KIWI RIDER 10 2019 VOL2 | Page 15

H 2020 BETA XTRAINER ot on the heels of previous new model announcements from the Tuscan halls of Beta Motorcycle is the imminent arrival of the 2020 Xtrainer. Completely re-worked for the 2020 model year, the Tuscan engineers at Beta have reworked the bike with an improved focus on performance while also trying to retain the ease of use which has made the Xtrainer so special. As a result, the 2020 Xtrainer features excellent engine tractability and high drive, while balancing the needs of those riders who are looking for a bike which allows effortless use whatever they throw at it. The two-stroke power-plant features Beta’s Progressive Valve technology which the company says allows for “excellent engine performance throughout the rev range thanks to easy external adjustment.” Other improvements to the performance side of the equation are achieved by the addition of a countershaft and corresponding crankshaft to the engine to smooth out delivery, automatic oil injection (no more pre- mixing!) combined with work to the gearbox with a new set of clutch plates designed to smooth out the shifting process of the revised longer gearing. For 2020 the seat height has been dropped 20mm to 910mm for better access to the bike while the low weight of just 98kg lends itself to being agile and intuitive for even those new to the sport. Beta has also revised the chassis with new forks and a new shock (attached to a longer swingarm) which have been tuned to improve the bike’s ability to take a sudden hit. Visually the bike is a sharp looker with a new set of plastics, and a set of digital instruments and instrument panel topping the package off. KIWI RIDER 15