BETA’S 2022 XTRAINER: BIG UPGRADES

Dirt bike consumers go gaga for 300cc two-strokes. Here in Australia, and in several other countries around the world, a 300cc two-stroke is now the biggest-selling enduro model for all five brands that produce one: Beta, KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas and Sherco. Which begs the question: why is Beta the only manufacturer to offer a rider-friendly, low seat height, detuned version of their hardnosed enduro machine; a bike designed to be a cost-effective ‘stepping-stone’ machine for those who don’t want or need a seriously equipped enduro weapon, or aren’t quite ready for one?

It’s a damn good question, and one that’s even more difficult to answer when you consider the fact that Beta’s XTrainer 300 is now the brand’s biggest-selling model in Australia.

Given those stats, you could have forgiven Beta for sitting on their hands and simply wheeling out a tarted-up 2021-model XTrainer for 2022 – which will be this model’s eighth year of production. But that’s not this forward-thinking Italian company’s style. For 2022, Beta has unveiled a significantly revamped XTrainer (in both 250cc and 300cc versions), with an all-new, short-stroke 300cc powerplant headlining the upgrades.

Here is Beta Motor’s take on the XTrainer’s design concept and a summary of the upgrades that appear on the 2022 models…

DESIGN CONCEPT

The new XTrainer is the first step towards our enduro range – a versatile vehicle ideal for welcoming younger enthusiasts to the enduro world, but also capable of offering more experienced riders a rewarding experience. The XTrainer has all the features and characteristics it needs to cater for a very diverse target demographic and appeal to riders of all genders and ages, specifically:

• A lower seat height of just 910mm
• A dry weight of just 98kg
• An engine with smooth, manageable power delivery
• Automatic oil injection
• Soft compound tyres
• Easy-to-access externally adjustable power-valve

The XTrainer is the perfect bike for novice riders venturing into enduro for the first time but also, and above all, a bike for any enthusiast of any experience level, offering an enjoyable riding experience without overtaxing the physical and technical capabilities of the rider. These characteristics make the XTrainer an extremely versatile bike, created to get the best out of any rider. 

Novice riders approaching the enduro world for the first time will find this an extraordinarily intuitive and manageable bike, while more experienced users will enjoy its poised balance and its easily accessible but impressive performance. The version presented in 2021 gains several significant upgrades and improvements to accentuate the strengths of this model.  

XTRAINER 300 – 2022 UPGRADES

The 2022 XTrainer 300 introduces the following updated features:

• Engine: the engine has been completely revised, with an all-new larger-bore cylinder, a new piston and a new power-valve;
• Crankshaft: new shorter-throw crankshaft, for a shorter piston stroke than the previous model; and
• Cylinder head: the head is also completely new and has been redesigned to complement the other new components to perfection.

The new engine, combined with a dedicated new ECU map, boasts smoother and more progressive response to throttle input and more linear power delivery. The bike as a whole is also easier to handle, providing a smoother riding approach.

XTRAINER 250/300 – 2022 UPGRADES

In addition to the above, both the 250 and 300cc versions have received the following improvements:

• Clutch with diaphragm springs: this solution makes the clutch action lighter, more progressive and more controllable, significantly reducing rider fatigue. Both engagement and disengagement have been improved, while the clutch is now capable of transmitting even more torque. To allow for totally customisable set-up, three different spring preload settings are available, adjustable with a simple mechanical procedure;
• New starter motor: this extremely reliable unit has the power needed to restart the engine even in the trickiest situations;
• Updated electrical system: the improved layout of the bike’s electrical system improves reliability and makes components quicker to remove and replace; and
• New graphics and plastics colours.

WHEN, WHERE & HOW MUCH?

Both 250 and 300cc XTrainer models are now available from Australian Beta dealers. RRPs (not including pre-delivery and on-road costs) are $11,195 for the XT 250 and $11,495 for the XT 300.