MID-SIZED PERFECTION Mid-sized four-strokes have always had a justified reputation . Riders love them because they ’ re fast and torquey , yet forgiving and without the challenges of being overweight and having the excess power that big-bores do . Or , the difficult small-bore characteristics of a high revving , smaller torque delivery that can be tricky in use , but , admittedly , comes with less weight . Yes , the 400cc engine ( or thereabouts ) has won many hearts and proven itself many times over the years . The legendary Honda XR400 would still be a great bike today with just minor updates . While the DR-Z400 continues to shine as a wonderful all-rounder , even today . Like the mid-weights before it , the Beta 390 will nurture up and coming riders , yet still reward fast racers with a highly capable and competitive mount . Of course , the Beta 390 is a highly focused championship winning enduro race machine , which makes this all-round civility all the more remarkable .
THE POWERPLANT The Beta ’ s four-stroke lump is a liquid-cooled , DOHC , 386cc single fed by a 42mm throttle body . It features Rain and Dry power modes , a six-speed gearbox and is electric start with a Kokusan digital electronic ignition . At low revs the power is very manageable and it finds great traction . In fact , tractability is excellent throughout the rev range , although it won ’ t idle along at walking speed in the tight as flywheel inertia is light ... the hydraulic clutch lever is going to have to be your friend here , but it ’ s not prone to stalling either . Rain mode doesn ’ t seem to affect low rev power too much , but it generally slows the throttle response offering increased tractability as revs build . Dry mode offers a more responsive throttle and more grunt throughout the rev range . With a small throttle opening , the power builds nicely and progressively , with a step-up of intensity when there ’ s more than half throttle . The top end is strong . While engine response is great at all revs , it ’ s not quite as quick revving as its 350cc little
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