Beta 525 RR
Beta | November 16, 2010Beta is a popular Italian bike manufacturer that is well known for producing dirt bikes and is famous for its enduro and trials motorbikes. Beta has a good relationship with KTM and most of the engines it uses are sourced from KTM. That said Beta has been involved in extensive research and development and since this year has been manufacturing their own line of engines in-house.
Beginning operations from Florence, Italy in 1904 as a bicycle manufacturer, Beta has grown in leaps and bounds since then and since 1940 has been an exclusive motorbike manufacturer. Their first venture in motorbike production was the two-stroke version and they have only changed their vision since 1980 to focus on the four-stroke type of motorbikes for Enduro, Supermoto and trial racing.
The Beta 525 RR is an offering from Beta that meets the needs of both the street and off-road riding. The Beta 525 RR was first noticed in 2008 when there was a revival of its engine and design. The Beta 525 is a street legal supermoto that is basically an upgraded version of Beta’s RS models. The little difference being the 17” motard wheels, shorter kickstand and front fender. First glances will no doubt afford the look of a dirt bike but on closer inspection a well trained eye will notice that the stubby fender and street tyres belie the heart of something else. By this we mean that a quick change of tyres to dirt type will change the attitude of the bike faster than your girlfriend on PMS.
The fact that the bike can transform from dual sport mode to motard is really good but it does require a few more modifications to become a fully effective motorbike and these are mainly a revised suspension and larger brakes. The fact that it is trying to be both kinds of bike leave it neither here nor there when it comes to performance. It is but natural that modifications will be needed if it has to be a true motard or dual sport bike.
Riding the Beta bikes is all in the mind of the rider and a thorough understanding of its mechanics and functionality allows the rider to understand what the bike does and how it does it. After this the Beta 525 RR will definitely grow on you. Beta terms the 525 RR as a “play bike” and a quick ride on it will make you understand exactly what they mean. The Beta 525 RR is not a racer but a street legal bike that is super fun to ride.
The front brakes on the 525 RR are 255mm wave rotor, dual-piston floating Nissin calipers that provide sufficient braking for street riding. Push it though, and you better be ready for them to give way after a short time as they get hotter. The grip of the brakes gives way after a very short time and tends to become unusable. Saying that, for supermoto purposes there are generally larger brakes installed to provide ultimate braking. The rear brakes are probably the one aspect of the Beta 525 RR that take the most getting used to as they begin with quite a spongy feel. The 240mm floating dual-piston Nissin caliper only really responds when the pedal is pushed to the limit.
The tyres used on the Beta 525 RR are Pirelli Diablos and they provide a good grip on the street but they are not as sticky as a race tyre. Riding the Beta hard on the tarmac also did not scuff the Diablos and should last a rider for quite a while. Ground clearance of the Beta 525 RR is also commendable and Beta bikes are comfortable for tall riders as well. The foot pedal may seem a bit low to some riders but it still affords a comfortable seating position. Handling on the Beta is very stable and even at higher speeds the front end does not shake even without wind protectors. The front suspension is a 45mm Marzocchi Shiver Fork and the rear is fitted with rebound Sachs shock absorbers.
The front suspension can seem a little hard and the shiver fork is rough at the top of the stroke especially when hitting rocky terrain or some potholes. The overall feel of the bike is on the softer side and a bit of hard braking will cause the bike to dive in at corners.
The chassis of the Beta 525 RR is made of molybdenum steel which improves durability and performance. The engine that is housed in the chassis is what perks most rider’s interest and is the KTM sourced 510cc behemoth that uses 11:1 compression ratio in a single overhead cam, four-valve RFS engine. The smooth engine delivers a maximum 30 horsepower and makes it a very powerful bike. The engine is mated to a six-speed wide ratio transmission and uses a hydraulic clutch to switch gears. It is a liquid cooled four-stroke with a bore x stroke of 95 x 72mm and uses twin oil pumps and cartridge oil filters for lubrication.
The Beta 525 RR is definitely better suited for enjoyment riding. Beta has the reputation of being a small guy when it comes to Beta bikes and still the Italian manufacturer only imports a limited number of motorbikes into America each year. Although the number of bikes remain low the awareness and appreciation of the Beta brand has grown monumentally. The Beta range of models allows riders to move away from the traditional Big Five brand of motorbikes and offers a decent choice in the market.
Beta 525 RR Specifications
Category : Supermoto
Displacement : 510cc
Engine type : Single overhead cam, four-stroke, four-valve
Compression : 11:1
Bore x stroke : 95 x 72 mm
Valves per cylinder : 4
Fuel system : Carburettor. Keihin FCR 39
Fuel control : SOHC
Ignition : DC CDI Kokusan with variable timing
Cooling system : Liquid cooled
Gearbox : 6-speed
Frame type : Molybdenum Steel
Front suspension : Mazrocchi Shiver Fork, 45mm, rebound adjustable, compression
Front suspension/ travel : 220 mm (8.7 inches)
Rear suspension : Sachs Shock absorber, rebound
Rear suspension / travel : 220 mm (8.7 inches)
Front brakes : Braking wave rotor; dual piston floating Nissin caliper; 255 mm
Rear brakes : Braking wave rotor; dual piston floating Nissin caliper; 240 mm
Dry weight : 122.0 kg (254 pounds)
Fuel capacity : 7.5 liters (2.2 gallons)
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