FIRST LOOK: 2024 BETA RX450

Beta Motorcycles Australia has dropped their latest masterpiece: the brand-new RX450 motocross powerhouse. This epic looking machine is born from the same prototype that has battled it out in the World Motocross Championship for the past three seasons.

In 2023, Beta’s project to expand the horizons of RideAbility officially entered the motocross market in Europe, first with the RX 300 two-stroke and now the RX 450 four-stroke!

The technical design of the RX 450 is totally new and features:

Frame: designed from the ground up as an all-new frame that is specifically designed and dedicated for motocross use. The main spar of the frame is wider in design to withstand the stresses from repeated landings, making it much stiffer overall, yet supple enough for cornering. This translates into a precise chassis that provides a planted feeling in corners and a light feeling while in the air.

Rear sub-frame and filter box: The RX 450 has a new aluminium rear sub-frame which provides rigidity to the bike despite its light weight, providing the strength needed for the demanding needs of motocross. This new component is perfectly integrated with the new air filter box and is all-new for the RX 450. The new filter box and air intake, combined with the new 46 mm throttle body, provide a significantly different air flow than that required by an enduro bike, creating optimum air flow to keep up with the performance of the new engine. Access to the filter remains on the left side of the bike, and is extremely easy and intuitive, as well as being tool-free.

Plastic parts: while the front shrouds, recently redesigned for RR models as well, remain unchanged in their form, the rear features a new sleek and aggressive tail which, not being a structural component, fits into the new aluminium rear sub-frame and, as previously mentioned, allows access to the filter box via a convenient connection. The fuel tank is a smaller design and has a capacity of seven litres.

Fork and Shock: Kayaba, with 48 mm stanchions at the front and 50 mm piston at the rear. Both components are completely adjustable, and represent an ideal compromise between rideability and performance, thanks to continuous development on the track. The main difference in the suspension compared to the enduro models is the greater travel of the front fork, with specific calibration for motocross, while the shock is completely new. The shock is larger than the one the RR models are equipped with, which provides greater support on landings thanks to greater hydraulic damping, and more consistent performance with demanding use.

The blue anodised wheels are 21” at the front and 19” at the rear, with 90/100-21 and 110/90-19 Maxxis tyres, while the braking system is by Nissin with floating callipers and a 260mm disc on the front and 240mm at the rear. The front brake calliper is a smaller, more modern design. Also lighter than those previously used on Beta models, which provides noticeably more incisive performance when letting off the throttle at the limit, while on the rear the new brake master cylinder has a reservoir designed to leave more space for the exhaust layout.

Engine: The engine, designed specifically for motocross use, has been developed in close partnership with the Official MXGP Team. The gearbox is five speed, with dedicated ratios, while the clutch (with diaphragm springs, and three adjustable positions) has been designed to withstand the stresses from the engine’s high power output, while offering a light clutch pull at the lever. The weight and dimensions are particularly compact, as the components required for motocross use have been pared down to the minimum. The crankshaft and countershaft are new, as are the cylinder, piston and timing system, allowing a compression ratio of 13.5:1 to be achieved.
The result is excellent engine performance along the entire delivery curve while featuring extended top-end at medium-high engine speeds, those most commonly used on the track. In keeping with the rideAbility goal which the whole design project was based on, the engine offers excellent torque that provides enjoyable and always controllable progressiveness in all situations.

Engine maps: in the wake of the recent introductions on the RR models, the RX 450 4T is also equipped with two specific engine maps (wet and dry) and four levels of Traction Control (on/dry, off/dry, on/wet, off/wet) to help manage the bike’s significant power in all terrain conditions. The button to select the map and Traction Control is located on the handlebar pad.

Other notable features: The handlebar controls have been reduced to a minimum, as has the electrical system. On the right-hand side is the start button, while the button to shut off the bike is on the left. There are then some special components which enhance the bike’s trim level as well: Chain tensioners in red alloy Blue anodised Excel rims Red chain guide Red anodised dual-material sprocket Black alloy footpegs with steel pins.

Rounding off the package are brand-new graphics, featuring typical Racing colours, but lending a unique flavour to the Beta’s first four-stroke motocross bike.

The RX 450 will be delivered with a customised stand and four different throttle pulleys, to customise the throttle response.

Availability: January 2024