Beta RR Enduro 2024 Review

In an industry dominated by a certain group from Austria, the Italian off-road brand Beta often flies under the radar – which is surprising, given it is nearly 120 years old.

But if the updated 2024 Beta RR Enduro range (in dealerships now) is anything to go by, then this is a brand that shouldn’t be overlooked. It is far from a radical overhaul, but the various tweaks and new features across the range help refine the platform and make it even more competitive against its Austrian rivals.

The RR range spans eight models – four each in two-stroke and four-stroke guise. Beta also offers an up-spec Racing version of each of those models, however the Racing range is largely treated separately from the standard Enduro range.

Also in the Beta off-road range are two Xtrainer models, which use lower-powered two-stroke motors and a lightweight chassis to blur the lines between trials and enduro. And, while we’re at it, Beta has a full line of trials models and is also expanding into motocross with the imminent arrival of the RX 300 and RX 450 models.

Getting back to the RR Enduro range though, and Italian firm recently gave us the opportunity to test every model (except for the RR 125 2T), as well as the Xtrainer models. It was a great chance to see how far the Beta models have come in recent years, as well as discover which capacities shone through as the best of the bunch.

Enduro bikes are not cheap these days. At the top end of the spectrum, some KTM and Husqvarna models have cracked the unthinkable $20k mark when on-road costs are added.

But with the 2024 RR Enduro range, Beta has made a conscious effort to maintain affordability while not skipping out on quality and equipment. That doesn’t mean that the bikes are cheap, but the prices are a little more digestible than those of the bigger brands.

At the bottom end of the tree, the RR 125 2T can be ridden away for $13,795, while the RR 480 4T tops the range at $16,895 ride away.

Other models include the RR 200 2T ($15,095 ride away), the RR 250 2T ($15,295 ride away), the RR 300 2T ($16,295 ride away), the RR 350 4T ($15,895 ride away), the RR 390 4T ($16,395 ride away), and the RR 430 4T (also $16,395 ride away).

For reference, the RR Racing models add between $1200 and $1900 to the price tags of their respective Enduro counterparts, but the price increases are justified by up-spec KYB suspension and other unique components.

For 2024, all models in the RR Enduro range receive new graphics, new shrouds, refined suspension, new radiators (125 2T and 200 2T excluded), and a new foam seat.

The updated ZF suspension features lighter upper fork tubes, with the different machining aimed at providing “controlled flexibility” for smoother damping in rough terrain, and ultimately improved comfort and sensitivity.

The new radiators are lighter and tougher and are shaped in a way that improves the steering angle of the bikes. The radiators supposably provide better coolant circulation and also do away with plastic caps to reduce the risks of damage in potential impacts.

Also new for the four-strokes is the airbox, which has been redesigned to improve airflow and performance at medium to high engine speeds. Meanwhile, the 300 2T engine gets new main bearings which are designed to be tougher, more reliable, and to increase performance.

Elsewhere, the Beta RR Enduro models continue the same theme as previous years. All models have an under-guard grab handle, ZF suspension, diaphragm clutches, technopolymer subframes and chromoly main frames, Nissin brakes, lithium batteries, and Liqui Moly fluids out of the factory. The two-stroke models offer oil injection and a Keihin carburettor, while the four-stroke models have twin fuel injectors and a longer header that increases power and torque.

Once upon a time, electronics would not have even been part of the conversation. But modern dirt bikes are slowly adopting technology from the road world.

All Beta four-stroke models feature traction control, which has been refined for 2024. In the Italian firm’s own words, the mapping has been improved, which makes the system more precise and mitigates any unwanted or invasive intervention.

Also carried over from 2023 is switchable throttle maps, which are available across all two-stroke and four-stroke models. There are two ride modes – Dry and Rain – and they are changeable via a map switch mounted below the handlebar. The traction control switch for the four-strokes is located on the same switch block.

Beta RR 350 4T – The smallest four-stroke in the range is also the easiest to ride, with a linear power output and agile handling. It excels best with higher revs but should suit weekend warriors looking for a user-friendly and forgiving bike. It is interesting that Beta has opted to forego a 250cc four-stroke, but the RR 350 more or less fills that role. In fact, the RR 350 feels closer in spirit to a traditional 250cc enduro bike than a 350. The 350 role is taken care of by the next bike in the range – the RR 390 4T.

Beta RR 390 4T – This bike was the surprise packet. Before riding it, you’d be forgiven for wondering what purpose it serves. It is slotted in between the 430 and the 350, but somehow it stands apart as a brilliantly useful model. The best word that comes to mind is balanced. It has the easiness of the 350 but is still torquey enough like the 430. It handles lightly and tracks up steep climbs without too much exertion. In simple terms, it hits the sweet spot, and is probably the pick of the bunch.

Beta RR 430 4T – If there is one bike in the 2024 Beta range that feels ready to race (sorry KTM), then it’s the RR 430. The 430 has an urgency to it that the other bikes in the range don’t. It is very snappy off the bottom and accelerates quickly. But it still feels lightweight and agile enough, making it the perfect platform to build a race bike from. The ride modes really come into their own here too, with ‘Rain’ mode toning down the adrenaline a touch for a more relaxed and manageable ride.

Beta RR 480 4T – I have always assumed that the biggest bike in the range must also be the biggest handful, but that is totally not the case here. The RR 480 4T is an incredibly forgiving motorcycle that is nowhere near as aggressive as the 430. Presumably with different gearing and a longer stroke, the 480 is more of a tractor that builds power over distance compared to the snappiness off the bottom on the 430. When climbing a steep hill, a missed gear change or misjudgment of speed is no issue for the 480 – simply roll on the throttle and the bike will keep tractoring to the top. To say it’s the easiest bike to ride is probably not entirely correct though, as it is still quite big and heavy compared to the smaller bikes in the range.

Beta RR 200 2T – With no RR 125 2T on test, our smallest bike was the RR 200 2T. And, if I’m being honest, it was my least favourite of the bunch. Part of the reason was because it was simply too small for my rather big build. It struggled up the hills and just didn’t have the same punch as the 250 and 300. It also lacks a counter balancer, meaning more vibrations. But for a beginner, or a smaller-than-average rider, this might be the pick.

Beta RR 250 2T – This model surprised me. I’ve always been something of a 300cc preacher, but the RR 250 2T was impressive. Compared to the 300, the 250 handles a lot better and has more manageable power. In short, it is less intimidating than the 300. But it also requires the rider to be sharp with gear changes. On more than one occasion, I found slamming down gears halfway up a steep hill.

Beta RR 300 2T – For some reason, 300cc two-stroke models have always fascinated me. I recently rode the 2023 Racing version of this model and walked away with a pretty big smile. And it was a similar story with the RR Enduro version. The big advantage of the 300 over the 250 is that it allows you to be lazier. If you bugger up the gear changes or find yourself in the wrong part of the rev range, the 300 will let you off and give you power where you need it. But it is quite snappy and can be a bit of a handful of times.

Interestingly, however, one of the Beta mechanics made a power valve adjustment to soften up the power just a touch. This made a huge difference, making for a smoother power curve and ultimately an easier bike to ride. After this change, I was almost convinced the 300 was the best bike in the range. That said, it didn’t handle as well as the 250 and wasn’t as compliant in corners. It tended to push a lot and understeer when tipping in.

The suspension on the two-stroke models was noticeably softer than the four-stroke models, and this resulted in a few riders bottoming out on big landings. Perhaps for this reason, the four-strokes seemed to handle better in general. Across the board though, the suspension was just okay. The KYB gear on the Racing models is much better and possibly worth the increased price.

New for 2024, the foam seat was quite comfy, while the handlebar and controls were all well positioned and contributed to the decent ergonomic profile of the bikes. The brakes also worked well, with nice control on the rear brake, while the footpegs offered nice coverage and grip.

Changing between the two throttle maps results in a noticeable difference. Full power is probably best for most situations, but switching to Rain mode does allow for a more relaxed and cruisy experience if you are just trail riding.

Traction control on the four-strokes works well too, with the intervention barley noticeable. It works so well that there is really no reason for riders to switch it off. And finally, the handguards featured on our test bikes are not standard, nor are the tyres.

If you have no brand preference, then it can be hard to know which enduro bike to pick. The segment is so close these days and only minor differences separate each model. But with respectable price tags, decent build quality, and a decent online parts shop, the Beta RR Enduro range is a great choice for those not afraid to be a little different.

Sure, the KTMs and Husqvarnas of the world might offer slightly better performance, but as an out-of-the-box and affordable package, the Beta models are not far behind.

And which of the Beta Enduro models is best? Well, my personal pick is the RR 390 4T off the dealer floor, or the RR 300 2T with the power valve adjustment, but the RR 250 2T and RR 350 4T offer the best value for money. And it wouldn't hurt to take a look at the Racing models too, given the offer a higher spec for not much extra.

All photos by Jaydon Daly - Busta Photo.