Flexing the Brute! 2022 Beta 500 RR-S first ride/review.

A brute. Thats how I would describe the Beta 500 RR-S. Awesome bike with tons of power everywhere. Not really any noticeable weight difference compared to the 430 but a more linear power delivery. You could race this bike and ride it home. It is the ultimate package. If I could only have one bike this would probably be it.

[@DirtZen]

Beta 500 is the best bike I've ever owned. Love that thing! Cool video 👍✌

[@RedC63AMG]

Thanks for sharing, watched this and the 390 video. Still fairly new to off road riding, skills are definitely improving but in the meantime I’m living vicariously through riders like yourself !

[@blackhillsdualsport]

Thanks for watching the videos! Keep practicing you’ll get there!

[@mikeburnett6222]

What a great Demo Track lay out!!! It seems that group really wanted to let you see what the Bate's can do.

[@FuzedBox]

That's my current dream bike and I hope to get one. It just makes me sick that modern dirt bikes cost as much as my ZX6R. Haven't ridden dirt since selling my '03 CRF450R in '09, and want a good dual sport that can lug me 50mi+ to my trails and service roads of choice.

[@blackhillsdualsport]

I hear ya. Prices have gotten out of hand. Gotta pay to play. The 500 is an awesome bike.

[@FuzedBox]

@@blackhillsdualsport Did you get to ride any of these Betas on pavement, per chance? I've heard the 500's motor is pretty balanced and there isn't much buzzing.

[@captainamerica9353]

FuzedBox , if it makes you feel any better, quality dirt bikes have always been expensive. From the 1960's to now, a good enduro has cost as much as a medium size street bike. I recently bought a new Beta X Trainer, and $8,000 ain't pocket change for me, but I kept seeing people wanting over retail for their used bikes. They can screw themselves - Beta is the bomb!

[@AKAOmnivore]

After watching several vids like this I bought a 22 500 RR-S. Its been an absolute joy to ride. The ability to change up the suspension settings and gearing so quick, it really has the ability to do anything I want it to do. The 15 tooth is a bit too high on single track (That's typically how they are delivered, but they also give you a 13 tooth so I assume thats what you were riding with)

[@blackhillsdualsport]

This was a demo. I believe the bike was totally stock. I enjoyed it

[@AKAOmnivore]

@@revarmstrong No but I know a few desert friends that use 14/50 the 13/48 is perfect for what I do.

[@Lowdown13blues]

How come no one asked for a comparison in between this beast and the 500 excf yet ??

[@blackhillsdualsport]

I'd imagine there might be some videos out there comparing the 2. I haven't owned a 500exc so I can't compare.

[@chrisvantassel8867]

There is only a 2lb diff between this and the 390. Do they feel different other than power?

[@blackhillsdualsport]

Yes the 500 has a slightly heavier feel.

[@nickluciano7914]

If you had to pick one... Which Beta dual sport would you pick??

[@blackhillsdualsport]

in all honestly i wouldn't buy a beta 4 stroke. lots of issues with the new ones. the KTM 350exc 2017- current is one of my favorite bikes and i'd choose one of those over any beta 4 stroke model.

[@jonathondavis170]

Could this bike contend with the 2022 Yamaha YZ450FX or Honda CRF450RX IN Hare & Hound, WORCS, Sprint Enduros, GNCC'S, and GP? Thanks!

[@jonathondavis170]

Was looking at purchasing a big bore 4t to go with my newer TM Racing EN300ES 2t with almost fully built engine - vet/intermediate rider...I obviously LOVE ITALIAN bikes!!!! 💪 💪 My dealer rarely has the Beta 4ts in because they are sold before they arrive most of the time, so seeing one in person is a slim chance unless I bought it beforehand...so thanks for content and opinions firsthand!

[@blackhillsdualsport]

The beta is a definite contender with all those bikes.

[@albertgetty9382]

@@jonathondavis170 I waited almost a year for my 2022 500RRS to come in. Not disappointed except in my own skills.

[@gabrielgil9405]

If you compare this one to their 350cc version, is there a lot of difference in handling in more technical trails? Would a 350 be easier or better on the trails?

[@blackhillsdualsport]

350 is lighter feeling on singletrack trails. Your fitness level would be a big factor in how well you can handle the 500 in tighter more technical riding.

[@crashalexander7232]

I CANT STRESS THIS ENOUGH....I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA USE SKILL TO OVERCOME THE 500 BUT I WAS SADLY MISTAKEN ....LOL SKILL HELPS BUT RULE # 1 IN BIG BORE LAND IS.........CARDIO CARDIO CARDIO!!! I DROPPED 30 LB SINCE I GOT THE 500RRS LAST MAY 2021 ....TRAINING AND RIDING FOR THE 2022 HARESCRAMBLE SEASON DIST 17 ILLINOIS. 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN IS FOREVER WHEN YOUR SUCKING WIND ON LAP 3 .....LOL

[@craighartman108]

Did you have to u cork it at all? Also can you power wheelie without the clutch?

[@blackhillsdualsport]

The betas dont have the emissions restrictions like KTM. The bike is very fast. Yes it can power wheelie without clutch.

[@craighartman108]

Thanks for the feedback

[@ozbiker5311]

Hi Bud great video I torn between both 390 or 500 because there's no bike to test ride and I ride all stuff single also hilly and just bush tracks and about 30-40 miles of bitumen roads to get to where I'm going and being 100kilo - 220 pound and was a bit worried that the 390 might struggle with the my weight just wonder what you thoughts were

[@blackhillsdualsport]

I’m similar weight. 390 has plenty of power. That bike hauls! For the type of riding your talking about I’d go 500 it’s better for longer distance. 390 can definitely do it but I think a 500 would be better. 390 is more of a race or tight singletrack bike in my opinion.

[@albertgetty9382]

I just got the 500 RRS and swapped out the front sprocket with a 13T. All the power you need and will easily do highway speeds with that sprocket. The 15T will get you to 100 mph, but why would you want that? This thing pulls like a spaceship in all gears. Totally controllable at very low speeds and nearly impossible to stall. I cannot think of a reason to get the smaller bike when they weigh the same. I am 220 pounds also and had the 2" seat lowering from the factory, because I am 70 and just hate super high seats. I do not race. Still trying to figure out the best suspension settings, but it is coming along.

[@exotics4life618]

@@albertgetty9382 hi sir, did you order your 500rr-s in America? I’m Very interested in buying/ordering a 2022 500rr-s but for the past 3-4 month Beta USA website says the custom BYOB (build your own beta) is no longer available? I’m about 5’9” tall and I absolutely have to have the 2” lowering option. The standard 37” seat hight is to tall. Any info on how you got your new beta 2” lower from factory would be much appreciated

[@captainamerica9353]

@@albertgetty9382 , I'd want the stock 15 tooth. It's there for a reason - these are street legal.

[@brettmenzie982]

Have you ridden a ktm or husky big bore? That comparison would be interesting as I’m about to sell my ktm 350 and go back to a 500

[@blackhillsdualsport]

Not for any real length of time. I will probably be getting a 2017 husky 501 within the next couple of weeks. I’ll do the full desmog with vortex ecu. I have a 17 350EXC that’s totally desmogged with vortex. I absolutely love that bike overall power is similar to a 500 just has to be revved much higher.

[@brettmenzie982]

@@blackhillsdualsport I love my 350 but the single track around Prescott calls for a lot of connector road, gravel and highway and the 350 vibrates a lot more than a 500. Much vibration in the betas?

[@stevebiron3036]

@@brettmenzie982 I have the 21' 390rr's and I find it very smooth. In contrast to the CRF450l (unless in the sweet spot rev range) as it vibes quite a bit. Grab a hand full of the CRF and it's a light switch, wind up the RRS and it's linear smooth controllable power. Same poop, just easier to ride. MUCH less vibey.

[@b.c.h4120]

@@brettmenzie982 The Beta 4-strokes are the smoothest engines when compared to Honda (450L) and KTM (350 / 500). It not even a close comparison. The 450L gets buzzy on the highway. The KTM's are buzzy at all rpms. The Beta 500 is a super smooth engine and I don't think anyone could complain about the vibes. The Beta 350 has even less vibration and is the smoothest engine of any dirtbike that I have ridden (newer Yamaha 4-strokes are a closed 2nd place). It is very light-feeling and nimble in comparison to the larger displacement Beta's. I would hope that the new fork tubes on the 2022 Beta's resolved the coating issues that they had on previous models.

[@redwaveofketchup7457]

Do you want to ride, or do you want to fix. If you want to ride..get a Beta

[@jakelegrow8914]

Was that ridden with a 13 front sprocket?

[@blackhillsdualsport]

What ever comes stock. It was a demo bike.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Why no on road reveiws on these beta DUAL SPRTS

[@blackhillsdualsport]

It was a beta demo. Off-road course only.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

@@blackhillsdualsport I want to see how well they do on road... it seems all the no Japanese dual sports only show off road reviews

[@blackhillsdualsport]

@@gabrielkopp2036 I owned a 2019 500 beta it was ok on the road. Not the most enjoyable on long stretches. You will find yourself looking for dirt. If you're looking for an awesome bike that does both get a Yamaha T7.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

@@blackhillsdualsport I have a t7...and a wr250r .. I'm just looking into the beta for just bit more power.. and it's better than team orange out of the box

[@littleponny6939]

this is dohc or sohc sir the engine??

[@blackhillsdualsport]

dohc