Digital Dirt Magazine - Issue 5 | Page 26

A LIVELY TRAIL PERFORMER MORE EXTRAS At 242 pounds (dry), the RR feels remarkably light and flickable. Once again, we really noticed the low seat height when the trail got rough. At six-feet tall, I can plant both of my feet square on the ground with room to spare. It’s a welcome change, especially when pivoting off of a rock or getting stuck on a steep embankment. An extensive tool kit is designed to provide most everything you’ll need out on the trail. A frame integrated and keyed steering lock prevents theft. A new lighted digital meter offers more functions for 2011 We dig the hydraulic clutch! It’s always easy to use. There is HOME MECHA NIC FRIENDLY absolutely no excuse for banging through gears with clutch pull this light. The brakes also work near perfect. Braking Wave Ro- Beta’s are remarkably easy to work on, especially when performtors, front and rear, stop the RR in a hurry. ing general engine maintenance. A side entry air-filter mounting system is near identical to a KTM, requiring no tools and less The chassis feels firmly planted with no remarkable vibration sloppy mess. The fuel tank comes off easily with the removal of transmitted from the engine. The bike flows smooth through san- four bolts and fuel line separation, allowing easy access to the dy corners with no unwanted surprises. It tackles deep whoops cooling system, carburetor and engine top end. straight and true. In fact, the bike tracks predictably over most every type of terrain, especially rocks. I never noticed any hint With the stock aluminum skid plate removed, oil changes are of rear wheel deflection, always feeling in control. clean and fairly simple. The Beta uses two oil pumps, each with its own oil reservoir that can be filled on opposite sides of the The Beta definitely performs the best over the ugliest terrain. The engine. One feeds the engine top end and the other bathes the 50mm Marzocchi forks do a superb job of soaking up bumps, gear box. This design keeps the engine oil free from clutch wear roots and ruts, while still retaining a ‘connected’ feel to the ter- contamination. A long, cartridge style oil filter is accessible at the rain. The 2012 RR received Sachs front forks, which we’re told, bottom outside corner of the engine, rendering simple clean-up. by those in the know, are the best front forks on a stock bike to date, perfectly matched to the current Sachs rear shock, which NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT! is fully adjustable. Regardless, the 2011 suspension package is still above par as compared to most. Aside from our faulty battery mount, there is nothing we don’t like about our Beta. It offers excellent power, while remaining Pirelli Scorpions MX tires hook up well both up front and in the quiet and trail friendly - and it handles precise and always prerear. The front tire carves really well for a tire that is DOT ap- dictable. It’s so easy to work on that we look forward to mainteproved. In corners precisely without ever hinting and washing out. The 18-inch rear tire rolls straight over rocks and logs effort- nance chores. We just wish we had more time to ride it! lessly, and angled roots are no match for it. We did notice some chunking out of the rear knobs. The tire combo provides great traction in hard pack and sandy conditions. SPECIFICATIONS Engine: Beta-Built single cylinder, 4-valve, 4-stroke liquid cooled,electric start with back up kick starter. Bore: 95mm Stroke: 63.4mm Displacement: 449cc Compression Ratio: 11.95:1 Ignition: DC-CDI with variable ignition timing Lubrication: Twin oil pumps with cartridge oil filter. Separate oil for engine and clutch .8 liter each Carburetor: Keihin FCR-39mm Clutch: Wet multi-disc Primary Ratio: 31:73 Transmission: 6-speed Final Drive: O-ring chain, Regina Frame: All New molybdenum steel with double cradle split above exhaust port. Wheelbase: 58.1” Seat Height: 36.6” Ground Clearance: 12.6” Footrest Height: 16.25” Dry Weight: 242 lbs. dry Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.1 US gallons Front Suspension: All New 50mm Marzocchi USD fork, adjustable compression and rebound Rear Suspension: Sachs shock w/adjustable rebound and hi/ low speed compression Front Wheel Travel: 11.4” Rear Wheel Travel: 11.4” Final Gearing: 13t front, 48t rear Front Brake: 260mm floating Braking Wave rotor Rear Brake: 240mm Braking Wave rotor Front/Rear Rim: 21” (Front) 18” (Rear) Front/Rear Tire: Pirelli Scorpion Warranty: 6 month Limited Warranty