Adrenalin shoots through my veins with one push of the e-start button as the 2013 Beta 250RR roars to life. I gently pull the throttle, slowly release the clutch and instantly feel the front end lift, as a smile comes over my entire face.
Over the last 10 years it has been no secret that KTM has owned the off-road market. It is hard to head off into the trails without seeing a stream of orange flowing through the single-track. While the big four focus their efforts on the track, KTM has done an amazing job with offering a model to suit every off-road need. In fact, without KTM breaking into the market the way they have, I doubt if this article about the Beta would even be happening!
The truth is, there will always be new companies forging into the off-road segment—and Gas Gas, Sherco and Beta are some amazing companies now offering an alternative to those that want an equally awesome bike without being another orange bleeder.
About me
Firstly, a little about me. I have been a pro athlete since 1990—all in human powered sports—and when I retired in 2005 I bought a dirt bike and a sled and have never looked back. I ride 5,000 kilometres a winter on my sled and between three to four days a week on my trials and enduro bikes. I consider myself to be a solid intermediate rider.
I am always looking for sweet single-track and ride mostly at McNutt near Vancouver, B.C., Onion Lakes near Lytton and Bear Creek near Kelowna. I have worked with Yamaha and have owned four YZF 250s and one KTM 250XCF, as well as a Beta 350 RR and a Beta 250 RR. Before this Beta two-stroke, I was a strong 250 four-stroke believer.
I could bore you on the specs or the technical geometry of this bike, but you can read about those anywhere. Even though I call myself a technical rider, for me it is all about how a bike feels underneath you, not what some graph says!
Riding and handling
Ever since throwing a leg over the Beta 250 RR, I can’t say enough good things about it. The bike handles super light, turns on a dime and the motor lugs along so well that half the time you think you’re on a fuel injected four-stroke—yes, it is that good.
It really feels as good as a KTM 250XC or XCW; however, where I find it excels over the KTM is in the motor, where the bottom to mid-range is so damn good that this Beta just rolls on so nice. The mid-range power is awesome too. The KTM revs higher, but 95 per cent of the riders out there are not riding through the trails pinned in fourth gear so the higher revving power of the KTM is a moot point.
The Beta also excels with its turning agility over the KTM, which is another area that helps a smaller rider like myself. The Beta also sits lower, but it doesn’t seem that different to the KTM with a low seat added.
250 or 300?
The biggest choice for riders choosing this new Beta is whether to get the 250 or 300. KTM suggests the 250XC or XCW for racers and 300XC or XCW for riders, but Beta is the exact opposite. If you race every weekend, go with the 300 RR. But if you’re like me and like to ride, not race, then the 250 RR is where it’s at!
Highlights on the Beta include a factory skid plate, bold Italian graphics and a push-button seat that slides off in seconds. The factory jetting was near spot on, but since I ride mostly between 4,000 and 7,000 feet, I used the JD Jetting Kit blue needle third clip and love it.
The biggest changes I would like to see on the Beta for the future are a clear tank, spark arrested pipe and better stock tires. Some of these changes are in the works for 2014, ensuring it will be another great year for Beta.
Like KTM initially, there are just a handful of dealers selling Beta. But new dealers are being added all the time and, thanks to the Canadian distributor being in the Lower Mainland, all of the parts are available instantly.
For a list of dealers or more on the bike check out the Trials Plus website and happy riding.
Comments