2018 BETA 125 RR
FIRST IMPRESSION
P122
the engine is ready to accept an
accessory electric start system
should you want one.)
The engine is unique in that
it features a replaceable dome
inside the combustion chamber
that alters the characteristic (for
more top end or more bottom
end) of the power delivery for
certain types of terrain. We did
not have another dome to try but
if it works as promised, it seems
like a pretty neat idea. The Beta
Progressive Valve (BPV) exhaust
power-valve system, however, is
easily adjustable via an external
built-in dial. The BPV design
comes straight from the 250
and 300 RRs.
The liquid-cooled, 124.8cc
engine sits in a red-painted
molybdenum steel/double
cradle frame based on Beta's
bigger brothers but designed for
the 125's smaller engine, and
is supported by a Sachs 48mm
open-cartridge fork up front
and a single Sachs shock in the
back, both are fully adjustable,
including hi/low-speed damping
clickers in the back.
Nissin handles braking du-
ties, front and rear. These are
the exact same brakes found
on the bigger bikes. Brembo
manages the hydraulic clutch's
operating system.
MAKING TRAIL
Claimed dry weight is just 207
pounds. True or not, it doesn't
really matter, because the 125
RR feels ridiculously light on the
trail, even with all of its off-road
goodies tagging along for the
Those Italians know a thing or
two about style, don't they?
Right:
The cylinder head
dome can be
swapped out for
different revs.
Below:
The Beta is fitted
with powerful Nissin
brakes.