RX 450

 Beta's project to expand the horizons of RideAbility has officially entered the new dimension of Motocross in Europe, first with the RX 300 two-stroke and now with the king of motocross bikes, the RX 450 four-stroke! It is officially the first four-stroke motocross bike built by the Italian manufacturer; for enthusiastsof all riding abilities,this translates into the first chance to ride the Beta MX bike closest to the race prototype which has been competing in the MXGP World Championship for the last three years. A race-ready bike in all respects, designed for Motocross circuits all over the world as has never previously been possible. The design is completely newfrom the ground up: the frame, engine and components are of the highest level, just like the project behind it: bringing the new horizons of RideAbility to the MX world.What does RideAbilitymean for Beta? It meansto design a MX model that appeals to everyone of all levels.Betamotorcycles are designed by a team of engineers based out of Florence, Italy with a mission statementto provide all riderswith a motocross model that is easier overall to ride while still providing a top level of performance. This is thanks to an engine-frame combination which is able to provide a fun ride without no reason to ever fear the world championship-level performance of the engine.Debuting in the MXGP circuit just a few years ago,the RX 450prototypes have provided the knowledge that can only come from a top-level of racing. These early one-off models provided the base layout and design for the production model. The RX 450 4Twill join it’s younger brother the RX 300 2Ton race tracks all over the world.

Frame and engine

Frame: designed from the ground up as a completely new frame, specifically designed and intended for motocross use. The frame's main spar is wider to withstand the stress of repeated bounces, making it much stiffer overall, but flexible enough for cornering. This translates into a precise chassis that feels planted in corners and feels light in the air. Rear subframe and filter box: The RX 450 has a new aluminum rear subframe that provides rigidity to the bike despite its light weight. providing the power needed for the demanding needs of motocross. This new component is perfectly integrated with a new filter box that has never been used on Beta models before. The new filter housing and sleeves combined with the new 46mm throttle body provide a significantly different airflow to that required by an enduro bike, creating optimal airflow to keep pace with the new engine's performance. Access to the filter remains from the left side of the bike and is extremely easy and intuitive, without the use of tools. Engine: Designed specifically for motocross use, the engine was developed in close collaboration with the official MXGP team. The transmission is five-speed with dedicated gear ratios, while the clutch (with three-position disc spring) has been designed to withstand the stresses of the engine's high output, yet still offers a light lever action. The dimensions are particularly compact because the components needed for motocross use have been reduced to a minimum. The crankshaft and countershaft are new, as are the cylinder, pistons and timing system, allowing for a 13.5:1 compression ratio. The result is excellent engine performance throughout the rev range and at the same time an extended upper part of the power curve at mid-high revs. In line with the drivability objective on which the entire design project was based, the engine still offers excellent torque and therefore provides a pleasant and always controllable progressiveness and offers obedience in all situations. Thanks to optimal weight distribution, the frame placement for the engine is therefore designed to create a controllable, agile and fun bike with great performance when you decide to go full throttle. Engine maps: as with 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/off/active with hard map/active with soft map) to handle a considerable motorcycle performance in any terrain. The map and TC selection button is located on the handlebars.

Shock absorbers, wheels, plastic parts

Fork and shock: Kayaba, with 48mm stanchion front and 50mm piston rear. Both components are fully adjustable and, thanks to continuous development on the track, represent the ideal compromise between handling and performance. The RX 450 has been set up by Rignan techniques to be stable and precise, but always easy to control. The main difference in suspension compared to the enduro models is the increased travel of the front fork, with specific calibration for motocross, while the rear shock is completely new. This is larger than the one fitted to the RR models, providing more landing support thanks to more hydraulic damping and more consistent performance in heavy use where temperatures tend to rise and performance is more difficult to maintain. The wheels are 21" front and 19" rear, with 90/100-21 and 110/90-19 Maxxis tires, while the braking system is from Nissin with floating calipers and a 260mm disc front and 240mm rear. The front brake caliper is a smaller, more modern design. Also lighter than those previously used on the Beta models, giving noticeably more punchy throttle-off performance at the limit, while at the rear there's a new caliper designed to leave more room for the new exhaust layout. Plastic parts: while the front radiator covers, recently redesigned also for the enduro RR models, remain unchanged, the rear has a new sleek and aggressive rear, which is not a structural element and fits into the new aluminum rear subframe and, as mentioned, allows access into the filter box in a convenient way. The fuel tank is smaller and has a capacity of around seven liters. Other notable features: The controls on the handlebars have been reduced to a minimum, as has the electrical system. On the right side is the start button, while the button to turn off the motorcycle is on the left side. The battery is of the lithium type. In addition, there are some special components that also increase the equipment level of the motorcycle: -Ergal red alloy chain tensioners -Blue anodized Excel rims -Red chain guide -Red anodized dual-material (steel/Ergal) rosette -Black Ergal alloy footpegs with steel spikes The package is completed by completely new graphics with typical racing colors, but which gives the first Beta four-stroke motocross bike a unique flavor. The RX 450 will come with four different throttle bodies to customize throttle response.