Beta 430 RS
vs. 390 RS
First off, these two motorcycles
are very similar. Beta offers
four RS dual sport models: 350,
390, 430 and 500. All are close
cousins of Beta's RR X-Pro rac-
ing "single-track" off-road bikes.
In Beta's words, "The 350 and
390 are the most nimble-feeling
and offer a lightweight feel. The
350 has an engine that likes to
be revved up a little more, while
the 390 offers additional torque.
The 430 has the same 'rev' feel
as the 350 but with more overall
horsepower and torque. The 500
[which Beta says is its best-
selling RS model] offers riders
a very user-friendly engine with
plenty of torque and a lighter-
than-expected riding feel." The
430 RS MSRP is $12,590 versus
$12,490 for the 390 RS.
On paper, the 430 is more
like the 500 (which is 477.5cc).
Both have a 60.8mm stroke,
compared to the 390's 63.4mm
stroke. In theory, the more over-
square (95mm x 60.8mm for the
430 versus 88mm x 63.4mm for
the 390) 430 should rev more
freely. We mostly rode the 390
at elevations close to sea level,
while we mostly rode the 430
at around 5200 feet, and both
bikes performed well, which is a
good endorsement of the map-
ping. The 430 does have more
overall power, which you can
feel on the trail. Interestingly, the
map and traction control but-
tons made very little difference
Compared to
the 390 RS,
the 430 RS has
the same "rev"
feel but with
more overall
horsepower
and torque.
P96
FEATURE I 2026 BETA 430 RS DUAL SPORT PROJECT
