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- Down-to-earth evolution
- 2018 models without kick starter
- Readjustment of the suspension combo necessary
- The rear frame offers noticeably more freedom of movement
- Tariffs remain unchanged for the third year in a row
- 2018 betas – what’s new?
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The new Beta RR 125 2T in the driving report.
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Flat piece: The narrower coupling enables a flatter housing cover. An advantage in berms and ruts.
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The new Beta RR 125 2T in the driving report.
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Take two: An additional injection nozzle in the intake hose (right) should provide more power at higher speeds.
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The new Beta RR 125 2T in the driving report.
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The new Beta RR 125 2T in the driving report.
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The new Beta RR 125 2T in the driving report.
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The new Beta RR 125 2T in the driving report.
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The new Beta RR 125 2T in the driving report.
Beta sports enduro bikes (model year 2018) in an individual test
Down-to-earth evolution
Last year Beta won the first Enduro World Champion title in the company’s history. The family business is now sending its 2018 models into the field.
At B.eta traditionally prefer the somewhat quieter tones. Instead of taking the scene by surprise with spectacular innovations, the development policy is taking small steps. And drives well with it. The sales figures increase from year to year. Last season, the off-road forge from the vicinity of Florence brought 8,500 enduro bikes to the people with an affinity for tunnels. Against this background, the 2018 editions of the red and white Enduros also correspond to the company motto: down-to-earth evolution instead of excited revolution.
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Beta sports enduro bikes (model year 2018) in an individual test
Down-to-earth evolution
Four-stroke models with the biggest changes
The most noticeable innovation benefits the four-stroke models from Beta – and that’s only what we’re talking about here. Because in addition to the previous injection nozzle behind the throttle valve, another injection unit in the intake hose after the air filter is intended to provide more power, especially in the middle and upper speed range. The trick is not new. Kawasaki has been equipping its quarter-liter crossers with this technology since 2012. In the KX 250 F, the inhalation upgrade brought measurably more peak performance and better running smoothness.
2018 models without kick starter
And because electric starters have long been considered good form in sport enduros, the men from Tuscany did without a kick starter for the first time, saving 1.7 kilograms – and also thanks to the new, narrower clutch. The pounds also fell on the chassis, if at all. Despite the greater flexural rigidity (plus 10 percent) and increased torsional rigidity (plus 21 percent) of the frame, the technicians filed a stately 3.6 kilos of the chassis and peripherals. With a total of 5.3 kilos less on the ribs, the previously somewhat heavier beta models should have caught up with the competition after this diet.
Readjustment of the suspension combo necessary
And what’s the point? First of all, a surprise. While the suspension elements of the beta off-roaders were previously designed to be extremely comfortable, the upside-down fork from Sachs is now much tighter. Because the shock absorber, also supplied by Sachs, still rides on the soft wave, the RR models are tail-heavy. A more pretensioned monoshock spring alleviates the chopper feeling somewhat, but cannot completely restore the previously excellent balance of the beta enduros. Ambitious pilots will have to have the suspension system readjusted by the chassis specialist.
The rear frame offers noticeably more freedom of movement
A good consolation: The new, stiffer frame can be felt positively in the narrow corners of the special stages. Despite the high front, the RR hits the ruts more precisely and holds the line, inspiring confidence. Also good: The slim rear frame adopted from the Hobby model Xtrainer offers noticeably more freedom of movement, making it easier for the pilot to move in the air or in demanding passages on the bike. Easy Living is also popular because of the traditionally smooth running engines. Velvety and easy to dose, the quartet pushes in all four displacement variants, thus still preserving the excellent traction typical of Beta.
Tariffs remain unchanged for the third year in a row
The 350 scores points as the handiest bike, which feels that it benefits the most from the new double injection and can therefore close the gap to the larger displacement on the engine side. The 390 is still blessed with a sensational, slightly less speed-hungry engine and, in terms of handling, is closer to the 350 than its big sisters, the Beta RR 430 and Beta RR 480. This duo had a harder time on the tricky test track and probably preferred more extensive ones Slopes. In keeping with the style of the house, the family business is also cautious when it comes to pricing. The tariffs of all models remain unchanged for the third year in a row.
2018 betas – what’s new?
All types:
- Frame reinforced in the front area
- Air filter box narrower
- The clutch is lower and enables a narrower motor housing
- Circuit revised
- Battery with lithium-ion technology
Two-stroke models:
- Total weight reduced by 4.7 kilograms
- Crankshaft with more flywheel
- Compression higher (only 250 cm³)
- Prices unchanged (7,990 to 8,190 euros)
Four-stroke models:
- Total weight reduced by 5.3 kg
- Injection with two nozzles (previously one)
- Modified silencer for more spontaneous response
- Kickstarter is not applicable
- Prices unchanged (8,990 to 9,190 euros)
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