VOL. 55 ISSUE 47 NOVEMBER 27, 2018 P83
midrange and skyrockets into the upper rpm
range with authority. It pulled third gear away from
the Honda every day. And even while being out-
classed by 80ccs to the big KTM 500 (510cc),
the Beta still had the strongest top-end pull via
the butt dynos and random drag races on duty.
It's also a very well-balanced engine in terms
of power. This bike seems to drive forward
without as much aggression as the Austrians put
into your hands and feet. The motor simply revs
cleaner and faster without as much feedback,
propelling you into dirt bike goodness without the
constant vibration and hot-rod atrophy the KTM
and Husqvarna exhibit. It was nearly a match to
the Honda in smoothness and lack of buzz all
around, even on the pavement.
We spent a lot of time with its 500 RR-S
brother in 2018 and really liked that bike's ability
to work well in tight terrain. It seems this Beta is
in line with that. Its chassis is yearning for grass
tracks and tighter terrain and we like the 430 best
there. Out on the open roads and trails, the bike
lost some of its shine and stability even though
the engine was still ready to party. If Beta can get
the chassis and suspension to span the techni-
cal-to-wide-open range a little more, it's going to
be hard to beat.
(Left) The Beta
430 RR-S is the
sleeper bike of
the group. It's
really good at just
about anything.
(Below) If you
want to break
from tradition, the
Beta really is a
great choice.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
SPENCER
OWENS
