Dirt Bikes Dealer

Dirt Bike Test attended the 2015 Beta US Dealer’s Meeting to learn about the Italian brand’s new models and to swing a leg over a few of them for a quick impression. There was even the surprise announcement of the 300 Xtrainer, a bike–in Beta’s words–to attract new riders to the world of enduro.

We also see the Xtrainer as a way for well-seasoned riders to keep riding. Based off the company’s 300cc two stroke engine with a special shorter delta-box steel frame the considerations were ease of use and a low seat height while still having a quality build. With a claimed weight of under 220-pounds, electric starting and using a 43mm front fork and a dedicated shorter rear shock, the bike is noticeably smaller than the standard dirt bike while still riding on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. The Xtrainer on display at the dealer meeting was still an early prototype with some plastic-printed parts, like the gas tank, so it was not to be ridden.

The engine is electric-start only and mated to an electronically controlled oil-injection system that is housed under the seat for simplicity. The power it tuned for smooth torque and the shape of the expansion chamber gives that away clearly. The bike should be available in the spring of 2015 and though a price has not been set we suspect it will be in the $7000 range. The Xtrainer should be a welcome addition to the emerging market of serious playbikes with the likes of the KTM Freeride also coming stateside.

The bike of the day was the 350 RR EFI, Beta’s first attempt away from a carburetor. Always conservative, the company usually waits till a newer concept is well established before introducing it onto their bikes and for 2015 the 350 is the only model to go this direction. There was a long line all day to ride the 350 so we didn’t get a chance to throw a leg over it, but we do have the bike in our possession now for a full test. The word from the dealers who sampled the 350 was all positive.