Adapting Beta RR390 RR450 RR480 for adventure riding?︱Cross Training Adventure

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Long term reports on the Beta four stroke engines are positive (other than the dumb plastic oil pump cogs replaced every 100 hours). Typically the only consistent issues seem to be electrics - a typical Beta issue. E.g. A common problem with 2018 and 2019 Beta four strokes is a charging issue resulting in flat batteries. Beta has states they will fix 2018 models with free parts, on 2019 models they will provide free parts and labour, no matter how many hours you've run up. Another problem is speedos resetting themselves to zero. On some models Beta used the wrong speed cable, also there is a a connector that needs to be zip tied into place as the poor connection keeps resetting the speedo. See your Beta dealer for more info. The dual engine oil/transmission oil compartments make regular oil changes more work than they need to be for adventure riding. In terms of wear, remember most models have short strokes so you shouldn't lug the engines too often as you'll probably get uneven piston wear. The RR390 is the exception here with its longer stroke. OVER 100 FREE ENDURO TRAINING VIDS English not your first language? Subtitles in 30+ languages! Basic enduro skills playlist bit.ly/3BtOVyI Intermediate enduro skills playlist bit.ly/3HSkh4r Advanced enduro skills playlist bit.ly/3oNNeqF BIKE SETUP & RIDING GEAR Bike setup playlist: bit.ly/3sBar0i Protective gear playlist: bit.ly/34BYDTI Which bike should I buy? bit.ly/3gLTJG1 Knee protection playlist bit.ly/36fR4Cw OUR OTHER PLAYLISTS Reviews of bikes & products bit.ly/3GQCVrO All about helmets bit.ly/3sJxIgy Enduro philosophy! bit.ly/33meQeV 10 ways to hop logs bit.ly/3JqlOPx The weird side of enduro! bit.ly/3Js1ai2 Read our disclaimer first before attempting any techniques: bit.ly/2U0bgCy Become a supporter! www.crosstrainingenduro.com/cross-training-support-donations.html

[@Suecoloco1]

Love your videos. A quick question, the clutch lever set up is what make? You said it reduces pull by 70% thats amazing. 50 years of ridng and racing has taken a toll and anything i can do to limit pain and suffering i am open to try. LOL

[@gypsymanjeff2184]

Running a 13 520rr/s. ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING BIKE . old fart 60 today .this is my present to me .gr8 choice

[@gravelyetigravelyeti4284]

i debate the usefulness of a front wheel in your situation, i perceive the fact you do not require one, freakinawesome mate

[@stevecarmack6267]

Perfect timing on this video for me. I’ve been riding the KTM 690 r for an adventure bike on the TAT here in American as well as local dual sport rides. I was interested in something lighter and frankly, a little more fun to ride. The Beta’s weight for the 390 is very close to my 300 XCW single track bike which is much easier to handle. This video helped answer some of the road riding concerns I have with the light bike. Thank you!

[@philgoogle1535]

Exactly my situation right now. I have a 690 and 890R and am looking for a smaller adv bike for local rides. The 390 RR MY23 looks like the pick for me.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Long stroke 390 engine is brilliant. Perfect for dual sport. Beta would probably make a killing if they did an adv version.... big tank, fairing, comfy seat, bigger oil capacity.

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Man I love how comprehensive your videos are!!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

thanks joe, collected way more info than that but you have to cull it to keep the vids relatively short. :)

[@gorongo4202]

Excellent vid on what’s important for an all around great bike. Most of this I’ve done and tested on my FE501. Can’t change to Beta now, but I see the value of knowing the bore and stroke. I’m on the fence about a cush drive. 95% dirt for now. Looking forward to the old man video. I’ll admit at 60 and riding these brilliant toys, I feel 25. There are pills for that, too.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Pills for everything, Ronald... except improving our riding skills lol.

[@michaelbrowne5684]

Great project that i will be watching closely thanks. Can vouch for seat concepts. I have one on my RR300 and have no issues for a full day out. 55 year old 85kg and got the standard size. I had no trouble with the contacts and know of a person who got a seat via Beta USA.

[@richmoto1]

Wow, that clutch set up is cool. I must check it out.

[@dreskyify]

adv OZ i just love your videos thumbs up...hello from Kenya !!

[@fr1mvo]

Beta 500rs here, 4100 miles, nothing but metal oil pump gears and regular oil changes, flawless bike!

[@matt_c869]

I've been using the 723 here in aus for about 2000km so far and has been great. similar performance to the Mt21 I had on the back before but has already lasted longer and has plenty of tread left. Like you I went a fatter tyre on the front. I would of went for a 216 like you had in the video but none were in stock so I went with a Michelin cross country 90/100. using this setup on a adventure berg 570.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

ah so they ARE available now matt? what a bugger, it will take ages to wear out the current tyres.

[@matt_c869]

ADVENTURE OZ yeah I ordered direct from golden tyre Australia. This was a few months ago though.

[@gncc1race]

So that's what happened to the big principessa! Of course you told us from the outset of your ADV plans for her. But we of short memory (and by "we" I mean me...). That also explains the SX conversion on the cross training channel. Another great video Mr. Morris! And BTW, though you probably hadn't noticed my silence lately, I've been watching vids on the big screen via Roku. So I've been watching and giving thumbs up, but there's no way for me to comment on the Roku. Something you should probably thankful for! LOL!!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

at the risk of sounding like a wimp, there have been some nights i've cried myself to sleep wondering where your youtube comments had gone.... not a heart wrenching wail, more of a pathetic whimpering and a slightly damp pillow. and now i'll have to google roku and find out what it means, you know we aussies have only just discovered the internet.... :)

[@gncc1race]

ADVENTURE OZ Dry your eyes Barry. You'll never get rid of me! (I mean that in the creepy, stalker kind of way... LOL!!) Roku is a wifi casting device like Apple TV, Kindle Fire, or Chrome Cast that allows you to watch KZbin, NetFlix and dozens of other streaming internet apps on your living room TV. Roku was one of the first and remains one of the best. So called "smart" TV's have the same wifi capabilities built in, but even the upscale ones use generations-old wifi hardware. So experts recommend using a casting device instead of the built-in system, as they are much faster and smoother. I discovered all this when I bought a new "smart" TV a couple years ago. It's true, the Roku works way better than the built-in TV system. The cool thing about using a casting device is that any TV that has a USB or HDMI connection can be connected to the internet and greatly expand your viewing horizons (as it were...). They range in price from $30 to $80 US, and are well worth it. My neighbors use the internet exclusively for all their TV viewing. No cable...

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

The disclaimers are always the best part...

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

For the price of the beta, I can buy the expensive dual sport Honda..... you know, one of the Japanese big four so ANY aftermarket item I want comes over the counter and I don’t have to have a friend weld one up or pay a shop excessive cash to do custom work... Cool vid, and I get why you chose a bike there weren’t already a thousand KZbin vids for, but for those of us actually considering doing this it is really a nonsequiter to use a beta...

[@hayhead92]

Hey Barry, I have a 2010 KTM 400 which I love for riding street and technical single track. The bike has a very smooth forgiving power band, handles well and has been very reliable. I believe you rode the 400 in one of your previous video's, wondering how it compares to the Beta 390. KTM doesn't make the 400 currently but the 390 seems like it would be a very similar bike.

[@masterbeta343]

Cant wait until u try out the new goldentyre and compare it to the gt201 and the 505 is great for a knobbie but it wears down too fast a trials tire would def last at least a year but they arent street legal

[@averagejoedirtbikes1397]

Dual overhead cams are a Tricky to rebuild for the first time.

[@lazar2175]

I like the bike,but i dont like the service intervals. On my WR250 i just change oil every 4000km and check the valve clearance at the same time. Takes 10 min and 20 dollars for oil. I dont know how often it needs top end rebuild,but oil change every 30h is kinda too frequent.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

yep there will always be this compromise once you move to a much higher performance bike... still only a 10 min oil change though

[@toltod]

Still wish Beta sold a Beefy Rear subframe replacement for dual sporting. Or someone aftermarket.

[@HobbitHomes263]

In America a "beetah" is the "beater" we buy for winter driving...

[@crosstrainingadventure]

The Italians must find it amusing that none of us pronounce it correctly 😂

[@Itchybite]

Hello Adventure Oz. This is not a 'which bike' question. I wouldn't dare do that.....but, in setting up a light weight adventure bike is a bigger capacity more reliable do you think? I would much prefer the 390 over the 480 (or the KTM350 over the 500) but will the smaller displacement bike sit on 110kph just as well for hour after hour if required?

[@olorda]

Yourb a legend. Thank you so much.cheers

[@David-v8k9e]

How is the oil service with this system? Any complication?

[@690ADV]

great video keep them going!

[@practicaladvmoto]

Are we going to see any ADV trips on the beta soon? :)

[@crosstrainingadventure]

a few day trips as per this vid, not sure if i've got time nowadays to do a multi-day trip though...

[@frogzie]

Would be nice, though...

[@DanielOliveiraSantos]

Adventure OZ, you should try The AJP Pr7........ I think it is going to be a very good adventure bike

[@crosstrainingadventure]

it does look promising... i was hoping it would be lighter than it is though.

[@DanielOliveiraSantos]

Yes I think it is going to be promising, but in comparision with the KTM 690r 152kg (whith fuel) and AJP Pr7 165kg (with fuel), i dont know if it is that heavy for a bike like that..... Almost every other adventure bike is heavier that that. Either way people are going to take baggage and other Items with them, so heavier it goes.

[@jasons44]

dude you put out the stuff, i always need to know. and don't even know i need to know it ? thanks for the help! I just wish i could afford the rs390, or any beta for that matter! but you got me sold on the 390's long stroke engine. have you heard about ktm 390 duke enduro? thanks OZ MAN

[@crosstrainingadventure]

i keep hearing about the 390 enduro but not sure if it's real or not, jason. a few years back everyone saw this photoshopped image a guy did and thought it was actually a real design. i haven't followed the rumours lately.

[@TheDarkGTAPlayer]

ADVENTURE OZ not to add more suspicion, but KTM when they released their spy shots for the 800 Enduro they are making. They also went ahead and released some shots of a secondary bike. much smaller in engine and frame. As well as a completely different engine design. No one knows what it is. Other than it being an Adv bike.

[@etaunknown4024]

Guy I know from #Thumpertalk has a beta rrs500 with a little over 10 thousand miles on it and the only maintenance hes done to it is replaced the clutch disks twice and the clutch basket once. Of course that's minus regular oil and filter changes, but for putting 10k miles on a glorified dirt bike that's flipping awesome considering that I damn near rebuild my engine once or twice a year on my yz that I use as a dual sport. Been a Yamaha fan my entire life, but I'm sold on the beta rrs500, or beta in general really. I mean seriously, the beta 125 2 stroke can be made street legal and tagged ffs!!! So that in and of itself is a killer selling point for me cause I'm pretty much sick of always riding dirty on whatever dirt bike I have that cant be tagged but I ride on the rd anyway and always taking a chance of getting pulled over. So yeah, I'm over the Yamaha's letting me down as far as a dual sport goes cause I'm not spending close to 7k on a wr250r dual sport that's weak as watered down koolaid, or the xt250, or the tw200, that's even weaker. Yamaha has 3 dual sport models and basically, they all suck. Maybe not for everyone cause not everyone likes the kinda power that I like, so some ppl like them I'm sure. But, personally, if it cant power wheelie in 5th gear, I dont want it. The only bad thing iv found on the beta 4 strokes, and its a personal gripe not an actual bad thing cause it's a better more high performance platform than a regular valve system thats more easily adjustable but lower performance, is that the valve system beta uses is the same shim under bucket system that I was trying to get away from in the first place. It makes adjusting the valves obviously more difficult, but at least they went with just 4 valves instead of 5, so I suppose that's a plus lol. So yes, I'm all about these Italian princesses 😘.

[@MisterMitchMM]

Great video.

[@WayneDowsent]

Awesome!!

[@miro_s]

For me the main problems with this is the service intervals with typical dirtbikes. Talks of oil changes every 4 hours or daily chain service make them a “no no” to me. What’s your view? What do you consider a long enough service interval? Also, what gear ratio would you consider long enough for this application? Cheers

[@crosstrainingadventure]

If you google around you'll see guys have done oil tests to see how far they can ride an 'adventurised' dirt bike before needing an oil change... it's a fair way if you don't push the engine hard. Gear changes? So many variables, it's impossible to say.

[@miro_s]

@@crosstrainingadventure thanks. Regarding gears, i suspect I wasn’t clear: I was referring to your comment in a video on comparison some dirtbikes on their adventure potential, when you said about one of the bikes that it has too short gears for highway use. I’m wondering how to make that judgement, whether it’s possible to make it arithmetically, say on the final gear ratio, or you just have to test and try. Enjoying a lots of your videos, wish I had some places like yours near here. Cheers.

[@jimmelino3361]

Oil changes every 500 miles (30 to 40 hours), 2.4 gallon tank, seat, and lack of rack options make this a limited dual sport option for the western US.

[@marcwilliams9285]

hahhahahahhahahahahhahaahahaha. have you ever been to Australia🤣🤣 its a bit more remote than the U.S of A hole

[@TMego]

I am keen on the 390, but it appears there are no Beta dealers in Brisbane anymore .

[@crosstrainingadventure]

there never was tony. a dealer near beenleigh had to close down for personal reasons. there's a dealer in toowoomba, a new one on the sunshine coast soon....

[@TMego]

I will give Beta Australia a call in regards to the Sunshine Coast dealer.

[@hobidolap]

great great great video. wikipedia for 4T betas...

[@crosstrainingadventure]

i hope so, babur! i think other riders will give extra tips on this forum thread i started: advrider.com/index.php?threads/beta-dual-sport-adventure-bike-setup-rs390-rr-s390-rs500-rr-s500.1198210/

[@DirtHero75]

This vs DR650.. what would you pick?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

That would depend on a huge pile of variables... very different types of bikes.

[@NavyScrubz]

Is the 390 too powerful for an intermediate/advanced beginner rider? (ie been riding for 1.5 years)

[@crosstrainingadventure]

there are probably at least 10 variables to be considered and because of this we avoid making recommendations like the plague: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJeafaaVor92qZY best thing is get a test ride if possible.

[@toddl2021]

I can't seem to find a windscreen / fairing for the Beta 500 rs. Seems this would really extend the time / distance I could cover. Has anyone come across something aftermarket? Appreciate the help!

[@lastofthedesper8s]

Yes, but sorry I don't have the link handy.

[@ItsLost]

ugh so many decisions me and a mate want to ride from Brisbane to Tasmania on enduro bikes (keep in mind in a couple years) i like the beta because i am a shorter rider but the fuel tank where my other bike im thinking of is a husky 350,450 and 501 or maybe husaberg we want a bike where we can throw all a travel bags in a our hotel and go rip some trails and some sand do you have any ideas because well be couple of 19 years old so we need some wisdom but if we dont get the funds for them bikes where probably gonna do them on some drz400 or xrs and forget the off road and just go supermoto

[@jimmelino3361]

I’m a bit confused by the 30 hour oil change standard required by Beta. 30 hours at 50 miles per hour is 1500 miles, but 30 hours at 15 miles per hour is 450 miles. Is the concept that hours at low speed likely to be on dirt, leading to contamination of the engine oil necessitating the oil change, where higher speed highway miles (although at higher friction levels) aren’t prone to contaminate the oil with dust abs dirt? Seems counter intuitive.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I haven't seen that part of the manual, Jim. But it makes sense... the stop/start nature of dirt riding would put a lot more stress on the engine and contaminate the oil faster.

[@jimmelino3361]

@@crosstrainingadventure I’m an old 57 yo fart - put a down payment on a Beta 500 on Saturday (February delivery) but am reconsidering trading my T7 for the Beta. The T7 is too heavy for rigorous trail rides but great on the pavement and fire roads. But - the Beta seems overly taxing with maintenance and I likely could not ride the likes of the Columbia River gorge in windy conditions. Here’s the last 2500 mi ride I did on the T7 - would I be happier on the Beta - tonight thinking not. Day 1 - SF to outside Redding (90% highway, 4 hrs / 300 mi) Day 2 - Redding to Alvord Hot Springs (70% dirt, 10 hrs, 375 mi) Day 3 - Alvord Hot Springs to Baker City (70% dirt, 10 hours, 300 mi) Day 4 - Baker City to Hells Canyon to Riggins ID to Moyie Springs ID (30% dirt, 10 hrs, 400 mi) Day 5 though 7 (90% dirt to various locations in N ID, 10 hrs, 250 mi) Day 8 - Moyie Springs to Bend OR (100% highway, 11 hrs, 500 mi) Day 9 - Bend to SF (100% highway, 11 hrs, 500 mi - in the f’in rain!). Totals - approx 50% dirt, 65 hours, 2625 mi. Assuming the Beta requires an oil change every 500 miles - 5 oil changes in 11 days of riding. T7 did it with 1 oil change.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

It's been a concern for many who use big bore dirt bikes for adventure riding, Jim. There are some good forum posts about guys pushing the limit on the Husaberg FE570 and getting an oil analysis done to see who far they could ride safely. The furthest I did on the 570 was 2300km, others have gone further and their oil tests were still okay. Not sure about the Beta but google around and see if someone has done the tests. I'm not sure if you'll like it on those long road sections though. It's only my personal opinion, but that mix of dirt and highway is where I love a fully prepped DR650. And of course you still have the brilliant XR650L in the states. Just slap on an oil cooler for the hot days...

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Also remember to change those plastic oil pump gears at or before the specified 100 hours on the Beta!

[@allenr265]

How does the Beta RS390 compare to the DRZ 400S. Can you do a video. ( weight difference, maintanance schedual, performance etc? Thanks bud.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

totally different bikes allen, bit like comparing apples and pears. the specs would be easily found by googling though.

[@allenr265]

Thanks for the response. Which one is more fun to ride. I have the DRZ400. I like it but find the front end heavy especially in sand dificult to handle. And a little short on power. It's missing a little bit of balls. Thanks Bud.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

we have no idea which bike you would enjoy more, we have done general stuff about choosing a bike though kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJeafaaVor92qZY

[@joeycourtice4157]

Have you guys got any thoughts on the klx450r for lightweight adventure riding? I recently bought one for three grand, and I know it's basically a detuned 2008 kx450, but I would like some other opinions before I spend big on a fuel tank and stator and all the other adv mods. Long term reliability, highway ridable or not etc Thanks

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Never ridden one, Joey. And it's incredibly rare to see any lean mean green beasts in our area.

[@joeycourtice4157]

@@crosstrainingadventure I'll go scour the web and all the dirtbike forums. So far I've discovered the aftermarket support for them is abysmal, you need to buy parts for a kx450 and they usually bolt on.

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

@@joeycourtice4157 The Italians have "modified" the KX450X into a dual sport, maybe only for the European market(?) Former model name was KX450XC - cross country. It is street legal and goes surprisingly well on back/ conecting and country roads up to 60mph. But the high-revving engine is more suited to the mx racing track. Whoops ツ

[@musikk8778]

I owned 2 drz 400eds, and im looking hard on a beta 390☺ anyone know how much torque and hp it got??:)

[@nestserau]

Enough. You need to really grab the handlebar to stay on the bike.

[@joeltramacchi6365]

So this needs a oil pump gear inspection at 100 hours unless changed for the metal gear, how long until a top and bottom rebuild ? (Taking into account lengths of string and anodised fuel cap) ? Able to be commuted Monday to Friday and hit the tracks on the weekend? Or a bit highly strung for that?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

not an inspection, they must be changed every 100 hours. :( rebuild? yes that's lengths of strings alright! here's our general take on it though... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4TKY6aioZuse9E

[@joeltramacchi6365]

ADVENTURE OZ cheers Barry, I think. Now I’m even more confused on my next bike and very possibly more broke!

[@lukea1452]

Barry for 6-6 you talk about a low seat height a lot why? your super tall

[@crosstrainingadventure]

coz these vids are for everyone, and i've met so many guys who say that inch lower makes a big difference. also when we get into the really snotty terrain it's surprising how often it comes in handy for tall freaks too.

[@tumadre7092]

I'm trying to decide whether I should get a husaberg 570 or a new beta 500 for singletrack dirt biking and light adv riding. Bike will also pull double duty as a snow bike in the winter and I'm roughly 114kg when suited up. OZ i trust your opinion, what should i do?!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

i'll be no help, there are so many variables involved i wouldn't even trust my own opinion lol. i wish they still make the 570 though. or wish they sold the patent to some mob like SWM or AJP to resurrect them. 😥

[@tumadre7092]

Well i think I'm onto the only one for sale in the whole country right now...

[@dt-hi6bg]

why do you always say us price when your in aus

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Because the majority of viewers are from the USA... and a pile of other countries too. Everyone can do a quick conversion from USD in other countries. If I listed AUD I'd have to include about 20 other currencies too.

[@HobbitHomes263]

I still can;t quiet my American mind when your POV shots are on the left lane..I am like MY GOD...it's gonna be a head on crash!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

At times I have considered flipping the image just for north American sensibilities 🤣

[@kyjelly5524]

Anyone have experience with the beta RR-s models? I'm looking to buy one, the dealer here is sold out of the 2017s so looking st the 2018 already. Only thing I don't like is betabis ditching the kickstarter! However the bike lost8lbs. Anyone have one of these bikes?

[@davericketts3276]

HI- well I ride a 2012 Beta 450RR and absolutely love it. Well built, reliable and very capable off-road. It goes everywhere I point it - the gnarly stuff and the open trails. Easy to ride too. If you want you can buy a kickstart kit for the new 2018 bikes (or just buy a 2017 bike). Beta are the logical alternative to KTM with many advantages over the Austrian bikes (which I really like too). Buy one - you won't regret it.

[@crjmoto]

Big Dog! 8:51

[@hobidolap]

why not the 430cc beta...

[@crosstrainingadventure]

explained briefly in the video, babur

[@hobidolap]

other than the "rr430 enduro weapon" caption i couldnt hear or see anything on the matter, silly me. please at least give me a clue about the time stamp...

[@Nostrildomus]

I'm always watching here to see if I too can learn something . But when talking about tires you blurt out ' The big beauty x63cyb and they will get the job done in fine stile . I still have one question . Why did you mention it at all ?

[@nickg2431]

Is that you riding the beta???

[@crosstrainingadventure]

most of the time nick, my brother and i were swapping around a little...

[@nickg2431]

@@crosstrainingadventure Nice skills-seems like the old training is paying off!!

[@toltod]

Wonder if anybody makes an aftermarket rear subframe for the Beta. It would be a great add on for dual sport duty. Or if anybody has jerry rigged their own aluminum setup. Its one of the main drawbacks for a heavier rider like myself (228lbs).

[@streetgangtm]

The biggest problem I find with these bikes in general are the oil change intervals. I mean they're so frequent that you'd have to bring oil and filters with you on a multiday trip which is just crazy

[@crosstrainingadventure]

how many days are you talking about though? you should be able to clock up 2000km without a change easily... but for longer rides you would probably be better off on a dedicated adventure bike in any case.

[@streetgangtm]

You're definitely right in that aspect I guess. I suppose I'm also thinking about the day to day as I ride my KLR every single day in addition to weekends and the idea of a bi or even tri weekly oil change is horrifying. Fuck it, I'm getting a damn DRZ lol.

[@Willy_Milano]

You say you're old but I'm a 48-year-old dirt biker and you sound like a tender duckling in comparison. My back pains are 80-year-old quality, too.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Ha you are still a youngster lol

[@nickb5410]

Good informative video. I'm thinking of getting one of these "Baters". 2020 models look much improved. Don't know yet if they ditched the plastic oil gears...

[@C18H19NaO5S]

I’d love to see a video about strapping the dry bags together

[@khanomurtag1273]

i'm also curious how you attached the dry bags! I'm looking for such a low budget option for my FE 501. Thanks for the interesting and useful content on your channel !

[@lyleswan6671]

Damn, nobody gonna mention homeboy riding like the late Doug Domokos. Dude don't need to care about front tire selection, cause he wheeling everywhere he go. Nice bike skills in video. Real nice. 👍👍✌

[@kerlicorlett9343]

Great video...lots of new ideas...GO the old farts!

[@matthewkantola8638]

I use my 2018 390 for a light adventure bike. I agree it is a pretty sweet bike. The cyclops bulb does make a huge difference. Seat concepts dual sport seat is fantastic as well.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I put the Cyclops LED bulb in my latest DR650... night and day difference.

[@Insaiyanrider]

Would you still choose the 390 or 500 for light adventure ?

[@michaeldaley2299]

Re: long ride pucker reduction. AirHawk makes inflatable seat pads that can greatly soften part of a motocross seat. Lightweight and effective. The model intended for a pillion fits well at the very back of my CRF450RL seat, where I sit for pavement riding. I live in the desert in New Mexico usa and often carry RotoPax containers for gas and water on a Tusk panier rack. Trying to equalise that weight, i got a Wolfman tank-pannier base, so my camping gear hangs on both sides of the fuel tank. Still a compromise as it is heavy-handling for a dirt bike but carries a light payload for an adv bike. But it fits the bare essentials, and I hope I will still be able to pick it up when I dump it for a few more years, unlike the R1200GS...

[@SadHippieMane]

Wish the 390 would hold more oil so the oil changes don't come up so quick especially for us supermoto or street riders !

[@philgoogle1535]

I know this is an old video but its content is exactly what I need right now in 2023. I'm about to buy either a KTM 500 excf or a Beta 390 RR. I'm 58 years old and only a few years' offroad riding experience. The Beta looks like the better choice for my new local rides in the Victorian High Country. Thanks a bunch Barry!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Tough choice, Phil! The long stroke nature of the RR390 makes it a great light dual sport model. But there are also plenty of riders who have adventurized the big Kato with great success too.

[@AdventureMotoEnduro]

just did a 2 day to tenterfield on the 500exc ,came back along rabbit proof fence through marrylands N/P ,had a blast , founds nice trails ,

[@crosstrainingadventure]

so much good riding down that way... then on to old grafton road and beyond. :)

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

5 oil changes on a trip from Michigan to the Canadian Rocky mountains and back. Im out! Thanks for another great video.

[@Kaegis]

Nice review and awesome points and accessories. Love the idea of that clutch lever and it is the first I have seen of those flex handle bars. 🤙🤙🤙

[@aaronl4036]

I have been waiting for this vid for a while now. Nice! I have 1 bike that does it all, a dirt cheap KLX 250S that I am fitting a 351 kit on to give it more power for ADV/single track. Thanks again for the great vids.

[@gt7500]

Take a look at the Honda CRF450L. Kinda lame there, engine wise, unless you get the better ECM.

[@bertbroeder1832]

Thank you very much! - IMS tank not listed anymore - boano page down... 😞 Someone newer information about?

[@Grumpyoldtwit]

What is the power output and torque of the 390 and the 480? None of the online specs give this info. Interestingly, apart from the motor the only (surprising) difference is that the 480 is only 1kg heavier. The fuel capacity says 8 litres, with 2 litres reserve. Does that mean it's got 10 litres on board in total, or just the 8. It seems like every time I watch one of your videos you end up costing me money Barry. Proshot mount, Suomy helmet, Sidi Crossfire boots and now a Beta RR480! (Well, not 'NOW', but after I've sold the Tiger...)

[@minnionator]

I've been wanting a 390RR for some time but caved and got a Husky FE350 on massive sale at my local dealer. Going to turn it into a light ADV/dual sport bike too!

[@Racerboy535]

Jeff Minnion what did you end up paying for that FE out the door?

[@mcljot]

This vid has me frothing at the gash... I have a '08 FE550 Berg based on your love of the 570, but a Beta could be in my future. I will be becoming a paid subscriber to the Cross Training vids imminently! Greetings from Ireland :)

[@tosgem]

Sorry, nerd moment! At 7:40, "by extension, the 'berg has the same problem, essentially same engine"? FYI the 570 "L" shaped motor is a unique Husaberg design, made before they were bought by KTM, and after they split off from Husqvarna. The L shaped 390 and 570 motors were the defining moment of Husaberg IMHO, before they got bought out by KTM and just started selling rebadged EXC's. For what it's worth I read around the traps this engine and drive train is doing a LOT of kilometres, dual-sport level kilometres, in the 570. There's some big thread online about them being a fleet bike for some Spanish tour company, copping a hiding in the mountains every day for years on end, and with normal maintenance the engines looking really good internally even at 70,000km. From your experience it looks like a cush is a must though!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

epic bikes tosgem, it seems crazy they didn't continue it as a kick ass adventure bike that could be everything the 690 wasn't.... sigh. by 'essentially the same engine', all i meant was at least 85% of the engine is stock kato parts but of course they did some very cool things with everything else!

[@gabepascalli1639]

I've purchased the 5.2 gallon. Awesome for anyone

[@jasondrummond1318]

seat concepts are great, but you need to just contact a vendor.

[@ericstyer2890]

Is this you riding in black tee?

[@HobbitHomes263]

I prefer 125s..SOunds like you are going like hell...at 10 mph. Feeling like we have huge huevos is the whole reason for old menon dirt bikes..but...really....why risk cracking the eggs?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Absolutely! On the enduro channel I have a RR125 review and it made me feel like a hero lol. Except for bogging the engine out of corners. Even so I managed my fastest lap on the little smoker compared to a RR350 and a RR300.

[@Theairguitarguy]

Great review! The beta 390 looks like the perfect set up for me. Now I just need to get money 🤔

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Good luck!

[@bertbroeder1832]

Same here! Fell in love in about 12 minutes...

[@jblimey2561]

Excellent video Barry. Something for everyone to mull over here. Looking very seriously at a RR390 and the tank upgrade option could well be a tipping point for me now. Can't wait for the old fart video.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

id love to post that darned old fart vid if i can just remember where i left it, damnit!

[@ackerlyshelzam3373]

Hello, I've watched nearly every video you have posted. I was curious if you think the 2018 Beta RR390S is a bit more prepared for dual sport considering it's an S model, such as rear hub, and is it still plastic parts in the gear box, etc? Basically asking if the S model with updates in 2018 is more suited for dual sport. Regardless of your answer I'm still buying one, but wondering if I still need to look at the same issues? Thank you for all your vids. Much appreciated!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

no idea, we don't get that model down under... there's only the RR. :(

[@ackerlyshelzam3373]

ADVENTURE OZ Thank you for the honesty. Dear Beta: give this Australian a 390 street model for review please. Haha. Seriously though, thanks again for your videos and input. I began my research journey only knowing that my Tiger Triumph adventure bike did not allow me to do what I imagined (my first bike). Since then, I've sold it and began looking to KZbin for vids of people doing what I want to do. I almost bought a Honda 250L, then next a Yamaha 250R... I've finally settled on the Beta RR390S, and it's because of your very honest, objective, and entertaining videos. Since then I've also subscribed and watched all your technique videos. Very nice work all the way around. Beta, if you're reading this, this man basically sold me a bike, so how bout getting him an S model for his dual sport conversion vid that so many people are awaiting.

[@tiapearl6829]

Cool

[@calin7017]

How much would be the weight difference between a modified enduro bike for adv riding (bigger gas tank, racks for luggage, bash plate, etc) and a reasonable size dedicated adv bike already on the market, such as KTM 790 or a BMW 700-800? I watched several videos about enduro bike modifications into an adv bike, but no one says what is the final weight and how much is the final cost. Thanks.

[@lt1376]

Thanks for the informative vid, do you think that changing the ratio of sprockets could work in favour af a smaller dirt bike, I have a Beta 350rr. Thanks!

[@hobidolap]

two seperate oil compartments. i did not know that...

[@moflyboyblanquito541]

Moseof makes a seat thing you can find it on amazon. I have never tried one but I’m going to.

[@allenhuling598]

Good vid, Barry....been waiting for this one for a while! Thanks!

[@nathanchalecki4842]

Pretty keen to hear more of your thoughts about the WRF. I'd love one but so many people say they are unreliable and totally not suited to road use.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

did this video a long long time ago, nathan kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHfShIFrmMqgrMU

[@nathanchalecki4842]

@@crosstrainingadventure perfect, thanks mate! No reliability issues? Any more info on the oil capacity increase and plumbing of the additional tank? I like doing things the hard way, a dual purpose 115kg bike sounds incredible.

[@nathanchalecki4842]

@@crosstrainingadventure because you didn't reply, I ended up buying a 525exc. :-D

[@mikeyerke3920]

You guys have skills! I'm an aggressive off roader myself, but I NEVER get great mileage out of tires... (no, I don't do burnouts) 500 miles on my TE630 and they're roached. What the hell am I doing wrong, or right? Ha! I'll have to try the tires you recommend. I have less than 4000mi (sorry about the "miles" thing) on my TE and I'm on my 6th back and 3rd front! Advice? 🇺🇸🏁 great videos BTW!!!

[@my_name_is_chef4856]

Stop banging the rev limiter when you're stuck. Practice good technique. The cross training enduro skills channel has a lot of good practices. Ran by the same guy.

[@frogzie]

No more mention of the DR... though it still appears in the background. Probably to ensure that the Beta will get back home safely :) Thanks for the video. If I had the money, Beta could be my next bike... as soon as the weight of my DR had the better of me.

[@gncc1race]

The DR is being held in reserve for when the ADV terrain gets really gnarly...

[@MotoMarvmtb]

Thanks for the video!

[@SpkStephen]

Yeah, you should take a trip with the Beta!

[@AlexAlex-im5mt]

Your narrative is very calming

[@LeslieWorks]

You're making me regret my crf250l purchase lol. I'm already trying to get more out of it at 300 miles by gearing extra.

[@atzepeng4110]

But your little crf will take you around the world, and I bet it would do it with only one oil change. It's just two completely different philosophies of adv riding...

[@koltonkinne7291]

With a 13 tooth front sprocket and a set of dunlop d606s you'd be amazed at all the places it can take you.

[@GeezerWheels]

Hey Mate- Jack here from Durango Colorado (I've written before). I'm the 70 year old rider that rides a Berg FE390 on our mtn trails here. Just finished 436 miles of the TransAmerica Trail - eastern Colorado Section. With longs rides more common, I'm looking at soft luggage. Can you please tell me what panniers you have on the 480RR (at 6:25 on the vid). Street legal now and looking to ride more of the TAT westward. I'm considering the Giant Loop Coyote or Wolfman. Thanks LOADS for your great vids, and for your time. My friends here watch your vids also. -- Jack, in the wilderness near Durango.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

sounds like a nice ride, jack! can't even remember the brand but we reviewed that luggage on this channel, i think i made a review section on the youtube channel page.

[@samueljlarson]

I really enjoy and learn from your reviews! To my American ears, it sounds like you're saying BEATER! haha. I'm looking for a light weight dual sport and am considering Beta now, as well as a WR250R. I know the wee Yamaha is considered under powered in a lot of people's minds but what are your thoughts on it? Would love to watch a review like this one about the WR250R. - Sam in America.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

we think americans are always saying master BATOR. :) turns out it is really meant to be 'better'. those japanese 250s are a totally different class of bike, very heavy and underpowered compared to an enduro bike.

[@SmegmaDaddyXL]

they're also engineered to run thousands of miles with little to no maintenance. the WR isn't nearly as bonecrushingly heavy as the DR though.

[@zane4964]

do ypu think the g2 throttle tamer would be good for a yz85 for enduro

[@crosstrainingadventure]

no idea, haven't ridden bikes that size since 1975. :(

[@mikeisland7382]

Old video but.. Reading the disclaimer at the start I am reminded of how similar the riding is between Canada and Australia for remoteness. I feel for those poor buggers in Europe that think 9L is an acceptable fuel tank size. 😉

[@marcwilliams9285]

its built for enduro racing. remind me again whats the name of that canadian company that makes enduro bikes, you know the ones with perfect everything?

[@jonsmith9708]

Man you know your bikes.I want to retire my drz 400 with somthing w more power and lighter,but love the reliably and low mantance is there a bike out there for me? Maybe beta 500 re s????

[@crosstrainingadventure]

this won't help unfortunately :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJeafaaVor92qZY

[@autismion]

The 350rr-s is only 2lbs lighter in dry weight than the 500rr-s. But the power of the 500 would scare the shit out of me. I can't decide

[@crosstrainingadventure]

If you do get the 500 you could try the G2 Throttle Tamer which would calm the bike down in the lower revs. Unless they've made big changes, the RR480 I had was not a scary bike until you really hit the throttle hard... even then it didn't go wild. Many call it the 'gentle giant' for a reason. 😁

[@stefand5796]

Would you recommend these type of bikes?, currently looking at the beta rr 125 lc (the main problem for me is there are no beta dealers in my country and no spare parts for this bike )do I heard from someone that ktm or Yamaha engine parts should work fine?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

not sure at the moment. their two stroke models are having issues with main bearing failures at low hours: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3uydmZ_ZbuWaq8 and the four stroke models are generally good but their electrical systems have been quite unreliable the past year or two. quality control seems to be slipping at the factory. 😥 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4XTm4F4r5WhaqM