Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1536785
2025 Beta 450 RC 2025 Beta 450 RC Initial Impressions Initial Impressions By Kurt Flachbart By Kurt Flachbart 8 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com Our friends at Beta USA have added another po- tent weapon to their well-rounded line of off-road motorcycles. Based off Beta's popular 450 RX moto- crosser, the 450RC included all the cool components of the RX while adding an 18" rear wheel and a larger 2.4-gallon fuel tank, O-Ring chain, a well-de- signed, ght-fi ng skid plate, and hand guards. Vi- sually, like all Beta motorcycles, it's a stunning piece with beau ful a en on to detail and the colors are amazing. The Beta 450 RC is exactly what I like about European motorcycles: it exudes quality. As with most modern four-stroke bikes, star ng is electric only and it's fuel-injected. The bar pad mounted map switch includes trac on control and maps for wet or dry condi ons. Transmission is a five-speed. Created due to customer demand, the 450 RC is aimed at the fast-charging off-road racer. Think GNCC compe on, J Day Offroad, and desert racing. But don't think it's not capable on a mo- tocross track as the KYB suspension is sprung and valved for an aggressive rider who enjoys going big. In fact, on our first shakedown run, we took the 450 RC to a local track where our lead test rider, Beau Viens, spent a couple of hours ripping laps while warming up to the big Beta. Now, moto and breakneck speeds have never been my bag, I'm a lifelong woods rider here, but I couldn't resist taking the 450 RC for a good rip in the woods at our top-secret loca on. For what it's worth, here's an old woods rider's impressions. The 450 RC is a big, tall bike, but at six feet, I'm fine with that and appreciate the ample ground clearance. The suspension is firm but seems to be sprung perfectly for a 200-pound man. Right out of the crate, I found the 450 RC somewhat s ff, but it soon so ened up enough to absorb trail trash just fine. The stock Maxxis res worked well for our loose rocky condi- ons. All in all, even though the 450 RC is aimed at an en rely different discipline of off-road riding than I'm used to, the bike behaved admirably and did everything I asked of it during my hour-long jaunt in the woods. Handling aside, how did I like the 450 RC? Well, I'll tell you what, this is one brutally fast motorcycle in the woods. Gearing is tall, and first gear is equal to second or possibly third on a true woods bike. Response is immediate. You twist it and it goes. With the front wheel in the air mind you. It barks like a big dog with an authorita ve note. Old hot rodders will love the sound. Not obnoxious, mind you, but a powerful bark.