First impressons on the big RR480 thumper
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2016 7:18 pm
Some impressions on the Beta RS500 (or just called the RR480 down under) after two decent rides... after a pile of research this bike looks like a possible candidate for dirt riding and some adventure riding too with suitable mods. Keen to report back in a month or two with a pile of miles done.
First thing I liked was the lower seat height and lower centre of gravity which makes the bike feel user friendly.
The RR480 and RS500 suspension feels fine... the front initially felt a tad harsh but backed off the damping a little and it was much better. The rear shock felt great right out of the box.
Any issues with the Beta RR480? It's early days but the only thing that stands out is the usual pointy end of the sidestand... park in soft soil and she'll fall over if you don't put a rock or stick under the sidestand. Personally I liked the instant engine response and it was only in the nasty stuff I occasionally think it would have been nice to have that mapping switch that comes on the Racing edition to tame the beast a little when needed. So it's early days guys but really looking forward getting to know this new Beta RR480 / RS500 better.
The plastic gears for the oil pump are a dumb idea though and need replacing every 100 hours... at least! Some guys report they are quite chewed up by then. Many are swapping over the metal ones from Boano.
First thing I liked was the lower seat height and lower centre of gravity which makes the bike feel user friendly.
The RR480 and RS500 suspension feels fine... the front initially felt a tad harsh but backed off the damping a little and it was much better. The rear shock felt great right out of the box.
Any issues with the Beta RR480? It's early days but the only thing that stands out is the usual pointy end of the sidestand... park in soft soil and she'll fall over if you don't put a rock or stick under the sidestand. Personally I liked the instant engine response and it was only in the nasty stuff I occasionally think it would have been nice to have that mapping switch that comes on the Racing edition to tame the beast a little when needed. So it's early days guys but really looking forward getting to know this new Beta RR480 / RS500 better.
The plastic gears for the oil pump are a dumb idea though and need replacing every 100 hours... at least! Some guys report they are quite chewed up by then. Many are swapping over the metal ones from Boano.