Beta 390 RR SPR - Short Practical Review

I head out for an after work ride to clear the head and stop to have a bit of a chat on the Beta 390. While not a full technical review I give my opinion on the bike or as I call it a SPR, a short practical review. Love to hear your thoughts on the bike for all you 390 riders.

[@robertmaser1337]

Great video, thanks for taking us along on your Beta adventures. I'm torn between getting the 390 and the 430, so all your insights are much appreciated. Keep up the waffle, it's gold!

[@Bt26x]

Same w/ me but throw the 350 in there too! We have tight single track where I live so the 350 is a bike I really like. I just came off a 350EXC & loved it. I think the 350/390 will suit my application best. Just not sure which one. 🤔

[@J24.Dragon]

@@Bt26x I went with the 390 and it rocks. I think it's main advantage over the 350 would be hill climbs and mud, it just chugs on up and through, no sweat. But they sell more 350's here in western NY than any other engine, so really you can't go wrong.

[@Bt26x]

@@J24.Dragon good point 🤔

[@easyaussietarget3355]

Lovely bike! Constructive review cheers!

[@nevillebroadbent1601]

Thanks for fantastic videos. On the back of your videos I will buy a 2023 Beta 390 for adventure riding in New Zealand's South Island

[@dirtbikeadv]

Cool great bikes hope U have lots of fun on it

[@robwilkins304]

Fantastic video. Starting to look around for one.

[@nickzelner]

Cool video, awesome explanation of the bike. I am saving up for a beta

[@toddkroll321]

Good video mister. Greetings from the US. I'm considering the 390rrs. I'm just back from a long time away from riding. Like really to long. I bought a new/USED DRZ400 thinking, I'm older it should work, nope. Lol, if I was new to offroad, coming from street maybe. Anyone want to buy a not even broken in DRZ get at me. Your vid is the best I have found on this bike. Thanks for sharing.

[@ChuanMOTOVLOG]

What a lovely bike ❤️❤️❤️

[@and1vibeht719]

Great video mate, i am that 125 rider that needs a step up. My brother got the 500 exc f. I need the spice that shits on his. Fingers crossed with lighter & easy cornering. I need a bike that is similar to a 125 but not a 2 stroke. It needs to do well with road tires & top speeds

[@johnfryman4428]

Good review - As a KTM guy..I want to try the 390, looks Fun !!

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi John I had a ktm Xcf 350 for a while and they ride similar. Very lite and agile but just with different engine characteristics Thanks for watching Regards Steve

[@Bt26x]

@@dirtbikeadv thanks Steve for the review. I just came off a 350EXC so the Beta 350 has my interest but after seeing some 390 reviews, I’m thinking I may want to get a little more power on basically the same bike. I have all of tight single track in the mountains so weight & power is a big factor for me. What do you think? Is it the same weight w/ a bigger jug? Do you think the power is to much & jerky for the tight stuff? Thoughts?

[@dirtbikeadv]

@@Bt26x Hi BT yeah the 350 and 390 are very different bikes because of their length of the stroke. The 350 Beta will be very similar to the 350 Ktm but the 390 is a longer stroking slower reving motor so more emphasis on torque. You can ride the 390 lower in the rev band. If u like to ride a bike lower in the rev band which is what I do the 390 will suit u better. If u love wringing it's neck and riding on the pipe the 350 will suit u more. I have chosen to go to the 480 now as I am 100kgs and so felt like I was working the 390 a bit hard particularly on the open trails. Hope this helps Regards Steve

[@dirtbikeadv]

@@Bt26x Also like to add you notice any power difference between the 350 and 390 but there is a fair bit more torque....

[@aaronj8600]

How does it compare to KLX450 in power/weight/suspenders?

[@trailsandtires1457]

What is the maintenance schedule like? I have been debating a 390 to replace my KTM 450 EXC for my 2nd bike. I would be looking to use it for everything from single track to multi day camping trail rides. I have never been totally in love with the EXC...

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi yeah the older Exc 450 have a long stroke as well so fairly similar engine. The Beta have generic owners manual which specify 80 hours for a top end rebuild but when not racing the bike u can safely double that in my opinion. The 15 model 480 I had has done nearly 200 hours now and hasn't missed a best. Dropping the oil fairly regularly is the secret really Thanks for watching Regards Steve

[@EricBanner571]

At 100kg, it would be a more comfortable ride with the correct springs. Springs are cheap. Once you set the sag, the bike would be sitting higher in the stroke with is the plushest part of the suspension. It woulds also handle better with the type of riding that you do.

[@dirtbikeadv]

Yeah deep down I know your right.... LOL. I will take try and take the time this year and get it set up. Great advice thanks.

[@randomgirl-lj3xi]

Hey mate thanks for the SPR, I cannot find a dual sport anywhere in Australia, did you convert this? The US has an RS model rhat comes as a dual sport but cant see it here

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Bud, yeah we only have the Racing (Factory) and standard models here is OZ. They both come with lights, mirrors, horn etc so you can road register them if you want. In the Vid I have the standard Beta mirror and front indicators on the bike. They are pretty flimsy so most people put better quality stuff on eventually. You won't get the big Trailtech speedo's here in Australia like America gets unfortunately Thanks for watching Regards Steve

[@Getgowin]

Nice review, for those of us who aren’t from Victoria, what’s a “Dargo Ride” ?

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Getgowin yeah it's the location of a really good pub in the high country. Everyone rides to it on there dirtbikes drinks some beer stays the night and heads home the next day. Thanks for watching Regards Steve

[@jasonwelsford]

got a bit more feedback on riding the the 390 on the road? hows the vibration / comfort etc allowing ofcourse for the fact that its not a dual sport bike really. cheers for your time

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Jase, I only rode mine with the stock tyres and unbalanced wheels but I got to say I found it pretty good. Little bit of vibration but nothing to make it uncomfortable. You are up in the wind and the seat is very skinny and hard but apart from that not bad. Most modern bikes are pretty good. Worth a try mate......

[@mattletcher6622]

Loving your vids, Wondering what your thoughts are on turning the 390 into and adventure bike for doing trips like crossing the Simpson? Specifically, wondering what the subframe is like in terms of being able to mount racks and carry extra fuel/luggage? A little research finds a long range tank and tower for the bike (like your 480) so with the longer stroke and lugging power it looks like a good option for light weight outback trips. Love to hear your thoughts.

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Matt I'll reply a little later on my computer

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Matt yeah the bike is good fun and would be awesome fun in the Simpson. The subframe is not super strong like any enduro bike but if your sensible U can make it work. My first question is what U weigh. If U are a 100 kgs then add camping gear and fuel then U might want to go to a 480. If your under 90 then the 390 is fine. Second thing is you have to travel light so all light weight hiking gear. The third thing is how you pack the bike. All the weight cannot be behind U on the seat. The subframe is not strong enough and it makes the bike handle like shit. It's best to get a soft pannier system like the Wolfman E base, mosko Moto or kriega and have them strapped as far forward as U can at worst touching the seat. Pack your heavy stuff forward in the panniers and down low. Light stuff on top of the soft rack like sleeping bag and tent. A good back pack is a good idea with hip support waste strap so it sits on the hips makes them really easy on your back. You need 500 km range for the Simpson so a 15 litre tank plus another 15 litres somewhere will give U some contingency. If your in a group U could probably get away with another 10 litres. I would maybe suggest some bladders spread around the bike. I have 2.5 aluminium bottles and a 10 litre bladder and use a combination of these. I don't always fill the ten litre bladder just what I need. I have not done the Simpson on a bike yet but intend to this year so I'll do a vid on it. Hope this helps Regards Steve

[@mattletcher6622]

@@dirtbikeadv Thanks for your thoughts. I'm 85kg so think the 390 should be fine. I like the sound of the longer stroke and tourqueness. Thanks for your subframe thoughts. I read that the 2020 onwards have a composite frame (not alloy) which concerned me a bit. Yes, planning on soft panniers and as light a set up as possible. Looking froward to your Simpson video. Cheers

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

I find my kato 350 the ultimate race bike , and the 2 bike policy is a good one thats why I am looking at the 21 690 with quick shift and all, just sold my other 2 bikes tpi250exc and a 2018 carby 250exc.

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Bigals have owned a ktm 350 before and they ride very similar to the 390. Lite and agile with just the right amount of power in my opinion. Very different engines tho. If I grow to love the 690 I will also buy the later model 690 Thanks for watching Regards Steve

[@stevetdesigns]

@@dirtbikeadv which is more powerful the ktm 350 or the beta 390?

[@dirtbikeadv]

@@stevetdesigns Hi Steve the KTM 350 I owned was a XCF version which is the de tuned MX cross country version. This had a little more power possibly but no torque at all. Very different bikes really

[@stevetdesigns]

@@dirtbikeadv hmm.. It's so hard to make a choice as I can't test ride many bikes.. Is the beta noticeably easier to loft the front wheel over logs/obstacles? I guess more torque would be better..

[@dirtbikeadv]

@@stevetdesigns Hi Steve yeah I am feeling your pain brother.... LOL. In my case the 350 XCF would loft the wheel really easy and it had tons of power light and agile but it was pretty snappy and would flame out very very easy. The 350 EXC would be better in the bush as it will not be as snappy and won't flame out any where as much. Then the Beta 390 is even better again in the bush. Mate all really good bikes. Trust your gut feel

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

G'day mate just found your channel. Fantastic content. I've owned many enduro bikes. Most recently a Beta 200 and a Gas Gas 350. Both bikes were trailered out for rides. I've had large adventure bikes (1190, 1090). They were great bikes but I'm only 5'9 75kg and I'm tired of muscling big tall heavy bikes. So I've been thinking of a large-capacity dirt bike and building a compromise for day/weekend rides. Something I can ride from home. Would you recommend these big bore Beta's? What are the service intervals like?

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Frankenstein, Yeah I have owned a few Beta's and love them. The big bore bikes are great for this sort of local adventure riding you want to do. I wouldn't bother putting a tower on them as they are just not designed for touring and doing big highway KM's where you need wind protection. Fit a phone or GPS mount, a rackless luggage system' a long range tank and comfy seat and you are done. Head to the hills. My old Beta 480 has now done about 10,000kms untouched except for oil changes. (I sold it to a mate) I know hire companies are getting 20-25,000 KM's out of the KTM 500's without a rebuild. If you are not going at race pace double the recommended service intervals in my opinion but it really is not that big a deal dropping the oil on an enduro bike. Obviously look after the air filter like your life depended on it! Good Luck, Regards Steve

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

@@dirtbikeadv thanks for the reply mate

[@jeremypierce1979]

What! About the! 500RR-S..?? You didn’t say much about that bike.? Was thinking about that bike! I’m 6/1 277 pounds! So not sure what beta would be good for me was wondering what your input would think? I plan on taking the bike off road and on road

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Raven, yeah good call the AJP PR7 that I have has the SWM 600 engine and I rate that highly. So a great option and considerably cheaper. Don't have any direct experience with that bike sorry but my suggestion is go have a look. They look good on paper that's for sure 😊

[@keldonator]

Seems like a direct upgrade to the drz400s with similar characteristics then, good info

[@Bt26x]

Huge upgrade from a DRZ!

[@keldonator]

@@Bt26x Aside from the maintenance right? Lol

[@davida1679]

Sky high upgrade from a DRZ 400!

[@keldonator]

@@davida1679 Sky high cost and maintenance difference too though 🤣

[@davida1679]

@@keldonator gatta pay to play. Trust me, a Beta is well worth the money

[@ozbiker5311]

HI Bud great vid, Did you test the 480 ??? I'm torn between both the 480 or the 390 I'm 100kgs as well 🤦‍♂️ I looking at riding the same sort of stuff that you are riding , that's why I was thinking that the 480, just because of my weight 100KG, the I'm up on the sunshine coast QLD the worst thing is there is no bikes to test ride Talk soon Marcio

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Mario have had the old model 480 and test rode the latest 480. The latest model is much more agile than the old model. But yes once u get up around the 100kg's and some gear I think the 480 will just do it a bit easier. I have sold my 390 now to upgrade to the 480 👍

[@ozbiker5311]

@@dirtbikeadv thank champ for the heads up

[@aixpert291]

What’s a good option to compare to this bike but with longer service intervals, longer tank range ? I know I’d give up some power, but anything between this and say a drz400?

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Scott yeah good question mate. Consider the Yamaha WR 250, the Honda 450L, or maybe the Honda 300L or 300 Rally. Probably one of the best options is a KTM 500. If your not racing them U can drag out the service intervals considerably. Other than than yes the DRZ 400. Not much help here bud sorry there is no mid size versatile 4T around really Regards Steve

[@aixpert291]

@@dirtbikeadv thanks, Steve!

[@gabrielkopp2036]

How come no one talks about riding on tarmac on the beta rrs models???? All reviews are off road only

[@dirtbikeadv]

Yeah good call have a look at this vid I talk about road manners etc a bit more kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5a9lJaEoaidjsU

[@vzjc444]

Hi mate coming from a 2010 YZ 450 power wise much drop ? And how many kilometres do you get out of it ? Thanks

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi, yeah coming from a YZ you'll notice a huge drop in power. MX bikes are short stroking high compression machines with a very snappy response. The 390 is a slower revving longer stroking motor so a lot more docile. If U bought a Beta 480 it would be similar in power but a lot easier to ride in the bush as they are not quite as snappy as a MX bike. The 480 is just as agile as the 390 but a bit more snappy and powerful Regards Steve

[@dirtbikeadv]

Sorry forgot to say about 120 - 150 Km's out of a tank

[@chriszacharias7968]

what area are you riding in mate?? if youre in vic id love to have you out to a private track near noojee if youre keen

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Chris year just down the road from Noojee towards Crossover. Private track sounds interesting..... What do U ride,?

[@chriszacharias7968]

@@dirtbikeadv oh i thought it looked familiar, my grandparents have 350 acres in vesper, i ride mainly motox but have started going on more bush rides as my uncle who lives up there is an avid bush rider, did marrysville the other week which was amazing, the private track is good fun, i currently have a 2021 honda crf450r but am looking into a beta which is how i came across your videos

[@andrew390]

Hi, so why did you sell the 390 after a year?

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Andy, no problem with the bike it was awesome. Going to a 480 just because I'm a 100kgs and want to take camping gear with me which adds to the load. I hate feeling like I am working a motor to hard which I felt like I was doing with the 390. The 480 will give me greater longevity with the extra horse power especially on long haul stuff. Won't need to work the engine too hard Thanks for watching Regards Steve

[@77srt]

"2 bike policy" haha, that's my kind of policy!

[@dirtbikeadv]

LOL secretly we would like a 3 bike policy....... Thanks for watching Regards Steve

[@GJT-nc4zk]

What’s the fuel range like?

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Gj I think about 130 to 140 kms to a tank which is about 9 litres

[@dirtbikeadv]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5a9lJaEoaidjsU

[@dirtbikeadv]

Have a look at this video it has reference to fuel range

[@keithncollins]

Is this the RR or the RR-S?

[@dirtbikeadv]

Hi Keith in Australia we only have the RR or the Racing model not sure how that works in the USA. Maybe the factory model which has better suspension etc is the same as your S model?? Thanks for watching Regards Steve

[@keithncollins]

@@dirtbikeadv thanks Steve, we have the RR which is the race version and the RRs is the dual sport off road version.

[@dirtbikeadv]

@@keithncollins Cool thanks I have the RR-S Model then 😉

[@simonelliott1146]

Ermmmmmmmm

[@MrRonronnj]

you know what a bush is in America.

[@dirtbikeadv]

I am assuming a girls private areas...... Lmfao

[@MrRonronnj]

@@dirtbikeadv yeah lol

[@poppystars9005]

He rides like my mom

[@dirtbikeadv]

That my friend is a blatant lie your Mum is far quicker than me.... 😁

[@poppystars9005]

@@dirtbikeadv 😀 good review I enjoyed it!

[@Canoneosmiami]

Too hard to understand accent mumbling…

[@dirtbikeadv]

I don't have an accent only other countries do ...... 😆

[@michaeldobson8859]

I,I,I,I,I. Your review of the bike is all about you, why is that i thought you were going to do a review of the 390. There are no Is in 390. If you want to be a good reviewer, don’t talk about you. Talk about the subject matter, the 390. the 390 does this the 390 does that, the 390 specs are X, the 390 weighs Y. THe 390 has torque like a Mule, because it has or is a long stroke motor……..