556baller 0 Posted May 9, 2016 I'm looking at picking up a second bike and I've been looking at the KTM 500exc and the Beta 500rs. I'm up in the High Desert doing some work for awhile so there is actually more dirt than pavement. I've redone my 990 for the occasion and its fun but for what I'm throwing at it I've decided to get second bike more purpose built. The guys racing D37 out here really like the Beta brand. Any Beta riders in here? http://www.betausa.com/content/500-rs-0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtnmanseth 0 Posted May 9, 2016 Yep, and madly in love. Mine's carbureted, but sounds like the FI has been working well in the newer bikes. Post specific questions or PM me and I'd be happy to help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertaccio 406 Posted May 9, 2016 Check Nick Burson's results in all he races (lots of series) and mostly all on the big one (498/500). His results are a testament to the durability of the brand, along with the entire team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carguy 1 Posted May 9, 2016 I love my 2008 RS520. This year had the KTM RFS engine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
556baller 0 Posted May 10, 2016 Awesome, my step son said the same about Nick Burnson. I'm curious about the 2016 FI and various upgrades to the line up, there is almost no price difference between 2014-2016. There are still 2014's sitting on the show rooms with zero miles. Beta addressed some of the noted issues like a weak charging system which left the battery dead after a few starts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtnmanseth 0 Posted May 10, 2016 I follow the two Beta forums pretty closely... http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/353-beta/ http://www.betarider.org/forum/index.php My 2014 has always had a Ballistic battery in it... starts instantly every time for 3,200 miles now. I'd try to ride the carb vs. FI versions and see which throttle sensitivity you prefer. Although, the consensus is that the FI bikes are also ridiculously linear in power delivery, too. Great bikes. We'll put it this way... When (if?) my Gas Gas ever dies, my garage will also have a new 2T Beta 300RR in it as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertaccio 406 Posted May 10, 2016 sorry slight thread shift--- Seth my Beta Zero 260 is alive!!! rode the Italian beast around the yard for a bit this eve. Still needs some rear brake work but its almost trials ride time for the crew Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VistaMan80 0 Posted May 13, 2016 Heard they handle better than the KTM 500 EXC. But I have ridden neither so..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
