The world of motocross is heating up fast for 2026. With the big boys already showing their cards—Yamaha’s latest YZ450F being one of the first out of the gate—it’s clear we’re in for a year of fierce updates and fresh metal. Brands are racing not just on track, but in the showroom too, as the chase for market share and brand loyalty ramps up.
Among them is Beta.
It may not be the first name that comes to mind in American motocross circles, but among riders who actually get out and ride—especially off-road—the Italian brand has quietly built a loyal global following. For decades, Beta’s bread and butter has been enduro. That’s where they earned their reputation: tough, well-balanced bikes with a focus on “RideAbility,” that sweet spot between control and performance that actually makes bikes fun to ride, not just fast on paper.
But Beta hasn’t just stuck to the woods.
A few years ago, they decided it was time to get dirty in a different way. That’s when the RX line was born—a motocross-specific series designed to bring Beta’s off-road know-how onto the gate. It started with the RX 300, a bit of a wildcard in the 2-stroke world, and then came the big RX 450 four-stroke, signaling that Beta wasn’t just playing around—they were in it to compete.
Fast forward to 2026, and the RX family’s grown up. The original 300's are now out of the picture, replaced by a torquier and more potent RX 350. The long-requested RX 250 two-stroke finally joins the party, slotting into that ever-competitive 250cc class. And the RX 450 returns with a suite of smart updates that show Beta’s not just keeping pace, it's dialing things in.
The RX 250 is arguably the most exciting news here. It’s an all-new engine from the ground up, built for sharp throttle response, fast revs, and proper MX aggression. It’s what Beta fans—and dealers—have been waiting for: a legitimate 250 two-stroke that can go bar-to-bar with the class stalwarts. And it’s not just a pretty face. It’s tuned for acceleration, but still delivers that smooth, controllable power Beta is known for. In a sea of frantic 250s, that counts for something.
Then there’s the new RX 350. Think of it as the bridge between the 250 and 450 classes. It has the punch of a big-bore two-stroke but with a character that’s more approachable than most 450 four-strokes. It’s torquey, fast, and surprisingly rideable—a sweet spot for riders who want grunt and pace, but don’t want to be manhandled by a fire-breathing thumper every lap.
The returning RX 450 four-stroke rounds out the lineup with thoughtful tweaks. Beta’s reworked the cylinder head and intake, made the exhaust quieter without killing the vibe, and added a counterbalance shaft to tame vibrations. There’s also revised mapping and traction control that gives riders more ways to tune the bike to their terrain and style—no fluff, just solid improvements that matter once the gate drops.
All three RX bikes share the same core DNA: confidence-inspiring handling, a strong parts spec with premium suspension and brakes, and modern styling that holds its own in the pits. But what really sets them apart is how they feel when you ride them. There’s a sense of refinement, of deliberate engineering, that makes these bikes less fatiguing and more fun.
That’s been Beta’s calling card all along, building bikes that work with you, not against you.
Gallery: 2026 Beta RX Series
With the RX lineup now covering everything from 250cc to 450cc, Beta’s clearly making a stronger push into motocross than ever before. They’re not trying to out-Japanese the Japanese or out-sell the Austrians overnight. But they are offering something different—and for riders and dealers who want alternatives that deliver both performance and personality, that’s a welcome shift.
Expect the full 2026 RX range to start hitting dealerships in September 2025. Pricing’s still under wraps, but with what’s on offer, Beta’s positioning itself as a serious player in a sport that’s always hungry for the next big thing.
Source: Beta Motor
