2019 Beta 350 RR-S Review: Performance-Focused Dual-Sporter
With the new 2019 Honda CRF450L rewriting the rules for what it means to have a civilized true dual-sport motorcycle, the Europeans continue to fight it out in the trenches with their “race bikes with lights” approach.
Thanks to high-performance capabilities, Beta has already attracted a cult following for dual-sport riders and off-road racers. We tested the 2019 Beta 350 RR-S as both a dual-sport bike and a race-style motorcycle to find out just where it fits in.
2. The short-stroke motor has linear power from idle on up. With its history in the observed trials world, it is no shock that the 2019 Beta 350 RR-S has a broad powerband without flat spots. It is impossible to fall off the cam, and the DOHC powerplant with titanium valves has plenty of revability. This means less shifting and more go.
3. The lack of hit means that the 350 RR-S is less fatiguing to ride. While a hard-charging power delivery can be advantageous when racing, it is rarely needed for dual sport riding—even at high speeds. This is a feature of the 349cc displacement, and Beta takes full advantage of it. It means more time in the saddle is possible, with fewer rest stops.
4. There are two power modes to suit a wider variety of Beta 350 RR-S riders. Sporting pictograms rather than names, we call them Rain and Shine modes. The Rain mode doesn’t have traction control as part of the system. Primarily, it slows down the throttle response. Fast riders will stick with Shine and never feel the need to access the Rain mode. However, less aggressive riders did like the enhanced controllability of what is already a sweet motor.
6. A bonus of the chromoly frame is that it has nice flex. In addition to not beating you up, it also enhances traction.
7. The 2019 Beta 350 RR-S’s ZF Sachs suspension setup is dual-sport soft rather than race-hard. We are perfectly fine with that. We spend lots of time on rocky single-track, and the Beta flies through without deflection. Action is nicely balanced, and in harmony with the motor and frame—the entire claimed 254-pound package (two-gallon tank filled) is about providing feedback when necessary, while insulating you from the nasty hits. If you’re big on jumps and whoops, go with the optional Öhlins suspension units (an $1845 upgrade). Otherwise, the ZF Sachs units work well, even if custom revalving options are limited.
9. The Brembo hydraulics provide an excellent feel for the 350 RR-S’s clutch. We are sold on hydraulic clutches off-road. All dirt bikes should have them.
10. Despite not quite being a race bike, Associate Editor Jess McKinley knocked out race-quality times on it. Jess times all his riding and testing, so he has a vast performance database on a wide variety of trails in varying condition. In the dry summer conditions, aboard the 2019 Beta 350 RR-S, he put his fastest times ever on Los Padres National Forest’s epic Whatta Trail. Even he was surprised, especially with the less-than-ideal Michelin Enduro rubber.
11. Be prepared for higher maintenance and less durability on the Beta 350 RR-S than you would on a Japanese dual-sport bike. The Trail Tech GPS is cool, but we couldn’t get it to work fully. We’ve heard complaints from owners about that. We were troubled by oil seeping from gasketed areas on the motor. The quality of the plastic isn’t the best, and there are gaps where there shouldn’t be gaps, and the aesthetically pleasing stickers look beat quickly. Also, even with the abbreviated rear license plate holder, we lost both turn signals. It wasn’t from crashes–they just fell off. We didn’t mind, as we would replace them with slimmer LEDs.
13. Routine maintenance is straightforward. There are separate oil chambers for the engine and clutch, but that’s not a big deal. The air filter is easily accessible, so that encourages cleaning. Anyone can adjust the chain.
14. The Beta 350 RR-S is a high-performance motorcycle with the compromises that come with that. Yes, it’s nominally a dual-sport motorcycle, but it is really about off-road prowess. It’s light, handles great, has quality suspension, and a fantastic motor. However, you need to set the bike up to your liking, and keep tools and replacement parts handy. If uncompromised performance is what you are looking for in a dual sport bike, the 2019 Beta 350 RR-S delivers that experience.
Photography by Kelly Callan
Riding Style
- Helmet: Kali Shiva 2.0 Carbon
- Goggles: EKS Brand Gox Flat-Out
- Pants + Jersey: Alpinestars Techstar Factory
- Body armor: Forcefield Armor Pro Shirt X-V
- Gloves: Alpinestars Techstar
- Tool pack: Motion Pro T-6
- Knee braces: Alpinestars Fluid Tech Carbon
- Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro
2019 Beta 350 RR-S Specs
ENGINE
- Type: 4-stroke single
- Displacement: 349cc
- Bore x stroke: 88 x 57.4mm
- Compression Ratio: 13:1
- Valve train: DOHC w/ four titanium valves
- Fueling: EFI w/ 42mm throttle body
- Lubrication: Separate oil for engine and clutch
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ Brembo hydraulics
- Final drive: O-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Double cradle chromoly steel
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable ZF Sachs 48mm inverted fork; 11.6 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable ZF Sachs shock; 11.4 inches
- Tires: Michelin Enduro Medium
- Front tire: 90/90 x 21
- Rear tire: 140/80 x 18
- Front brake: 260mm Galfer rotor
- Rear brake: 240mm Galfer rotor
- ABS: None
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
- Rake: 26.5 degrees
- Seat height: 36.8 inches
- Ground clearance: 12.6 inches
- Fuel capacity: 2 gallons
- Curb weight: 254 pounds
2019 Beta 350 RR-S Color:
- White/Red
2019 Beta 350 RR-S Price:
- $10,299 MSRP
2019 Beta 350 RR-S Review | Photo Gallery