VOLUME ISSUE JANUARY , P77
A QUICK
BRIEFING
BETA 300 RR RACE EDITION
MSRP: $10,399
WEIGHT (MEASURED, WET): 245 LBS.
Beta offers two 300cc two-stroke off-
roaders, the RR and RR Race Edition.
They are very similar motorcycles. The
main differences between the two that
you'll care most about are the Race
Edition's higher-grade KYB suspen-
sion package versus the RR's Sachs
components and the Race Edition's
lubrication system, premix versus the
RR's oil-injection system.
The Race Edition also has slightly
different cylinder porting, a different
cylinder head, and more "bling" parts.
Both RR and Race Edition models
fall into the headlight category. We
chose the Race Edition for this com-
parison because we believe most of
you will opt for the higher-end Race
Edition over the standard RR despite
the $500 price difference. You get a
lot for that extra $500, mainly superior
suspension. For another $300, you
can have your Race Edition fitted with
oil injection, which is something we'd
do in a heartbeat. Yes, it might add
some weight, but we're okay with that.
The Beta 300 RR and RR Race Edi-
tion are both carbureted.
The Beta is the only bike in this
comparison with a Nissin front brake;
the rest come with either Brembo or
BrakeTech.
Betas are built in Italy and have
been available in the U.S. for many
years now. It's a popular European
brand with several World Enduro and
European off-road titles on its resume.
It's not a fledgling company by any
means anymore.
The Beta felt the most "moto-ee."