Riding the 2026 Beta 390 X-Pro

We wandered down to Russel Campbell Dirtbikes, the friendly Beta Motorcycle dealers in Edenvale for a chat – and while we were there, we noticed a just-run in 2026 four-stroke 390 on the floor. It turns out that the bike has been bought by a mate of ours and arrangements were made to uplift it for the weekend.

It’s great that Beta has not only placed focus on the two-stroke models – there are legions of four-stroke fans out there and they would be remiss to exclude that demographic.

A two stroke is always good fun, particularly when it comes to hard enduro, but we’ll tell you for free that modern four strokes are magic fun to ride.

About the Beta 390 X-Pro:

“How pretty is that?” were the first words uttered by the guys in our team as we offloaded the newcomer at our offices. They are dead right – the new red plastics add a particular amount of italian flair that will tug at any dirtbikers heart strings. Last year’s red and white design was spectacular, the ‘26’s are even more so.

Include the red flame and black hubs mounted on black hubs and you have a bike that’s very easy on the eye. But, as the saying goes, beauty is skin deep, you need to look a bit closer to see what makes the bike tick.

Updated radiators are claimed to be sturdier with each model now equipped with a 200cc coolant recovery tank to retain coolant and prevent overheating. The new tail light is said to be sturdier than the previous version.

Suspension front and rear is fully adjustable by ZF.

All of the ‘26 models have taken cues from last year’s RX MX range. These include a 2mm-larger rear axle (an increase from 20mm to 22mm in diameter), which Beta says results in better performance when the rear wheel flexes and a smaller front Nissin brake caliper that’s said to be lighter, and ensure better feeling and modulation.

The bike also gets new mapping for ‘26 along with a lighter LI battery.

“The X-Pro 390 represents the ideal mix of handling and power, with exceptional traction as its secret weapon. The light weight feel of the 350 yet with added torque.”

That’s the marketing blurb from Beta.

For this feature we roped in riders in three modern four-strokes – just for comparative purposes, a Yamaha 250 FX, a KTM 250 XCW and a GasGas 350. We wanted to know why Beta would build a 390 and how it stacks against some of the most popular four-strokes on the market.

Ergonomics:

As expected. The bike is not overly tall. It feels narrow and the rider triangle is sensible and comfortable for both seated and standing riding. Beta has fitted a neat little digital display to tell you everything that you need to know. They also give you a mapping switch and – it absolutely makes a difference to power delivery.

The ride:

Kyle:

“Dad! I don’t get this bike. “That was our Junior tester Kyle who spends his life on his 250 KTM. “It’s nowhere near as snappy or strong as I expected it to be for a 400.”

Ok, change tack. “Kyle, you see that little switch on the bar? Switch that to fast mode. You see that long open section there? Open the throttle wide and go for it!”

He did exactly that and came back grinning. “Man it just tracks so well, the suspension never got out of shape and it’s FAST!”

After that, he proceeded to pull some great big wheelies…

You see? He gets it now.

Beta has built a bike that’s easy to ride.

River crossings, a mudhole or two, fast flowy donga’s, it was the perfect way to spend a Sunday.

We took it off to the mountain and each of us took turns doing laps. It’s a 390 four-stoke, so we limited the level of tech, but we still wanted to see just how capable the 390 is in that terrain.

It’s really good.

Tristan:

“I deliberately climbed the hill in the wrong gear and need to say that the torque delivery is so impressive and smooth. I’ve ridden many 450’s up here that can be a handful because they tend to spin and – especially in rain mode, I found the Beta very forgiving.” “The bike feels light and is narrow enough to fit through some of the tighter rocks and ground clearance is just right, I didn’t smack the bottom anywhere.”

Glenn:

The bike is low enough for me to get my feet down, feels light and planted and has great, calm, useable torque for the climb. Especially when you engage the calmer “rain mode” setting. This bike is – in a word – easy. Rock hoppers should absolutely look at something else, but for everyone else,the 390 is perfectly happy to run at speeds just above idle or as fast as you like. There’s no big hit, it feels 250 ish with lots more bottom end and a broader range of power.”

We get this 390.

Everything about this bike is geared towards the word easy. Not lazy by any means, just a great mixture of power and torque that you can use everywhere. She doesn’t rev like a 350 but she’s also nowhere as manic as a 450.

And just look at her! Man she’s pretty.

This one is littered with protective gear from companies like PSP, AS3 and Carbontek. She is also shod in Mitas Double greens with mousses and was prepared by Russell Campbell Dirtbikes.

The seat comes off at the push of a button if you need to get to the battery or electrics. Servicing the airfilter is also really simple and tool-free.