4-WAY BETA 300CC 2T COMPARO

If you’re in the market for a 300cc two-stroke dirt bike – and let’s face it, a lot of people are cos a 300cc two-stroke is now several brands’ biggest-selling model – Beta has got to be on your radar because, with four 300cc two-strokes to choose from, they offer more options than any other manufacturer.

Beta gives you the choice of:

• RR300: The ‘standard’ enduro model, which uses the new, short-stroke engine;
• RR300 Racing: The up-specced, race-ready enduro model with a KYB fork;
• RX300: Beta’s only production MXer, which is based on the RR Racing model, but uses the older, longer-stroke engine configuration and longer-travel KYB suspension;
• Xtrainer 300: The lightweight, rider-friendly, detuned version of its hardnosed enduro-model cousins, which uses a very different, perimeter-style chromoly frame.

But how do these four models compare when it comes to component spec and, more importantly, performance? How versatile is each machine to ride? Where does each model shine or show shortfalls? And which bike best suits what sort of rider?

With the help of the guys from Coffs Harbour-based Beta dealership, MidCoast Moto, we assembled a bunch of test pilots from differing riding backgrounds to answer those questions…