STILL ON TOP
Tried, tested, used and abused; the Italian Beta trials motorcycles are still on top around the world when it comes to a best-seller. With a range of machines to suit riders of all ages and abilities, they command excellent value for money and, more importantly, they still carry excellent residual prices when it comes to changing the machine. There is no considerable changes with the 2020 production models – as the saying goes if it’s not broken then why fix it. Still a very popular choice with the owners who ultimately ride or compete on them, constant fine-tuning is what we have arrived at with this current model, one which remains such a favourite with the buying public. Supported by an excellent importer service with backup, warranty and a huge supply of spare parts second to none, why would you not want to buy a Beta?
The Beta range has been around in its present state for quite a while now. The factory continually refines and improves the models, and here in this ‘Quick Spin’ we focus on the changes that have been included in the 2020 300cc model. Before we unleash our test rider, Sam Connor, into the testing conditions at round one of the 2020 ACU Trial 2 British Championship round at Hookwood, we cast our eye over what’s new and improved in this model.
THE 2020 BETA EVO MY 300CC: WHAT’S NEW?
‘Superior technology’ is how Beta would describe this new model.
The Italian engineers have listened to their top riders in both Great Britain’s James Dabill and Frenchman Benoit Bincaz, who have used their experience to pass it on ultimately to the end consumer – yes, you, the buying public. Their expertise has created a machine which offers excellent smooth, tractable power to suit all the weather conditions we encounter in the trials world. Both amateurs and professional riders can benefit from their knowledge with the 300cc model, which provides an impeccable combination of performance and ease-of-use; once again for riders of all abilities.
CHASSIS
Much attention has been paid to the chassis design. The all-important look of the Evo MY 2020, which has been revised, to make it an even more attractive model. New Front Headlamp Cowling: Completely redesigned for that decisive look that endorses the racing spirit. New Tank Cover: Fully redesigned, further highlighting the hydro-formed aluminium chassis that is a particular feature of the Evo models. New Mapping Selector Switch: With a revolutionary new design this has now been moved from the front headlamp cowling to the new tank cover, making it more visible and, most importantly, more accessible. It now also has an LED indicator light, making it much simpler to identify which mapping is selected by the rider. New Rear Fender: A completely redesigned shape with particular attention paid to the new LED tail light. New Front Fork Setting: Using the experience Beta gained with the 2019 Factory model, the internal hydraulics have been made even more progressive. They have also introduced the ability to fit a compression adjuster kit – already fitted to the Factory model range. New Anodized Parts: The gear change lever, foot brake lever, and engine cylinder head all have the ‘cool’ black appearance. New Graphics and Colours: A fresh new appearance comes from the aesthetics to enhance the competition-ready appearance.
ENGINE
On the 300cc single-cylinder watercooled two-stroke, Beta has revised and optimised the engine-timing-advancecurves in order to improve engine responsiveness and make the machine easier to ride at all levels of engine performance. The engine retains all the significant updates it received in 2019, including the cylinder with new exhaust port geometry, and the new CDI unit offers new timing curves.
QUICK SPIN WITH SAM CONNOR
“Beta trials machines are very, very good – it’s a fact. You only have to see how many enter the Scottish Six Days Trial year on year. I have been very fortunate to be supported by Beta-UK since 2006, and this quick spin is my honest opinion of the Italian machines.
“Every-day maintenance is easy, and it’s pretty much a case of ‘wash and go’ after the majority of events, including the SSDT. The carburettor and air filter is a common-sense job after any power wash, to keep the machine clean and in good running order. Any Beta is easy on consumables, it’s only crash damage where the extra expense is incurred.
“The machine is different from the other manufacturers in that the kick-start is on the left, but once you get used to this, the engine fires into life very easily. As the Beta models have evolved over the years, they have become more refined, and it’s also good to note that the feedback to John Lampkin from the UK riders is passed on to the factory. Having James Dabill on board also helps, as he is more than happy to report his findings with the machines at the very cutting edge of the sport in the FIM Trial World Championship. Apart from the fitting of some of the sponsored parts we get supplied, my Beta is very ‘stock’ and personalised to suit myself. As I still ride in the ACU British Championship, albeit in the new Trial2 class, I get to ride the Beta over an extensive selection of hazards, and I am happy to report that it’s strong in all areas.”
TRACTABLE POWER
“The choice of six gears in the gearbox leaves a good choice of ratios for all conditions. As the engine enjoys a good 296.5cc of power, it can be used so much to your advantage. It’s not a brutal power but very usable, tractable power. I like nothing more than using a high gear in a full-throttle blast through deep mud or up a really steep climb where you can rev the engine and then shut right off by closing the throttle and letting the engine pull to its heart’s content, it really is a good feeling!
“In the rivers and on the rocks in Scotland, the Beta benefits from the years of experience gained by developing the machine in this event, and the suspension certainly gives you a confident feel and lets you use it to your advantage. If you point it where you want to go, it will provide you with the extra inspiration to stay ‘Feet-Up’ for the clean ride. It’s not a tiring machine to ride but a rewarding one. Yes, I am biased, as I receive excellent support and love riding the Beta, but if you are not sure, then throw your leg over one and have a ride for yourself. I am sure you will come back with that ‘Beta’ smile on your face, feeling like a world champion!”.