By: Jean Turner Photography By: Mark Kariya
The 2010 model year marks the introduction of the all-new all-Beta line of RR enduro machines, and lucky us, we were invited to a private ranch to come hit the trails on the only one in the country: the all-new 2010 Beta 450 RR.Right off the bat, the biggest wow factor of the Beta is the motor. In all honesty, our expectations weren’t high given that it’s Beta’s first attempt, and the KTM 450cc XC motor is a tough act to follow. But we’re glad to report that the Italian manufacturer really knocked it out of the park with the 450cc DOHC four-stroke mill. It strikes a fantastic balance between tractability and snap, which we immediately discovered on the rocky, muddy single-track trails. The RR’s ability to put power on the ground is impressive, and even through mossy creek beds and loose rocks, it will keep chugging forward.The suspension package remains Marzocchi up front and a linkage-mounted Sachs shock out back. The Marzocchi fork maintains its same characteristics – not as plush as the Showa, KYB or WP forks that continue to spoil us – but still gets the job done. On the whole, the suspension package really shines in the tight, technical terrain – the tougher the better! Of course, that’s never been a problem for any Beta. Where they have struggled in the past, however, is in west-coast style high-speed terrain. We didn’t have a chance to test the 450 RR in any such conditions this time, but hopefully we’ll have a second date with the exotic beauty soon and have a more thorough report on the all-new, all-Beta 450 RR.
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