2020 Beta enduros: big step forward!
The world presentation of the new Beta 2020 models took place high in the Tuscan mountains a few weeks ago. A full evening presentation was first given in the small village of Il Ciocco (known for the Hell's Gate hard enduro). The real test work was planned the next day!
During that presentation we were first presented with some figures. This showed that Beta is doing well. The Italian manufacturer has already experienced good growth in recent years and this continued in 2018. Beta sold more than 22.000 motorcycles worldwide. No less than 63% of these were sold outside Europe!
We read that a few days before the presentation all Beta enduro models had been taken seriously. One can even speak of completely new engines. From frame to subframe to engine and even the swingarm for the four-stroke models, they were all changed. For the two-stroke models, the 250 and 300 models were revised with a new balance shaft, new connecting rod and flywheel.
Just adjust
From the moment you sit on a motorcycle you will notice very clearly that the seating position is different. In the past you had more of a feeling that the bike was leaning on the back and you were sitting in the bike. Now the engine is more upside down. It feels bigger and you sit shorter on the handlebars. This is because the saddle, fuel tank, subframe and plastic are now in one nice line. Because the movement from rear to front is completely flat, you can also move very smoothly on the motorcycle.
The new frame has also become 20 mm narrower at the bottom of the new footpegs, so you are less likely to hit the ground when taking a deep track. Because the frame is completely new, the block is also located just 20 mm further back, it is 15% stiffer, but narrower at the footpegs as mentioned above.
The steering head angle has also been sharpened and is now 22°. Beta has clearly thought of many things. While different bolts were used in previous models, all bolts are now of the same dimensions. The entire wiring harness, placement of the electrical components and air filter box have been renewed, mounted more efficiently and better finished. They have also followed the advice of their GP team and fitted a new air filter and mounting system to all models.
The bestseller: 300 two-stroke
We started with the 300 two-stroke with high expectations. This is and remains the best-selling engine at Beta. It immediately became clear that the balance shaft makes a lot of difference. The reduced vibrations were noticeable from the first moment. The other changes to the block caused the character to change slightly. The 300 used to have extremely high torque. This was now slightly less, but he now climbs the revs a little faster, so he still makes a lot of meters. Because the power comes a little faster, it feels a little more aggressive.
The quarter-liter clearly shows more of the 'motocross' character. The engine has less torque but is still very agile and climbs quickly. The Beta 250 is therefore slightly more nervous than its bigger brother. With this 250, driving on torque as with the 300 is almost out of the question. The mid and top ranges are the most useful.
In the afternoon it was time for the 125 and 200. These were the least mechanically modified of all. The 125 now has all the standard specifications of the 125 2019 racing. This means that the cylinder, timing and power valve have been adjusted compared to last year. The usable power of this lightweight enduro is therefore very small. Which does not alter the fact that it really turns and turns very well between the trees and on the stony Italian surface.
Then to the 200. I came away from this with the biggest smile behind my ears. “Damn, what a nice little bike this is!” It immediately puts a smile on your face. The fun factor is so great here. And it has quite a bit of power. You do have to drive it at high revs, but then it remains very controllable and predictable. It has just that little bit more torque than the 125 but runs longer in its revs.
After the two-strokes were fully tested and assessed, it was time for the completely new four-strokes!
The 2020 Beta four-strokes
The 350 is and remains the lightest and most competitive motorcycle. The engine revs faster and runs longer and revs slightly higher than the previous model. The heavy four-stroke feeling has really disappeared with the lightest beta four-stroke engine. It is also the easiest to change direction and under the heading 'turning' this is easier than the rest of his heavier models. If you really want to drive at a fast pace with this engine, you have to do this in the middle range and let it continue to rev.
The 390 is barely 40 cc more, but you notice this clearly. The engine has just a little more torque than the 350 but still feels light. When turning and braking towards the bend, you feel that the engine has more inertia and wants to move forward instead of turning away. This difference is really minimal but noticeable.
As soon as you take off with the 430 you immediately feel so much more torque than with the 390 or the 350. You can really let this engine almost completely drop into the corner in third gear and you will still get through. It has a very usable, pleasant and quiet character and runs lower revs than the two lighter four-strokes.
The heaviest Beta on paper, namely the 480, was also a pleasant surprise. Anyone who thinks this is a heavy 'tank' will actually be disappointed. With a very pleasant engine character and no aggressiveness at all in the engine, this is really a nice engine. Especially for driving around in the Kempen, Limburg or the Dutch blowing sand. The midrange is phenomenally strong, while it is slightly weaker at the bottom.
All the four-stroke models have become clearly more stable in a straight line. The increased driving comfort and the more pleasant engine characters have also really become a strong weapon for these Italian motorcycles! From the 350 to the 480 they feel really fresh. They feel light and respond nicely to the gas. Due to the stiffer frame, the steering behavior is affected and you will notice that turning is slightly more difficult compared to the 2019 model.
A downside to all motorcycles is the suspension. For the hobbyist who goes for a ride with friends on Sunday, the standard suspension will be sufficient, provided some adjustment is made. When you as a rider gain just a little more speed, the suspension can no longer follow. After some adjustments it got better in the afternoon. For pilots who compete, it is recommended to take the suspension to a specialist and have it adjusted to level and weight. Purchasing an after-sales suspension kit from the Beta is really a good investment if you ride at a high level!
Which engine for which use?
200 two-stroke: The fun/play bike. The engine character combined with the light weight and good steering behavior make this Beta the most fun motorcycle to drive. Purely because the fun factor is very high and the two-stroke sound always sounds good to the ears!
350 four-stroke: The competition engine. By far the best engine to set the fastest chrono! Has excellent steering behavior, super engine character and remains light to the touch. Enough torque to drive on 'traction' and the high revs to make meters. Install the right suspension, program the right mapping and you're ready to compete!
390 four-stroke: The best all-rounder for the hobbyist. If you just want to go for a quiet ride with friends on Sundays, the 390 is the best choice. There is no need to worry about which gear you are in exactly, the 390 keeps pulling through!
For more information and complete technical data, I would like to refer you to Betamotor website
Text: Mathias Van Hoof
Photos: Beta/Marco Campelli
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