Some dual-sport bikes are designed with a clear emphasis for street riding and light trail duty. The 2012 Beta 450 RS means serious business off-road.
Capable of entering a competitive enduro event, the 450 RS has inverted 45mm Marzocchi forks with compression and rebound damping adjustments.
In the back is a Sachs shock with separate high- speed and low-speed compression damping adjustments, in addition to adjustable rebound. The electric-start, short-stroke Beta motor is also available in 350 and 520 versions.
2012 Beta 450 RS | Quick Stats
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC Single
BORE x STROKE: 95mm x 63.4mm
WHEELBASE: 58.1 inches
SUSPENSION f/r: 11.4″/11.4″
COMP. RATIO: 11.95:1
DRY WEIGHT: 249 pounds
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed
PRICE: $9299
For a look into the entire 2011/2012 motorcycle lineup, check out the Ultimate MotorCycling Digital Buyer’s Guide.
Also, if you want stay up to date on the latest in motorcycle news, “Like” Ultimate MotorCycling on Facebook.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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