Xtrig's isoelastic handlebar
mounts, which minimize vibra-
tion, also complement the new
fork.
The X-Pros also feature a
headlight, taillight and meter, a
larger rear brake master cylinder,
a two-position map switch, a
coolant recovery tank, a front
rescue strap, a translucent fuel
tank, a skid plate, and a re
-
shaped seat with softer padding.
Graphics, coloring and body-
work are also new and are even
more contrasting to the RR Race
models than the RRs were.
The obvious difference with
our two test bikes is their en
-
gines. The 300 is powered by a
296.6cc carbureted two-stroke
counterbalanced engine, and the
390 by a 385.6cc fuel-injected
four-valve four-stroke. Both use
a diaphragm-style clutch system
with six-speed transmissions
and final-drive O-ring chains.
Unlike the RR Race two-
strokes, the X-Pro two-strokes
are oil-injected (so there is no
premixing), and the X-Pro four-
strokes offer a traction-control
switch. (There is no traction
control on the 300.)
According to Beta's num
-
bers, at 237 pounds, the 390
weighs nine more pounds than
the 300 (228 pounds). The 300
also has a tick more ground
clearance than the 390 (12.5
inches versus 12.2 inches) and
has approximately half an inch
lower seat height (36.4 inches
versus 36.8 inches).
The X-Pro 300 sells for $9899,
and the 390 for $10,399, a dif
-
ference of $500 and $800 from
their RR Race counterparts.
TH E TRAI L LESS
TRAVELED
Don't think for a second that
the X-Pros are "dumbed down"
foo-foo bikes just because
they're referred to as "single
track" or trail bikes. Not long
ago, these bikes would have
been considered premier off-
road racers, and I wouldn't hesi
-
tate to compete on either one
today in a local enduro, cross-
country, or desert race. Yes,
the RR Race editions are more
desirable for those seeking an
edge in racing due mainly to
their up-spec suspensions, but
the X-Pro 300 and 390 also per
-
form well when ridden aggres-
sively. You'll just want to stiffen
up their suspensions a bit.
You immediately notice the
X-Pros' lower seat height and
somewhat softer suspension
compared to the RR Race edi
-
tion models we have reviewed
in the past. I prefer the X-Pro's
lower seat height, even with
my 6'1" frame and long legs, as
well as the cushier suspension.
The RR Race's KYB suspension,
which is factory-set to be stiffer
VOLUME ISSUE MAY , P101
