TRAILTIMe
MOST FUN TO RIDE?
The term "fun factor" came up
often during our testing, and the
bike that usually initiated this con-
versation was the Beta. Its "peppy"
motor, outstanding suspension and
slim profile were the likely causes.
As for the motor, one tester de-
scribed it as producing "power like
a muscle car with chunky torque
down low and a midrange-rip that
begs to be opened up." Sounds like
the description of a motocross-
style engine, and that is how more
than one of our testers described
it. Yet, despite that "moto-ee" feel
the Beta delivers, its motor works
exceptionally well at slow or high
speeds and is very manageable
over various terrain, making it an
excellent off-road bike. It adapts to
pretty much anything.
Yes, the word "fun" was used of-
ten when our testers talked about
the Beta. When it gets down to it,
however, none of these bikes aren't
fun to ride; hell no, it's just that the
Beta is the most fun. But not by
much.
WHICH BIKE FOR
TENNESSEE KNOCKOUT?
For hardcore racing, with a high
emphasis on slower-speed hard
enduros or endurocross-type racing,
all are totally acceptable, without
question, but a couple of bikes stand
out. The Sherco, for one, got a lot of
praise for its highly useable bottom-
end power and excellent first-gear
crawlability (although the overall
stock gearing is a bit tall). It also
makes boatloads of power overall,
VOLUME ISSUE JANUARY , P87
