Beta celebrates its 110th year with new and improved Betas off-roaders for 2014, including the 300 RR two-stroke (pictured).
Yesterday we showed you a sneak peek of Beta’s new 300 RR two-stroke and 450 RR four-stroke. Well, today the Italian company let the cat out of the bag with the details on its six new two-stroke and four-stroke off-roaders, which will be available in August.
Celebrating their 110th anniversary, Beta has upped its game with improvements to its off-road line-up for 2014. With the goal of increased rideability, all of the models receive many chassis and engine updates.
More bang for your buck – the 2014 300 RR gets chassis and engine updates but MSRP stays the same.
The bikes return with full rear suspension linkage, front and rear lights, full skid plate, FMF-plated exhaust with an FMF muffler, extra front number plate to replace the headlight, Nissin brakes with stainless steel wave rotors, electric start, and a backup kick starter. The 2014 250 and 300 RR two-strokes, however, take on chassis and engine changes.
The first of which are changes to the two-strokes’ suspension. They receive a new front fork with a smaller inner cartridge, as well as an updated compression and rebound pistons to improve the oil flow. Valving has also been changed for an improvement over the square-edge hits, and the top fork cap has been updated to make spring changes easier. New oil has been added to tie everything together.
At the back, the bikes receive a reshaped rebound adjuster, which allows for a more precise adjustment. The shock also receives updated valving and a heavier rear 5.2 kg spring.
The Beta 250 and 300 RR get a new cartridge forks for 2014.
In addition to new suspension, the frame on all two-strokes has been enhanced by reducing stress to the heavy weighted areas. As shown in the diagram, the frame areas that are in light blue or yellow are the heaviest impacted under extreme conditions. Normally red in color under heavy impacts, the Beta engineering team has reduced all the areas to a yellow or light blue, which Beta says represents roughly a 20 percent reduction of stress to the frame. This translates to less feedback to the rider, hence making the bike easier to ride and manage.
The two-stroke RRs get all-new frames for 2014.
To increase the range of the two-strokes, the fuel-tank size has been increased from 2 to 2.5 gallons. Also, the tank is now a clear color, making it easier to fill and see how much is in the tank.
A new front fender is more rigid and stronger.
The seat base has also been redesigned for a better fit to the frame and provides more comfort to the rider. The seat continues to be a push-button release, this along with the quick-access air filter, makes for an easy air filter change.
The Beta two-strokes get a stronger front fender [left] and a larger, clear tank [right].
In the engine department, one of the new updates for 2014 is an oil-check plug in the clutch cover. This feature makes it easy to check the clutch/transmission oil. The 250 RR also gets a new power-valve mechanism that Beta says provides improved performance at low rpm and a smoother transition throughout the power range.
They also get new brake discs that have an improved heat treatment for more durability.
Despite all the changes, the MSRP for both the 250 and 300 RR remains the same at $7999.
The 2014 Beta 450 RR and the rest of the four-stroke line-up also get chassis and engine updates.
The 2014 four-stroke models were not left alone as they received the same suspension updates as the two-strokes, along with the frame updates. All of the RR four strokes receive the new front fender and seat base as well.
Motor-wise, the four-strokes receive a new countershaft, as well as a new heat-treating process with new, more durable bearings. The shift drum has also been modified to improve shifting. To increase reliability and oil consumption, the 350 RR receives a new piston with an updated profile and added lubrication holes.
The 350 RR four-stroke gets a new piston to increase reliability.
The MSRP for the 2014 RR Models are as follows:
Two-Stroke:
250 RR $7999.00
300 RR $7999.00
Four-Stroke:
350 RR $8999.00
400 RR $8999.00
450 RR $9199.00
498 RR $9399.00
Beta’s BYOB [build your own Beta] program returns for 2014 with more options added for 2014.
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For more Beta motorcycle reviews, click HERE.