Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1471275
SPECIFICATIONS 2022 BETA XTRAINER ($7999) ENGINE TYPE 2-stroke, single, adjustable power-valve COOLING SYSTEM Liquid DISPLACEMENT 292.3cc BORE X STROKE 73 x 69.9mm STARTING SYSTEM Electric (optional kickstart backup) LUBRICATION Oil injection FUELING Keihin PWK 36mm TRANSMISSION 6-speed CLUTCH Wet multi-disc diaphragm-style clutch with hydraulic actuation FRAME Molybdenum steel perimeter double-cradle-type FRONT SUSPENSION Sachs 43mm inverted fork with adjustable damping REAR SUSPENSION Sachs steel body with adjustable rebound and compression FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 10.6 in REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 10.6 in FRONT WHEEL 21 in. REAR WHEEL 18 in. FRONT TIRE 90/90 x 21 Michelin Enduro Medium REAR TIRE 140/80 x 18 Michelin Enduro Medium FRONT BRAKE 260mm, Nissin master cylinder and caliper REAR BRAKE 240mm, Nissin master cylinder and caliper SEAT HEIGHT 35.8 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 12.6 in. WHEELBASE 57.8 in. FUEL CAPACITY 2.25 gal. WEIGHT (WET, FULL FUEL) 238 lbs. RIDE REVIEW I 2022 BETA XTRAINER P98 whoops in the desert, but I am not trying to race, so it is good enough to enjoy the ride. The only issue I have had is a wire that controls the oil-injection system came apart, and I learned of some other own- ers having similar wiring harness issues via some of the online forums." Nathan Glinski is a 33-year-old that lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, that grew up riding trials. He owns a 2017 XTrainer and previ- ously owned a Beta 250 RR and KTM 300 XCW. "I bought the XTrainer because being 5'9," I felt that the lower seat height would help me ride the tough trails we ride around here. I have finished four Tennessee Knock- out Hard Enduro events in the amateur class and made it through both Saturday races each time. You can feel the difference in the size. I haven't had any problems with the bike, it has been very reliable." Beginner riders may compare this to entry-level four-strokes that are a couple thousand dollars less expensive. Those bikes are over 60 pounds heavier than the XTrainer, which weighs in at 238 pounds with a full fuel tank ready to ride. The weight and lower quality suspension, brakes and engine performance put those entry-level four-strokes in a different class that can be more difficult to ride. If you are an experienced rider that is comparing this with the Beta RR, Sherco, Yamaha or KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas two-stroke off-road models, you will be surprised at how much easier the XTrainer is to ride, especially in difficult terrain. This is especially true if you are relatively short, but it doesn't give up much in terms of pure speed. If you are a talented rider and in great shape, you can probably take advan- tage of the additional suspension travel and engine performance of the RR and alterna- tive brand off-road bikes, but for most off- road riders, the XTrainer will likely improve your confidence and fun factor. CN