Adapting Beta RR390 RR450 RR480 for adventure riding?︱Cross Training Adventure
Lots of questions about making dual sport or adventure bike out of the RS390, RR-S390, RS500 or RR-S500, as a light weight adventure bike that can also double up as a dirt bike. So out of all the enduro bikes currently on the market, I was keen to see how the Beta RS390 and RS500 would shape up. Why the Beta? Most modern four stroke enduro bikes can serve as a good platform, but a few things that stand out with the Betas are the lower seat height, very user-friendly engine and handling characteristics, and a wide ratio gearbox where the stock gearing can suit both dirt riding and loping along the highway easily.
Fuel tank options for the RS390 and RS500 to give it an adventure bike fuel range? We ordered the 11.7L (3 gallon) tank from IMS. This was only US$290 and should extends the fuel range to around 300km or 190 miles with easy adventure riding. Apparently IMS now have a 4 gallon tank which is great for anyone wanting even more range.
Apparently Seat Concepts is the most popular choice for Beta riders but they wouldn't answer my emails.
The engine. Both engines are superb, with the RS390 and RS500 perfect for anyone who wants a bike that will fly along if you crack that throttle. Like most big fuel injected thumpers, the throttle response is snappy from idle but I highly recommend the G2 Throttle Tamer for only US$70, it transforms it into a pussy cat at small throttle openings. See our review here. The RS390 or RR-S390 has a long stroke engine that loves to lug and has an even more user-friendly nature than the RS500 - if you don't need ridiculous amounts of top end performance this bike is the one.
The benefits of fuel injection are clear with the RS390 and RS500 - better fuel economy and automatic adjustment to elevation changes.
The only real drawback with the Beta four stroke engine in the Beta RS500 and RS390 is the plastic oil pump gears. These should be replaced every 100 hours, most riders are putting the metal gears from Boano in and then they can forget about them.
Luggage is always tricky on enduro bikes. That weak rear subframe means you can't hang a lot off the rear. And you don't want to anyway, these bikes are so light they handle very strangely if you don't keep the weight centred. Get into the good stuff, Kriega, Wolfman, Giant Loop, Nomad Rider. You can spend a lot on soft panniers, tank bags, fender bags. The key is keeping that weight centred and ideally, down low. A handy aspect of the Beta RS390, RR-s390, RS500 or RR-S500 is those rear grab rails under the seat which make excellent mounting points for luggage.
That's it to date... so far the Beta RR480 or RS500 is proving to be a pile of fun as a light weight adventure bike. If anyone has further tips please add them in the comments section and share the love for a dual sport or adventure bike conversion for the Beta RS390 or RR-S500.
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