open-class two-stroke showdown,
we're squaring off with these two
major players: the 2023 KTM 300
SX and Beta 300 RX.
IN THIS CORNER
In the red corner, you have the
Beta 300 RX. The Italian brand
continues to make waves as it
grows in popularity, especially in
the U.S. The 300 RX is the compa
-
ny's lone motocross bike among
a plethora of enduro, dual-sport
and trials machinery. It uses KYB
suspension components, includ-
ing a 48mm closed-cartridge
coil-spring fork. The Beta weighs
in at 234 pounds with its 2.5-gal
-
lon tank topped off.
The Beta is fueled via a 38mm
Keihin carburetor and has a
manually adjustable exhaust
power valve, an electric starter,
and a six-speed transmission.
It also has two ignition maps to
choose via an in-cockpit switch.
In the orange corner, you
have the KTM 300 SX. This bike
is also a new model for KTM
that was introduced about this
time last year. It's fitted with
WP suspension, including a WP
Xact AER (air) fork. All KTM SX
full-size (motocross) two-stroke
models utilize its new throttle
body (TBI) fuel injection technol
-
ogy. This replaced the transfer
port injection (TPI) on the off-
road models, and the traditional
carburetor on the SX models.
With the SX, you also have two
pre-programmed maps that you
can choose via a button on the
handlebar, and when you change
maps, you're also changing the
operation of its new electronic
exhaust power valve. In the
standard setting, the power
valve opens all the way when
you see a green light blinking, so
you're getting the most out of
the engine. In the other position,
the power output is altered when
you see a white light blinking,
with the power valve only open
-
ing at 80 percent to help make
COMPARISON I 2023 KTM 300 SX VS. BETA 300 RX
P100
The Open-class two-strokes
are making a comeback.
It's about time.
