Beta 500 RRS vs 390 RRS - Which is better?

[@jeffloucks2120]

Test rode every 2020 enduro Beta in the lineup and came away loving the 390. Absolutely stellar motor.

[@fynn8252]

I have to say lance, this is probably one of the best videos you've made! Awesome discussion and great viewpoints from both parties. This should help out many.

[@rockymountainlife]

Thanks, Fynn. I know I had trouble deciding which one to get when I was first looking, and with Covid I wasn't able to test ride them, so hopefully this can give a little helpful info to people. 😊

[@brianmartindale2221]

Hey, two Beta front-rangers talkin about two of the bikes I am considering for my first in a hell of a long time. This helps in figuring things out and is much appreciated.

[@olliechristopher467]

I'm looking hard at the 390. I'm still rolling on my 2012 Beta 520RS (498) carbed bike. I bought it new and now have over 330 very hard hours. Only one valve adjustment and decompression device upgrade at about 100 hours. I'm going to do a leak down test and see if I can squeeze one more season out of it. At 62 years old I don't need the power of the monster big bore.

[@rockymountainlife]

Sounds like it has seved you very well! I think the 390 is great, such a great engine in my opinion, but I have also met people who don't like it's low rev tractor nature and prefer the high revving 350 and 430. Are you able to test ride any of them? I just did a month ago at a demo day, and they are all great, just different engine characteristics. 😊

[@olliechristopher467]

@@rockymountainlife I love the low rev bikes. I ride my 498 like a tractor most of the time a gear high. OTOH if you twist the throttle it's a monster. One of the guys in my club has a 390 I might hit him up. I followed behind him and that 390 clawed through every rock garden and blasted the sand washes with the best of them.

[@rockymountainlife]

@@olliechristopher467 I agree. The 390 also is geared shorter in the final gearing, so it tractors a bit better anyway, yet still has good snap if you grab a handful of throttle. Hopefully you can try out your friend's to get a feel for it, but I suspect you'll like it a lot. 😊

[@raybaker8726]

I ordered a 390RRS about 2 months ago. It should be here in a few days. Decided on the 390 after a bunch of research. Im an old guy and I dont need a hang on for dear life bike any more. Last bike was a XR650R. That bike was fun.

[@rockymountainlife]

Congrats! The 390 is awesome! And it still has plenty of power. I think you'll love it. 👍

[@johnrodriguez6594]

I have a 2019 390 Race Edition and Absolutely Love it. Suspension is really plush. Plenty of Power and Torque. 100 hours with only regular maintenance no problems what so ever. Only gripe is I wish the Speedometer display was better.

[@captainamerica9353]

John Rodriquez , I gave your comment a "thumbs up", but though you should know your Caps Lock key is sticky. Cheers.

[@Ryan-rn8gk]

I have a 2019 500 and love it but every time I run tighter trails I wish I got the 390. But boy is the 500 fun when you hit the streets. Mine used to flame out when it was newer but never does now. Sometimes it will backfire a little on deceleration but other than that it runs great.

[@rockymountainlife]

@Rev Armstrong they both are quite similar, it's more a difference in "feel", if that makes sense. The 500 has a little more of a heavier feeling from the larger rotating mass in the engine, so it doesn't feel quite as flickable in the tight stuff, the turn-in is a tad slower. It's not bad, it's just more than the 390, so riding them both back to back you can feel it. The 500 has more initial punch when you hit the throttle, but at the same time the 390 isn't a weak engine, it'll run circles around a DRZ400. The final gearing is different between the 500 and the 390, the 500 is geared taller, even with the same sprockets, so the 390 will lug at really low speeds a little better than the 500. Other than that, they are very similar. Both are great bikes, I love my 500, but if I were going to do tight singletrack (which I don't, I'm not that good) I would get a 390. For everything else, the 500 is awesome.

[@JohnConner1ofmany]

Great channel! Really enjoy your format, hope to see more adventures. I’m about 2 hrs to your north. After a long wait, will pick up my new Beta 500 tomorrow 6/21/22. I’m a bit older rider and chose the Beta for much of the same reasons. Looking foreword to exploring NORCOs many trails. Be Safe!

[@rockymountainlife]

Congrats on the new bike, Randy, and thank you so much for the compliment. If we can ever get gas prices to behave, I'd like to explore some of those NOCO trails myself! 😊👍

[@RJvidmoto]

Crazy timing for the release of this vid! Just pulled into the driveway with my new 2021 390 Race Addition and I own a 2017 500RRS. Looking forward to doing similar comparisons.

[@alanc1160]

I am in between the two. I will be buying new within the next month. Just need to make up my mind on a 2022 390rrs or 500rrs. What is your take?

[@rockymountainlife]

@@alanc1160 sorry for the slow reply. Have you made a choice yet? I think either one would be great, hard to go wrong with either. The biggest difference is the power. Otherwise they're very similar. The 390 is geared shorter, better for slower speed stuff.

[@captainamerica9353]

VidMoto , nice to know your 390 bike is good at math!

[@Insaiyanrider]

Which one did you like more ?

[@rockymountainlife]

If I were doing a lot of trail riding, I'd prefer the 390. For more dual sport type of riding I like my 500. For how I ride, if I were to start over I'd get the 390. 👍

[@davelambardo6464]

Spent time on a brand new 2023 beta 390 rrs yesterday. Comparing to my 2023 fe501 both less than 2 rides on them. The 390 is linear and electric feeling. It was geared down on front to a 13 tooth. I am glad it did. It seemed to like to flame out a little. Not terrible. Like the video says " flickable " is a good way to describe it. You guys nailed the cc comparison.

[@rockymountainlife]

Have you done the stepper motor reset on the Beta yet? That should help with the flame out thing. Mine has never been prone to flaming out, so I'm a little surprised yours is.

[@davelambardo6464]

@@rockymountainlife no, I haven't heard of that. I will look into it for sure. It could have been that the trails we were into were pushing our limits as far as technical obsticals. And it was as much fear as anything causing us to hesitate.

[@Insaiyanrider]

Which of the two bikes do you prefer on the street and for an all-around dual sport the 390 or the 501

[@Insaiyanrider]

If you had to choose between either for adventure, light adventure, as well as super Moto and street riding and pretty much just an all-around motorcycle. What would you pick considering the positive negative

[@rockymountainlife]

Based on your criteria, I'd have to go for the 500. The 390 is easier to manage on trails, but for pretty much everything else, especially light adventure etc, the 500 is going to be better. It will handle higher speed street riding better than the 390.

[@chrisvantassel8867]

I chose the 390, so smooth but does not lack torque, I think it is the perfect balance

[@rockymountainlife]

It's an awesome bike, congrats!

[@delinquense]

Love those trails. They look awesomely fun!

[@delinquense]

That was a good explanation of the map choices. i. e. Rain vs performance. Exactly how i would explain it. Some people don't even think there is any difference. There is, but its subtle and if you ride wide open everywhere, you probably won't notice.

[@WadeMade]

I just atttended a beta demo day and am now debating between the 390 and 500. They had a 390rs and a 480rr there to ride and I thought the 390 was amazing, easy to handle even pulling the tire in 1,2,3rd easily. The 480 had a very smooth power delivery but you guys are right it felt like a much heavier bike and a torque monster. But not in a bad way, both were awesome. Unfortunately I didn't get to ride more than 4th gear on this track and was wondering how the 390 does on the fire roads or two track? Is it enough power can it cruise 60-65 comfortably?

[@rockymountainlife]

The 390 will cruise at 65 just fine, but not a lot more as the final gearing is shorter than the 500. They are both similar, it comes down to how you plan on using it. If you plan on singletrack and tighter woods trails, I'd go with the 390. It's such a great engine, tractors real well. The 500 comes with taller gearing, which you can switch but it is a little harder to wrestle around the trails. But if you plan on using it as a dual sport and will be sticking to two track and fire roads the 500 will be fine there, and with the stock gearing will cruise at 75 all day without much trouble. Either one will be really good, it's hard to go wrong, but I prefer the 390 for trail riding, and the 500 is great at everything else. I ride my 500 on singletrack and it can do it, it just feels a bit heavier. 😊👍

[@WadeMade]

@@rockymountainlife Thanks for the response. My usage for this bike would be riding the canonshot route through michigan and wisconsin so lot's of two track and seasonal roads with the occasional singletrack section and paved section. I felt the 390 was easier to ride in the harder stuff for me but unfortunately we didn't have the opportunity to ride it at faster speeds. I'm leaning towards the 500 since my riding buddy has a ktm 500. But if a nice used 390 pops up I would consider it.

[@rockymountainlife]

@@WadeMade good luck on your search, I hope it works out and I hope you really like whichever one you end up with. They are great bikes.

[@WadeMade]

@@rockymountainlife Thanks, and thanks for the video comparing them. It's fun to hear other peoples perspective.

[@bluebaaron748]

coming from a WR250R, looking at both the 390 and 500 for all around dual sport. Mostly dirt/sand (90%) not much single track, some connecting roads or ride into town. Maybe a BDR. Was originally thinking 500, but now considering the 390. Think the 500 would be too much?

[@rockymountainlife]

Depends mostly on preference. I'm not a great rider, and for the ATV trails I like to ride the 500 is more than I need, but not too much. I do think the 500 will handle a BDR better. But other than that, either one would handle the rest fine. The 390 comes with shorter gearing, which is better for trails and slow stuff, but I don't feel like my 500 needs shorter gearing either since I don't really do singletrack. Both should work great for you, but some BDR routes have some long pavement sections, and the 500 might be a tiny bit better for that.

[@MrCannonls]

For what you’re saying I’d go 500. For a BdR you’ll want the extra power for passing and to haul the extra gear. I’ve done 5 bdr’s now. There is no BDR where the 500 isn’t the better option.

[@davidwiggins8886]

Are these bikes suitable for mainly road use? I love the look of them, the lightness, obviously have plenty of grunt. (I’m 68) Is engine/general reliability good?

[@rockymountainlife]

I have had zero issues with mine, but I personally would not choose one for mainly road use. These are dirt bikes first and foremost. They are road legal, but when you get them light and narrow and nimble the road comfort goes way down, traffic blows you around more, the seats are narrow and get uncomfortable sitting on them for a long ride, even with my upgraded seat, and there is no wind protection, so it's noisy and tiring at highway speeds. They are most at home on a trail. 😊

[@ridemfast7625]

Does anyone know of a 2021+ 430 has more low end grunt, a smooth power delivery, then the 390?

[@rockymountainlife]

The 430 engine is the race engine, snappy and likes to rev. The 390 is more of a lugger engine, doesn't like high revs. They both have good low end grunt, but I think the 390 is smoother down low.

[@fr1mvo]

I have a 15 500rs flawless bike, carburated never a single issue mechanical or electrical !

[@Lowdown13blues]

Have you ever tried the 390 and 430 ?

[@fr1mvo]

@@Lowdown13blues both yes.

[@TimmyTwoTuck]

I’m looking at these exact two bikes and I can’t quite decide. My last bike was a 17 KTM 250xcw but had to sell it and my truck during covid. I’m now looking for a dual sport that I can hit the highway for about an hour to some great single track. I’m worried the 390 would be uncomfortable for that long on the highway but also worried about the 500 on single track. Really torn here and some help would be greatly appreciated. New subscriber here and I love the videos sir. Keep it up!

[@rockymountainlife]

The 390 can handle highway speeds, it's just not comfortable, but then again, the 500 isn't very comfortable at highway speeds as well. They both weigh about the same, so wind at high speed affects them both about the same. The felt weight difference on singletrack isn't massive, but it is noticeable. Tough choice for sure. I would think over the long run, the 500 engine will stand up to the highway speeds longer and not wear out as fast, but I would bet my bottom dollar you'd prefer the 390 on the singletrack. It's just easier to manage at slow speeds.

[@TimmyTwoTuck]

@@rockymountainlife I’m planning on making a trip to a dealer so I can check them out and hopefully help me with my decision. I’m very torn as we sit now! Thank you for the feedback!

[@rockymountainlife]

@@TimmyTwoTuck Beta is doing demo days again, if you are able to get to one, that would help a lot, being able to ride both on the same day. But in all honesty, they both are great bikes and very similar, I think it would be hard to make a "bad" choice between them. 😊👍

[@cdaler]

Do you guys wish you had the bigger tank? I have a '17 430 and I don't like that the range is pretty limited by the 2 gal tank. I'm goning to put on a 13 tooth front sprocket and see how much it helps the sluggishness you mention.

[@rockymountainlife]

Oh yes, I talked about the small gas tank in my one year review video, I really wish I had a 3 gallon tank on it. The new models come with 2.4 gallons, but I still think the RRS models should come with a 3 gallon tank.

[@Vincegould]

What’s the highway feel of the 390 compared to the 500?

[@rockymountainlife]

Not much different, the 390 doesn't pass quite as quickly as the 500, but the power between the two isn't massively different. I found the 390 easier to manage on the trails, which I like. If you were to do much highway riding the 500 will do a little better, and not work as hard, but neither one is very comfortable on the highway as they're so dirt oriented. 👍

[@Vincegould]

@@rockymountainlife thank you.

[@bryanthomas5275]

Great content gentleman! Nice flowing trails,well maintained.

[@rockymountainlife]

It was a fun ride for sure. 😊👍

[@AJB273]

390 top speed? And with the 13/48 gearing combo can you do both technical singletrack yet ride to trails going 65ish mph without feeling like you’re wringing the engine with the 390? Thanks!

[@rockymountainlife]

I haven't maxed out a 390, but I would imagine it could. It comes stock with shorter gearing for trails than my 500, yet 6th also feels like it should be fine at 65. As for top speed, I've had my 500 up to 80. I didn't feel the need to get any faster. I have read and heard the 390 will do 75 to 80 without much trouble as well.

[@ryannafe9252]

I believe I’d have more fun with the 390 because it’ll force me to shift more often and allow me to really use the whole powerband.

[@rockymountainlife]

I don't know, that 390 engine has lots of torque down low, it lugs and tractors really well. I didn't feel like it needed a bunch of extra shifting. The 430 engine is the revver. They are all smooth though, but the 390 is easier to manage on the trails. 😊

[@ryannafe9252]

Yeah I’m not saying the 390 is weak, it’s just that I think the 500 is powerful to the point where you’re rarely actually using the whole gear without going way too fast. Kinda like my 2020 Katana: Most of the time I’m using 1/4 throttle or less. When you actually use the engine and transmission fully, you’re doing 75 to 150.

[@seanvergillo3625]

Great video. Love my 390. I see Colorado on the video but a Leavenworth shirt. Is this a Colorado trail or Washington?

[@rockymountainlife]

It's a Colorado trail, but I grew up in Washington, and visited it this last spring and picked up the hat then. 😊

[@seanvergillo3625]

@@rockymountainlife Nice. I’m a Washtonian but our kids departed for Colorado. Looks like a fun flowy trail. Can’t wait to visit and explore.

[@blackcountryadvbr5251]

Love the vid and I'm in a situation as too wether to go 390 or 480. Any thoughts on how good the 390 is when travelling to trails on the road? Will the 390 sit at 60 mph without revving the nuts of it or would the 480/500 be a much better option?.

[@rockymountainlife]

I think that depends on how long the road stretches are. If you need to ride at 60 for a couple of hours, then the 500 might be a better choice, but if not, the 390 will handle 60 just fine. It'll do 75 without much trouble. 😊

[@delinquense]

Lets put it this way. Neither was really meant for any highway use, so your drive to the trails is not exceptionally pleasant or comfortable. Standing helps. I do have the 2021 Race Edition with KYB forks, so a bit different. I'm thinking if you had the front wheel balanced, this would help quite a bit to make for a smoother ride. It certainly cant do much speed on the road since it is geated for off-road. When in doubt, go smaller. 500 is way too much when you are offroading.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@delinquense , the RRS series was made for getting to the trails and back; they are meant for some highway use. In fact they ought to come with balanced wheels since they can cruise at 65 mph easily. BTW, if a 500 is way too much, you should inform the BDR folks who wheelie their 1250 GSA LE's on wagon trails.

[@reg26]

Thanks for this video guys. I’m on the fence also. Want a bike to do BDR routes on so will be putting a rear rack , larger tank and luggage on plus I’m a 200 lb guy with out gear. I’ve always loved the 390 but am thinking the 500 might be better because of weight and amount of on road use. Your thoughts? Also coming from a KLR ALSO

[@rockymountainlife]

I love the 500. To me the only advantage the 390 has is how it handles on trails. For BDR/light adventure stuff, I would go for the 500. Better at speed, etc. I'm 205 naked, but I've never had any issues with my suspension. If you're worried, the Race Edition 480 is the same engine, but with a stiffer suspension. Depending on where you live, it might take more to make road legal, but it does offer stiffer springs.

[@erickelly7161]

This is a great very informative video. I am 53 weigh 250 Adventure motorcycle rider. I own a bmw 1250 gsa . Can a 390 support my weight riding trails to help improve my dirt skills or do I need the 500? THANKS

[@rockymountainlife]

Depends on if you plan on using it only for dirt or if you want turn signals, road legal stuff. If I were in your position and was only going to ride the dirt, I would get a 390 Race Edition. The Race Editions have stiffer suspensions, and would handle 250 lbs better than a stock RRS model like what I have. Either of the engines would be fine, the 390 or the 500. You used to be able to order springs for your body weight from the factory through the Build Your Own Beta (BYOB) program, but that program is on hold right now with no idea of when it may come back. So, to more directly try and answer your question: I'd try and get a 390 Race Edition. Even if you need it to be road legal, they come wired for blinkers etc, so it's easy to make them road legal. That will get you a stiffer suspension which will work better for 250 lbs. But if you're handy, or don't mind the extra expense, you can get an RRS and order springs separately and install them. But as far as you needing a 500 vs a 390 for your weight, I would say no, the 390 would be fine for trails unless you plan on lots of pavement miles. The suspension components on each one are the same, and the 390 engine is great.

[@WadeMade]

Did I just hear 90 hours is the technically recommended engine rebuild time?

[@rockymountainlife]

If you are racing the bike. Most people, including the repair shop guys I talked to at the dealership don't do that. I have two friends with Betas, one has over 200 hours on the original engine, runs fine, the other has around 150, no issues. Mine currently has just over 100 hours and it still runs like it did when it was new. The 90 hour recommendation is if you are winding it out all the time.

[@dannyrobinson7509]

Race bikes typically 15 hours.

[@delinquense]

What about the tire rubbing on the inside of the muffler, brand new 2021 390 RR Race? Beta says this is normal. All stock parts.

[@rockymountainlife]

I haven't had any tire rubbing on mine. Mine isn't a race edition, but they are similar machines except for the suspensions.

[@d.r.penkert1429]

Run a 110 tire next change!

[@doublex632]

Are the vibrations on the Beta's more like the DRZ or KTM's? thanks

[@rockymountainlife]

Not in my opinion, but I haven't ridden any new KTM's. But I feel like the Beta vibes are quite low.

[@fcalin21]

Which one vibrates more?

[@rockymountainlife]

They're very similar, hard to tell much difference in vibes, but I'd say the 500 does a tiny bit more. Bigger piston etc.

[@fcalin21]

@@rockymountainlife Thanks.

[@jmjm4860]

As a trail bike, i dont understand people calling the drz underpowered. Who needs the power of a 500 on the trails?

[@rockymountainlife]

I think it's more "underpowered for a 400" feeling. And you are right, the DRZ has plenty for the trails. My biggest issue with the DRZ is how heavy it is. As I age, having a lighter bike gets more and more important to me.

[@jmjm4860]

@@rockymountainlife yep, I understand, I dont like picking up my drz from the ground at my age which is why I'm interested in the beta 390. But I have also noticed that my brother's ktm 500 is also heavy to lift from the ground as well, even though its 30lbs lighter. I would consider a 2 stroke if they were street legal in California. Lol

[@rockymountainlife]

@@jmjm4860 heh, yeah, none of them are really light when you're picking it up on a hillside when you're a little tired. 🤣 The 390 will have more power than your DRZ and will feel a lot lighter, but it's also easy power to control. It's very smooth. I think the 390 engine is the sweet spot in the Beta 4 stroke line, but I know a lot of people really like the 350 as well. The difference between the 350 and 390 is pretty small, the 350 is just a tiny bit less snappy with the throttle, and it likes to rev a little more than the 390. The 390 will torque down at low revs a little better.

[@freshsheets_]

Super informative thank you.

[@rockymountainlife]

I'm very glad it's helped. 😊

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Witch one gets better fuel economy?

[@rockymountainlife]

They're about the same. In 2020 they went to a dual fuel injector, which improved the mileage some. I get 45-56 mpg depending on how hard I ride it.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

@@rockymountainlife well I'm looking into the 390 rrs..trying to find a demo bike to save money..they have gone 10k to 11.5k in 2 model years..( my skill level is about like yours)

[@rockymountainlife]

@@gabrielkopp2036 the 390 is an awesome motor. Simply brilliant on trails. Good torque, great tractor at low speeds.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

@@rockymountainlife I appreciate your input.. I know of a 2022 430 demo for great price and ktm 350 exc-f 2022 for both for 10k out the door..I really love the tractor factor of the 390

[@rockymountainlife]

@@gabrielkopp2036 either the Beta or the KTM should be a very good bike. The Beta will have quite a bit more power, but either one would be a blast to own.

[@jootai]

hows the vibration on those beta's?

[@rockymountainlife]

Not bad, not any worse than any other single cylinder thumper IMO.

[@jootai]

@@rockymountainlife thanks

[@douglasnorman8748]

where is this trail?

[@rockymountainlife]

Rampart Range OHV area. Not sure where you're from, but it's west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Big area, lots of trails, fun place.

[@markcomisky7106]

I think if oil looks dirty change it that's my philosophy

[@commentaccount49]

The CRF450L(RL) is not 300+ lbs. Fully fueled and ready to ride they are 291lbs.

[@dg1019]

Personally I like the 350 and 430 more than the 390 and 500.

[@rockymountainlife]

The 350 and 430 are revver engines, while the 390 and 500 are more of the luggers. All a matter of preference. I almost bought a 430 Race Edition.

[@markcomisky7106]

Beta has been building trials bikes for awhile you try a trials bike it improves your riding skills

[@rockymountainlife]

I would like to, just can't afford to buy one. 😬

[@markcomisky7106]

@@rockymountainlife maybe go to a trials event and try one trials guys and girls are nice people

[@markcomisky7106]

Buy used then it's not a big investment

[@dannyrobinson7509]

Your weights are bit off. A CRF450X is 275lbs. A DRZ400e is 280lbs.

[@rockymountainlife]

This is straight off Suzuki's website: It's for the DRZ400S. They don't show the E model as being available anymore: Curb Weight - 317 pounds. And the CRF450L is the bike I'm comparing it against, not the X.

[@rockyesterline7942]

How come no one has Ever heard one run on any video !!!????

[@trident1872]

That's easy...the 430 RR-S.

[@jctoth]

The CRF450RL is not "300 plus pounds". It weighs 291 pounds with fuel and all fluids. And let's not forget the Honda has a full subframe capable of carrying bags or luggage which Beta, KTM, etc. do not.

[@rockymountainlife]

Claimed weight of 291 wet seems optimisitic to me, having ridden both. It's a lot heavier feeling than my Beta. It is a very nice bike once you fix the ECU and can keep it running.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@rockymountainlife , ECU and pipe. So for a mere $1,500 a Honda will run like it should.

[@rockymountainlife]

@@captainamerica9353 no one should have to spend any extra on a brand new bike just to make it run as it should. It should run properly from the factory.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@rockymountainlife , agreed. I have an X-Trainer that's fairly new and stock, at least so far. Someday I may want more of a dual sport and would consider a used CRF450 that's been sorted out but will likely get an RRS instead.

[@ji3946]

40 vs 47 horsepower

[@plantpower3048]

Why are the HP a mistery?

[@rockymountainlife]

Well, mine is rated on the dyno at 47 hp, not sure what the 390 is.