The 2024 Beta RR350 is not like other 350s on the market. We race one through the bush to see where it fits in.
Most 350cc enduro four-strokes have a crazy amount of torque for a mid-cap. When KTM first introduced the modern 350cc four-stroke it was a motocross bike called the 350SX-F. Some people might remember a bloke called Antonio Cairoli winning a FIM World Championship on one in 2010 before going on to win the next four titles on the same bike and getting loads of holeshots. All this from a bike that had less cubes than a 450, just like the 2024 Beta RR350.
KTM did it by letting it rev to the moon and with Cairoli’s slight build, he was able to carry incredible corner speed and use the bike’s top-end to go very fast! When KTM released the same capacity in the EXC (enduro) they tuned the motor into a bottom-end monster and we got an incredibly torquey and luggy 350 EXC-F. This made for an awesome trailbike for handy trailriders.
KTM set the standard for what a 350 should feel like and I got used to that. So, when I hopped on Beta’s 2024 RR350 I expected the same thing but it wasn’t. The 2024 Beta RR350 is more like a high-revving 250F and loves to be squeezed in the top-end, more like a motocross bike. This is a good and a bad thing for trailriders.
THE DNA
The frame of the Beta RR350 is constructed from molybdenum steel with a double cradle split above the exhaust post. This frame design supports a wheelbase of 1490mm with a seat height of 950 mm, providing a comfortable riding position that no longer feels chopped out or cramped.
Ground clearance is 320mm which made it easy for crawling over logs and the footrest height is set at 413mm, so I rarely got hung up on obstacles. The dry weight of the bike is 107.5 kg, distributed with 52.7 kg at the front and 54.8 kg at the rear, which is light enough to feel agile and not intimidating.
The RR350 is equipped with a 9.0-litre fuel tank, with a reserve capacity of 2.3 litres, and because it isn’t an overly aggressive bike, the fuel range is pretty good. Expect in excess of 120km from a tank.
The front suspension features a 48mm ZF USD fork with rebound, compression and preload adjustment. Making drastic changes here won’t turn it into a race package but they can help take some of the harshness out of the fork if you’re sitting too low in the stroke like I was. The rear suspension is a ZF monoshock.
The heart of the Beta RR350 is its single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 349.1cc. The engine’s lubed by two oil pumps. Fuel is managed by an Elldor dual electronic injection system, with a 42mm Synerject throttle body and a stepper motor so it rarely flamed out. It has a wet multi-disc clutch and six-speed transmission.
WHY IT WORKS
Beta’s RR range is for trailriding. It has softer suspension and a less aggressive engine than the Racing version. It is for this reason I think all the RR range should have a useable, torquey bottom-end with soft-hitting power and a top-end that doesn’t make you work to ride it. Most of the RR range has this characteristic but strangely the RR350 doesn’t.
For those who are new to riding, the idea of a torquey, strong bottom-end might actually sound daunting and that is where the 2024 Beta RR350 would suit you. While I think all trail bikes should have a torquey bottom-end, the RR350 isn’t the most torquey 350F so if you’re a newbie or stepping up from a 125 or even 85 and can refrain from twisting the throttle too far, the RR 350 will actually be easier to ride than a torque monster. It’s more docile and more forgiving than say the RR390, when in the bottom-end because it isn’t trying to surge or lug in power.
The softer bottom-end and softer RR suspension are great for trail newbies, especially for those riders who don’t want to say they ride a 250F (what the hell is wrong with that?!). The RR350 would actually be good for older blokes too who don’t want their suspension to beat them up or their engine to wheelie out of control when taking off on a steep hill but who can’t bring themselves to buy to a 250F.
WHY IT DOESN’T WORK
The Beta RR350’s engine thrives on high RPMs, making it feel more like a fast 250cc four-stroke rather than a traditional torquey 350. This high-revving nature makes it ideal for riders who enjoy pushing their bike hard and fast. But, the issue is the suspension will not agree with you riding this bike on the limiter.
The suspension setup on the RR350 is designed more for trail riding than racing. The ZF fork and shock offer a plush ride that’s incredibly forgiving, great for beginners. However, this setup can feel at odds with the engine’s racier characteristics, creating a unique but sometimes conflicting riding experience.
If you plan on buying this bike and want to ride it hard and fast, don’t expect the suspension to hold up like the KYB gear on the Racing version.
THE RIGHT FIT
The 2024 Beta RR350 is a unique mix of high-revving racer and trail-ready comfort. It may not be the most torquey 350cc bike, but that actually makes it user-friendly because of its docile bottom-end, combined with Beta’s trail-friendly ZF suspension and standard features like mapping and traction control. These make it a great option for riders who want a mellow bike that’s super plush but don’t want to say they ride a 250F. If you’re looking to push the limits and ride this thing fast, you can, just get the suspension setup for it.
At $14,895 Ride Away right now, that’s pretty good buying for a trailrider who’s just wants to cruise.
RELIABILITY AND MAINTENANCE
Beta has earned a reputation for reliability, and the RR350 is no exception. The bike’s construction is robust, and maintenance tasks are straightforward, thanks to easy access to key components like the air filter and engine oil. I ride with mates who have the Beta RR300 with over 300 hours on the clock and some have done nothing but oils and filters.
BETA FEATURES
The Beta RR350 comes with mapping and traction control as standard features. These allow riders to adjust the bike’s performance to match their ability. Great for beginners and racers!
2024 BETA RR350
ENGINE
Type Single cylinder, four-stroke, DOHC, four valves, electric start
Displacement 88mm x 57.4mm
Bore & Stroke 349.1 cc
Cooling Liquid-cooled
Compression ratio 13.19:1
Fuel metering Elldor dual electronic injection, 42mm Synerject throttlebody
Tank capacity 9L (2.3L reserve)
Transmission Six speed
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 1490mm
Seat height 950mm
Ground clearance 320mm
Claimed Weight 107kg (dry)
SUSPENSION
FRONT 48mm ZF Hydraulic USD fork, 295mm travel
REAR ZF Monoshock with progressive compound lever, 290mm travel
BRAKES
Front 260mm Nissin Wave disc, double-piston floating caliper
Rear 240mm Nissin Wave disc, single-piston floating caliper
RUNNING GEAR
Handlebar NA
Front tyre 90/90 – 21
Rear tyre 140/80 – 18
PRICE & CONTACTS
RRP $13,495
BROWSER Betamotor.com.au
BLOWER 07 35184000
Warranty 6 months parts and labour
WORDS | MITCH LEES
PHOTOS | BUSTAPHOTO