Beta 390 RRS Thousand Mile Review

[@brianmartindale2221]

Hey, man, this helps a lot. The Beta's are one's I'm considering for my first bike in a long, long time and your review is pretty much spot on (yeah, the wiring) to what I've seen and heard about the 390. I found the comments and responses really helpful. You have a well-informed crowd. People like their Beta's, especially the dual sports

[@pharettface]

Every bike has its flaws I've yet to have anything perfect. The 390 is still doing great now with 130hrs. Another great option that definitely saves some money is the GPX moto bikes. We have four of them and they are damn good for half the cost of KTM of Beta right now.

[@davidchacon3812]

Glad you love it! I just got 2020 390rrs last September. So far I love it! Can't wait for many more adventures on it!

[@tedcrum]

Thanks for the video. WRT gearing across the RR-S line: The 350 and 390 have lower primary gearing (from crank to clutch) compared to the 430 and 480. The 6 gears are the same. I studied hard before I got my 2021 390 RR-S. The only change I've found on the 2021 (vs 2020) is a short tailpipe that keeps the turn indicator from melting.

[@fredman1085]

Nice video. I've got one on order which should arrive by the end of the month. Fingers crossed:) I was going to buy a Husky 350 dual sport but this is cheaper, has lower end power, doesn't need to be illegally (smog) modified to gain it's power back, already comes with accessories-including the Voyager, etc... I figure I'm saving close to $1500+ (parts plus saving on cost of bike), and no wasted garage time getting the Italian Princess running to her potential. It is slightly heavier but not so nearly as much as I need to lose myself.... I can hardly wait.

[@pharettface]

You'll love it! Be sure to ask your dealer to look for any fuel map updates before you take it home. I've really fallen in love with the brand they have bent over backward to help me even when damages to the bike were my fault.

[@captainamerica9353]

fredman1085, that's the good 'ol Internet for you! Now guys think they need to spend more on a KTM or Husky to save 10 pounds. Not picking on you, I get it. But your Beta should be just fine. I have a 2022 XT, it's been wonderful. Actually way lighter than I need, as a non-racer.

[@fredman1085]

@@captainamerica9353 thanks. Actually I love my Beta. The only time I notice the heavier weight is when I tip over and need to pick kit back up.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@fredman1085 , funny, but yeah I have a 2022 XT that's titled so I can get to our local Bike Nite and trails. It's great in the woods and not too bad on the road, but it gets blown around by wind and trucks fairly easy. I can see a skilled single track rider wanting the lightest bike, but it's not something we all need.

[@nottoooldyet5901]

Thanks for the review. I’ve got a 2021 on order due mid April via BYOB program with a voyager pro! Been wondering if it has enough power, but hoping it’s just enough not to kill an older guy just stepping up bikes! Thanks again

[@pharettface]

Nah the Beta's have a very usable power band its awesome with out feeling like you are going to kill yourself. Enjoy the new bike!

[@ericsmobile]

Thank you for posting this video. Really enjoyed the trail footage. I have a 2018 390 for mostly trail use but live in USF and also needed street legal to use roads between trails. Having owned for 2 seasons I would not recommend this bike for true dual sport. This is an enduro bike with turn signals. :-) I think it serves a great sweet spot for light, high performance trail bike you can use on road occasionally. I totally agree with you on on the fuel capacity. I am planning to upgrade to a larger rear sprocket even with the 13tooth as I find myself between 1 and 2 a lot in tight conditions and would prefer to use 2-3 a bit more as 1 is very low and short.

[@pharettface]

Thanks for the reply! Truthfully with all of the dual sport bikes I have owned the beta is no more or less comfortable on the street with a decent seat. I think I spent far too many years on a DRZ400 haha. I'd love to drop down the rear sprocket for single track but I do too many different things to where I need the top end at times to go that route. I think I see a Xtrainer 300 for single track in my near future.

[@ericsmobile]

@@pharettface gotcha. I did the touratech rally on mine with the 13T; no regrets, it’s fine on road under 70. I am also thinking about the xtrainer. Hope to see yours in future vids

[@captainamerica9353]

ericsmobile , you want a bigger rear with a 13 in front?? You know these are street-legal and intended to be light ADV / dual-sports, right? Why not get a 300RR or 390RR and save some cash?

[@curtispitcher4324]

Just picked up a meticulously maintained '19 390 RR-S on the weekend with almost the exact same mileage/hours as yours. Very excited to get at this thing after coming from a DRZ and hearing your thoughts on how much better it will be! Coming from my kitted up dizzer with springs, Seat Concepts and a Clarke tank those are things I'll probably be looking to improve. Previous owner did oil changes every 5 hours with synthetic liqui moly, clutch change every other oil. For a bike I plan to keep probably a long time and maybe even 250-500 hours for all I know, I think I'll be using mine as more of a dual sport as well. Albeit primarily off-road and occasional MX tracks. What are your thoughts and practice on oil changes for a much higher performance machine like this vs my dizzer? X many hours or what? Great review btw!

[@pharettface]

Congrats on the Beta! I think the oil changes on the beta's are very over thought. Beta recommends 30 hour oil changes with filter and I think for off roading and harder single track this is okay. But for regular riding such as greens, blues, and on road time I think 40-50 hours on full synthetic oil wouldn't bother it at all. While it is a higher performance machine I think Beta's schedule is a worst case racing schedule.

[@lifeoutdoors3953]

They should come with the standard race edition rear plastics just in case so you can swap out if wanting too

[@gearhigher2027]

2020 BETA 200 RR Love the bike but have to agree rear light assembly needs improvement, not to mention the turning radius required modification to accompany tight single track 🏁

[@captainamerica9353]

But I understand those issues have been addressed for 2023. I have a 2022 XT and it's great.

[@lifeoff-road280]

Good info. I'm definitely looking at buying one.

[@Peter-ff1tp]

The Voyager Pro is an option through the BYOB program now.

[@ronturenne570]

Love the trail! Where in Florence / Penrose did you find a trail head?

[@fynn8252]

I'm just nervous about the longevity of the motor. There's many stories online about how long the KTM 500's last (400 hours+) without needing to be rebuilt. It's very hard to find information online about these Betas. Parts are also a little more difficult to find. The wiring stuff isn't a deal breaker for me but it should be improved for the money you're paying. I'm looking at the WR450F, Beta 430 & KTM 500.

[@pharettface]

There have been a lot of improvements for the 2021s I think a lot of the wiring has been updated for the new model year. As for reliability over time they are very well regarded locally. Meeker Extreme put several thousand miles on his 500 RRS with no major issues. I think he was between 300-400 hours. Moon Beamer Also did a full tear down of his 16 390 RRS showing the wear with lots of hours. It really showed how well these motors are built. Also, Tim at Beta USA really goes out of his way to work with customers and dealers to resolve issues that come up with bikes. Tim helped out Meeker and I with issues and was very responsive. Its a company that cares about its customers.

[@pharettface]

@@bc20bjkv I'm now well beyond 90 hours and Meekers 500 rrs had close to 400 hours on the stock everything. He didn't even do valve adjustments until the 300 hour mark and they were in spec. He was definitely not kind to it either. The recommendations in the manual are definitely for racers. I see no reason to touch a piston unless you are burning oil or lost compression and with high quality oil and frequently changing oil that won't happen in 90 hours.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@pharettface , yes, all manufacturers suggest frequent valve checks, rebuilds, oil changes, partly to get you in for service (helps the dealers = $). But, also to cover their rear ends for liability. Speaking of that, I changed my new XT tranny fluid with Liqui-Moly at 3 hours and use the Liqui-Moly injector oil the dealer gave me. Any warranty issues I did exactly what Beta says.

[@brocwavra8813]

I am in the process of getting a 430 RR-S. Some people have tried to talk me out of it and get a KTM. KTM cult won't change. Hahah. some of my friends are desert racers and have loved their Betas. I am looking forward to it. Ever ride a 430 ?

[@pharettface]

I have been on the 430 a few times. Yet to really have the time to review one yet though. People love the 430 that usually enjoy 450 race bikes, it really shines at its top end. Most of the riding I do is just far too slow for it the 390 give me the best low end grunt even over the 500. Awesome bikes though I've yet to have any major problems with my 19 390 at 148 hours now.

[@brocwavra8813]

@@pharettface Awesome thanks for the response. I can't wait to get it Pick up on Friday

[@brocwavra8813]

@@pharettface I have talked to a few suspension guys since I am actually looking to start racing again and this is the best out the box race bike in CA that can be registered. They came up with a new law it must be dual sport to register anything 2022 or newer. Stupid I know. But what I understand from the suspension needs to be rebuilt after about 6 months of hard riding. But Beta does not have to abide but he same EPA standard as other larder manufacturers. Have you had any problems with the forks ? How is the suspension ?

[@pharettface]

@@brocwavra8813 I haven't had any issues with my suspension although they have updated the newer Sachs suspension a little since 19. I don't race or ride hard though. If I were you I'd do the byob program and upgrade to the KYB suspension. The Sachs suspension is definitely the best out of the box ds setup but it is geared for longer dual sport riding so it's a little soft in the front part of travel. If you do the Sachs you'll probably want to have it revaled and heavier fork oil fairly soon

[@brocwavra8813]

@@pharettface yeah I am buying from a dealer and bike comes as is so it is not preordered. The suspension guy here in CA is the best in the business and builds the forks from the ground up but is quite pricy. 2 k plus but all the parts are hand made and sent off to get hardened. I will probably go this route in about 6 months or so. Cheers

[@toltod]

So my 2 main gripes. 1. Plastic Oil pump gears....why not allow me to choose the steel option when byob or just make it standard. Less to worry about.. 2. Plastic subframe...just doesn't look as beefy as my 2017 Husky...seen those break too. Just Beta doesn't inspire confidence when you take off the seat.

[@pharettface]

I think the plastic oil gears are over stated but its fair that on BYOB it should be an option. Meeker Extreme had over 300 hours and thousands of miles on the 500 RRS loaner from Beta with no issues on the oil gears. I think the fuel elbow being plastic is a bigger issue IMO. As for the subframe I have had some stupid bad drops and crashes along with Meeker probably having more and no sub frame issues. I was worried about this as well at first but I haven't seen many instances where frames have broken just a few on the Beta Forms and in those cases Beta USA was happy to help out. I think the proof is in the performance over time mechanically and on the frame not many issues. There have been a lot more electrical complaints with wiring harnesses and charging problems. almost all of that was solved for the 19 and up years.

[@russpaton8877]

Glad to hear it, I only have 4.5 hours on mine, done the oils after 3 hours. Also counterpart sprocket, stock 15th or optional 13th

[@pharettface]

I only run the 13. I've found the 15 is far too tall for single track and it makes the gear spacing seem off.

[@russpaton8877]

@@pharettface Cheers, I think the 13 is going on soon and I am going to ride 30 hours before making spring decisions, the 2021 is a little different as you know

[@trailsandtires1457]

I've been debating trading my 2010 450exc on one of these. I have never been in love with the EXC. Any comments on comparing the two? After another almost year with it since the video any updates on maintenance and reliability?

[@pharettface]

I have never personally been on the 450 exc but I have been on some of the smaller variants. What I have found with most people is that Beta tends to be a lot more trail friendly in how their engines/suspensions are tuned. Beta gives a very perfect feeling of power where you need it. Suspension wise its really how you ride it what you buy. Those who like to race or ride very hard tend to find the stock RRS suspension on the soft side but the RE or RR models come with "race ready" KYB setups. I usually find that its too subjective to the rider to give advice on it but I love the SACS setup on my 19. As for reliability I have over 130 hours on the motor now and have not had any issues or concerns related to the engine. The most annoying issue I had was the electrical/charging problem that some betas pre 20' model year had. Beta has a free fix (new wiring harness) that addressed the issue. What sets beta's apart from KTM is really the customer service, nothing man made is perfect and I've seen Beta's and KTMs break all the same but Beta bends over backwards to get people parts fast and they usually provide a discount. The times where its a known issue I've seen beta crate and ship a bike back to them at their cost, fix it, and not just on new bikes either.

[@trailsandtires1457]

@@pharettface beauty! Yeah I am really lucky that I have a top notch Beta dealer very close to me. Great guys that are willing to do what is needed to keep customers happy and are very knowledgeable. Thanks for your thoughts. Keep it rubber side down!

[@wayward03]

Haven't ridden one yet, but it's btw this, the 500 rrs and the 450L. I'm sure the 390 would be the best single track bike of the three but i have have 40miles of pavement to any trails near me.

[@pharettface]

The 390 does every bit as good as the 500 on road. They are limited by gearing not power on the road. Imo the 450L is a hard sell compared to the euro bikes. Betas 500 is lighter and has so much more power and a better suspension. The 390 is still my favorite out of betas lineup

[@wayward03]

@@pharettface 11k for the 390 or 9500 for the Honda (8700 plus a vortex for the throttle issues and power) did you ever test one?

[@pharettface]

@@wayward03 I know at most dealers you can get the Beta out the door around $10k. I got my left over 19 for $9200 out the door. I have ridden dr. Dualsports 450L a fair bit. Its a good DS and I do like the bike a lot but it feels as though it should be about a thousand bucks cheaper

[@wayward03]

@@pharettface is there a major difference on the road? Stability? Noise? Vibration?

[@captainamerica9353]

Where do you live that's so far from a trail?

[@cluskiducks6529]

Hey man, what trail were you guys on in Penrose? Looks like an awesome spot!

[@pharettface]

You know its about all I got to keep up with these guys and I don't remember what trail haha.

[@OnMyWayBack888]

Great review. Thanks I am interested in buying one this summer. Would you be able to do a video on the electric and show what you did? Looks like a great bike. I’m pretty new to off toad and still haven’t taken my wr250r to where it can go....

[@russpaton8877]

Order now or it will be too late, most current shipments are sold out.

[@pharettface]

Hmm you know I might talk to one of the guys on here and see if we can go through his new 2021 and check the connections. Sadly the IMS 4gal tank is an absolute pain to get off the bike I could show a few but not the whole thing. Best thing I can say man is get that WRR out there! Those are fantastic DS bikes, God knows I beat the shit out of Hermit Da vlogs, but if you can snag a beta don't think any less off the wrr.

[@russpaton8877]

@@pharettfacefor license mount mine had this large blocky funky weird square of plastic attached to a smaller v shaped piece attached to fender... I discarded the block o plastic and just drilled my license plate to fit on the smaller more compact v shaped piece. Going to replace rear signals with small flush mounts and a LED stripe across top of license plate

[@timmckennie4276]

Where are ya? I might be interested in selling my 2020 w very low hrs.

[@OnMyWayBack888]

@@timmckennie4276 canada. Why sell such a new bike?

[@usart2008]

How many hours and miles on your bike now? Your video helped me decide on this bike and I ended up getting a new 390 in 2021. Great bike. 30h on it so far. Had a grounding electrical issue that I was able to catch, but other than that it’s been good

[@pharettface]

200 hours or so. But sadly her head gasket let go right at 200 hours. Currently getting her rebuilt. But she did move on to being a rental in my fleet so thats a hard life for any dirt bike haha. I am quite happy with the 390.

[@usart2008]

That is a little sad, I usually hear of 390s going a bit longer before needing a top end. What is your replacement bike?

[@ashmite]

Nice video. I'm thinking about an RR-S. I have an Xtrainer but I'm not really riding it in the terrain it is designed for. I also have CRF250L and I think the RR-S (lowered for my size) would be a good replacement for both of those bikes. I'm looking at the 500cc since I'm riding faster trails and more Dual Sport than Enduro/Single Track.

[@pharettface]

The 390 is probably your best bet. We had a 500 loaner from beta for a bit and I have been on the more recent models. In pretty much every case I preferred the 390 even on the road. Road use will always be more limited to your gearing both have plenty of power. The 500 off road definitely feels a lot heavier even if that doesn't show on paper. Yes it has borderline insane amounts of power for a dirt bike even on open riding I prefer the power delivery of my 390. Of course it's all personal preference at this point I just find that the 390 is far more versatile than the 500. The RRS line in any model will definitely be a lot more stable than the xtrainer.

[@manuelfvdias]

Sweat review. For a dual sport bike have you consider the AJP PR7?

[@pharettface]

I'd honestly been more interested in their 310 Enduro but I have watched those bikes for some time. I might try one after I pick up a SWM 300.

[@Ryan-rn8gk]

I’ve been running the 13 tooth since new. Max speed that I’ve hit according to the computer is 72. Love this bike. Only issue I’ve had is that it used to run really rich on cold days. My dealer remapped it and it has run great ever since.

[@pharettface]

Awesome to hear! Did the dealer have any insight as to why the stock map was so rich?

[@Ryan-rn8gk]

He said they always remap new bikes and for some reason they uploaded the incorrect map. Now my neighbors don’t get mad from the backfires

[@pharettface]

@@Ryan-rn8gk Cool! Glad they took care of that. I wonder if all dealers do that from the factory. I know my dealer sells updated maps from beta

[@kathywhittaker6875]

RE: to your video of the single track your riding would you prefer a beta 300 two stroke over a four stroke and why or or why not ? thanks

[@pharettface]

The two stroke is better for the tight single track stuff. Great bottom end power and less weight. That being said I know many people who handle my 390 no problem on single track. I personally like 4 strokes better but there is no real logic for it haha

[@gordonmulkey8644]

what do you think of the maintenance intervals and rebuilding the engine every 90 hours?

[@pharettface]

If I had followed that standard I'd have rebuilt my 390 4 times over haha. You absolutely do not have to rebuild that often. What they quote is a race schedule for hard riding. I have just shy of 400 hours on my 390 now. Never rebuilt and runs every bit as strong as when I bought it. Valves finally went out of spec at 300 hours.

[@AdventureTomek]

Found a 2022 390 Beta RRS near me. What is a fair price? Has 1,700 hrs 79 hrs

[@pharettface]

Really depends on your local market around here they are always high.

[@Adventureswithdids]

Hi How do the 350rr and the 390rr compare for dual sport bearing in mind i will be riding it on tarmac quite a bit but how do they both compare on tighter slower section as well Thank you.

[@pharettface]

I have no long term riding on the 350 but my time testing it its a much more peaky engine. Likes to be reved out. The 390 is the much more balanced engine. In tight trails the torque of the 390 is king IMO. On the road all of these Enduros are just limited by the gearing. I wouldn't ride my 390 much faster than 60 with dirt gearing.

[@rockymountainlife]

So, I'm not a mechanic at all, so forgive my ignorance. Just how much of a project is it to put on that 13 tooth front sprocket? It doesn't seem like it would be that hard to me, but I think it would change chain tension etc, and I don't want to tackle it alone and end up messing it up to the point I shouldn't ride it. lol I also put small bullet style rear blinkers on mine to try and prevent breaking them off, or melting the right one which sits right behind the tailpipe. I don't feel like my 2021 license plate holder flops around at all, I was a little worried about it, but it seems to be a lot better than the 2019 and before versions. I don't know what all they changed other than it seems smaller, but I think it's ok these days.

[@russpaton8877]

I am going to change mine to the 13th, I will post a link here when I do if you don't want to go it alone!

[@rockymountainlife]

@@russpaton8877 Thanks, Russ. I don't have much confidence in my wrenching skills, it's partly why I didn't have a bike for the last 10 years. 😬😂

[@pharettface]

Pretty much any dirt bike how to on changing the sprockets will show you what is involved in swapping the front out. I will warn from the factory the front sprocket nut is insanely tight, it took an air impact wrench to get it off. You do have set you're chain sag again but that's pretty easy. Great feedback on the 2021 rear light assembly! At the dealership I saw they changed the shape a little but it seemed just as flimsy. Good to hear it works in practice.

[@rockymountainlife]

@@pharettface We'll see how it does under more strenuous use. I haven't pushed it much yet. Might be safer for me to say the jury is still out on it. lol

[@clgoptionseller]

What is your experience level?

[@pharettface]

Intermediate although military life leaves not much time to ride these days.

[@Matt-xi8zr]

How is the weight when picking it up and turning around on tight trails?

[@pharettface]

Well she is a four stroke but these days I tend to pivot whenever possible.

[@brianreffner3548]

What engine temp do you see on slow rocky riding in the summer. Mine seems to get to hot

[@pharettface]

I've seen 220 to 230 in slow single track. Not uncommon for these bikes. Just check to make sure the fan kicks on.

[@brianreffner3548]

@@pharettface ok thanks . That's what I see on my 430

[@keithncollins]

Would you recommend going with a 2020+ or a 2019 and older?

[@pharettface]

I don't think you could go wrong with either. The 2020+ models are a little lighter and have some engine improvements but over all they are not a huge departure from the early EFI Beta models in 2015 I believe.

[@tedcrum]

The 2020 got a 1/2 gallon bigger tank.

[@russpaton8877]

So can I ask if you resprung or not? If so what is your rider/w gear weight?

[@pharettface]

I am not stock springs. With gear I weigh around 170 to 180 pounds it's more than enough for me.

[@Ryan-rn8gk]

I weigh around 200 and resprung the rear with a 5.8. The front always felt plenty stiff.

[@rockymountainlife]

My 500 has stock springs, and I'm 205 pounds before gear, and while I'm still breaking mine in, I haven't felt like I need stiffer springs. I think it depends a lot on how you ride. For my skill level (pretty low) I would be surprised if I would need to respring mine. I'll know more when I get more hours on it.

[@Ryan-rn8gk]

I changed my rear because it was definitely sagging under my weight and the rear tire was rubbing on the muffler whenever I went over even mild jumps

[@plantpower3048]

is the wiring better now in 2023?

[@pharettface]

They have made substantial improvements even in 2020. They have gone to better connectors and over all just better quality of wiring. That said I haven't had any more issues with my 19 after the free wiring harness update

[@plantpower3048]

@@pharettface thanks!