Beta 500 RR-S

The performance King in the dual sport segment.

2023 Beta 500 RR-S

Derived from Beta’s dirt only RR models , the Beta 500 RR-S is the most race ready of all the half liter high performance dual sport motorcycles on the market today.

Power

Out of the box the 500 RR-S is the power king of high performance dual sport bikes. Priced over a thousand dollars less than the ubiquitous KTM 500 EXC, the Beta represents a great value. For 23 Beta broadened the power curve for improved ridability. Precise and predictable in all settings the RR-S is now an even more effective off road machine.

Ergonimics

As a dual sport bike, the seat is thin, narrow and uncomfortable for any amount of time on the road. Conversely, the bike is easy to move around on and laid out perfectly for technical off road terrain. For 2023 the already svelt Beta received even narrower rad shrouds, for true race bike ergonomics.

Technical Bits

ECU map switch has two power modes, wet or dry. And as you would expect wet smooths out power delivery for limited traction situations. New for 23, the RR-S now has a simple on-demand traction control which is available with a push of a button, and works with either map mode, effectively providing four riding modes.

Breakable Bits

One of the only dual sport machines to offer folding mirrors. You know you are going to drop the bike, it’s nice to be able to fold those things out of the way when you leave the tarmac.

Suspension

Both the forks and the shock have received updates for 2023 and are the same high quality units provided on Beta’s off road only bikes.

Digital Dash

The feature rich Trail Tech Voyager GPS adorns the dash of the 500RR-S. A definite upgrade from modest speedo / tach displays on other high performance dual sports. In addition to standard telemetry, like speed and tach, the Voyager provides more than 30 functions including engine temp, altitude, ambient temp, and downloadable route maps. Not sure it will replace your favorite Garmin on your ultra light adventure build, but for most dual sport riders it is a definite plus.

Perks

Unique to the Beta is the Build Your Own Beta (BYOB) program, that allows owners to customize their bike with upgrades including tailored suspension, over-sized tanks, billet parts, gearing, tires, wheels, hubs and more. While it add a month or two to your delivery date, for those that would rather ride than wrench, it is a great option.

Specifications

Lubrication: Twin Oil Pumps w/Cartridge Filter & Separate Compartments For Engine & Transmission

Front Suspension: 48 mm Sachs Open Cartridge with compression, rebound  & spring preload adjustment

Front Wheel Travel: 11.6 inches

Rear Suspension: Aluminum Body Sachs shock w/adjustable rebound and   hi/low speed compression

Rear Wheel Travel: 11.4 inches

Fuel System: 42mm Throttle Body w/Dual Injectors

Traction Control: On-Demand w/ push of a button

Front Brake:  260 mm rotor Nissin twin piston

Rear Brake: 240 mm rotor Nissin single piston

Front/Rear Tire: 90/90 x 21" (Front) 140/80 x 18" (Rear)

Fuel Tank: 2.4 US Gallons

Warranty: 12 month limited Warranty

MSRP$11,799

Engine 477.5cc 4 stroke single, liquid cooled, 4-valve, electric start. (kick starter option)

Bore 100mm Stroke 60.8mm

Transmission:6 Speed

Clutch: Wet Diaphragm-style

Final Drive: 15 / 48

Wheelbase 58.7 inches

Seat Height:  37 inches

Ground Clearance:  12.6"

Compression Ratio:11.86:1

Curb Weight: 258 lbs (wet weight) 

Ignition: Dual-Map Kokusan 200w output

Dash Display: Trail Tech Voyager GPS unit 

If you are looking for a full on dirt bike with lights, this is your dual sport.