Help me choose a dirt-focused dual sport and cheap, fun car

[typeone]

IF you end up still thinking about a Beta, def read this guys reviews on his 500RR-S and new 350RR-S. if i remember correctly, he is based in MA and uses his bikes for everything from DS to trail, to snowbike.

Ben500RR-S on TT:

2022 350 RR-S. What an incredible machine. Review and pics.

2022 350 RR-S, 3 months, >2,000 miles and >100 hours, and about dual sport perfection, with Rekluse RadiusX, A(nother) review . . .

[SRTie4k]

Knew a guy that had a Beta 500. The only thing I really know about them, other then that they have really nice componentry, is that they can also be very temperamental. If you don't enjoy working on bikes yourself, a Beta is not the way to go. His spent more time in the shop than it did out on the trails, mostly due to stupid shit like fasteners coming loose.

[typeone]

If you don't enjoy working on bikes yourself, a Beta is not the way to go. His spent more time in the shop than it did out on the trails, mostly due to stupid shit like fasteners coming loose.

yes, avoid an entire brand because 1 guy can't check bolts.

[OneCheekRider]

yes, avoid an entire brand because 1 guy can't check bolts.

I sold my KTM after a dispute with the (former) KTM NA President. I resented the brand for a bit until I got over it.

[tls25rs]

yes, avoid an entire brand because 1 guy can't check bolts.

If that guy happens to be the guy putting together Betas on the assembly line well then maybe

The Betas I rode were nice bikes. Only issues I recall were with keeping batteries working in them. Otherwise, fun to ride and good looking as well.

[SRTie4k]

yes, avoid an entire brand because 1 guy can't check bolts.

I'm not dismissing an entire brand, just stating that, like all Euro brands, they can be a lot more temperamental than an equivalent Japanese bike (although there really are no equivalent Japanese bikes to most Euro dual sports nowadays) and that they'll require a lot more hands-on maintenance. If you're the type who enjoys working on bikes, that shouldn't be a problem, but if you're the type that brings your bike to the dealer to get all work done, you might want to pass on Beta (and most Euro brands).

[typeone]

all good, people. i just had a chuckle ... and i get it, never purchased another Nissan after my Hardbody experience (which sucks because i loved that truck).

[xrocket21]

I wouldn't call ~300lbs that heavy for a dual sport. They're pretty close in spec, but the KTM obviously has more power and has more on the table when uncorked, but it also lacks a cush drive and has a questionable 4-5? gear spread IIRC. The Honda will be much more comfy on road, but needs a Vortex ECU to overcome those Euro5 emissions issues that cause throttle response issues and flameouts.

As for the 500 vs 501, if you plan on carrying gear, skip the 501. While the 501 arguably has the better rear suspension (linkage vs PDS), the fancy subframe on the 501 has been known to have issues when carrying loaded bags.

I have noticed this on mine, there's barely any difference between 4th and 5th.