2022 BETA RR ‘RACING’ MODELS: UNVEILED!

A month back, we revealed images and upgrade info about Beta’s 2022 RR models – the Italian brand’s ‘standard’ enduro models, which come with a bunch of significant updates for 2022, including an all-new, short-stroke 300cc two-stroke powerplant and a diaphragm-spring clutch fitted to all but the 125 and 200cc two-strokes in the eight-bike model-range.

If those blood-red Italian enduro weapons weren’t enough to make you drool, check out these red, white and blue machines – Beta’s 2022 RR ‘Racing’ range. These bikes are up-specced, ready-to-race versions of their RR counterparts and are very similar to the race bikes used by Brad Freeman and Steve Holcombe, who’ve won an astonishing total of 14 world titles for Beta over the past five years and have locked up the EnduroGP World Championship’s Outright title for five years on the trot!

For the 2022 RR Racing models, Beta’s engineers have worked on developing upgrades for both the suspension and the powertrain, along with the first-time fitment of traction control on the four-strokes, engine performance upgrades for the 200 and 300cc two-stroke, and some weight savings.

But what sort of up-specced componentry do these flash-looking RR Racing machines get, and how are they priced relative to their RR-model counterparts? Read on…

RR RACING MODEL COMPONENTRY…

All MODELS – RACING COMPONENTS

• Quick-release front axle
• Red Vertigo handguards
• Metzeler tyres
• Machined alloy footpegs
• ZF rear sprocket with anodised aluminium core and steel teeth.
• Blue gripper seat
• Anodised black gear lever and rear brake pedal
• Anodised red aluminium for gearbox oil filler cap, engine oil filler cap and oil filter cap
• Chain tensioners in red anodised alloy
• New Racing graphics and red rim decals

All MODELS – SUSPENSION

In place of the ZF Sachs fork used on RR models, all RR Racing models are fitted with a 48mm Kayaba AOS closed-cartridge fork.According to Beta, “You can’t talk about suspension of these bikes without mentioning the closed-cartridge fork by KYB, a leading brand in enduro for years, whose products have once again been chosen for Beta’s MY 2022 models. This product has been continuously honed and improved through collaboration between Beta and Kayaba, giving shape to a highly specialised component that not only maximises the performance of RR Racing bikes, but also makes this performance even more accessible. Anodised internal parts minimise sliding friction, while adjustable compression and rebound damping let each rider find the perfect setting. Betamotor’s engineers have, however, revised the calibration of this component, mainly to improve comfort during initial compression, when shocks from the terrain are transmitted to the rider.”

THE TWO-STROKE MODELS

To save weight, all four of the 2022 RR Racing range’s two-stroke models do away with the automatic oil injection system that’s used on their RR counterparts, meaning they need to be fed a pre-mixed ratio of fuel and oil. Interestingly, these two-stroke Racing models can still be fitted with an aftermarket oil mixer, available as an accessory from the Beta Factory Parts catalogue.

300CC TWO-STROKE ENGINE

The cylinder of the 300cc engine (which has already been radically updated for the standard RR model) now features a cylinder with modified exhaust and transfer port geometry and a new head, combined with a differently calibrated power-valve. The new head, with both modified flow geometry and combustion chamber geometry, produces a higher compression ratio, resulting in a substantial increase in performance. To better manage the increased power output of the engine, Beta’s engineers have upgraded the power-valve, changing the internal spring and adjustment system to ensure full-bodied and readily accessible power delivery throughout the rev range. The ignition advance has also been modified to complement these upgrades to the engine.

200CC TWO-STROKE ENGINE

Beta’s engineers have also modified the head of the 200cc version and replaced the two power-valves used in the standard RR engine with a single, stiffer component. These upgrades contribute to increasing power at mid to high engine revs.

FOUR-STROKES – TRACTION CONTROL

The most significant new feature in the four-stroke range is the introduction of traction control – a first on an RR bike. According to Beta, “Advances in motorcycle technology are giving shape to new components and systems usable even on enduro bikes, which let the rider make more effective use of the motorcycle in all possible conditions. They make the performance of its models, and of its bigger displacement bikes in particular, ever more accessible to the rider in any situation.

“In addition to user-selectable electronic engine management maps, Beta has now introduced a new traction control function. The TC function can be engaged at any time from a new button on the control panel in the usual position between the steering tube and the fuel tank. As both the TC function and engine map selection function are controlled from this panel, it now has two control buttons and two separate indicator LEDs for the two functions,” Beta’s engineers went on to explain.

For full model information and specifications, check out Beta’s website: www.betamotor.com.au

PRICING & ETA

Beta’s 2022 range of RR Racing models will be hitting Aussie dealers from January, 2022. As outlined by the pricing table below, they’re $300 and $900 more expensive than their 2021-model predecessors (depending on the model) and carry a premium of between $1300 and $2000 over their RR-model counterparts.