EICMA: 2024 Beta RX450 motocross bike

Beta has confirmed that its first 450cc motocross bike is headed for Australian shores in 2024, with the first units expected to hit dealer floors in January.

Checking in at $14,495 ride away, the 2024 Beta RX450 is the Italian brand’s first production 450cc four-stroke motocross machine and is based off a prototype that has competed in the MXGP World Championship for the last three years.

The RX450 (not to be confused with the GasGas RX 450F rally replica) is an all-new motorcycle with an engine and chassis designed specifically for motocross use. The frame is made from molybdenum steel, while the aluminum subframe is designed to provide rigidity.

Suspension is handled by a 48mm KYB fork at the front and a 50mm KYB shock at the rear, while Nissin braking components include a 260mm disc at the front, and a 240mm disc at the rear. The 21- and 19-inch blue anodised wheels are fitted with Maxxis tyres.

The four-stroke engine has been developed in partnership with Beta’s MXGP team. The five-speed gearbox and clutch have been designed to cope with a high-power output, while all the components of the engine have been paired down to a minimum to keep weight and size low.

Like the brand’s new RR enduro range, the RX450 will include two engine maps and four levels of traction control, with a switch located on the handlebar pad.

The bike is also fitted with red alloy chain tensioners, a red chain guide, a red anodised dual-material sprocket, and black alloy footpegs with steel pins, which all add to the bikes premium level of trim. Beta will also include a customised bike stand and four different throttle pulleys to customise throttle response with every RX450.

Beta, which originated in 1904 in Florence, has traditionally operated in the trials segment, but also has history in both motocross and enduro racing. More recently, it has been a growing presence in the enduro segment with its RR range.

The Italian brand is now looking to stake its claim in the motocross world, first releasing the RX300 two-stroke model earlier this year, and now the RX450 four-stroke. The company has used the MXGP circuit as its proving ground, but it is expected to be on the grid for the first round of the 2024 AMA Supercross season in January.

Running alongside the KTM Group brands (KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas) and the Japanese Big Four (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha), Beta will also soon be joined by Ducati and Triumph who have both announced plans to build motocross models. Fellow Italian brands TM and Fantic are also active in the motocross space, making it an exciting time for the segment.