Beta 500 RR-S Top Speed, Specs, Price, Review, & Comparison
The Beta 500 RR-S dual sport motorcycle delivers an enticing blend of off-road competence and on-road capabilities. With its liquid-cooled single cylinder engine generating 47 horsepower, this Italian-made machine can reach exhilarating speeds when the throttle is opened up. But what exactly is the Beta 500 RR-S top speed? How does it compare to rival bikes? And what modifications can improve velocity? This in-depth guide takes a deep dive into the performance potential of the Beta 500 RR-S.
An Overview of the Beta 500 RR-S Specs and Features
First, let’s look at some of the key specs and features that enable the Beta 500 RR-S to achieve high speeds:
- 477.5cc engine – The liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single cylinder motor displaces 477.5cc and utilizes titanium intake and exhaust valves. It produces a peak of 47 hp.
- 6 speed transmission – Working through the smooth shifting transmission allows the rider to keep the engine in the optimal rpm range.
- Dual injector throttle body – Fuel is delivered via a 42mm throttle body with dual injectors for precise metering.
- 243 lb curb weight – Weighing in at just 243 lbs ready to ride means less mass to accelerate and change direction.
- Off-road oriented suspension – The 48mm Sachs front fork and Sachs rear shock provide 11.6 inches and 11.4 inches of wheel travel respectively. Long suspension travel soaks up bumps off-road.
- DOT Maxxis Enduro tires – The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear Maxxis tires were developed for enduro riding but have sufficient grip for high speed street riding.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Engine | 477.5cc single cylinder |
| Power | 47 hp |
| Transmission | 6 speed |
| Weight | 243 lbs |
| Seat Height | 37 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.4 gallons |
Factors That Determine the Beta 500 RR-S Top Speed
A motorcycle’s maximum speed depends on multiple factors that all work together:
- Horsepower – More power means the engine can spin the rear wheel faster to propel the bike forward. The Beta’s 47 hp provides solid performance.
- Aerodynamics – The shape of the motorcycle determines how smoothly air flows over the bike at speed. An upright dual sport like the Beta 500 RR-S struggles more at high speeds than a tucked in sportbike.
- Rider position – Sitting upright creates more aerodynamic drag compared to leaning forward over the tank like on a supersport.
- Tires – Sticky sport tires provide more grip than dual sport knobbies, allowing for faster cornering speeds.
- Weight – Heavier bikes require more power to accelerate up to speed. The Beta tips the scales at a reasonable 243 pounds.
- Gear ratios – Lower gear ratios in the transmission and final drive can limit velocity in each gear.
- Break-in period – When brand new, the engine needs time to fully break-in for optimal performance.
Analyzing the Beta 500 RR-S Top Speed Capabilities
Now let’s look closely at what types of top speeds the Beta 500 RR-S can achieve. According to various reports, the bike has an estimated maximum velocity of 90+ mph when tested on paved roads.
This speed is possible thanks to the motorcycle’s linear power delivery and focus on low and mid-range torque rather than top end power. The engine revs freely up to its 10,500 rpm redline, allowing each gear to be utilized fully before needing to upshift.
While the Beta won’t be breaking any land speed records, maintaining speeds up to 90 mph means it has enough power for everything from highway cruising to high speed dirt roads. Such versatility helps make the 500 RR-S a highly capable dual sport.
What Owners Are Saying?
Here’s some feedback from actual Beta 500 RR-S owners:
“The power is so smooth and tractable. I can lug it in a high gear off-road without stalling. On the street it cruises easily at 75 mph.”
“This machine always puts a smile on my face whenever I hit the trails. Super capable off-road yet still street legal for my commute to the trails.”
“The suspension really soaks up jumps and ruts. And the hydraulic clutch is buttery smooth. My favorite dual sport I’ve owned.”
“I’ve had issues with stalling at low rpm. But otherwise it’s been a great bike. The top end power surprises me every time!”
Comparison to Rival Dual Sport Bikes
How does the top speed of the 2024 Beta 500 RR-S stack up against its main competitors in the dual sport segment? Here’s an overview:
- KTM 500 EXC – 120 mph top speed. The KTM makes 64 hp, giving it slightly more power.
- Honda CRF450RL – 90+ mph top speed. The Honda’s extra power helps it achieve higher velocities.
- Husqvarna FE501 – 100+ mph estimated top speed. The Husky is on par with the Beta’s velocity capabilities.
Overall, the Beta holds its own in terms of top speed, but can’t quite match the power and velocity of the larger 500cc KTM and 450cc Honda rivals. However, the Beta’s superior agility gives it the edge off-road.
Performance Modifications to Boost Top Speed
While the stock Beta 500 RR-S is properly speedy, its top speed can be improved through targeted modifications:
- Exhaust system – An aftermarket slip-on muffler or full system reduces weight and improves airflow for more power.
- Air filter – A less restrictive performance filter like the Twin Air improves breathing.
- ECU flashing – Reprogramming the ECU via a Power Commander optimizes fueling and ignition timing for a performance exhaust.
- Gearing changes – Installing 1-2 less rear sprocket teeth lowers gear ratios for higher speed in each gear.
- Weight reduction – Shaving pounds with a lightweight skid plate, brake lines, etc. improves power-to-weight ratio.
With some fairly simple bolt-on mods, gaining an extra 5+ mph top speed out of the Beta 500 RR-S is certainly achievable.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
While outright top speed grabs attention, real world performance is about how well the entire package works together. Here are some of the key pros and cons of the Beta 500 RR-S:
Pros
- Strong mid-range power
- Nimble handling for Off-road use
- 6 speed transmission is smooth
- Quality components and build
- Hydraulic clutch feel
Cons
- Vibrates more than competitors
- Not as fast as KTM 500 EXC or Honda CRF450RL
- Minimal stock wind protection at high speeds
- Dual sport ergonomics not ideal for pavement
Overall, the Beta hits a nice balance between off-road competence and versatility for street riding. While not the absolute fastest dual sport bike, it provides ample performance for real world conditions.
Major Problems and Fixes
While the Beta 500 RR-S is generally reliable, there are some common issues to look out for:
- Stalling issues – Some owners report occasional stalling, often caused by intake leaks. Resealing the intake joints and replacing the gaskets typically solves this.
- Overheating – Running too lean can cause overheating problems. Opening up the airbox, rejetting the carburetor, and installing a lower temperature thermostat can help manage heat.
- Clutch wear – The clutch plates can wear prematurely under aggressive riding. Upgrading to heavy duty clutch components improves durability.
- Leaky fork seals – Pounding through the rough stuff can damage the fork seals. Replacing them restores smooth suspension function.
Overall, the Beta’s minor issues can be addressed by upgrading certain components and keeping up with maintenance. The bike’s basic reliability remains solid.
Alternatives to Consider
Riders focused strictly on achieving the highest top speeds may want to look at some alternatives:
- KTM 500 EXC-F – With 3 lbs less weight and extra power, this is one of the fastest options.
- Beta 430 RR-S – The 430cc version sacrifices some top end, but delivers more low end torque.
- Honda CRF450RL – Honda’s 450cc dual sport keeps up with some full-on dirt bikes.
- Yamaha WR450F – Based on Yamaha’s enduro racing platform, this speed demon tops 100 mph.
However, keep in mind these faster bikes sacrifice off-road agility that makes the Beta 500 RR-S so beloved. It’s about finding the right balance for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fast can the Beta 500 RR-S really go?
A: It has an estimated top speed around 90+ mph depending on conditions and mods. The 47 hp engine has enough power for highway cruising.
Q: Does the Beta 500 RR-S require a lot of maintenance?
A: Overall it’s a low maintenance bike. Just follow the service intervals in the owner’s manual for oil changes, valve checks, etc.
Q: What type of riding is the Beta 500 RR-S best suited for?
A: With its enduro roots, it’s ideal for aggressive off-road enduro riding, while still being street legal. It’s a great dual sport option.
Q: How long will a Beta 500 RR-S last?
A: Properly maintained, the bike can easily log 40,000+ miles. The engine is built to take abuse in stride. Durability is excellent.
Q: Is the Beta 500 RR-S fuel injected or carbureted?
A: It uses electronic fuel injection for crisp throttle response. There are no carburetors to tune on the 500 RR-S.
Final Thoughts
While examining the Beta 500 RR-S top speed capabilities is interesting, riders must exercise caution when pushing the limits on public roads. High speeds greatly reduce reaction times and increase braking distance. Always ride within your abilities, follow speed limits, and wear protective gear. The Beta’s well-rounded performance is best enjoyed responsibly.
In closing, the Beta 500 RR-S provides ample power for highway cruising while remaining nimble off-road. While not the fastest dual sport on the market, it hits a sweet spot for many riders. With some targeted performance modifications, coaxing a few more mph out of the Beta is certainly possible too. But focus on finding the rhythm of the ride rather than chasing big speedometer numbers.
