Comparative test: 300 RR Racing (2020) // Which to choose: enduro from RR or X?
The Tuscan bike manufacturer, famous in trial and enduro, also garnered all the major laurels at the 2020 Enduro World Championship. Englishman Steve Holcomb distinguished himself in the general classification among all the Grand Prix riders and thus became the champion of the GP enduro class. In addition, it also won the enduro 2 category, which is the competition with four-stroke engines up to 450cc.
His compatriot Brad Freeman won the class title. enduro 3, i.e. in a category where they compete with two-stroke engines up to 300cc and with a four-stroke over 450 cubic centimeters... In the overall enduro GP standings, the latter took second place. Beta also scored the highest score among vendors.
Why is it so important to mention all of this in this test? Because the Beta 300 RR Racing I tested is a direct derivative of the winning Enduro 3 car. The ones used by the racers can be bought for yourself. Racing also differs from the basic RR version in graphics.... In addition to the distinctive red that is now characteristic of this brand, they have added blue, which is the hallmark of the most prestigious line. They also added a front wheel quick change system, Vertigo arm guards, black erg pedals and chain guide, a rear sprocket, all engine and gear levers, and an anodized aluminum rear brake pedal.
Considering all the titles won, they are clearly doing something right. The Italians decided to invest in the development of hard-enduro motorcycles. They are very fast in cross-country and enduro tests, which are part of the classic two-day enduro races. It is no secret that, despite the wide range of two-stroke and four-stroke engines, most of the supplies are for two-stroke "three-stroke".... This engine is reliable, durable and requires minimal maintenance. It also features a federal transfer of power. It is powered by a mixture of gasoline and oil through a carburetor.
Let me remind you that the base model Beta 300 RR 300 has a separate oil tank and pure gasoline is poured into it. The mixing ratio is constantly adjusted depending on the engine load. All this is done in the interests of compliance with strict environmental requirements, as well as practicality. In the 300 RR Racing, the pre-mixed two-stroke mixture is poured into a clear plastic tank.... Beta says it's because of the weight savings and racing tradition. The engine can only be started (always reliably) with the electric starter.
After the introductory warm-up, when I was able to turn off the throttle completely, a smile shone on my face. The sound of a racing two-stroke engine tones your ears and raises your heart rate. While driving, I tested what RR Racing is capable of on different surfaces and I can say that this is a car that will be very, very fast in the hands of an experienced driver. It is stable in fast sections, even when the wheels are full of rocks and holes.
Frame, geometry, fork angle and suspension are in perfect harmony with each other and provide exceptional reliability and stability at high speeds. The RR Racing version has a 48mm closed cartridge front fork from Kayaba.... For more demanding drivers, the settings differ from the base model, which places more emphasis on comfort. Here the settings are adjusted to operate at maximum loads and at higher speeds. Internal parts are anodized to reduce friction. The rear shock from the manufacturer ZF is also different, the difference is in the settings.
The motorcycle demands strong commands from the rider and rewards this with high-level riding where concentration is important. Long, steep slopes that you can climb in third and second gear are environments where it proves itself with torque and a huge supply of well-controlled power. Test Beto has been tuned and slightly modified by Mitya Mali from Radovlitsa, dealer and repairman of this Italian brand.... And with optional equipment, it also protects vital parts so that there are no injuries or mechanical damage during extreme enduro, and you can drive home even after a stressful trip.
Although it doesn't weigh that much on paper, as the scales show 103,5 kg dry weight, it is not as maneuverable in technical and twisted parts due to its geometry. Since there is little room and the driving line turns sharply and there are many short and slow turns, there is a price to pay for stability at higher speeds. In addition, the seat is raised 930mm off the ground, so it is not the best choice for short drivers.... It is true, however, that all of this can then be customized individually and adapted to your own desire. Let me also mention good grip and very good brakes. This is something I use a lot in enduro and because it does its job well it makes a very positive impression on the entire bike.
However, a slightly different story with another motorcycle, on Beti Xtrainer 300. This is an enduro designed for amateurs and beginners.... It is built on the same platform as the 300 RR, with the difference that due to less user complexity it has cheaper components, from suspension to brakes, wheels and levers and small parts. In reality, however, it rides very differently from an enduro racing bike.
The engine is set to a reduced power, which is very pleasant and therefore extremely comfortable to use. Besides, it is very quiet and suffocates a little. It forgives mistakes and allows you to learn without consequences when an inexperienced driver does something wrong. However, it has enough power and torque to tackle very steep slopes.
Since the power to the rear wheel can only be accurately metered using the throttle lever, it shines in conditions where there is no good grip under the wheels. This is why many extreme enduro enthusiasts prefer this model. When teaching and climbing the slopes, I also find the light weight to be a big plus. Dry weighs only 98 kilograms. This is little more than a test racing bike.
Since the seat is very low for an enduro motorcycle and is only 910 mm from the ground, it instills confidence because you can always (even in very difficult terrain) step confidently on the ground with your feet.... When I tried several times to climb a very steep and difficult slope on both bikes, changing direction just below the summit, when I had to turn and start down the slope again, I found it easier to get to the summit. better with Xtrainer than 300 RR Racing. In faster terrain, however, the Xtrainer simply cannot match the performance of the more powerful 300 RR Racing model.
Although this bike can be called a "hobby program", it still convinces with quality workmanship, good design and equipment necessary for off-road riding. It's not a cheap product, just a more affordable enduro bike adapted for less demanding riders. The price of a new one is 7.050 euros. For comparison, I will add the price of the 300 RR Racing model, which is 9.300 euros.... Although it is much higher, it is actually very competitive in terms of competition and what it has to offer. With low prices for services and spare parts, both motorcycles are also interesting to everyone who likes to weigh every euro.
300 Xtrainer (2020)
Basic data
Sales: Endless doo
Base model price: 7.050 €
Test model cost: 7.050 €
Technical information
engine: Engine: 1-cylinder, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, 293,1cc, Keihin carburetor, electric starter
Power: n.p.
Torque: n.p.
Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain
Frame: chrome molybdenum tubes
brakes: Reel 260mm in front, reel 240mm in back
Suspension: 43mm Sachs Adjustable Telescopic Fork, Front Adjustable Telescopic Fork, Sachs Rear Adjustable Single Shock
Tires: front 90/90 x 21˝, rear 140/80 x 18
Growth: 910 mm
Ground clearance: 320 mm
Fuel tank: 7
Wheelbase: 1467 mm
Weight: 99 kg
300 RR Racing (2020)
Basic data
Sales: Endless doo
Base model price: 9.300 €
Test model cost: 11.000 €
Technical information
engine: 1-cylinder, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, 293,1cc, Keihin carburetor, electric starter
Power: n.p.
Torque: n.p.
Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain
Frame: chrome molybdenum tubes
brakes: Reel 260mm in front, reel 240mm in back
Suspension: 48mm KYB front adjustable telescopic fork, Sachs rear adjustable single shock
Tires: front 90/90 x 21˝, rear 140/80 x 18
Growth: 930 mm
Ground clearance: 320 mm
Fuel tank: 9,5
Wheelbase: 1482 mm
Weight: 103,5 kg
300 Xtrainer (2020)
We praise and reproach
comfortable suspension
very low seat
price
lightness and dexterity
light weight
the engine transmits power perfectly
very suitable for small people
when accelerating and at a higher speed, it starts to run out
the harness is not suitable for big jumps
the bend of the exhaust on the right side interferes when driving into a right turn, when it is necessary to extend the leg in front
final grade
A very good price, unpretentious driving and a low seat are a good way to start and master off-road skills. It also performs well when climbing and on slower, technically demanding terrain.
300 RR Racing (2020)
We praise and reproach
suspension for both fast and extreme enduro rides
base model price
high speed stability
low maintenance costs
powerful engine
a tall motorcycle is not for people of smaller stature
mandatory preliminary preparation of a gasoline-oil mixture
final grade
For fast enduro and very steep and long descents, the RR Racing version with this engine is a very good choice. The suspension is a chapter in itself, perfectly tuned for both slow and very fast riding. The good price and, above all, the very low maintenance costs are also a strong argument.
