FURTHER NOTES: Yes this wasn't a 2022 model but we've ridden them and there have been very few changes. We always have a focus on known issues. Thankfully there are very few main bearing failures now... hopefully it's a low enough rate that it's probably not an engineering issue anymore. The main thing is electrical gremlins now, which can actually lead to oil pump failure and seizing at low hours. See the relevant 2022 known issues vid. Our Beta mechanic generally advises owners to consider scrapping the oil injection at some point after the warranty finishes.
Tbh I do Enduro on a 100% rebuilt 2005 yz250f that I modded for to be able to do technical but hill climbs like a boss and flys on open trail. Had to change pump and radiators to keep it cool. Tuned carb etc and plates in clutch and carb qs2 pool for girthy launches. Also modded suspension and sprockets also have some nice Enduro geomax Dunlop's. No stalls love it. I also have a brand new 22 beta xtrainer for more technical riding but I don't want to fly type riding. Love your vids got me into betas over sherco tbh I'll pick up a sherco in a few years.
Xtrainer 2022 saves me a lot, when the situation is getting sketchy. While I have problems with my spine, weight matters, as well as ability to hold the bike from falling. I don't need high speeds, I ride for fun, train different techniques, explore. Haven't tried the new springs yet I bought for my weight. They have just came and war began suddenly. So no riding near Kyiv for a long time now, unfortunately 😔
The Lucky Cartridge is a must, really settles the front end down. Im on the lighter side, 140 Lb, and find my '21 XTrainer to be fairly stable at speed. I have no problems keeping up with my faster buddies. I really think the bikes geometry jives well with shorter/lighter riders, and is an absolute godsend for us vertically challenged types in the gnarly single track! I previously owned a KTM 250xc
I’m light and smaller too, and find the suspension to be pretty darn good. I have to keep talking myself out of buying one every month it seems! Might have to unload something eventually to make room :)
I upgraded to a Lucky cartridge and AMP valuing and it made a world of difference. They also re-valved my rear shock. Awesome. I have a friend who owns a suspension company and he built me a shock for it. I’ll be testing it next weekend. Congrats on the new ride!
I have the same suspension upgrade and I think it works really well. 60 Hrs on the clock, only a very minor issue with a loose cable for the odometer. Im very happy with it.
@@tim9284 I think for me it was well worth it. I feel I have more control and don’t get deflected nearly as much as I used to. I rarely bottom the forks. Usually in big drops going downhill when all my weight is on the bars. I don’t think it’s bad to bottom every so often on big hits. Allow you to use all of your stroke. That being said, if your bottoming a lot something not right.
@@C3Enduro Thank you for the response! There are not any reviews out there of anyone who has upgraded these bikes , especially from people who actually ride difficult trails (not going in circles in the woods).It’s good to hear the positive feed back.
I’m short at 5’5” but ride intermediate-advanced trails in the mountains. Would like to touch the ground when shit gets wicked on the side of a cliff… But wasn’t sure how these bikes could handle tougher trails with rock drops.
Great movie and channel!!! I agree with your comments. XTR is primarily for people up to 175 cm tall. In hard enduro it is limiting. I changed the suspension: Andreani Kit front and Beta Factory rear. Additionally, I have a Lectron (carburetor). These changes made the bike more predictable and reliable at higher speeds. Unfortunately, I will not grow anymore ;) Regards
Once reason I bought the Xtrainer is because I don’t want to go fast anymore. I want to keep the speed down and less chance of getting hurt. Plenty of power (I rarely use more than 1/8 throttle) and with K9 fork and Fox shock (both lowered 1”) I like the suspension a lot for the speeds I want to go. For those that don’t want to go fast anymore I think the amount of suspension travel modern enduro bikes have is excessive. But of course a few years ago I still liked going fast and had different ideas. I did have an OSSA Explorer (it is a true trials bike with just a nice seat an more fuel, I could convert to trials bodywork in about 20 minutes) and still one of my favorite bikes. I just sold it to try out electric (EM Escape ‘R’) and plus with no longer made I didn’t want to put too many hours on it. Thanks for the vid and hope you really enjoy the new Sherco (always fun getting a new bike too)
@@crosstrainingenduro I really like it. The only issue is range is not anywhere close to their claims. I can get around 3 actual riding hours on slow ‘trails’ - going faster on roads really eats the power. Espeically with trials tyre pressure (3-4psi). I do have a small electric pump I carry and can pump up. I really like the quiet and smoothness
Barry, I always wondered why you chose the Xtrainer over a full sized bike. You are a tall guy. You can easily stand over any regular enduro machine. I know you spent some money on mods for your height to make the bike fit better. I bought my 2017 Xtrainer because it was the lowest seat height true off road enduro machine available. Nothing else was close. I have additionally had the suspension upgraded, lowered the rear a bit, lowered the front in the triple clamps 30mm (max), Seat Concepts low1 inch OE width seat,. When a short guy has a 28 inch inseam, a bike like a Sherco, KTM, or any other "standard" full size enduro machine is just a giraffe and an accident wanting to happen. I gladly accept all the deficiencies real or otherwise, just so I can ride. I will probably ride mine until doomsday, but if or when the time may come for a new(er) bike, I'll get another Xtrainer if it's still the lowest seat position. 2200+ miles, over 300+ hours, Oil Injection still works no issues, no engine problems. Haven't had electric gremlins, but definitely the Italians should copy the Japanese. Their wiring stinks.
Great to hear it's working for you! There are plenty of Betas which don't get electrical or oil injection issues of course... but it's a significant minority that do. We can only hope they get serious about addressing known issues one day.
@@charmando641 A delrin spacer inside of the shock. The shock must be taken apart to do it, and bled afterwards. The delrin spacer looks like a thick washer, and is makes the shock shorter, reducing travel. This lowers the bike but the shock still behaves the same.
We have a lowered XTrainer with suspension and seat for exactly this reason. For short guys and many women that's the only way to ride, and every kg/pound matters. High end top speed is just not relevant in that situation. These people can get out and ride, they don't need to win races. If this is still too much, there's the Ossa Explorer (as shown in the video, not produced anymore). It's not comparable, it's a trials bike with an enduro seat. If you buy an XTrainer then not because it's cheaper, but because it fits you better.
I was stuck between the beta xt and the rieju ranger. In the end I went rieju. What made me steer away from the beta after a lengthy ride was suspension, little (black) fuel tank, dodgy clocks and wiring issues. I’m very impressed with the new rieju’s. The kyb suspension is amazing all round and those motors are bullet proof. The only thing I don’t really like is the starter motor set up. But if looked after and serviced shouldn’t be a issue. Not nocking beta at all but just personal choice 🤙🏼
If the Rieju models are priced well they are a great choice I think. Unfortunately in Australia they are pricing them too closely to the other brands which isn't a great idea for bikes that are essentially quite old designs now.
The only real issues with the old design are the bikes are heavier and they lack low end power... which won't worry a lot of riders anyway. I don't think they were more reliable though. A friend of mine has been a mechanic and dealer for years and he said the old Gas Gas models did have some issues with main bearing failures etc but because there were so few around the problems never became well known. Not to worry though, it was a low rate of incidence (like Beta two strokes).
I have had mine for 2 odd years. And i have upgraded the front fork to the lucky insert and done extra engine mods. I am happy with it so far. I have ducks disease so it helps its is a short bike. But i may in the future upgrade. As you say it is still not the best at speed. But i can live with that for now.
OVER 100 FREE ENDURO TRAINING VIDS English not your first language? Subtitles in 30+ languages! Basic enduro skills playlist bit.ly/3BtOVyI Intermediate enduro skills playlist bit.ly/3HSkh4r Advanced enduro skills playlist bit.ly/3oNNeqF BIKE SETUP & RIDING GEAR Bike setup playlist: bit.ly/3sBar0i Protective gear playlist: bit.ly/34BYDTI Which bike should I buy? bit.ly/3gLTJG1 Knee protection playlist bit.ly/36fR4Cw OUR OTHER PLAYLISTS Reviews of bikes & products bit.ly/3GQCVrO All about helmets bit.ly/3sJxIgy Enduro philosophy! bit.ly/33meQeV 10 ways to hop logs bit.ly/3JqlOPx The weird side of enduro! bit.ly/3Js1ai2 Read our disclaimer first before attempting any techniques: bit.ly/2U0bgCy Become a supporter! www.crosstrainingenduro.com/cross-training-support-donations.html
The guys at DFX parts are in the final stages of developing some game changing suspension mods for the Beta x-trainer keep an eye on there social media or Vince Strang motorcycles
Love my 22 Xtrainer. I changed front and rear springs to suit my weight and makes a big difference. Yes the bike gets a bit twitchy at speed but I bought it to slow me down a bit and do more technical riding. My riding has improved immensely and also more confident. Power is steady and predictable. Very happy with my purchase. Have you tried the RR300? Just wondering how that would compare.
Great review! I was considering this bike but decided to get the YZ250X instead. I figured I can lower the YZ’s suspension to make it better for me on tight trails. I didn’t lower it yet, but am seriously considering it. Good to know about the twitchy handling of the Beta. I can’t stand that trait and back as a teen I got rid of my ‘87 XR 250 because of the head shake on fast trails. I’d have been so bummed to have bought a Beta only to re-experience that type of thing. The Beta quality also scares me as I read up on the bike while researching and it seemed to have numerous issues. I really love the concept of a smaller size dirt bike. Too bad it requires so many compromises to have one.
You can lower 1.25 inches and add a heavuflywheel weight to help take some.of that zap from the power and then those bikes are incredible. Also a bit softer valving helps
@@jonathoncatterson8901 thanks for the info. I’ve got the heavier GYT-R flywheel and really like it. What mods are needed to lower the suspension 1.25”?
No bike is perfect for everything. It all comes down to the type of riding we primarily do with the bike. Here in North America (I don't know elsewhere), we have the following categories, which all call for different "ideal" bikes: trail, cross-country, motocross, and enduro.
Right! Yeah in the east coast you have open woods and big whoops. Here in SW AR we have lots of roots with rocks in between the roots going every direction. I'm 56 and that ground comes at you twice as fast as did 30 years ago. I just got my XT and haven't gotten to ride it yet. Just got all the protection put on it. And only .3 hrs. On it.
TLDR: Rieju Ranger gives easy riding at low speed and has more potential at high speeds Hey! I dont have a XTrainer, but i own a Rieju Ranger (former GASGAS EC 300 Ranger as you showed in some videos later). I first struggled with the decision to buy a Beta or a Rieju, but when i noticed, that the rieju is almost a complete Race model my choice was easy to get the rieju. when i am right, the beta is a complete seperate construction in comparison of the beta RR (frame, swingarm...) The Ranger has only a slightly smaller forks, different setting and top end for the engine. I want to say that i think, that the Ranger could give u all, what the beta does, but still has more potential ad higher speeds. I did some fast laps on a local mx track an it worked well with the suspension. it is clear, that the engine will be sqeezed out but i could land some hard jumps and could right fast and save (hobby/amateur niveau)
We did review the Ranger as we were very interested in it, but it was simply too heavy... much heavier than the Xtrainer and it would have been too much work in our slow gnarly terrain. But if they are priced right, I think it's great to have it as part of the wide variety available nowadays. Unfortunately in Australia they are pricing them too closely to the other brands which isn't a great idea for bikes that are essentially quite old designs now.
If it just had real suspension I think it'd be an absolutely wonderful bike. I think beta knows it would be too good, and hurt other sales/margins. I for one, would buy an Xtrainer RR, with good suspension from the factory
I am very much in agreement with your considerations, which are not critical but rather objective data that do not make this bike ugly, but simply more friendly for the neophyte or for those approaching the more difficult enduro.
@@crosstrainingenduro I think anyone with a minimum of experience would tell you that rr is superior, however, I understand why you didn't want to buy back a beta "unfortunately". Sherco i think it's a great bike, but i confess i would have loved to see you ride a TM i think it's the best!
Probably beating a dead horse but, at the time, what specifically was done to the Beta's suspension? Re valve and different spring rate? Thanks for posting.
Only the KTM 690 (see the review on our adventure channel) and the recent Honda CB500X, Jim. The Honda was way too small for me but otherwise a good bike.
@@crosstrainingenduro Wow, lasted only 2 mos. My friend got rid of his CRF-450RL after one riding season and bought a Beta 390 RRS J; unfortunately, he is having some issues with the new purchase. I feel lucky that the DR 650 and Husky FE 350 have worked out well for me and my style riding.
Trying to fit round peg in a square hole is possible with enough money behind the effort. Similar to my project trying to make CRF450 a Enduro bike. But ultimately the nature of the bike will always be there.
I'll add my experience with the XTrainer. I bought mine after a serious accident with a ride-on lawn mower in which I came close to losing my left arm. The XTrainer appealed due to it's lower weight, height and power output. Initially I liked it but noticed that the suspension was not up to even slow riding so I had it revalved, which resulted in an improvement but I was still very unhappy with the fork action. I replaced the forks with some WP closed chambers which were revalved and shortened to suit. These forks were much better but now I was noticing the power was a bit doughy down low and a FMF pipe replaced the standard pipe, a big improvement in responsiveness resulted. As I became stronger and could ride longer fuel range was an issue being empty at 90km. I tried all the tricks with float heights, looped overflow lines and leaning the jetting out but couldn't get any better. While I could get up the slow speed hills we ride I was also having difficulty on the faster rutted out climbs that require momentum to clear slippery obstacles. The XTrainer even with greatly improved suspension didn't hold it's line at speed In the end fuel range was the biggest issue, many of our full day rides are 120km plus and I needed to carry at least 3 litres of fuel. I got a nice deal on a GasGas EC350F, it's heavier and taller but my arm is a lot stronger now. The fuel range is 150km and faster hills I had difficulty with on the XTrainer I can ride up so much easier. With my arm as it is I don't do much hard enduro, just mainly technical single trails, the GG is better suited for this and I enjoy it more. In summary the XT is a great little bike that suits slow technical riding. It would be much better with quality suspension, it doesn't need the top level stuff just some nice OC forks and a decent shock. The XT was perfect for getting back on a bike after my injury but the terrain and distance I ride now don't suit it. I think the Beta build quality is OK but you can see the difference between it and the KTM/Husky/GG. This is fine at the lower price but when they get close it isn't as appealing. The Sherco build quality is definitely top notch.
I agree about the suspension... it comes from a trials brand and actually works pretty well for trials-style riding but it sucks for everything else. Beta is selling the bike short by resorting to this cheap setup. They don't need to spend much, just use something more enduro-oriented.
Well I finally got mine last friday after waiting 8months and wouldn't you know it when I got it home it wouldn't start. Took it back to the dealer the next day and by tuesday they had it diagnosed that the wire loom was bad. Beta over nighted the parts and the dealer got it put back together this afternoon and bam it's in my garage.
Damn. Yeah one of our guys had issues on his 2021 RR300 and they replaced the entire wiring after he'd had it just a few weeks.... sigh. I wonder if they'll ever get it right.
@@crosstrainingenduro doubtful that's why my next bike will be a Sherco. The dealer also told it's a good thing it wasn't the ECU because they are on back order and god knows when it would show up.
The reliability on new Betas (at least here in the US) kind of scares me. Both of my friends with Betas (2021 500 RR-S and 200 RR) have had super strange issues. The 200 has a clutch engagement problem that their dealer hasn’t figured out and the 500 had to have the entire wiring harness replaced with like 5 hours on it. Which sucks, because I really like the Beta bikes - a 300 RR would be a nearly perfect bike for me. Wish the Japanese would come out with an e-start 2 stroke enduro bike already.
Everyone I know says they would swap to a Japanese bike in a flash, Kenny. Beta would do much better if they simply used Japanese electrics... and had Japanese staff to install them lol. The Beta workers make some bad mistakes during assembly, which the dealers don't always fix prior to delivery.
I’ve owned a Xtrainer since 2017, and had a few issues and spent a tonne of money on upgrades. Lucky I’m at a point in my life where I’m making good money, but still don’t have kids. Tomorrows ride will be the first time out with the new Boano KYB fork kit upgrade. I had the andreani cartridge kit before which worked really well. But our riding has changed a bit recently from mostly tight woods to some open faster flowing trails. So I thought why not get the cc forks purpose made for the XT and see what it does to the bikes handling and my riding. I suspect I’ll be just as slow, but I’ll feel good about myself for having some fancy forks with nice kyb stickers on them now
I rode a Xtrainer once where the owner had spent a mozza on Ohlins forks. Wow. What a difference. But of course this adds weight and takes the bike closer to the weight of the RR300.... so I figured why not just buy the RR300? Let me know how the Boano kit works out. I know it will be an improvement. But our suspension crew looked at the design and didn't think it was quite as good as it could have been (they put it on their suspension dyno).
They’re good, I’ve only had two rides on them and in sand. So can’t comment on the harshness yet, but they feel more planted and less twitchy at speed and over whoops. These kybs have only just come to market, being purpose built by Boano for the Xtrainer. So not much info on them yet. It’s just starting to get into the rainy season here in NZ, so it’ll probably be a while until I can try them on hard pack and successive sharp braking and accelerating bumps, which is where I feel they probably won’t be so great with stock valving. But so far so good, and if the kybs just need a slight change to the shim stack it’ll be a damn site easier finding a tuner keen to tinker with them here in NZ compared to the funny Sachs CC forks.
This Boano is a complete Kyb conversion that’s just come out this year. So I suspect the ones put on the dyno would have been the older sachs cc forks for the Xtrainer that Boano started making a while ago and discontinued last year. So far so good. But yet to try hard pack
@@BlueThunder69NZ I have a set of 45mm Marzocchi forks (and a Fox shiock) on my Xtrainer that I am pretty happy with, but I'd love to see how the KYBs feel. Or maybe I shouldn't, cause then I'll want to upgrade again!
I picked up a '17 XT last fall. I'm 5'8" and about 150lbs with riding gear. Mostly ride slow single track with my kids so I'm not too concerned with the higher speed riding. Coming from my old '95 KDX200 (never selling that bike) this feels a whole lot different. Hope it can be as reliable as the Kawi.
It should be pretty good, Keegan. The main bearing failures were mainly in 2018 models and on. The oil injection is generally pretty good but many remove it for peace of mind... our Beta mechanic suggests doing this before the hours get too high.
Keegan Chaput , no offense, but why not just say you are 5' 8" and 150 lbs ? That gives a pretty close description of your size, and I think the X Trainer would be a good fit for you. I have one and love it.
I'm a new rider, and have been looking at this bike. What speeds does the sketchy stuff start? My current bike is a little tall, and heavy, so I like the thought of the Xtrainer. Thing is I come from street riding, and the faster stuff is where I'm excelling right now. I regularly run in the 30-40MPH range on the easier trails.
Barry, have you thought about making an indoor riding course for trial and enduro? I am sick of the second week of rainy weather. It should be easy. Hire an old barn and charge $50 an hour. Private lessons on demand
When I was seriously into trials I talked about it with my trials club but the expenses are huge and lots of rules to comply with and mods needed e.g. exhaust fans.
@@crosstrainingenduro I hope someone finds money at last and builds a francize. Playing with the bike is the best way to clear head after work, but it is damn dark at five. There are climbing gyms and no bike gyms. People build own practicing courses in backyards. It is like making own shoes.
A friend of mine here in the US waited over 6 months for Beta to replace a faulty head on a brand new 300. They made a million excuses why they couldn’t get it dealt with really turned me away from the brand.
I have similar feelings about my little AJP PR4 240. Still think it is the best beginner bike out there. But perhaps i want a tad more than just beginning😆
@@crosstrainingenduro The dealernetwork has not been great anywhere I'm afraid. I found a very trust worthy dealer, otherwise I would have never taken the risk.
Drop the Ajp importer a message. I am sure they will be keen to get you on the new SPR 240 to review as a trail bike. On the Ajp talk the new Spr 310 is much more of a racer than the Swm rs300. See if they will give you both to try 😁
We tried the importer a few times a few years back, Dave. Never answered. We figured if you don't want to promote your bikes then we won't review them either lol.
@@crosstrainingenduro I hear you. Ajp have really stepped it up over the past 2 years, they had a new account manager who replaced a lot of the stale importers who have no real interest in off road.
So how to you like the sherco when you have been on the beta for many years? I tried a sherco last month and I think its a totally different geometry compared to my beta 300. Im not saying one is better than the other im just surprised it felt so very different. On the sherco I had the feeling of going over the front wheel a lot, it was like the sherco was shorter from the pegs to the front wheel if you understand what im saying :) None that I know have moved to sherco yet neither from Beta, Husq or KTM so would be fun to hear what you think now that you have made the move and have ridden the sherco for a while.
Very hard to say, Erik. It's infinitely better than the Xtrainer from third gear and faster, but to be really fair I'd need to compare apples to apples.... e.g. how does it compare to a Beta RR300. The Sherco does feel a bit 'short' in a similar way to the Xtrainer but I haven't put my Fastway pegs on yet which are lower and set further back. Loving it so far!
@@crosstrainingenduro Yeah that is very true, its unfair to compare it to an xtrainer. I thought since you have been riding older "normal" enduros before. I have herd a lot of good about sherco and one of our all time best enduro riders (7 times world champion Anders Eriksson) rides sherco and have for many years now. For me its more about the dealer then the bike to be honest, I like Betas but if my delar would swap brands I would most likely swap aswell. Good service is a big deal as well as the bike :)
Do you an opinion on the Scorpa t ride 250 (four stroke) Barry? I thought they were well liked. Also I thought you and your brother preferred the Sherco 250.
I'm not sure if the Scorpa was ever sold in Australia? Jeff loves the 250. I enjoy it too, but I think I'll always go for grunt, even if the 300 occasionally has too much in some conditions lol.
Since making the TM review vid we have heard a few stories that made us glad we went Sherco, Kevin... I think it's simply too new in Australia and the support/parts will be an issue for quite a while. It's probably better in other countries.
Hey where do you guy ride without rego ? I’ve been struggling finding new places to ride around Brisbane because everywhere has been getting closed off or red hot.
So, in my situation with wanting to get some off road seat time in all areas, mostly single track and enduro type riding in the pacific northwest. Coming from harley and now on a DR650, would you recommend the Beta xtrainer for a beginner off road rider to build on those skillets? I forgot to mention, I'm 5'6" with a 30" inseam. Tall bikes don't scare me, just have to adjust riding style.
I would recommend it, yes. On the road the seat height does not matter, once you're up you're up. But watch some hard enduro videos, you need your feet, you need to step down. All pro riders are tall, British style long legs. Full size hard enduro bikes out of factory are so tall you can't even get down with tows unless you slide your butt to the side. 96 centimeters (37.8 inches) seat height. It's not rideable.
@@crosstrainingenduro I see a lot of reviews of the 150-200 trying to be the most capable beginner enduro bikes. Seems on par with the neutered power and top end of the XT
added a fatty pipe and the otherwise stock x trainer is very capable pleasure riding, if it would keep running. broken down twice with less than 10 hrs on it. next repair i will be riding a yamaha. beta is no help and the dealer network sucks.
Which country is that, Bill? Generally Beta USA provides excellent support and encourages their dealers to do likewise. The overall support can vary in other countries though when the national distributor ain't so good. 😢 Electrical issues in your case? That seems to be their Achilles heel the past few years.
@@crosstrainingenduro usa, leaking crank seal, oil ruined crank sensor. beta usa told me to take it to the dealer, who did a shit job prepping the bike and is 3 hrs away. was all past that when it started boiling last weekend. removed the thermostat, changed to high temp coolant.....we'll see
Bummer. Any issues I'd go direct to Beta USA. I only found out last year they actually own Beta, or are part owners at least. I think it explains why they are more supportive than most national distributors. We have found the Beta two strokes are the least likely to boil over of any brand so I'd say there's definitely something wrong there. I think we've had one steam a little bit in five years of hard enduro riding with a group of Betas.
In what way, Steve? I would have agreed a few years back when there were quite a few known issues but they've steadily resolved most of them.... fingers crossed!
In my opinion If you are a slow guy and like gnarly stuff the xtrainer is like cheating , everything is very easy ... But yeah fast tracks even with better suspension and it will never be as good as other enduros , just the geometric makes it so
Yep, twice bitten, twice shy for me with Beta. Mostly niggly shit, but one was an entire loom, the other required the cases split. On neither occasion did Beta seem overly enthusiastic about customer service. Real shame, because on song, they perform like only the Italian bikes can. Pity they're occasionally assembled like only Italian bikes can be. From the mid 80's..
There electrics have been a real issue in various ways for years. 😢 Beta could be dominating worldwide if they just listened to the feedback, worked hard to fix known issues, and had better quality control in their factory.
