2018 BETA 500 RR-S
FULL TEST
P90
seat and the DOT Michelin En-
duro tires, which have extremely
stiff sidewalls, are the main cul-
prits. You'd swear someone put
50 pounds of air pressure in the
tires when they are, in fact, filled
to the proper amount, about 14
pounds. We swapped the stock
tires out for a set of Dunlop AT81
(non DOT) for an all-dirt week-
end trip and the ride improved
significantly.
Overall, though, with the fac-
tory suspension settings, the
500 RR-S can be ridden at race
pace on rough trails without fear.
The overall ride is comfortable
and quite good.
Fueling is spot on and flameouts
were few and far between, even
while bopping around at low rpm.
Beta has done a lot to make liv-
ing with the 500 RR-S that much
easier. For one, its Trail Tech Voy-
ager information center is awe-
some. It tells you all you need to
know about your ride and then
some, things like navigation, your
current elevation, engine and out-
side temperatures, engine hours,
time, and yes, even your speed
and mileage. It even has the abil-
ity to download trail routes. There
isn't much it can't do. It's cool
that Beta offers this great device
as standard equipment. As far
as how to use it, there is a slight
learning curve but you'll have it all
mastered soon enough.
The Beta also comes with a lot
of niceties to enhance your ride,
such as fold-down mirrors, tool
storage behind the left side pan-
el, a plastic skid plate and hand
guards. There is a handy see-
through storage pouch on the
seat, which is a convenient place
to stash cash or a small map, and
there is also a radiator-cooling fan
to help prevent geysers.
(Far left) Swing a leg
over the Beta and you'll
discover a nice trim
layout, and a handy little
storage pouch.
(Left) The Trail Tech
Voyager GPS is standard
equipment. Very cool!
