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Written By: Steve Havlicek , 42 years old/ Vet Intermediate/ 215lbs
Most 450 motocross riders have heard of the brand Beta, but haven’t taken an in-depth look at these beautiful red machines. Beta is an Italian based company known for high-end trials bikes. In 2010 Beta launched a range of Enduro RR models and has continued to push forward with a long list of two stroke and four stroke bikes to fit our off-road needs. In 2024 beta competed in its first Supercross using the new 450 RX motocross platform. With riders Colt Nichols and Benny Bloss this would be a major accomplishment for Beta going up against the Austrian and Japanese manufacturers in a highly competitive field. When Kris called me up to test the 2025 Beta 450 RX, I was all in, as this bike has been on my radar of motocross bikes to try out. At first glance, this 450 RX is a looker, bright neon red plastics with blue wheels. It resembles a factory race bike. I was hopeful that it would perform as good as it looks.
Engine:
The 450 RX engine utilizes a wet sump system, which means the engine is divided into engine oil side and gearbox side. This makes oil changes a little longer to perform, but once you do it a few times it becomes an easy task. Beta promotes rideability with their 450 RX engine and that translates into a smooth easy to ride power plant. The RX offers engine mapping options, located on the bar pad, which is an interesting place, but allows more room on the handlebars. The 450 RX makes 57.8 peak horsepower and 53.7 horsepower on the cloud map. I experimented with both maps, one being a cloud for less hit and sun option for more aggressive hit. In my opinion, the sun map made for quick snappier power through the bottom to mid range. I did experience a dirty feeling down low with the rain cloud map as It made the bike feel rich and heavier around the track. I found my best setting with the sun map and traction control when the track starts to get blown out. I’m usually not a fan of traction control, but I felt Beta made a setting that compliments this bike in rough conditions. I also noticed more vibration from the RX engine compared to other Japanese models I have ridden. The exhaust system is made by HGS and is high-quality with a nice note. The beta 450 RX engine is user friendly, Definitely not the fastest 450 in class but offers rideability and invites you to ride longer and not rip your arms off like other 450s. Coming from a vet intermediate, I saw this as a positive.
Suspension:
Shout out to Beta for going with a KYB Spring Fork that has decent hold up and not having to babysit PSI settings all day. I went to betausa.com to find my baseline settings for my fork and shock. I thought this was a cool offering that other manufacturers don’t necessarily have. Beta offers four different options with race, comfort, soft , or factory setting. This is a useful resource when you’re trying to dial-in your 450 RX. I decided to start with a comfort setting with the forks at 2 mm up in the clamps and then set sag at 105 mm. On the track, the fork felt harsh on top of the stroke and plusher near the end of the stroke. Slap down harshness was very noticeable so I softened the compression two clicks, and it got somewhat better but not ideal. I would like a little more hand feel when landing off of jumps or when I hit square edge. With more adjustments and possibly adding more oil to the fork this could change possibly. This is something I am going to try next. Out back I didn’t have any major gripes about the shock. I stuck to the original setting and came away pleased with the results. The rear tracks well and never really felt harsh to me. The RX felt well balanced, and doesn’t do anything out of the norm, you definitely feel yourself sitting up on the seat compared to most other MX bikes. Give yourself a few laps to adjust if you’re coming off of an Austrian or Japanese bikes.
Chassis/ Ergos:
In a time where manufacturers are making our production bikes stiffer/narrower, Beta has gone the opposite way and introduced rideability/comfort with a stable chromoly chassis, smooth motor, as well as great components throughout the bike. The Beta 450 RX has a tool free airbox similar to a KTM and a push button to remove the seat. This is a nice feature when washing your Beta, or accessing your battery area. The tank is clear like the off-road bikes and it’s nice to see your fuel level. It’s also thick in the thighs when cornering (slow feeling side to side), it takes a few laps to get used to, but didn’t really bother my slow vet riding style. I did notice the shifter being short for my size 13 feet and difficult to up shift at times. The RX seat feels tall and hard and can give you monkey butt sooner than you think. I cut down the wide stock beta handlebars to 803 mm as this helps with cornering. I felt the RX held a corner very well, especially in areas one and two , adding a MX 3S front tire would be desirable for better lean angle and making Kris smile.
Who is this bike for?
The 25 Beta 450 RX is for the rider who dares to be different. Someone who doesn’t want to look like every Tom, Dick, and Harry at the track. Imagine sitting on the starting gate as you’re getting looks from spectators or the competition, You pull a good start and end up with a top five. After that Moto riders will be scratching their heads and wondering if the Beta 450 RX is a competitive motocross bike. Beta is here to play with the big boys and has made a great 450 MX bike that offers a lot of support to the consumer, including the BYOB program. Betausa.com allows you to build your own Beta with all the upgraded parts and in-house suspension services, which is something other manufacturers are not doing. Easy to ride, very predictable, stable, and factory look. This 450 RX is definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new 450 MX machine.
Likes:
Easy to ride engine character for us vet riders / Good torque
KYB Suspension has comfort
High Quality Components
Looks Like a Factory Bike
Dislikes:
Vibration is noticeable
Short Shifter
No Hour meter
Rain map / feels dirty
