Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1503048
RIDE REVIEW I 2023 BETA 430 RR P92 If you like big-bore four- strokes but don't like your arms being ripped off every time you crack the throttle, then you will love the Beta 430 RR with its ultra "rideable" power delivery. This bike makes power so smoothly that even your grandma can hold on to it. However, don't mistake this for be- ing slow because the 430 RR is no slouch. It's just super tractable and extremely user-friendly, making it an absolute ball on the trail. When you roll on the throttle, the 430 RR responds immediately but controllably, making it easy to go fast when you're motoring down semi-tight single-track trails. And when things open up, you can also open up the throttle with confidence. It's plenty fast on top but doesn't scare you getting there. Some- one like Steward Baylor might want more pop and overall power, but the 430 offers us mere mortals a pleasant, welcomed mix of flexibility and excitement. A big part of the 430's appeal is its six-speed transmission that distrib- utes power to the rear wheel nicely and evenly. As a result, the 430 is very versatile over a wide variety of terrain. The engine is also a tractor at slow speeds and is reluctant to stall but, unfortunately, will overheat quickly and steam up. It needs a radiator cooling fan (Beta and other aftermarket op- tions are available). Another bonus is the clutch. It has an excel- lent feel and stays that way when you abuse it, at least within reason. The Beta's transmission changes gears nicely but resists going into neutral when parked, engine run- ning or not. It may need more break-in time, but you don't have to worry about false neutrals while in motion on the 430. At least, we didn't. We played a little bit with traction control which is integrated into the easy-to-use/under- stand sun-and-rain map switch in front of the fuel tank, but the 430 is al- ready so rideable and con- trollable over just about anything that you never think about using it. Dur- ing our time on the bike, we did not feel the need to use it or even change maps from the stock set- ting. You only feel a subtle difference from map to map when you do, but we're glad it's there; it will probably come in handy (Top) The Sachs suspension is fully adjustable and works well. (Bottom) Right now, the left switch is just along for the ride, but Beta gave you a head start if you want to street-legalize the 430. TRAILHEAD III