I
’ve owned a KTM 500 EXC-F Six Days for a
few years now. It’s fair to say this machine is
well respected and probably considered the
premier model in class. I know... this is a very odd
way to start a test on Beta’s 480RR, but it’s a very
sound way to set a base line for this test. In short,
I think the Beta is every bit as good as the KTM
in all respects, and in some ways better. But I’m
getting way ahead of myself. Time to back up a bit.
USEABLE POWER
Ok, so, the 480 has a superb engine. It’s been
heavily tinkered with, the main updates being a
higher clutch position which allows the crankshaft
to be moved backwards for improved weight
distribution and it’s one kg lighter. The power
delivery is excellent. It has the correct amount of
flywheel weight/engine inertia...that indefinable
amount that’s just right, treading that incredibly
difficult line between too much and too little –
Goldilocks would have been very happy with this
inertia porridge. This allows the engine to be very
tractable and yet still very responsive, making it
extremely rideable. And deceptively quick.
This motor has the type of power delivery that
works with, and for, the rider to make difficult
terrain as easy as possible, and not a nightmare.
It will chug up a poxy, slippery and root infested
goat track with the same ease it lays waste to a
fast gravel road. So, yes, you do get the best of
both worlds and to enhance those two extremes
further, the 480 has wet and dry terrain power
38 KIWI RIDER