2019 Beta Off-Road Motorcycles: First Look

Cycle News Staff | June 21, 2018

Beta has revealed its complete line of 2019 off-road and dual sport motorcycles and the big news here is the addition of a new model–the two-stroke 200 RR. This expands the company’s line of motorcycles to 12.

2019 Beta Off-Road Motorcycles: First Look

Beta unveils new 200 RR
The 2019 Beta 200 RR has arrived as a brand new model.

The following is from Beta USA:

The new 2019 Beta models arrive on the market with a broader range than in previous years. The Italian manufacturer has not only been working hard refining their current model range but also has developed an all new model, the 200 RR! A 2-stroke that, following the recent introduction of the 125cc, completes the product range which now features no less than twelve different models between the RR and RR-S lineup. The Beta philosophy is to make sure each engine size has its own distinct personality so as to meet the specific needs of every Off Road and Dual Sport rider.

Given the engine size and low weight, the newly arrived 200 RR has inherited the chassis set-up of the 125. More specifically, the frame, in chrome molybdenum with double cradle split above the exhaust port, has been designed for small engine displacements. It features revised main dimensions and ensures optimal engine positioning. The chassis, an offspring of its smaller 125cc sister and is characterized by a special layout that aims to optimize weight distribution and engine dynamics. This is not a model designed for extreme racing: however, thanks to the introduction of the automatic oil injector and the electric start, it’s a great all-around bike for those looking for some epic Enduro or Off-Road free time fun.

There has been no lack of upgrades across the existing range either, with improvements stemming from extensive race experience: in the last two years Beta has won two EnduroGP Constructors’ World Championships, an Enduro3 World Title and EnduroGP title with Steve Holcombe, an Enduro Junior World Title with Brad Freeman and two wins in the Assoluti d’Italia as well as Beta USA’s Max Gerston winning the AMA Hare Scramble Championship.

Work has focused on both the engine and the chassis setup, with particular attention being paid to the suspension – front and rear – now fitted with top-drawer ZF Sachs components which are much more advanced than those used in the past in that adjustments can be made with no tools needed.

2019 Beta 200 RR

Engine

  • Double piston rings (54 mm): component designed to ensure high rigidity and reliability; the choice of double rings provides a better seal at the low and medium revs that are better suited for Off Road trail riding.
  • Beta progressive valve: This exclusive system allows a broad power delivery due to the special timing of the opening of the main flap and that of the side boosters. The delayed opening of the boosters enables excellent performance and linear power throughout the engine’s rpm range.
  • Crankshaft with polyamide inserts: favors lightness and ensures optimum filling of the crankcase, boosting performance and reliability.
  • Cylinder: has an exhaust flange system as on the bigger engines, enabling better control of frontal piston-flap-cylinder play. By keeping this value to a minimum it is possible to achieve a significant low-rev performance boost by reducing exhaust gas leakage.
  • Aluminum demountable cylinder head dome: rigid and lightweight solution made possible by shifting the engine mount on to the cylinder. The geometry of the combustion chamber is designed to ensure a high-efficiency thermodynamic cycle and obtain the best compromise between responsiveness at low-to-medium revs and during spurts. It also facilitates fine tuning and replacement of the combustion chamber.
  • Die-cast crankcase in aluminum alloy: the casing geometries were designed according to an innovative layout in terms of the relative position of components and with a view to maximize weight reduction without compromising structural strength. Considerable attention was focused on the main bearing area to ensure correct wall rigidity in order to withstand the stresses transmitted by the crankshaft.
  • Die-cast crankcase covers in magnesium alloy: ensure very low weight and optimal surface finish. It also proved possible to adopt this solution for the inner clutch cover thanks to isolation of the water pump from this element.
  • Vforce4 reed valve packet: the stoppers ensure high reliability without compromising performance.
  • 6-speed dog-box transmission: specially developed for small Beta engines with gears made from forged blanks to provide mechanical strength and reliability while still keeping size and weight extremely low.
  • Clutch: multi-disc in oil bath with reverse opening, actuator integrated into the outer cover. This is a system designed for maximum engine lightness and compactness. Thanks to low-slung positioning, it ensures reduction of power unit size and a significant centralization of weight, crucial for good chassis dynamics.
  • Exhaust system: to optimize the 2-stroke engine’s torque and power curves, the Beta R&D Department has developed a special system dedicated to this engine size.
  • Electric start: perfect start-up convenience whatever the situation. (Back-Up kick starter option available as an accessory)
  • Automatic oil injection: eliminates the need for a fuel-oil premix.

Chassis:

  • Updated Steering Head Design: various solutions were investigated and developed before reaching a final one that has allowed a reduction in engine-generated vibration while maintaining good engine-frame system stiffness.
  • Sachs Suspension: derived from the rest of the RR range but with its own settings. At the front there is an open-cartridge fork of 48 mm diameter.
  • Filter box air boot: designed for this engine type, it improves flow across the entire rev range, even at low revs.
  • Skid Plate: made from tough yet light polyamide, it features excellent shielding to stop mud getting between the engine and the guard itself.
  • Fuel tank: compared to larger models, a slightly smaller tank has been adopted to improve on-board ergonomics while maintaining good fuel autonomy.
  • Cooling system: specifically designed for this bike, features new hoses and radiators with specially shaped reservoirs to fit the small size of the motorcycle.
  • Nissin braking system: extremely powerful and configurable, the same as on the rest of the Enduro range.

List of technical upgrades to other RR and RR-S Models:

2019 Beta 250 and 300 RR continue to be updated
Returning models include the updated 250 and 300 RR two-strokes.

Engine

2-Stroke RR:

  • New engine control unit (ECU): guarantees a more powerful spark at high revs, improving combustion and engine performance.
  • Clutch actuator with larger diameter: gives the clutch lever a softer, more responsive feel.
  • New BPV exhaust valve opening adjustment (on 300 cc only): allows extremely linear power delivery, creating a high-performance engine that is easy to use under extreme conditions.
  • BPV power valve springs kit (on 300 cc only): supplied with the bike to extend the bike’s power delivery according to the rider’s needs. Thanks to springs with a spring rate lower than the standard ones, performance is better at mid-high revs, giving fuller, more decisive power delivery.
  • Stiffer clutch cover (on 125 cc only): improves operation and produces a more precise bite-release action.
  • New expansion chamber (on 250/300cc only): ensures increased performance throughout the rev range.

4-Stroke RR-S:

  • New throttle control: designed by Domino exclusively for Beta for improved engine response, giving optimized traction even on the most difficult terrain.
  • New mapping for all engine sizes combined with the excellent response of the new throttle control.
  • Clutch actuator with larger diameter: gives the clutch lever a softer, more responsive feel.

Chassis:

2 Stroke RR & 4-Stroke RR-S:

Beta updated its dual sport models for 2019
Beta’s 2019 dual sport models, the RR-Ss, get suspension updates.
  • New ZF Sachs (48 mm) fork with new adjustment system: provides positioning of the compression, rebound and spring preload adjusters on the upper fork cap; they can be reached while sitting on the bike and do not require tools. The fork also benefits from a new bushing system which ensures greater stability and a slider with special anodizing that reduces friction and increases durability.
  • New fork shoes (yoke): stiffer and lighter.
  • New fork guards: designed together with the shoe to combine practicality and design.
  • Fully redesigned ZF Sachs shock: with more compact 46 mm piston, about 300g lighter. The new piston has been designed to ensure more stable operation as the oil temperature varies and increased sensitivity to enhance comfort and traction. The small upper base and reservoir have also been redesigned to be farther away from the exhaust pipe while minimizing weight. New spring is also lighter.
  • New graphics and colors. 

Prices:

RR 2 Stroke:

125 RR:           $7999

200 RR:           $8399

250 RR:           $8699

300 RR:           $8899

RR-S 4 Stroke: (Dual Sport)

350 RR-S:         $10,299

390 RR-S:         $10,399

430 RR-S:         $10,499

500 RR-S:         $10,599

Availability

125, 250, & 300 RR:                August

350, 390, 430, 500 RR-S:     September

200 RR:                                     November

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