There’s also a USB port for keeping your
electronics charged.
Beta NZ recommends that anyone thinking
of doing high mileages on the bike fit the
steel oil pump gear, saving on having to
replace the plastic items at 80-90hrs.
A small lightweight screen would certainly
make highway speeds much more pleasant,
and I’m sure someone like Godiva could
come up with something to make bigger
adventures a tad more comfortable.
If the 480 is a bit much in the engine
department, Beta NZ tells us that all of
the four-stroke models are equally suited
to adventure riding. So, there’re also the
350RR, 390RR and 430RR as other options.
Interestingly, all of these models are LAMS
approved.
TRAIL INTENTIONS
To be clear, as supplied, I see this Beta
480RR as a trail bike. It would not be my
first choice to ride from AK to Queenstown
to ride the Nevis Pass, even though it’s
more than capable and would be simply
amazing when I got there. No, I think the
Beta is for riders who live within close range
of their back blocks riding or can trailer
it to within a reasonable proximity. Then
you would be blessed with a fantastically
capable, road legal and unstoppable dirt
bike to truly explore our remarkable terrain
and scenery. But, having said that, it’s a
totally next level hoon machine around
town too. For those who are inherently
un-PC or just love the look and want to
use a real dirt bike on road, this could
well be the best trail bike on the planet –
‘almost’ as good as my old XR650R. Either
way, this Beta is an outrageously fun and
stunningly capable trail bike.
KIWI RIDER 51