We drove: Beta RR Enduro 4T 450 and RR Enduro 2T 300

Text: Peter Kavčič Photo: Saša Kapetanovič

Beta is a brand with more than a century of tradition (next year they will celebrate 110 years of existence), which comes from Florence, and their specialty is that they have maintained moderate growth all the time and are known in the world of motorcycling as a boutique specialty maker. Well, Italians are otherwise known for two-wheeled specials, both motor-powered and non-motorized, and these Betty specials are damn interesting!

Until 2004, they worked closely with KTM and made engines for their motorcycles for the youngest, and in return, KTM gave them their four-stroke engines, which they installed in their own frames, equipped with classic suspension. You could say that these were KTMs with a 'scale', as the oranges already at that time (as well as today) swore by the PDS system for mounting the rear shock absorber. This, however, was not to the liking of all enduro riders and Beta discovered a great niche market.

Last year, Beta took another big step forward and introduced its own 250- and 300-cubic-foot two-stroke engine. The frames between a two- and four-stroke motorcycle are different due to the specifics of both motorcycles, and the plastic superstructure and suspension are shared.

During the first acquaintance with motorcycles of this brand, which is unknown in our country, we were most interested in how they made a two-stroke three-hundredth. Right at the beginning, we must point out that we were positively surprised by the very high level of workmanship on all models and the use of quality components, from the handlebars, plastic, levers to the rear screw.

While switching from a two-stroke to a four-stroke and back, it became clear that these were two completely different motorcycles. The 450 is light, with a low-mounted handlebar and will appeal to specialists and anyone accustomed to Japanese cross motorcycles, as the ergonomics are very compact, while the four-stroke XNUMXcc enduro specials have more space, especially the raised handlebar impresses anyone who is slightly higher growth, and provides an ideal position for longer enduro rides or race transfers. It is also pleasantly narrow between the legs.

The two-stroke engine ignites nicely at the touch of a button (due to the mass distribution, the starter is under the engine) and from the FMF muffler a soft but sharp two-stroke melody, which with its volume remains within the limits allowed by the strictest FIM standards. Ergonomics are excellent for sharp driving, as well as the precise transmission and clutch, which is hydraulically controlled and does not need to be adjusted while driving.

She was also surprised by the smoothness of the engine, which pulls with a very soft, continuous curve of power increase and is so far one of the best approaches to four-stroke, which have the greatest advantage in evenly distributed power and high torque. Of course, it still remains a two-stroke, so it responds quickly to gas, but it doesn’t have that brutality we were used to in competition.

Briefly: the engine is flexible, powerful, and non-aggressive. The fear that 300 ‘cubes’ is too much is completely unnecessary. We can say that for the enduro this is an ideal engine, especially for a driver with at least some experience with two-stroke engines. Because it is light and has excellent traction on the rear wheel, it is a real climber, so we recommend it to fans of extremes and anyone who wants a very light enduro motorcycle (only 104 kg of 'dry' weight). The fully adjustable suspension, which works flawlessly in the field, also contributes to the great impression. A pair of Marzocchi inverted telescopes take care of the damping at the front and a Sachs shock absorber at the rear.

All we would like to improve is the feel on the rear brake, while we have no comments on the front. The 260mm double-jaw reel does its job well. Considering that the maintenance costs of this two-stroke are almost non-existent, this is a really great all-round enduro motorcycle. With a price of 7.690 euros, it is exactly a thousandth cheaper than KTM's three hundred, which is definitely an interesting offer.

For all those who swear by four-stroke engines and long enduro tours, where many kilometers are driven in one day, the Beta RR 450 is a motorcycle that will not disappoint. It impresses with stability on faster parts and lightness, and the 449,39-cubic-meter engine itself is in the middle in terms of power. Like the two-stroke, this one is also very flexible, with a continuous power rise curve. The suspension worked solidly, for many maybe even a little too much, unfortunately time did not allow us to test with the settings. With 113,5 kilograms of dry weight on paper, it is not the easiest, but it is easy to carry with your hands, which also counts a lot. With a few softer suspension settings and especially with a two-tooth larger rear sprocket, it would sharpen his character quite a bit. Here, too, the price is a thousandth lower than the main competitor, which also counts for something.

And finally, the first impression of the Beta Evo 300 for trial: we found it interesting to learn that both enduro and trials are very easy to ride, give a good sense of handling and so we would find that the same manufacturer is behind them. The power delivery is soft, which is again the same as with enduro models. That’s great on Beta for trial, at least as far as we’re in the trial at the first grade of elementary school.

For 2013, the EVO 250 and 300 2T were equipped with a completely new frame, which was redesigned with the help of high water pressure (hydroforming - first used in trial). Thus, they saved on weight and increased the fuel tank hidden inside the aluminum frame. This makes the motorcycle even more versatile, with greater range with a full tank of fuel. The suspension worked great on the trial, with a good sense of control. Unfortunately, we haven’t tested how good it is when you try to launch yourself onto a two-foot-high rock.

For all those who are so good, Beta Slovenia has ensured that they are provided with an individual test. Well, you can also try the Beta by prior arrangement, which is a very welcome novelty in our market.

If we think that Beta has built its modern story with trials and successes in this attractive but specific sport, we can say that they are successfully expanding this knowledge to other areas of activity. With quality motorcycles for an attractive price and fresh ideas, they are on the perfect track.

Face to face

Tomaz Pogacar

RR 450 4

The engine did not convince me at first sight. Soft power delivery (indecisive - I would replace the gears on the secondary transmission) and (too) hard-tuned suspension is the first impression. On macadam and on solid forest paths, the suspension is pleasing as the feedback is very accurate. The engine runs smoothly and is by no means nervous. However, when I drove with him on rocky terrain (rocky), the too hard suspension in combination with my (tourist) knowledge became disturbing. I would probably get closer to what I wanted with a few clicks on the suspension, and the tires were too inflated…

RR 300 2

First of all, let me say that two-stroke engines are not my domain. I’ve driven a few of them before, but I’m by no means an expert in the field. Nevertheless, I can say that the engine is extremely light, not too nervous (which I was afraid of) and extremely powerful and aggressive at higher revs. With excellent grip on the rear wheel, he proved himself with his climbing characteristics, which are already bordering on trial cousins ​​from the same litter.