Is it possible to improve the frame, suspension and performance of a World Championship-winning motorcycle? It’s not easy when the bikes in question are those of Steve Holcombe or Brad Freeman, but Betamotor’s technicians like a challenge, and so two major innovations have been added to the 2024 RR Racing models, doubling the rideability, power and fun!
The MY24 RR 480 best expresses itself in wide open spaces. Its characteristics are similar to the 430 model but with even greater torque and power, suitable for more expert and physically fit riders.
The RR 480 Racing is ADR and LAMS compliant across Australia.
Powered by a 477.5cc Four-Stroke Single Cylinder Engine which has had it’s airbox sleeve geometry overhauled to allow better airflow to the engine, offering greater performance at medium to high engine speeds. This is while maintaining the torque at low speeds which was obtained with the introduction of the current exhaust manifold. This innovation now allows for ‘full-blooded’ power delivery along the entire curve.
The new seat features a non-slip cover and document holder for unparalleled grip, comfort and practicality. The new blue and red colours match the refreshed graphics kit and wheel decals.
48 mm Kayaba (KYB) AOS closed cartridge fork, with anodised internal parts and the treatments administered to the materials minimise sliding friction, while adjustable compression and rebound damping lets each rider find the perfect customisation of the setting. Betamotor’s engineers have recalibrated the component to make it work optimally with the new frame characteristics.
The KYB shock can be seen as a gold standard in the racing scene in terms of its ability to absorb the roughness of the terrain, the level of traction transferred to the vehicle and the consistency of performance even under particularly heavy use, and its hydraulic setting can be fully customised by adjusting the external compression (both high and low speed) and rebound settings.
The RR 480 Racing features a completely new frame. The steering tube spars have a larger section than in the past (10mm), introduced in order to provide greater rigidity to the bike and to reduce the overall flex. In terms of the ride, this translates into greater precision on entry into and during turns, where the greater rigidity allows the bike’s trail-holding to be improved with a truer and more direct response. This main modification, already successfully used in competition by the Official Team, brings with it a series of adaptations in the supports and engine mounts, introduced to support the new frame characteristics. In addition to the above modifications, the footpeg mounts and the rear brake cylinder mount have also been modified. More specifically, the footpeg mounts are now narrower at the bottom, to prevent the possibility of ground contact when riding in deep ruts. The rear brake cylinder mount has also been redesigned to house the new Nissin brake cylinder.
The new handguards, designed and manufactured in-house by Betamotor, feature a two-component material mould, in red and blue, which not only give the bike a racing look but also makes them especially hard-wearing in even the roughest off-road use.
The RR 480 Racing receives new lighter and tougher radiators, featuring shaped reservoirs in the upper section in order to allow the bike to achieve a greater steering angle. The new radiators, which provide better coolant circulation for improved vehicle cooling, feature a greater number of reinforcements, and are also equipped with a new non-plastic cap which is tougher and less exposed to potential impacts.
Immediately recognisable by the red anodised alloy release lever, this component is crucial for saving precious seconds in a race when you need to change a tyre.
Pulling the RR 480 Racing up is easy, with a 260mm wave disc brake combined with a double-piston floating caliper up front, and a 240mm wave disc brake and single-piston caliper in the rear.
The front braking system has received upgrades to the brake line. The line’s protective sheath is now fastened with dual crimping (at the top and bottom, previously it was only crimped at the bottom), allowing the brake line protection to better withstand the continuous stresses it is subjected to.
The Traction Control, which can be disabled at any moment, is now a fundamental feature of the larger engine sizes and is therefore also found on the 2024 RR Racing range too. Management of this system is via the usual button on the control panel between the steering tube and the fuel tank. As both the TC function and engine map selection function are controlled from this panel, it has two control buttons and two separate indicator LEDs for the two functions.
