Is the 2024 Beta 450 RX worth getting?

I just removed the switch all together. It defaults to the aggressive map or whatever they call it. This bike is already mellow so I never used the other mode or TC.

I wonder how many 450RXs are out there in the US.

I recently bought a 24 RS and put an IMS tank on it and the tank comes with the bracket.  https://store-peenhlhyij.mybigcommerce.com/content/AB-23004%20IMS%204-Stroke%20Rally%20Installation%20Instructions.pdf        It is a Beta part but I just checked and there was no part number on the bag. It's just a thin piece of metal about the thickness of a hacksaw blade. Would be fairly simple to make.

correction- Beta is now better than KTM. 

Here is a picture of the clamp from the top. The top clamp screws into the mapping switch as you can see, while the bottom part of the clamp has a s-style notch that slides into the back of the mount with a rubber bar sleeve inside to prevent twisting, and a 2.5 allen bolt to clamp them together.

I bought a 2023 500 and was very impressed right out of the box. I have since made some set up changes to find a little more comfort and stability and it is now the lightest feeling, narrowest and easiest bike I have ever owned. Even though it is an enduro model I track ride it all the time. Love the thing.

Thought id throw this info in here I got back from Beta. Every time I would change the oil (with filter) I would add 750ml which it calls for but this put the oil level at the top of the site glass while running on level surface. The manual says for it to be in the middle of the sight glass. 

Went up a tooth on the rear, swapped throttle cams and Decal Works kicked ass matching the factory graphics.

24 Beta450 RX can be bought for cheap, dealers adds on Facebook Marketplace.  If I hadn’t bought a left over KX450 I’d throw 7k or maybe less at a new 24 450 Beta and never look back.

Just picked one up for 7k in the Midwest, brand new. Was the lowest price by a few thousand dollars anywhere within a 5 hour drive. 

They flashed it with the 25 tune and said they updated all service bulletin requirements. 

It's so beautiful... I don't even want to get it dirty! 

I bought a 450 RX. 

Got it from 3 Seas. 

Background for comparison:

My last 4 bikes were ('18 YZ450, '20 YZ250f, '21 KX450, '13 YZ250)   I liked a tall seat and lowered pegs on the YZ 4t's, even though I'm 5'11''.
I do mostly harescrambles, Vet class at bigger races or Pro class at smaller races.  
If I ride during the week I like to do MX.
When I race MX  B+ or A- depending on how much I've been riding.


First Impressions: 
-Cockpit is comfortable.
-Seat is flat, makes it easy to get on the tank for corners. Tank/radiator width feels like the Yamahas.
-Stock footpegs are trash. My feet were sliding around like Michael Jackson in the 80's.   (The RX models have special pegs which have changed for '25).
-The handlebars have a comfortable flex and bend. 

Power is very smooth. Initial roll on doesn't have the jerkiness characteristic of EFI 450's.  Power builds linearly and gets traction to the ground. Reading between the lines I thought Rideability might be marketing speak for "slow" but that is not the case!  This bike is fast while being nonchalant about it, it's Italian so it invokes the personality of a Mafia hitman.

I would like if 1st gear was lower, that was one of my complaints with the YZ450.  Both bikes can  do ~40mph in first gear and I'm not sure why that's necessary 😂.

Chassis is good. The bike will stay straight when accelerating and while braking, the stability was outstanding.  
Cornering was acceptable but I'm hoping to make adjustments to get more front tire feel.
It should improve as everything breaks in too.

Suspension:
Still breaking in. Didn't notice anything weird, works as expected with KYB.

Clutch worked fine, no issues. A little bit of adjustment on my part going to the hydraulic clutch.

Complaints:
-Footpegs
-Stock chain is garbage. In 20 minutes of easy riding,  it stretched like old elastic in my vintage fruit of the looms. 
-The shifter lever clasp bolt is made out of cheese. I needed to raise the shifter but the bolt head couldn't decide if it was a plus size 7mm or an anemic 8mm and the head rounded with the amount of force it takes to open a beer can. 
-Play in the brake pedal, the shim for the clevis pin is too big, which creates about 1/4in of free movement before brake engagement.
-The tires aren't great.

I'm chalking these up to a first model year/supplier issue.     




Overall seems like a good bike, it's on the same level as other 450's I've ridden and excels in stability and traction. 
 





 

2nd ride on the 450RX. 

Raised the forks to 10mm and rotated the bars slightly, it made a nice improvement to front end feel while cornering and allowed me to find the limits of the Maxxis tires. 

I played with the 5 throttle cams that came with the bike. The throttle cams are a clever way to customize the feel of the engine. 
It's less complicated than the YZ App but with more range of customization than the KX couplers, I think it's the sweet spot for most people.

This second ride re-iterated that it's a Mid range engine, it'll has less pull down low than the YZ. 

On the way home I realized I didn't get any arm pump.  Usually I'll get a little and have to loosen my grip in the air.  
I'm thinking the excellent stability and smooth power let me ride without hanging on as tight. 

Mechanically the Bike seems to be holding up fine. 
Initial oil change had a bunch of metal in it, but that's to be expected.  1 drain bolt has an integrated screen, the other is magnetic. The Beta holds 750ml in both transmission and clutch, 1500ml total.  The YZ held only 650ml!   
The black paint on the shifter and engine cases is scuffing off.
The brake pedal slop has broken in, gravity holds the pedal down so there's no play when pressing the pedal.  However, if you lift the pedal up you still get play. This has been de-prioritized to from urgent to eventually.

Get some 20-23mm offset Luxon clamps (I'm running it at 20mm) and bring your forks back up to 2mm, run about 102-104 of sag, and get it sprung and valved for you. Completely different bike at that point. 

Get an FJ brake clevis, cleans all of that slop up nicely.

Also to correct some mis-info, it's 650ml on the engine side and 750ml on the trans side. On the engine side you want the oil level right at the top of the circle in the window. 

I cannot recommend Raptor pegs enough.

I did 750ml because that's what the manual states, and I'm right in the middle of the window (while bike is running)

I believe the manual now states middle of the sight glass not the top of I'm not mistaken

They revised their specs for '25 then, as it was 750ml for a full rebuild, but when changing oil and filter only, start at 650 and adjust from there. 🤷‍♂️ Either way, middle to top of the bubble works. hahaha

Addressing loose engine mount bolts

Over tightening and liberal use of loctite didn't see to be enough.........
Seems like I found a fix by reducing the small gap between the engine and frame with copper crush washers. 

With the mount under the tank loose and bolts removed from the 2 front mounts; I fit a washer pretty easily on the front lower but had to pre crush the washer for the front upper. 

Once again loctite and over tightened and they are still tight 2 hours later.

Updated*** Finally got to ride some MX. It's been so wet this spring!!!

Track was really hard, dry and choppy. Jumps of all sizes up to 90 feet. 

Bike works quite well stock!! I'm 205lbs and really surprised how well it held up and absorbed stuff considering my weight and certain reviews. At 6'3", it is so much more comfortable than any other bike I've owned, and I've owned them all basically lol I really can't get past how comfortable it is, everything just seems to be where it's supposed to be, at least for my frame. The power is indeed mellow, but after 3 20 minute sessions I never once got arm pump, which is unlike me lol yeah I was babying it a little, but still! It is definitely a second gear bike in tighter corners, which I'm ok with considering all my time spent on two strokes. No big deal. I have the 25 map in it, crisp, responsive, no annoying sounds or rev limiter cuts. Plenty of power in my opinion. 

 I'd like to fiddle with fork height, front end is just a tiny bit vague, but could also be the dog shit tires on it. Chain is already cooked at 1.3 hours. Like every one else says, the pegs aren't great. Otherwise, all good. No loose bolts or other issues. 

I'm very inspired by this bike. I don't have much time on it at all, completely stock suspension, bs tires and the worst track conditions imaginable and it was quite comfortable. I'm sure it will only get better from here! If nothing else, it is seriously the best looking bike in the pits, no questions asked... Enjoy yours boys! 

What is the "out-the-door" price with tax? I would be interested...

My guess would be 400 per year 2024 and 2025 since that's the AMA Homologation minimum.  

Maybe a few more if the race team bikes end up in the used market.

Couple months ago I got out of there for 7k. Had to make a 4 hr drive but I do that to ride anyway lol 

Message me...thx

Any one of you coming off a 250F before your new Beta 450RX? Curious to hear your take on adjusting to this 450 knowing its smooth and ridable. 

My current KTM 250 SXF is great but I was considering a new 350 SXF as I'll soon be riding sandy tracks in NW Indiana and Michigan - I'd like some more oompf and not be so harsh on a 250F motor riding sand 80% of the time. I enjoy these steel frames and I like a smooth linear power. Since these Beta 450s seem tame, reliable, and there are deals to be had, I'm now curious. Thanks!

Ive ridden a 250f recently. 

The most dramatic difference I felt was the taller gearing and more power everywhere on the 450.

Although the Beta is smooth power delivery for a 450, it's still a 450.  It's much more similar to other 450's than a 250f.

Are they ever going to come out with a 250f? I’m only like 150 pounds, but interested in the brand. 

See if you can find a demo day to try a 350RR? Looks like similar HP to the Jap 250f's.

I have a 24 beta 450 , I gotta ask how did you get wheels for the bike I hate the blue and I want black wheels with a 19inch rear but I couldn’t find anything and have no clue what the hubs are and if people use it nor husky wheels sets. But I definitely had some complaints at first about the bike, couldn’t blip the throttle but I got the first reflash. I think there’s a new one I need to get too, and the bike didn’t lug down low like my 21 Honda 450 which was hard to come off an aggressive bike to a mild bike. Also has anyone had issue with their radiators, I ride hard but I have never dropped the bike and both radiators have started leaking from vents

Faster USA made this set for my Beta back in 2021.  He took all the measurements and has all the info on spacers and can set you up. They are great people to work with.

The radiators I would have or have talk to Beta about them.  I have a buddy that has a radiator shop and he also fixes my all radiators.  Find out were they are leaking.

https://www.fasterusa.com

Anyone running a 52 tooth rear sprocket? I'm debating going to a 51 or a 52 on rear. 

I went to a 52, makes it easier to get through the corners in 3rd gear.