MXA TEAM TESTED: RIDE ENGINEERING BETA 450RX TRIPLE CLAMPS
11/19/2024 03:00 PM
WHAT IS IT? Ride Engineering’s new split triple clamp design is made from high-quality 2024 aluminum to provide better comfort in the front end without compromising suspension action. Beta is known for off-road bikes, and the 2024 Beta 450RX is their first true four-stroke motocross model. The 20.5mm-offset Ride Engineering clamps played a crucial role in our journey to dial in the new 450RX.
WHAT’S IT COST? $804.90 (triple clamps), $99.95 (bar mounts)
CONTACT?www.ride-engineering.com or (949) 722-8354.
WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Ride Engineering Beta 20.5mm offset triple clamps.
(1) Concept. The Ride Engineering triple clamps use a split design, allowing for a lower torque spec and improved flex from the front end. The top clamp also has flex channels underneath to improve comfort and lower vibration with four polyurethane cones.
(2) Stock performance. The Beta 450RX has a smooth and linear engine character, but it doesn’t handle well in stock trim. The front end lacks lean-angle traction. To improve mid-corner front-end traction, we changed the front tire and played with the clickers, shock preload, fork height, and fork oil height. Still, the fork would blow through its stroke. Plus, every time we improved the front end, the adjustments uncovered problems in the rear. The shock felt dead from mid-stroke to bottom. The bike was unbalanced either to the front or to the rear depending upon how we adjusted it. Overall, the stock 2024 Beta 450RX suspension was harsh, unbalanced and disconnected from the ground.
(3) Ride Engineering performance. The fix for this bike was a two-step process. Our test riders spent multiple days with Travis Flateau of TBT Suspension working on the suspenders. TBT was able to improve comfort while also giving the fork more holdup. The shock also benefited from TBT’s valving with more traction. However, we got to a place where we still weren’t comfortable on the 450RX, and we had exhausted all our options with the suspension.
The Ride Engineering 20.5mm-offset triple clamps were heaven-sent. The 1.5mm difference doesn’t sound like much on paper, but it brought new life to the 450RX. The stock offset is 22mm, which matches the 450 models on all the other major OEMs. By bringing the offset to 20.5mm, the wheelbase is slightly shorter and the trail is reduced. This helped us find more stability while also allowing our test riders to turn sharper. The front wheel feels more connected to the chassis now, giving it a more predictable feel.
All of our test riders agreed the bike felt connected to the ground, front-end traction was greatly improved, and the turning tendencies were neutral and stable.
(4) Bar mounts. We tested the clamps with Ride Engineering’s rubber bar mounts. They move the bar position 2mm back from the stock center position and comes with optional offset bases for providing four different bar locations. Measured from the stem hole, you can move the bars 6mm forward, 9mm forward, 15mm forward and 18mm forward (stock positions are 3mm, 11mm, 17mm and 25mm).
(5) Parts. The Ride Engineering triple clamps come with all the hardware to attach the bar mount. However, you need to purchase the bar mounts (KT-BBM00-CA) separately. We only recommend the 20.5mm-offset clamps for this bike, but Ride Engineering also sells them in the stock 22mm offset. The clamps are available in red, blue and black.
WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? These clamps improved the 2024 Beta 450RX big time, but they aren’t the only upgrade the 450RX needs. Save money for TBT Suspension’s re-valve to fix the suspension.
MXA RATING: The geometry change, along with the material change, makes a significant difference in overall feedback. We never want to ride this bike without the Ride Engineering 20.5mm-offset clamps again!
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