2023 Beta 300 Race Edition vs 2023 KTM 300XC Back to Back Woods Loop RD 1 

The GoPro video got a little jumpy on the last minute of this video but audio seems fine and I thought my final comments were important to hear as this was my first Back to Back ride on these (2) bikes so I did not cut out the last minute of video...sorry for the poor quality on the last minute or so of video
Round 1: 2023 Beta 300 Race Edition vs 2023 KTM 300XC back to back on a short woods loop! Back to Back rides are a great way to get a feel for the unique characteristics of different bikes. Comments for each bike....
2023 KTM 300XC: Lap Time 2:40.26
My current favorite overall 2-stroke dirt bike. The all new throttle body fuel injected and electronic power valve engine sets a new bar for quick revving big power with amazingly linear and strong partial throttle torque. The counter balanced engine has almost not vibration at the footpegs and very little at the handlebars. The updated chassis has traded some steering quickness for a more planted weighty feel up front with better stability at speed. The overall firmness of the new frame felt on the 350/450SXF 4-stroke models is gone with the 300 TBI engine in the chassis. This 300XC has WP Cone Valve spring forks which I prefer over the stock AER forks. The stock rear shock works well. The KTM has a bigger overall feel with a taller seat height and taller feel in the corners.
2023 Beta 300 Race Edition: Lap Time 2:39.6
The Beta 300 engine has softer initial throttle response with a smoother build of power...what I call a "full flywheel" feeling to the engine which is a slower RPM build that finds traction. This engine feels made for technical off road riding and runs clean with stock jetting from 45F~72F temperatures I have experienced so far. The Beta 300RE feels a bit more quick turning with a front end that loves to dive into the tight corners on the trail. The KYB suspension is plush and absorbing and moves through the stoke to absorb the bumps. The Beta has an overall smaller feeling to the bike (especially from seat forward) yet does not feel cramps for my 6'2" 190 body. The standing riding position is natural feeling with the footpegs feeling low and back.
Summary:
The lap times are less than a second apart over this short loop so both bikes are very close in terms of overall performance. The KTM is about big power with amazing controllability. The new chassis is more stable at speed with a planted more weighty feel up front. The Beta is about smooth power in a quick handling chassis and amazing KYB suspension that combine to make a very effective off road bike. Both bike are very fun to ride yet have very different characteristics. What do you like in a 2-stroke dirt bike? Let me know in the comments. More of these back to back rides soon!