VOL. 53 ISSUE 19 MAY 17, 2016 P91
501 S the stock gearing is pretty darn tall. So we went
down to a 14-tooth front and up to a 48 on the rear, still
utilizing the stock chain. These gearing changes make
first and second much more usable in the tight sec-
tions and reduced the gap between gears without hurt-
ing asphalt cruising speeds too much. We also ditched
the stock tubes for heavy-duty tubes on both bikes. We
did this so we could drop a little
pressure for more traction and not
worry about flats.
We weren't able to acquire a
KTM 500 EXC for this comparison
but in our past back-to-back riding
experiences between the Husqvar-
na FE 501 S and KTM 500 EXC
the bikes are fairly similar, using the
exact engines and both based on a
similar chassis (KTM uses the PDS
shock while the Husky uses link-
age). They aren't exactly the same,
but they are much more similar to each other than they
are to the Beta. If you absolutely bleed orange we
apologize for not having the KTM 500 EXC in this com-
parison, it is a worthy opponent to both of these bikes.
2016 BETA 500 RS
272 lbs (full tank of gas) $9799
Last year's 2015 500 RS was carbureted, but the
2016 Beta RS (actual displacement 478cc) is now fuel
injected. 2016 marks the addition of fuel injection to
every four-stroke in the Beta line. We loved the perfor-
mance of the carbureted 500 RS but didn't like deal-
ing with jetting changes at high altitudes. EFI nearly
guarantees proper engine performance at all altitudes
and is a welcome addition. Ditching the carb wasn't
the only change for 2016, Beta revised the intake ports
and the exhaust cam has a new profile for a more linear
power delivery. Many of the engines screws are now
7075 aluminum rather than steel for increased weight
savings. Beta also outfitted the 500 RS with a larger
battery to improve starting while the engine is hot. A
new ignition also supplies 200 watts to help power the
EFI and provides quicker battery charging. A plastic,
more protective skid plate replaces the aluminum skid
Beta might not be
a household word
like Husqvarna
is, but the Italian-
made 500 RS is a
fantastic dual-sport
bike and worth
investigating if
you're shopping
for a top-of-the-line
on/off-road bike.
