First Look: 2023 Beta RR Racing Models

Back in June this year, we revealed images and upgrade info about Beta’s eight-model 2023 RR models – the Italian brand’s ‘standard’ enduro models, which come with a bunch of significant updates for 2023 that were aimed at, “not only increasing the performance of the bikes, but also making this performance even more accessible”, according to Beta’s PR.

But if those blood-red Italian enduro weapons weren’t enough to get your pulse racing, check out these red, white and blue beauties – Beta’s 2023 RR ‘Racing’ range. These machines are up-specced, ready-to-race versions of their RR counterparts and are very similar to the EnduroGP race bikes used by Brad Freeman and Steve Holcombe, who’ve collected an astonishing 14 world enduro titles for Beta over the past five years!

These 2023 RR Racing models adopt the new fuel tank and radiator shroud design that was introduced to Beta’s 2023 RR models a few months ago, but their standout new componentry – for both the two- and four-stroke models – is the introduction of the Kayaba shock absorber!

So, let’s do a take-stock of the up-specced componentry these flash-looking 2023 Beta RR Racing machines get, and see how are they priced relative to their RR-model counterparts? Read on for Beta’s detailed insights…

ALL MODELS – RACING COMPONENTS

Quick-release front axle: Immediately recognisable by the red anodised alloy release lever, the axle is crucial for saving precious seconds in a race when you need to change a tyre.
Reinforced handguards: The new handguards, designed and manufactured in-house by Betamotor, feature a two-component material mould, in red and blue, which not only give the bike a racing look but also make them especially hard-wearing in even the toughest off-road use.
Metzeler tyres: The Racing range is fitted with the same tyres used by the official team riders in the EnduroGP championship; high-end products with championship-winning levels of grip!
CNC alloy footpegs: To ensure maximum control at all times and ensure no loss of contact with the bike, the RR Racing models are fitted with black CNC racing footpegs with steel pins, featuring a large contact surface area.
Rear sprocket with anodised aluminium core and steel teeth by ZF Sprockets: Top-class performance, lightness and strength – the perfect mix of all the attributes any racing component must have.
Dedicated blue racing seat: An anti-slip cover and built-in pouch offering unparalleled grip, comfort and practicality.
Anodised black gear lever and rear brake pedal.
Anodised red aluminium parts: Gearbox oil filler cap, engine oil filler cap and oil filter cap.
Red CNC alloy parts: Chain tensioners.
Looks: New Racing graphics and red and blue wheel decals.

ALL MODELS – SUSPENSION

48mm Kayaba AOS closed-cartridge fork: The MY 2023 retains the closed-cartridge fork by KYB. This product has been continuously honed 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 and the new treatments administered to the materials minimise sliding friction, while adjustable compression and rebound damping let each rider find the perfect customisation of the setting. Betamotor engineers have recalibrated the setting so that the fork works optimally in synergy with the new rear shock.

Kayaba C46 RCU Mono Shock: The main change as far as the suspension of the RR Racing models is concerned is the first ever use of a Kayaba rear shock, specifically designed and manufactured for Beta’s two- and stroke-stroke 2023 RR Racing models. The new shock’s hydraulic setting can be fully customised by adjusting the external compression (both high- and low-speed) and rebound settings. KYB shocks are seen as a gold standard in the racing scene in terms of their ability to absorb the roughness of the terrain, the level of traction transferred to the vehicle and the consistency of performance even under particularly heavy use, where the high temperatures generated by the suspension’s damping activity tend to make the component’s performance fluctuate. There has therefore been an improvement in the bikes’ set-up, both in racing use (for which the setting is intended) and in more amateur use, where there is an overall increase in ride comfort.

ENGINE – RR200 RACING & RR300 RACING

For the 2022 model-year, Beta made some changes to the power unit to enhance the performance of the RR Racing 300cc and 200cc two-stroke models, which remain unchanged in the MY 2023 model year. The 300cc and 200cc Racing engines differ from the basic RR models in the following respects:

RR300 Racing: Compared to the RR models, the cylinder of the 300cc engine now features modified exhaust and transfer port geometry and a different cylinder head, combined with a differently calibrated power-valve. The cylinder head, different from standard both in terms of modified flow geometry and combustion chamber geometry, ensures a higher compression ratio, resulting in a substantial increase in performance. To better manage the increased power output of the engine, the power-valve has also been modified, changing the internal spring and adjustment system to ensure full-bodied and readily accessible power delivery throughout the rev range. A different ignition timing completes the package.

RR200 Racing: The 200cc engine also retains a different cylinder head to the standard RR version, as well as a single, stiffer power-valve, instead of the two used in the RR. All this contributes to increasing power at mid to high engine speeds.

PRICING & AVAILABILITY

According to Beta Motorcycles Australia’s MD, Patrick Lowry, the 2023 RR Racing models will be available in Australia from January, 2023, at the following prices* (these are between $1200 and $2000 more expensive than their standard RR-model counterparts, depending on the model):