RX 450 (MY2024)

The RX 450 is Beta dropping its trail-bike habits and walking straight into the premier motocross class. It gives up nothing to woods versatility. The 449 cc liquid-cooled single is a high-compression four-stroke making 58 hp, and it drives through a close-ratio 5-speed geared for the track, not for the trail. Around it sits a steel double-cradle frame, a USD fork and a heavily adjustable rear shock, with 12.0 in (305 mm) of travel up front and 11.8 in (300 mm) out back. Ride modes and traction control come standard, so you can tune delivery to the dirt you're riding that day. That's a lot of real tools for a brand people still think of as an enduro specialist.

This is a bike that feels precise and planted, and that suits the way Beta builds things. At 239 lb (108 kg) wet it steers lightly, and the suspension has enough adjustment range to match a fast pro or a committed weekend racer. It's built tough, and the aftermarket support is healthy if you want to take it further. Buy it if you race or train at MX tracks and want something a bit different from the usual lineup. The honest caveat is that it's a single-purpose machine. The tall seat, small tank and track gearing tell you exactly where it belongs, and it isn't out in the woods.