Things I HATE about my 2020 Beta 500 RR-S Dual Sport!!

[@nomad667]

This was informative. None of he issues had absolutely nothing to do with riding the bike so...the bike is perfect.

[@roberttimmons5638]

As a beta tech in the field. Problems like your Speedo will be covered under warranty. Beta is really really good on covering bad parts on their bikes. Also the exhaust has a good will recall with a part to redirect the exhaust from blinker.

[@mikey201292]

thats very interesting. thank you for the info! I'm glad to know that Beta does such a good job with warranty stuff especially because im thinking of getting another Beta.. a 2 stroke next.

[@matthewambler2685]

I have a '17 Beta 500 RR-S and I have had some of the issues you mentioned. I absolutely love the Voyager, especially the GPS tracking. It's saved me from getting lost riding in a maze of logging roads deep in the bush. I have the fuel light issue, showed up after two seasons. Haven't bothered fixing it. As you say it's easy to see the fuel level through the tank. As for the floppy turn signals popping out I solved that by using zip tips to pull on the base of the stalks in the direction opposite the mounting screws. Haven't had one pop out since and the bonus is they're not as floppy. As for the length of the fender that is a legal issue. In most jurisdictions in order to be road legal the fender must extend beyond a vertical line up from back the rear tire. It often makes motorcycles look a little goofy. Hence the popularity of tail tidy's.

[@mikey201292]

Thank you for the comment! You're a wealth of knowledge. I Honestly learn so much from all you guys commenting. I haven't really gone through the voyager's gps stuff yet so I will definitely check that out before I head deep into the woods.i may use that zip tie technique until I decide to go for a new setup then that sounds solid. Stupid regulations always messing everything up lol well I know PA is pretty lax on converting dirt bikes to street legal so hopefully they won't care when I chop the fender (not that I'd care anyway lol). What part of the country do you ride in?

[@trlevey88]

So the turn signals are made for dot purposes. Also are made to pop out so they don't break. I flush mounted mine from beta. They have more factory parts available than any other dirtbike company. Maybe look into beta usa

[@tedcrum]

I'm shopping for a 390 RR-S, so I had my fingers crossed when I started your video. Could have been a lot worse. Looks like the same turn lights as my R1250GS. We'll both be googling "beta RR-S tail cleanup."

[@mikey201292]

Yeah absolutely. Id say theres no major issues so far. Just those weird quirks and things along that line. Every manufacture has them but I thought it would be interesting to to highlight my thoughts. Whenever I’m thinking of buying something I’ll watch just about every video on KZbin relating to it so hopefully I gave some insight for people interested in betas.

[@jamesboaz4787]

Do the tidy tail on the back and get the barkbuster turn signals. Also maybe a bigger tank would help with the gas light coming on so soon.

[@jesse4589]

So I am going to have to check the speedometer thing. My 2020 RRS 390 does the same thing. I did research and found that the pickups were being covered under warranty. I have to reach out to my dealer, he was just going to have it replaced. There’s an updated part available. My bike will say I am going 70-80mph when i am sitting at a stop light. And it says the max speed I did was 135 🤷🏻‍♂️ Also I don’t know how you didn’t melt the turn signals. The one by the exhaust was melted off the 2nd ride for me.

[@mikey201292]

yeah the speedo is weird. I haven't had any issues with it recently but I will look into that updated part. I am not quite sure how I haven't melted it the turn signal off either lol. Someone in the comments told me about this langsoffroad.com/products/my20-beta-turn-signals?variant=32429463830564 I will probably end up getting this setup

[@johnh1001]

How many litres of fuel does the tank hold ? How far can you travel with a full tank .

[@RobSmith-lv6jb]

Totally agree with you about indicators and how far the rear guard hangs down. Seems to be a common thing with all these bikes (KTM, husky etc), so ugly. On the plus side if thats the only crappy things you can come up it shows the bike is pretty good overall. Thanks for the video, from a prospective Beta buyer.

[@coryhosselkus6233]

handguards with integrated blinkers such as zetas

[@mikey201292]

thank you I will certainly check that out. sounds epic

[@jonathondavis170]

Thinking about the Beta 500 (480 Race), Sherco 500 SEF Factory, the 2022 Yamaha WR450F, or just go balls-to-the-wall and get a Honda CRF450RX. After buying my TM Racing EN300ES 2t, I'm IN LOVE, however, the Beta 500 keeps coming to the top - I just don't believe ANYONE makes a 500 as nice and performance oriented as Beta except for Sherco and TM, and I'd rather go with another Italian bike like the Beta! I bet if you got the head ported, get a high compression racing piston, add in full FMF exhaust, get Pro Circuit or someone to update cams, and get mapping updated, and NOTHING can catch this freak of nature!!! Additionally, the designs and architecture are unsurpassed with Beta's top tier engine and chassis quality control (like having engine and transmission oil seperate). I want a big bore 4t so bad...miss 4 strokes after dabbling back in 2ts for the past few years. You looked stoked though - I sure would be! Any engine mods? I'm quite sure it's amazing stock, but was wondering if you heard what these can put out HP after upgrades and such? I heard they can put out more torque and HP than 450 MX bikes once upgraded and tuned??? Does that sound right to you? Thanks. -Just generally interested in these machines - and with the upgraded diaphragm clutch in 2022, there isn't much that could be upgraded, except for the aforementioned power-upgrade parts. Beautiful piece of offroad engineering!!!

[@ZacharyUlrick]

That's a short list and all pretty solvable! Glad to hear these are the only things you hate (so far). How many miles do you have on it? Any other issues since posting this? I'm actually picking one up tomorrow. So stoked! The current owner actually already did the work to the signals, brake light, and license plate so I shouldn't have these issues.

[@mikey201292]

I will have to check on the miles but I am just about to 30 hours so I need to change the oil lol. It really is an awesome bike though so I am sure you'll love it. I will keep everyone updated if I have any other issues with it.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

@@mikey201292 Nice! Give me a sub if you want to see some of my new future content on the bike. I got the 500 RRS yesterday. It's amazing! Can't wait to ride it today.

[@MHix63]

Have you found a fender eliminator kit that works with this bike? Not many options come up on the usual sites I look at.

[@mikey201292]

I have not gotten around to it yet but I really need to. It would look amazing with that fender deleted and the lights consolidated. I will definitely update everyone when I do.

[@robschubert8772]

Thanks for the video, Im on a Beta 430 and live in PA as well. Maybe catch ya at FRO sometime bro!

[@mikey201292]

yes absolutely! I am a member there and love to go. Hoping to get out there a bunch this summer.

[@jesse4589]

Where you guys from in pa? I live in northeastern pa. Have a 2020 rrs 390.

[@robschubert8772]

@@jesse4589 We are in Delco, about 10 minutes from South Philly. I was lloking for a 390 when I grabbed mine but couldn't find 1 anywhere!

[@jesse4589]

@@robschubert8772 Awesome! I must have gotten lucky. When I ordered mine in April of 2020 they still have them in the ware house in Cali.

[@mikey201292]

@@jesse4589 the Lehigh valley!

[@IslandADV]

Good video man. Yeah I can see how all that would be frustrating for sure. Lots of room for you to build it into something awesome though. I wonder if you could find a back rack and then some luggage mounts for it. It might stiffen up the rear a bit so you have better signal light mounting options.

[@mikey201292]

I used to have an xt250 that was fun to tool around on. That had a back rack which was pretty awesome for trips. I’m not sure what exactly i want to do with this bike yet. I may keep this my lightweight more serious off-roader and then get something thats better for trips and road use like a drz400 or wr250.

[@M.F.Gamesta]

The spedo thing kind of sucks. It's a voyager and their wiring hardware. You can buy the RR rear fender for 25bucks. Flush-mounted blinkers like motogadget or sickass. Remember it's a dirt bike that barely meets US road and emission standards. How do you like it off-road? I have a '17 500 RR-S and a '20 430 RR-S and aside from some street-related quirks, it's great off-road.

[@mikey201292]

Sweet I’ll definitely look into those fenders ans blinkers. The bike is amazing off road. It’s definitely the most off road focused dual sport which was exactly what I was looking for. What are you thoughts between the 500 and 430? I think I’d like to get a smaller 2 stroke bike as well.

[@c-note4146]

At least all those minor issues are easily remedied

[@mikey201292]

they are most certainly minor! I love the bike but I just wanted to highlight a couple of the weird little things I didn't like about it. Nothing is perfect!

[@Shelby8371]

Man! I have the 2020 beta 390rrs and love it. But god damn that frickin rear fender and license plate holder is such an eye sore on my bike too bro. I don’t run turn signals but its way to low. If you come up w any ideas please lmk🤘🏻🇺🇸🤘🏻

[@mikey201292]

yeah the rear fender is pretty brutal. I will fix that rear end setup at some point and will definitely post a video about it.

[@PASTYWHIP]

Langs off-road offer a super clean tail kit for a fair price. I just replaced that whole tail and couldn’t be happier. Check them out.

[@mikey201292]

thank you for the suggestion. Sounds like exactly what I need.

[@PASTYWHIP]

@@mikey201292 more specifically it’s called the my20+ beta turn signals on the langsoffroad website. select the complete plug and play tail around 140 plus ship. Looks clean, worth every penny IMO. I had the exact same problems on my ass end, melted the right and left kept falling off.

[@mikey201292]

@@PASTYWHIP just checked it out and I will for sure order that. So it uses the original tail light so it literally just bolts on and plugs in, right?

[@PASTYWHIP]

@@mikey201292 yes sir original brake light just moves over and it bolts up.

[@shaynemackey3614]

How are the vibrations from the motor felt on the road? I just bought a 2020 Husky501s and the vibes are so bad it blurrs my vision if I sit. No joke. Thinking of swapping already, I heard Beta was smoother...

[@mikey201292]

The beta is very smooth. I’m surprised you’re having that bad of vibrations from the Husky. I’ve only driven the Ktm and I didn’t have a problem with that. Beta dealerships are a little sparse but you should definitely go test drive one. I test drove a few of them last year when I was looking to buy and fell in love with the 500.

[@fcalin21]

I heard the same thing. Some engines are good and some are not equilibrated.

[@Mattsharona]

@@fcalin21 equalibrated?

[@fcalin21]

@@Mattsharona Equilibrated.

[@RobSmith-lv6jb]

@@mikey201292 I'm really glad to hear that. My previous few Husky's left your hands feeling like they had been jack hammering all day.

[@brianmartindale2221]

But ... how's it ride? I'm gettin into this class of bike and it seems most good licensed dual sports with any off-road flavor need most of the mods you pointed out. (except the electrical thing, which I hear is common with this Beta) The low fuel light would bug me, for sure. I'm buyin new and budgeting a grand of mods just because I know I'll bash the thing around some, and I don't want it falling apart. I've learned those lessons in difficult ways in difficult places. All of the good off-road-oriented dual sports have drawbacks. (that bar setup on the 450L is cute and I don't understand anything DRZ, unless you're from the dark ages) I hear Beta's one of the better "out of the box" setups. Still, I got a grand set aside. I've done high-end hardcore MTB for decades and it's the same way. I think it's between this and the KTM. I like both. I have the money, which is most fortunate.

[@Navaho66]

What is your average mpg? How's the suspension at fast past?

[@mikey201292]

honestly I have never calculated my mpg. I will do that when it gets warmer and I start riding it again, As far as the suspension, its certainly not as stiff as a motocross bike but its no slouch either. At high speeds it feels great. It soaks up everything nicely.

[@nateth3great860]

I’ve been looking into the 500 rr-s. I’m 6ft tall and would love to cruise paved roads and dirt roads. Do you think it would be a good purchase for that kind of riding?

[@mikey201292]

It is definitely the most off road focused dual sport on the market, which means it trades off some road comfortability. So, it depends on what you want to use it for most. If you want to be able to rip single track and feel Ike you’re really riding a dirt bike then go for the beta. If you want to cruise down paved and gravel/dirt roads then the beta is fine, but there other bikes that would be more suited for that.

[@garymiddleton607]

Don’t crash, and check your bolts so they don’t fall out!

[@mikey201292]

I will definitely try not to crash lol

[@GiuseppeSimonetti]

I hate the plastics and that you have to buy the kickstarter seperate. The older ones like the 2015 look so much better and come with a kickstarter.

[@mikey201292]

yeah the fact those come with a kickstarter is extremely handy. I can understand that not everyone wants it so it makes sense to not force everyone to pay for it.

[@GiuseppeSimonetti]

@@mikey201292 Yeah I understand that part. Do they install it for you if you buy it though with the bike?

[@mikey201292]

@@GiuseppeSimonetti I negotiated it so that they would install it for free because it is a bit labor intensive. So it was a decent deal.

[@MHix63]

Is the dog a Boerbel? He's a beauty.

[@mikey201292]

Yes he is! He is a beast haha

[@MHix63]

@@mikey201292 nice, I thought so. Amazing dogs!

[@tommac215]

Beta make a great bike but it's just those minor details that let the company down.

[@larryford9732]

Did you look into the Ktm and Husky bikes before buying the Beta?

[@mikey201292]

EXTENSIVELY! I literally did weeks of research watching every single video I could find on the Beta, KTM, and Husky as well as reading every forum. After a lot contemplating, I decided to go with the Beta as it best suited my needs. The Beta is hands down the best for off road right out of the factory. If you want to do a handful of modifications you can get the KTM and Husky to the same level but I didn't want to monkey around with the motor and ECU. My best friend has a newer KTM 500 so I've ridden both and would still choose the Beta. With that being said, Beta made a lot of significant improvements in 2020 and thats why I decided to buy new. If you're looking for an older bike I would definitely look into KTM because they've been around for a long time.

[@larryford9732]

@@mikey201292 I saw you have a Pa plate. I live near Pgh area and have a KTM and Husky dealer 5 miles from me but the Beta dealer is in Irwin about 60 miles away. Is the maintenance much on the Beta. I did notice it is cheaper than the Ktm and Husky. The Husky 501 seems ridiculous.

[@mikey201292]

@@larryford9732 oh thats awesome. I bet there are some great places to ride out that way. I live near Philly. One of the things I really like about the Beta is the oil change interval which is 30 hours. They manage to do that by separating the transmission and engine oil. I believe the KTM and Husky are 15 hours. As far as other maintenance, I only have like 25ish hours on the bike so I haven't had to do a whole lot or had any real issues beside the things highlighted in the video. There is certainly a bigger community of KTM/Husky riders so parts are a little easier to come by but I am still happy with my purchase. Since the community of Beta riders is smaller it just feels more tight nit. I've had a handful of other beta riders approach me and strike of conversations. Not saying that the KTM riders are not hardcore but everyone I have seen riding a Beta is pretty legit lol.

[@larryford9732]

@@mikey201292 that good to know about the oil. My Harley is like that with oil being seperate.

[@ЛетучийГолландец-л5ю]

How is kickstarter working on your bike ? I have 2019 480 race edition with kickstarter and its almost impossible to start it with kicker. It takes just half a spin to start with button but no chance with kicker.

[@mikey201292]

The kick start real isn't that hard to use and I'm a small guy. One thing I have noticed is that I believe the bike has to be in neutral in order to be kicked over. If you haven't tried kicking it in neutral then I would recommend trying that.

[@ЛетучийГолландец-л5ю]

@@mikey201292 Exactly. I have always tried to do it in neutral. No chance. I started it with kick probably only twice out of 100 attempts. And I do have some experience of kickstarting bikes because I had couple of kick-only bikes. There just something wrong with it ... Will try to ask dealer about that .

[@mikey201292]

@@ЛетучийГолландец-л5ю well I will keep you updated if I have any issues with mine.

[@thomassylvestro9041]

I have a Beta 350 RR-S on order. Thanks for the video, did you ever ride the 350. I had a hard time making a decision between the 350 and the 390. Overall are you happy with the bike.

[@mikey201292]

The bike is fantastic! It’s the best dual sport for what I’m doing (mostly off road use). I looked at the 430 as well but the 500 only costs $100 more and the extra weight is negligible. I like having as much power as possible so I went for the higher cc. You should definitely check out the 390 before you get the 350 though. Overall they are all great bikes so you can’t go wrong.

[@thomassylvestro9041]

@@mikey201292 Thanks for your reply. It's so hard to buy these bikes without seeing them or being able to ride them. I had a 390 ordered then changed to the 350. I want a bike that is close to a 250 mx bike. I think I want a responsive high reving bike. I just need it to be street legal. Here in NJ no where to ride. If not I would buy a 250r. Looking for the best compromise

[@mikey201292]

@@thomassylvestro9041 I totally understand what you’re going for. I was pretty much in the same boat. I’m in eastern PA! You should check out bald eagle state forest. Tons of amazing riding there. I take weekend trips there during the summer.

[@thomassylvestro9041]

@@mikey201292 Thank you for the heads up, I will look into it... My bike is arriving in March, I am excited

[@mikey201292]

@@thomassylvestro9041 you’ll love it. Check out my other video on my beta for the accessories that I got. You might be interested in some of them.

[@killroy2993]

This guy does realize it's Italian...... It's not a Honda. Lamborghini exists because Ferrari breaks, and a pissed off farmer built a car

[@stevebiron3036]

Really?,? Spend 50 bucks on new signals take the other issues in for warranty because Beta is good for that and Bob’s your uncle.

[@ferdinandputz5149]

Thats not the standart lights and not the standart speedo! Idk what version do you have there!

[@mikey201292]

Hmm thats interesting. Where are you from if you don’t mind me asking. This is all standard stock equipment for US models.

[@josephkapitulik4087]

I got a 2018 got it through byob and just wanted street legal dirt bike. It is an awesome bike. And I am overjoyed every time i ride it. As for the issues you described in this video I would expect that with any bike. I chose byob so I could have it from the factory my way!!! Grow a set!!!

[@mikey201292]

I'm sorry if I came off the wrong way when talking about the bike, I absolutely LOVE it and its been my favorite bike (of many that I've owned). I don't think anyone should expect to have any issues with the bike. Like I've mentioned, none of them are big deals but I think its important to highlight some of the quirks and things I don't like about it. Honestly I love hearing suggestions from everyone in the comments too. Its a nice little community to see who is having the same little issues and how we fix them. I will definitely be making a follow up video about why I love the bike in order to clear up any confusion. I also want to note then when I am making literally any purchase I do TONS of research before hand so I like to put out content that might give someone a little more insight before they make the plunge. I don't want to come off like I'm super whiny or hate the products I'm reviewing. I will work on that in the future.

[@howardbarker7768]

There is no perfect bike and all the problems are minor hate is a powerful word read a dictionary for more practical explanation of your thoughts

[@mikey201292]

You should read a dictionary for the definition of an "opinion." I know having differing thoughts about the severity of a certain issue is an extremely complex concept, but you should be able to figure it out after reading a simple definition.