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RIDE REVIEW I 2024 BETA 450 RX
footpegs, and steel frame are all
reminiscent of Beta's off-road
models that we are very familiar
with. Overall, the ergos are neu-
tral, but you know you're sitting
on something different.
A fuel-injected 449.3cc engine
powers the new RX, and it's es-
sential to understand the other
sizes the brand currently offers.
Beta sells a 430 and 480cc op-
tion in their enduro race bikes,
and at first, you might think the
450 is just splitting hairs be-
tween the two. Wrong. We were
reassured by the Beta brass that
the new 450 is its own unique
powerplant. The 97mm bore lies
somewhere between the 430
dual maps, and an electric start,
and you have specs that rival (or
beat) other names in the cur-
rent 450cc class. Fully fueled,
the RX tipped our scales at 250
pounds. It's a little on the heavy
side but in the ballpark.
RIDING THE RX
While the RX is "all-new," it still
looks and feels like a Beta.
You can feel its off-road heri
-
tage. The ultra-flat seat, flared
shrouds, transparent tank,
WHAT DO WE
HAVE HERE?
The Beta's striking red frame,
black swingarm, sharp plastic,
blue rims, and works-looking
exhaust system scream exotic.
If Ferrari made a dirt bike, it
would be the Beta—only the
new Ducati will likely challenge
this bike as the most "Italian"
in the future. Beta spared no
expense on its first go-around
and specced this bike out with
the good stuff. We're talking
KYB front and rear suspension,
hydraulic clutch, steel frame
and Excel wheels. Add in a five-
speed transmission, an in-depth
ECU with traction control and
Beta's first full-on motocross
attempt is impressive. With a
little suspension fine-tuning, the
new 450 RX is competitive
right out of the crate.
