What is the Top Speed of the 2022 Beta 500 RR-S?

The 2022 Beta 500 RR-S is an exciting new dual-sport machine that promises commanding dirt performance with street-legal versatility. With its 500cc single-cylinder engine putting out competitive power numbers for the class, riders are curious what this Italian thumper can do at full tilt.

What’s the top speed you can expect from the 2022 Beta 500 RR-S? How does it compare to rivals like the KTM 500 EXC-F or Husqvarna FE 501s? This in-depth guide takes a closer look at the top end performance of Beta’s biggest off-road weapon.

Highlights of the Beta 500 RR-S Model

As the flagship model in Beta’s RR-S lineup spanning 350cc to 500cc displacements, the 500 RR-S sits at the top as the brand’s most powerful dual-sport machine.

It’s built around a 477.5cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, with a DOHC four-valve head design putting out competitive torque and horsepower numbers. The motor utilizes electronic fuel injection for optimal performance in all conditions.

For 2022, Beta gave the 500 RR-S some key upgrades focused on power delivery and reducing weight. It sheds over 6 pounds to hit a wet weight of 243 pounds, while engine mapping improvements yield stronger low-end punch exiting corners. Styling also gets a freshen up with new plastics and graphics.

Dirt-focused attributes like the chromoly steel frame, long travel suspension, and aggressive 21”/18” wheel combo make the 500 RR-S a weapon in technical terrain, while still being street legal with lighting and key creature comforts.

Top Speed of the 2022 Beta 500 RR-S

With its advanced single packing nearly 48 horsepower spinning the rear 18-inch wheel, the Beta 500 RR-S clearly has the muscle to reach higher speeds. But what’s the maximum velocity you can expect in real world riding?

The top speed of the 2022 Beta 500 RR-S is estimated between 70-80 mph (110-130 km/h) based on the engine performance, gearing, and overall dirt bike design biases favoring off-road use. That aligns with the top end range commonly seen on comparable ~500cc class single-cylinder dual-sport motorcycles.

In practice, the actual top speed any individual 500 RR-S reaches will vary depending on several factors:

• Rider weight – Heavier riders increase demands on the engine to reach top speed
• Terrain – Rough dirt terrain or steep inclines slow momentum
• Wind resistance – Aerodynamics have a greater impact at high speeds
• Mechanical condition – Proper maintenance ensures peak performance

While 80 mph freeway cruising is possible, the 500 RR-S is optimized for technical trail riding and racing. Attacking curvy backroads or tight woods tracks plays more to the bike’s strengths.

Acceleration and Power

In addition to a competitive top speed, the Beta’s 500cc thumper delivers strong drive out of corners and solid mid-range punch when cracking the throttle open.

Redline is set at 10,000 rpm where max horsepower peaks. Combined with the engine’s deep well of torque, the powerband has muscle at the ready when exiting tight turns or blasting uphill through rocky stretches.

While Beta doesn’t publish official 0-60 mph acceleration times, seat-of-the-pants feel should be on par with similar dirt-focused 500 class models reaching highway speeds in around 4.5-5 seconds. That quick-revving response mirrors the bike’s nimble but potent trail manners.

Specifications

Here’s a closer look at key specs and dimensions on the 2022 Beta 500 RR-S:

Specification	Measurement
Engine	477.5cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke
Bore x Stroke	100mm x 60.8 mm
Compression Ratio	11.9:1
Fueling	Electronic fuel injection w/ 42mm throttle body
Transmission	6-speed
Clutch	Wet multi-disc
Frame	Steel tubular chromoly frame
Front Suspension	48mm Sachs USD fork, 294.6mm (11.6″) travel
Rear Suspension	Sachs mono-shock, 289.6mm (11.4″) travel
Brakes	260mm disc front, 240mm disc rear
Tires	Michelin Enduro 90/100-21″ (front) 140/100-18″ (rear)
Seat Height	37.0 inches
Wheelbase	58.7 inches
Ground Clearance	12.6 inches
Wet Weight	243 pounds
Fuel Capacity	2.4 gallons

With curb weight kept below 250 pounds and the seat height a manageable 37 inches, the 500 RR-S maintains reasonably nimble handling for aggressive riding. The long travel suspension soaks up rough terrain, while the Enduro-spec Michelins provide ample traction.

What Factors Determine Top Speed?

While the 500cc motor supplies the raw power to push well past 70 mph in a straight line, realizing that potential top speed depends on optimizing other elements.

Engine Output & Gear Ratios

Horsepower production at high rpm allows momentum to keep building, while gear ratios determine the rpm level the engine hits at a given road speed. Geared too short, rpm reaches redline early limiting speed.

Beta optimized both gear ratios and power tuning for exploiting low-end torque off road. But greater speed is attainable by adjusting gearing or performance components.

Weight & Aerodynamics

The total load of bike and rider combined impacts acceleration rate. A heavier rider or loaded down bike is more taxing on the engine. Some aftermarket exhaust or engine tuning parts also add pounds.

Aerodynamics become more crucial the faster you go, with higher wind resistance slowing acceleration. The dirt bike profile generates more drag than sportbike fairings or adventure bike windshields.

Terrain, Wheels & Tires

Softer terrain like sand or mud sap momentum compared to pavement. Off-road oriented tires with flexible carcasses and rounded profiles also slow speed progress.

Larger rear sprockets better for trails limit RPMs reached. Plus the 21” front / 18” rear wheel combo isn’t optimized for going fast in straight lines.

What Owners are Saying

With its refined power delivery and nimble chassis balance, Beta 500 RR-S owners praise its versatility tackling both tight woods tracks and open desert riding:

“Has the power to loft the front end when you want or tractor through nasty low speed sections. Doesn’t feel like a 500 it’s so light and nimble.”

Reliability and low maintenance needs make it a trusty mount for long-distance adventure tours:

“Covered nearly 2,000 miles this summer crisscrossing Utah. Not a single issue despite high temps and tough terrain…Couldn’t ask for a better partner!”

The smooth fuel-injected motor earns kudos for traction and controllability:

“Power is so linear with the FI, you can run 2nd gear trails to high speed desert washes without constant shifting. Makes trail riding almost effortless.”

Some dual sporters wished for more top end grunt from the EPA compliant exhaust. But there are aftermarket slip-on options to unlock performance:

“Love the torque for technical riding, but wanted a bit more ponies up top for highway runs. Throwing on an FMF pipe really opened it up.”

How the Beta 500 RR-S Compares to the Competition

The off-road dominating KTM 500 EXC-F and Husqvarna 501s models are considered the front runners of the 500 class dirt bike realm. So how does Beta’s big thumper compare?

The 2022 Beta keeps pace with its Austrian rivals posting equivalent horsepower numbers and weight targets. All three machines utilize fuel-injected, 500cc single-cylinder engines housed in nimble, off-road focused chassis.

And Beta didn’t try to reinvent the wheel, instead committing to optimizing the key attributes – like linear power and minimal weight – that make this engine size shine on the trail.

The Beta’s Chromoly steel frame matches its rivals’ balanced rigidity for cornering precision. Its Sachs suspension offers fully adjustable performance letting riders tailor compression and rebound settings to personal preference or track conditions.

So while the Beta gives up nothing in straight line speed or handling prowess, it does undercut its European counterparts on pricing fetching nearly a $1000 less. That value edge combined with Beta’s more extensive dealer support network in North America opens the door for converts.

Best Modifications to Make the Beta 500 RR-S Faster

Even in stock form, the Beta 500 RR-S has solid straight line speed thanks to its torquey 500cc single and minimal weight. But riders pushing the pace can unlock more top end grunt with targeted mods.

Here are the best ways to extract more mph from the Italian stallion:

Exhaust System

One of the easiest go-to moves is fitting an aftermarket slip-on muffler like offerings from FMF, Yoshimura, or Arrow. Less restrictive exhaust flow equates to more ponies, with potential mid-range and top end power gains of around 4-5%.

Full systems with head pipes boost output further but come with a bigger price tag. Either way, shedding some sound emission compliance in the quest for speed is made simple.

Air Filter Upgrade

Bolting on a high flow performance air filter, like TwinAir’s PowerFlow kit, allows the 500cc thumper to gulp more air for optimizing the fuel mixture. That translates into better throttle response and harder acceleration.

Fuel Controller

Adding an electronic fuel controller lets riders fine tune the air/fuel ratio for maximizing power. Whether it’s a plug-in Power Commander or the more advanced Scott’s Genius X system, getting the mixture right prevents running lean and creates a fatter power curve up to redline.

Gearing Change

One restraint holding back the Beta’s speed potential could be running out of rpm before reaching its actual top speed. Fitting a larger rear sprocket adds more leverage to effectively lower gear ratios so the engine can rev higher before the rev limiter kicks in at top speed.

Weight Reduction

Shaving pounds has performance perks beyond making acceleration snappier. Losing rotating mass also allows the engine to rev quicker and realize its power potential. Trimming weight off the wheels or chassis components furthest from the bike’s center of gravity yields the biggest handling benefits as well.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Beta 500 RR-S

Pros

• Competitive power-to-weight ratio
• Nimble handling for technical riding
• Street-legal convenience with lights/signals
• Italian quality and craftsmanship
• Sachs suspension soaks up rough terrain
• Reasonable $11,298 price tag

Cons

• Seat comfort best suited for shorter rides
• Smallish 2.4 gallon fuel tank limits range
• Highway cruising not ideal aerodynamically
• Low mounted exhaust prone to impacts
• No engine options; 500cc only

Top Alternatives to Consider

Riders eyeing other 500cc single-cylinder dual-sport mounts have some strong options:

• KTM 500 EXC-F
• Husqvarna FE 501s
• Honda CRF450RL
• Sherco 500 SEF Racing

As mentioned the KTM and Husqvarna models are closest competitors mixing lightweight race-bred chassis with torquey fuel-injected motors.

The Honda CRF450RL leans more heavily towards dirt use than the 50-state street legality of the European bikes. But its twin-spar aluminum chassis and electric start four-stroke makes it a potent trail tool.

France’s Sherco brand offers their 500cc SEF Racing model sharing its DOHC, EFI single-cylinder power with the 300 SEF-R and 450 SEF-R siblings. At 240 pounds, its an ultra light and nimble racer.

Pricing and Availability

The flagship 2022 Beta 500 RR-S commands an MSRP of $11,299. That positions it very competitively as buyers look across comparable KTM and Husqvarna models typically listing over $12,000.

Any Beta dealer should have 500 RR-S models in inventory or can order them easily. There’s also the option of pre-owned models potentially offering some savings off new bike pricing if the latest model year isn’t a must.

Who Should Buy the Beta 500 RR-S?

With its blend of torquey power, aggressive chassis, and reasonable price, the Beta 500 RR-S matches up well for:

• Serious dirt riders wanting maximum performance for GNCC or Enduro rounds
• Dual sport riders needing extended range and power for camping trips
• Big bore thumper fans who favor torque over high strung powerbands
• Anyone wanting European exotic cachet without the premium price tag

Its technical capabilities make it overkill for casual riders. And taller riders may find the ergos cramped. But for wheeling the 500cc “goldilocks” engine size anywhere from trails to street, the new generation Beta ticks all the right boxes even discerning enthusiasts crave.

Major Problems and Solutions

Thankfully as a mature platform built with quality components, there are no endemic issues or design flaws plaguing the 2022 Beta 500 RR-S. But owners should be aware of a few areas to keep on top of:

• Leaky fork seals – The inverted Sachs forks performance is sensitive to fluid levels. Any oozing needs prompt replacement.
• Sticky throttle – Ensure the butterfly valves in the throttle body stay clean to prevent sticking.
• Heavy clutch pull – High effort at the lever can occur if plates glaze over. Proper break-in helps avoid this.

Beyond that, adhering to the maintenance schedule and not letting problems linger keeps repair needs minimal for the long haul.

And the Beta warrants against defects in materials or workmanship for 12 months with no mileage limitation to protect against any factory flaws popping up. So buyers can rest assured their bike investment built up the highest manufacturing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s quick guidance on some other common queries surrounding the Beta 500 RR-S:

Does the Beta 500 RR-S have an electric starter?

Yes, push button electric start takes the sweat out of firing up the thumper in addition to the standard kickstarter backup. No more stoic kickstarts or dead batteries.

What’s the service interval?

The 500 RR-S engine requires valve clearance inspection and potential adjustment every 20 hours with oil changes every 40 hours or 3,700 miles. Air filter cleaning or replacement falls every 20-40 hours.

What type of warranty is offered?

Beta provides a 12 month factory warranty covering parts and labor with no mileage limitation or deductible to ease purchase concerns. Extended protection plans are also available.

Does it use a steel or aluminum frame?

Beta sticks with a traditional steel chromoly tubular frame known for striking an optimal balance of strength, flex and weight for off-road abuse. Its rigidity balances nicely with the long travel suspension without compromising stability.

Conclusion

The 2022 Beta 500 RR-S demonstrates that competitive power, exhilarating agility, and usable technology need not break the bank even for discerning dirt riders.

Beta checks off all the boxes enthusiasts demand – light overall weight under 250 pounds…fuel injected 500cc single laying down gobs of torque…quality suspension and braking components up to heavy trail abuse.

While the $11,298 MSRP represents a bigger investment than entry-level models, it delivers performance that can keep up with pricier European rivals.

So for riders who want to put a price on podium chasing performance with Italian exotic heritage, the Beta 500 RR-S proves you can have an extra serving of speed and skill without being penalized a premium.