. That's how it feels. Light, nimble, good at trail riding, but is decent on the pavement as well.
2:30 It must have just been at the perfect angle (watched the vid), I've never seen dirtbike plastics crack like that. I also don't understand why new plastics are so f**king expensive... my left and right shroud cost $145 EACH! So almost $300 for a fresh oem pair. Luckily my 450X shares lots of parts from the moto-cross bike so you can get a full body acerbis plastic kit for around $175.
It sounds like most of the dislikes are small niggles, which is a good thing!
Have you found any problems with the wiring or the trail tech dash glitching?
Nope, I've had zero issues with my electrical.
2020 fixed all things electrical with the Betas. My 19 had some charging issues stemming from aluminum crimps where solder joints should have been but truthfully most of them didn't have issues. The Trail tech is pretty cool though I use mine all the time its very useful once you figure it out.
I initially replaced all of my plastics with "Polisports" and they had more flexibility and the entire set was $110 through rocky mountain for my 2021 300rr So replace them with after market!
@@soilsmanadv6673 good idea!
What temp does yours run at slow speeds ? I think mine might be running hot
Depends a little on the weather, but mine gets up to 210-215 at slow speeds pretty easily. I think I've seen it hit 220, but I think that's about the max I remember.
@@rockymountainlife thanks.
I just rode my 2023 500 RRS on a local trail yesterday. We had a high of 80 degrees and riding slow on loose gravel I was up to 220. At temps in the 70's on county roads it's down to 145. What's really tough is going uphill on rough terrain!
Klein is like riding a Harley bagger off road , two totally different bikes
Yeah, I much prefer the Beta. 😬
Sounds like you need a DRZ400 instead of a full blood European Enduro Race bike.
Horses for Courses.
DRZ is too heavy, don't like them.
You can put skin goat on the seat but has to be covers with clear plastic so it doesn't get wet.🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
2.4 gallon tank and oil changes every 30 to 40 hours (500 miles) place this bike outside the ‘dual sport’ category.
Meh, not really. Unless you're covering huge amounts of land. Im getting 80-100 miles out of my 2.4 gallon 390. More than enough for me so far
It's a race bike that can be plated, not really a dual sport.
Not really, they have a race edition with stiffer springs and no turn signals, no key, and no mirrors that more closely fits the "plated dirt bike" thing.
@@rockymountainlife this bike is still much closer to dirt bike than dual sport. An RR model is a 100% dirt bike. My 390 RRS is 85% dirt bike
@@Bischlarbo69 I agree, they are more dirt bike than a lot of others, but I wouldn't call an RRS a "race bike". But they are definitely dirt oriented, and a lot happier on the dirt.
I love the video and hearing about the beta but you're making me seasick waving your head back-and-forth with your camera mounted on your helmet
Man that Sucks that You spend that kind of Money on a new Bike,and You still have to buy Better After Market Parts,and a Seat,because The Stock is Garbage!,I've been considering buying a dual sport as a Brand New Rider in my 50's!,and I'm trying to decide between this bike and a Husqvarna or a KTM!
Any would be great bikes. They all have their quirks and they all come with 2x4 seats, but you'd be pretty happy with any of them. For me the Beta won over the other two for these reasons: better stock tires for dirt, more power, and a little less expensive. 😊 The Trail Tech gps was also a nice plus, but wasn't a deciding factor for me really.
@@rockymountainlife Thanks for The Advice!,Very Kind of You!!!,and by the way,That Country that You were Touring Through,Wow,Natural Beauty Abound!!!
@@rgarrison1819 Thanks, I love our Colorado mountains for sure.
rgarrison1819 , if you have the $ for a Husky, you can afford a new keyboard. You've got sticky keys.
@Captain America Just because You may have a little and may be able to afford something, doesn't mean You should Waste it too!!!
you should of bought a Honda crf 300 rally probably better for your skill and what u actually need.
Too heavy. I don't want a 300 pound bike.
Bigals. ktms. , that would be "should have", and the problem is the gap between the 300's and 450's. You can get a KLX or CRF 300 which is on the small / slow side or jump to a CRF450L or Beta.
One would think the 390 gets better fuel mileage
Maybe a bit, but not by much, from what I hear.
@@rockymountainlife I'm considering getting a 390 rrs but 13 k out the door seems a bit much when I can get a 2022 430 demo for 10k out the door
@@gabrielkopp2036 I agree. Just keep in mind the 390 and 430 engines behave much differently. The 390 is a lugger/tractor, while the 430 is a revver, so they'll feel different.
@@rockymountainlife oh I agree I prefer the longer stroke engine but a little more clutch work would fine to save 3k
You spent over 10 grand on a motorcycle and you can't afford a gas tank?
Job changes for the wife, income dropped like 35% since I bought the bike. Monthly budget looks a lot different than it did then.