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/844701
2017 BETA 390 RR-S FULL TEST P90 Through the years we've always been fans of the 400cc displacement off-road bike. It of- fers a great blend of torque and high-revving excitement, plus they have a much lighter feel- ing out on the trail than a 500. The Beta 390 RR-S is pretty darn close to a 400, boasting 386cc's of displacement. With a lot of long rides planned, Beta delivered the 2017 390 RR-S with a larger IMS gas tank, replacing the stock two-gallon tank. This plated enduro bike has been with us for over two months and we've logged over 500 miles off-road, exactly where the modern dual-sport likes to live. it's street legal! A bigger battery for 2017 spins the electric start quickly and the fuel-injected four-stroke Beta 390 engine fires easily. This engine is incredibly easy to ride with power that rolls on smoothly with plenty of torque off idle. The strong low-end power builds predictably into a lively midrange and a decent top-end. The 390 RR-S engine uses the same bore as the 350 RR-S, but uses a longer stroke to achieve 386cc of displacement. This longer stroke doesn't allow the 390 to rev out quite as far and fast as the 350, instead it pro- vides more torque and traction. The 390 RR-S never coughs or We've tested many four- stroke off-road and dual- sport Betas in recent years, and their engines have proven to be very reliable. It's All About The Dirt The Beta 390 RR-S might have turn signals and a license plate perched off the rear fender, but these are simply logistic addi- tions to a very capable off-road enduro machine. This is essen- tially the 390 RR of old, but now sputters down near idle when under a load, providing great traction in all conditions. Helping to find traction and control the engine's ultra smooth power is a Brembo hydraulic clutch. The feel from the Brem- bo clutch is consistent no matter how much abuse you throw at it, and if you are an aggressive rider, you'll use the clutch to snap the 390 to life when you need a burst of power. The 390 RR-S isn't slow, in fact it produces a surprising amount of power, but does it in a predictable and friendly way, which some perceive as slow. It is a bit cliché to say the Beta 390 suits a wide range of riding styles, but it is true. If you are a big-displacement engine lover and have always loved a 500cc dual-sport, the 390 will prob- ably be a little disappointing when it comes to raw horse- power numbers, especially when tackling sandy uphills or buzzing down the freeway. As the displacement suggests, a 390 is a great balance between a 250 and big 500 with just enough extra displacement to provide a big boost in torque over a 350. Where most rid- ers fall in love with the power