appreciated when you're threading the needle
on technical, rocky terrain at walking speeds.
Like all Beta RSs, the 390 offers two engine
map choices, indicated by a sun and a rain
cloud on the mapping switch, which is now
located on the handlebar pad and is easier to
use. The sun is the standard position, and the
rain cloud is meant for ultra-slick, wet condi
-
tions. Cloud mode further smooths power
delivery—though the change is hardly notice-
able—to help control rear-wheel spin. But the
bike runs so smoothly and controllably in the
first place that you hardly ever think of using
it. The same goes for the push-button traction
control, which is a nice touch, but you prob
-
ably won't use it much like me.
The Beta's suspension is just as good as its
motor. The fully adjustable Sachs ZF open-
cartridge fork and Sachs ZF rear shock feel
plush and work well on technical single-track
trails. By plush, I mean plusher than the RR
Race models, though much firmer than most
of your typical Japanese-built dual sport
bikes. It definitely bridges the gap between
the two styles. At 165 pounds, the 390 leans
a smidgen on the stiff side right out of the
crate for me; however, I can see how heavier
riders will like it as is or might want to stiffen
things up a bit for aggressive riding. Adjusting
the forks can't get much easier with the new
external hand-operated adjustment knobs.
Overall, though, I think Beta hit the happy
medium with the 390's springers.
As mentioned, the 390 has a firm seat
pad but is also quite narrow. In fact, the whole
bike is ultra-thin and trim, feeling like a mo-
tocross bike between your legs. It's easy to
move around on and feels even lighter than
its already light advertised dry weight of 237
pounds. As a result, the 390 is easy to maneu-
ver over rocks, logs, and anything else that
gets in its way.
The 390's Nissin brakes are very strong
yet very predictable and easy to modulate for
any situation.
As much as I enjoy the 390, it's not perfect.
The fold-down mirrors don't hold their position
very well at speed, move around a lot and seem
P108
RIDE REVIEW I 2026 BETA 390 RS
Word of warning:
the taillight/license-
plate holder will
break off. Take care
of that right away,
or you'll be dealing
with the DMV for
a new plate if you
can't find it.
