Anyone got a Beta Xtrainer 300?
Discussion
I bought my 16 year old lad a KTM SXF 250 about 9 months ago to do some pay and play days with me and he seems to have caught the bug. Unfortunately the KTM seems to be the wrong bike. The riding we do is more enduro style, single track through the woods, over logs and tyres, hill climbs etc.
He is fine with the power of the KTM but the MX gearing and suspension make it hard work. Today he was fortunate enough to receive some coaching from a BEC level rider who after following him for a couple of laps, said the bike was definitely holding him back from progressing his riding, making it harder to ride smoothly through the technical sections.
A good friend has a 17 Beta Xtrainer 300 for sale at a cracking price and I wonder if it would be a good option for him. I just don't know enough about them really. While putting a 16yo on a 300 2t might seem like a crazy move, they seem to have the same sort of power as his 4t KTM at circa 40 Bhp.
Has anyone on here got one? How do you find it for normal enduro and trail riding? I appreciate it may not be as focused as my EXC-F 350 with it being described as more of an entry level bike but with the riding we will be doing he doesn't need anything too cutting edge.
He is fine with the power of the KTM but the MX gearing and suspension make it hard work. Today he was fortunate enough to receive some coaching from a BEC level rider who after following him for a couple of laps, said the bike was definitely holding him back from progressing his riding, making it harder to ride smoothly through the technical sections.
A good friend has a 17 Beta Xtrainer 300 for sale at a cracking price and I wonder if it would be a good option for him. I just don't know enough about them really. While putting a 16yo on a 300 2t might seem like a crazy move, they seem to have the same sort of power as his 4t KTM at circa 40 Bhp.
Has anyone on here got one? How do you find it for normal enduro and trail riding? I appreciate it may not be as focused as my EXC-F 350 with it being described as more of an entry level bike but with the riding we will be doing he doesn't need anything too cutting edge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM6q0OZOJ9E
One of the main contributors to this YT channel rides a Xtrainer.
Less aggressive than the KTM/Husky 2T's. Lower seat height and cheaper to buy new vs the KTM/Husky as well.
One of the main contributors to this YT channel rides a Xtrainer.
Less aggressive than the KTM/Husky 2T's. Lower seat height and cheaper to buy new vs the KTM/Husky as well.
Edited by Rich_AR on Saturday 25th February 23:42
Note... Never buy an MX bike for anything else than motocross. They are just wrong in every single way for enduro to greenlaning....
As for the X Trainer, they're a lower tuned 300 motor in a 9/10ths chassis which sounds good BUT..
suspension is pretty poor so if your lad has any talent you'll be looking to upgrade it... $$$$
FWIW, the modern 300's are torquier than the 250's, which are a fair bit "zingier'. You could go for a 300 and wind down the pv to soften it up a little, go for a 200 and let him learn to rag a bike a bit or opt for the 4T RR 390 which has a long stroke motor with tons of bottom end and superb traction with a softer top end than the 2T's or the bigger engined 4T's. Seriously, don't overlook the 2T 200, it's a cracking bike.
Personally though, I wouldn't go for a 350 as the 390 is the pick of the bunch.
The 390 RR (avoid the Race Edition, it's suspension is tuned for faster stuff) has SUPERB chassis and suspension which will transform his riding confidence.
Nice decision to have though...
(Full disclosure, I just bought a 390 RR-S as I've had Beta's for years and really do like the brand
)
As for the X Trainer, they're a lower tuned 300 motor in a 9/10ths chassis which sounds good BUT..
suspension is pretty poor so if your lad has any talent you'll be looking to upgrade it... $$$$
FWIW, the modern 300's are torquier than the 250's, which are a fair bit "zingier'. You could go for a 300 and wind down the pv to soften it up a little, go for a 200 and let him learn to rag a bike a bit or opt for the 4T RR 390 which has a long stroke motor with tons of bottom end and superb traction with a softer top end than the 2T's or the bigger engined 4T's. Seriously, don't overlook the 2T 200, it's a cracking bike.
Personally though, I wouldn't go for a 350 as the 390 is the pick of the bunch.
The 390 RR (avoid the Race Edition, it's suspension is tuned for faster stuff) has SUPERB chassis and suspension which will transform his riding confidence.
Nice decision to have though...
(Full disclosure, I just bought a 390 RR-S as I've had Beta's for years and really do like the brand
)I have had a '16 Xtrainer for the last 4 years, coming from KDX220.
It's the best dirt bike I've owned. It's an incredible woods bike, with a tractor of an engine. The exhaust is tuned for low down torque, but easily to uncork it, to unleash.
The front suspension has its shortcomings, and there are loads of improvements which can be made, starting from 15w oil, for peanuts, up to full suspension upgrades. (I've finally settled for Adreani fork upgrade - not cheap!).
There are loads of them ridden stock standard in the TRF.
It's the best dirt bike I've owned. It's an incredible woods bike, with a tractor of an engine. The exhaust is tuned for low down torque, but easily to uncork it, to unleash.
The front suspension has its shortcomings, and there are loads of improvements which can be made, starting from 15w oil, for peanuts, up to full suspension upgrades. (I've finally settled for Adreani fork upgrade - not cheap!).
There are loads of them ridden stock standard in the TRF.
If your lad was sticking to Green Lanes etc then the XTrainer would be brilliant. If though as I expect he'll progress to Enduro either TimeCard or Hare and Hounds the suspension especial the forks will hold him back, go for an enduro model from any of the main suppliers, even KTM as you've already got one.
I've had all sorts of 300 2T enduro bikes and the Xtrainer, for racing I loved my GasGas and TM 300's, for Green Laning they were also great but the Xtrainer was more relaxed, oh and it's also great for Long Distance Trials.
I've had all sorts of 300 2T enduro bikes and the Xtrainer, for racing I loved my GasGas and TM 300's, for Green Laning they were also great but the Xtrainer was more relaxed, oh and it's also great for Long Distance Trials.
Thanks all, some food for thought there.
The one thing that's for sure is his current MX bike is absolutely wrong for the riding we're doing.
The ideal solution I think would be for him to take the bike out for a run and see how he finds it, unfortunately my mate who's selling it is in Texas till May.
The reason for the MX bike was really just to get him riding, it popped up at the right time and price so I bought it. As he has got more into riding its become more obvious how compromised it is for anything other than a MX track.
He will probably want to try racing at some point, hare and hounds/timecard stuff most likely.
If I can get this Xtrainer off my mate at the right price, there should be some money in the budget for a Ktech valve and spring kit to improve the front end a bit if is too compromised?
The one thing that's for sure is his current MX bike is absolutely wrong for the riding we're doing.
The ideal solution I think would be for him to take the bike out for a run and see how he finds it, unfortunately my mate who's selling it is in Texas till May.
Steve Bass said:
Note... Never buy an MX bike for anything else than motocross. They are just wrong in every single way for enduro to greenlaning....
As for the X Trainer, they're a lower tuned 300 motor in a 9/10ths chassis which sounds good BUT..
suspension is pretty poor so if your lad has any talent you'll be looking to upgrade it... $$$$
FWIW, the modern 300's are torquier than the 250's, which are a fair bit "zingier'. You could go for a 300 and wind down the pv to soften it up a little, go for a 200 and let him learn to rag a bike a bit or opt for the 4T RR 390 which has a long stroke motor with tons of bottom end and superb traction with a softer top end than the 2T's or the bigger engined 4T's. Seriously, don't overlook the 2T 200, it's a cracking bike.
Personally though, I wouldn't go for a 350 as the 390 is the pick of the bunch.
The 390 RR (avoid the Race Edition, it's suspension is tuned for faster stuff) has SUPERB chassis and suspension which will transform his riding confidence.
Nice decision to have though...
(Full disclosure, I just bought a 390 RR-S as I've had Beta's for years and really do like the brand)
Great post, thank you. As for the X Trainer, they're a lower tuned 300 motor in a 9/10ths chassis which sounds good BUT..
suspension is pretty poor so if your lad has any talent you'll be looking to upgrade it... $$$$
FWIW, the modern 300's are torquier than the 250's, which are a fair bit "zingier'. You could go for a 300 and wind down the pv to soften it up a little, go for a 200 and let him learn to rag a bike a bit or opt for the 4T RR 390 which has a long stroke motor with tons of bottom end and superb traction with a softer top end than the 2T's or the bigger engined 4T's. Seriously, don't overlook the 2T 200, it's a cracking bike.
Personally though, I wouldn't go for a 350 as the 390 is the pick of the bunch.
The 390 RR (avoid the Race Edition, it's suspension is tuned for faster stuff) has SUPERB chassis and suspension which will transform his riding confidence.
Nice decision to have though...
(Full disclosure, I just bought a 390 RR-S as I've had Beta's for years and really do like the brand
)The reason for the MX bike was really just to get him riding, it popped up at the right time and price so I bought it. As he has got more into riding its become more obvious how compromised it is for anything other than a MX track.
He will probably want to try racing at some point, hare and hounds/timecard stuff most likely.
If I can get this Xtrainer off my mate at the right price, there should be some money in the budget for a Ktech valve and spring kit to improve the front end a bit if is too compromised?
If the price is right then it's definitely worth looking at.
But think of it as a stepping stone to a proper bike rather than something to improve over time.
If you work on the theory that kids talent and possible lack of fear fear are in a direct relationship with their age, he'll be ready to step up in 18months to his "forever " bike.
So save the money at put it into a full fat bike when the (inevitable) time comes!
But think of it as a stepping stone to a proper bike rather than something to improve over time.
If you work on the theory that kids talent and possible lack of fear fear are in a direct relationship with their age, he'll be ready to step up in 18months to his "forever " bike.
So save the money at put it into a full fat bike when the (inevitable) time comes!
I've been dirt/enduro riding in the Pyrenees twice, and in Lot/Dordogne. Don't let anyone tell you it's not a "proper bike". It's not a hard Enduro bike, but more then capable. There are a lot of folks riding them in Enduro events across the continent.
Have a look at YouTube channel Cross training Enduro. Barry Morris 6'4" rode one for 4 years...
Have a look at YouTube channel Cross training Enduro. Barry Morris 6'4" rode one for 4 years...
Semmelweiss said:
I've been dirt/enduro riding in the Pyrenees twice, and in Lot/Dordogne. Don't let anyone tell you it's not a "proper bike". It's not a hard Enduro bike, but more then capable. There are a lot of folks riding them in Enduro events across the continent.
Have a look at YouTube channel Cross training Enduro. Barry Morris 6'4" rode one for 4 years...
Do you come down to Dordogne often?Have a look at YouTube channel Cross training Enduro. Barry Morris 6'4" rode one for 4 years...
I live here a the riding is good,with lots of organised rides in Summer.
I/my partner had an X trainer for a while.
They are a smidge better than some of the Chinese stuff quality wise, I.e not a touch on the Japanese stuff.
Lots of stories of oil injection nipples coming loose and the engines seizing, was a spate of bottom ends letting go over some also, graphics and plastics poor. Ive had a few KTMs and even they seemed better!
May have improved a bit now but quality generally lacking.
I found it a frustrating thing, they don't have very good suspension at all and the power delivery for trail riding annoyed me (might just be me not liking 2 strokes, but the constant burbling and blubbering was very annoying on ours, jet it lean enough to smooth it out and it would surge on closed throttle, rich enough to stop that and it would be constantly blubbering.
Power was okay, but doesn't have the 'hit' due to being detuned, which may be good for a novice and probably a good thing as once you get moving a bit quicker the suspension becomes a bit scary.
It seemed like a bad version of the RR, She ended up riding a crf230 and enjoyed that much more.
Needless to say we moved it on quickly.
They are a smidge better than some of the Chinese stuff quality wise, I.e not a touch on the Japanese stuff.
Lots of stories of oil injection nipples coming loose and the engines seizing, was a spate of bottom ends letting go over some also, graphics and plastics poor. Ive had a few KTMs and even they seemed better!
May have improved a bit now but quality generally lacking.
I found it a frustrating thing, they don't have very good suspension at all and the power delivery for trail riding annoyed me (might just be me not liking 2 strokes, but the constant burbling and blubbering was very annoying on ours, jet it lean enough to smooth it out and it would surge on closed throttle, rich enough to stop that and it would be constantly blubbering.
Power was okay, but doesn't have the 'hit' due to being detuned, which may be good for a novice and probably a good thing as once you get moving a bit quicker the suspension becomes a bit scary.
It seemed like a bad version of the RR, She ended up riding a crf230 and enjoyed that much more.
Needless to say we moved it on quickly.
Jakey123 said:
I/my partner had an X trainer for a while.
They are a smidge better than some of the Chinese stuff quality wise, I.e not a touch on the Japanese stuff.
Lots of stories of oil injection nipples coming loose and the engines seizing, was a spate of bottom ends letting go over some also, graphics and plastics poor. Ive had a few KTMs and even they seemed better!
May have improved a bit now but quality generally lacking.
I found it a frustrating thing, they don't have very good suspension at all and the power delivery for trail riding annoyed me (might just be me not liking 2 strokes, but the constant burbling and blubbering was very annoying on ours, jet it lean enough to smooth it out and it would surge on closed throttle, rich enough to stop that and it would be constantly blubbering.
Power was okay, but doesn't have the 'hit' due to being detuned, which may be good for a novice and probably a good thing as once you get moving a bit quicker the suspension becomes a bit scary.
It seemed like a bad version of the RR, She ended up riding a crf230 and enjoyed that much more.
Needless to say we moved it on quickly.
I have a CRF230F too. Wonderful little trail bike.They are a smidge better than some of the Chinese stuff quality wise, I.e not a touch on the Japanese stuff.
Lots of stories of oil injection nipples coming loose and the engines seizing, was a spate of bottom ends letting go over some also, graphics and plastics poor. Ive had a few KTMs and even they seemed better!
May have improved a bit now but quality generally lacking.
I found it a frustrating thing, they don't have very good suspension at all and the power delivery for trail riding annoyed me (might just be me not liking 2 strokes, but the constant burbling and blubbering was very annoying on ours, jet it lean enough to smooth it out and it would surge on closed throttle, rich enough to stop that and it would be constantly blubbering.
Power was okay, but doesn't have the 'hit' due to being detuned, which may be good for a novice and probably a good thing as once you get moving a bit quicker the suspension becomes a bit scary.
It seemed like a bad version of the RR, She ended up riding a crf230 and enjoyed that much more.
Needless to say we moved it on quickly.
Removing the air box baffle plate is the solution to the symptoms you have described.
If you are still considering the Xtrainer, have a look at this resource...
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17WxYZYcOg-ciOM...
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17WxYZYcOg-ciOM...
Yazza54 said:
Sounds like you just didn't have it set up right, different bike of course but I've got my 290 beta Evo trials bike so it'll plod up hills just off tickover without any blubbering or plug fouling.
I thought that.But tried multiple combos of pilots jets/mains/needle positions.
Had it into Beta dealer to set up, came back even worse and was told 'they are all like that'.
A beta 290 trials bike isn't an x trainer, they are different bikes.
I had a rev3 previously and that fuelled fine also.
Jakey123 said:
Yazza54 said:
Sounds like you just didn't have it set up right, different bike of course but I've got my 290 beta Evo trials bike so it'll plod up hills just off tickover without any blubbering or plug fouling.
I thought that.But tried multiple combos of pilots jets/mains/needle positions.
Had it into Beta dealer to set up, came back even worse and was told 'they are all like that'.
A beta 290 trials bike isn't an x trainer, they are different bikes.
I had a rev3 previously and that fuelled fine also.
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