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/1490735
RIDE REVIEW I 2023 BETA 300 RR RACE EDITION P76 as the KTM, Husqvarna and Gas- Gas bikes that set the smooth- ness standard in the class. You won't likely notice this unless you ride the Beta back to back with one of the Austrian bikes. The 2.5-gallon tank delivers a similar range to any other bike in this class, although the fuel pickup tube is relatively tall, resulting in the need to switch to reserve when there is a lot of fuel/range left in the tank. So it gives you an early warning to look for fuel, and if you are racing, you would be wise to run it on reserve, so you don't "run out" at an inopportune time. The Beta's motor is what really differentiates it from the KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas TPI bikes, but the KYB suspen - sion is a big difference from the standard RR models we've tested in the past. As we noted earlier, the KYB shock and fork are a significant improvement over the Sachs units on the standard Beta RR models. Most of our test riders loved the KYB's factory settings that work well in just about any trail condition. The suspension has excellent compliance on the small stuff but also allows you to push the pace without blowing through the travel. On previous Beta RR 300 tests, we said we loved the motor, and with the 300 RR Race Edition, we can also say we love the suspension, too. The chassis performs well at speed with confidence-inspiring stability. The 300 RR works well in slow technical terrain, as well, but a few test riders that race hard enduro events noticed that the turning radius is a little less than other bikes and requires some modification to the radia - tors to provide more clearance if you remove the steering stop bolts. As we said in previous Beta 300 RR tests, the Brembo hy - draulically controlled clutch has a light pull, and the overall clutch performance is good in almost There's no lack of power here. The Beta's engine pumps out plenty of power, and it's all useable. (Left) The Beta off-road models include most of the necessary items for off-road riding, including an enduro computer, headlight, skid plate and handguards. If you like the tight and technical trails, a radiator fan and more protection parts are nice upgrades. (Above) The Race Edition includes some bling parts to go along with the motor and suspension upgrades. It's well worth the $500 price increase over the standard RR model and puts it into a serious discussion as the best 300cc two-stroke off-road bike.