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Beta releases 2018 RR 2-stroke models

Beta USA has announced the release of its 2018 RR 2-stroke motorcycles, including the 125, 250 and 300 models. The new motorcycles feature updated technical performance and are 10.4 pounds lighter than previous models.

In addition, the engines, running gear and suspension have all been given significant technical updates which has further enhanced the strengths of this new generation of RR models making them easier to handle and fun to ride, while offering a high degree of reliability. The design was also revised with the introduction of a new rear fender, a new color for the plastics and graphics. Oil Injection returns for 2018 to eliminate the need for pre-mixing the fuel.

Beta 250/300 RR 2-Stroke

Engine: Compared to the 2017 model year, a great deal of development has gone into the engine’s innovation including increased performance, these new features have also shaved off 3.7 lbs.

  • All New clutch: A total overhaul has developed a more compact and lighter weight clutch that improves its feel, precision, and stability as operating temperatures change. This new system provides more progression in clutch feel that allows for better control overall, making the tough lines even more graceful. Smaller, more compact clutch cover has been installed.
  • New cylinder: improves performance in terms of torque and power output throughout the rev range while keeping the response perfectly linear.
  • Rounded piston and new cylinder head profile: (300cc only): together with the new cylinder, provides smoother engine performance while providing better traction.
  • Crankshaft: redesigned configuration that is matched to the new cylinder which increases stiffness and provides less engine vibration.
  • New connecting rod: revised lower bearing area to improve durability.
  • New power valve timing: different design of the power valve ramps to better adapt to the new primary drive ratio, ensuring better power delivery.
  • New combustion chamber (250cc only):provides a higher compression ratio which has increased the power output.
  • Elimination of the kick-start: the incredible work put into making the electric starter more reliable has allowed the kick-start lever to be removed, significantly reducing weight. Given the engine design, a kick-start can still be ordered as an option.
  • New gear change system: updated star wheel and detent mechanism improves the precision of the transmission eliminating any possible uncertainties when shifting gears.
  • New air filter box: intense testing was done on the 2-stroke engine timing advance curves to optimize output enabling the introduction of a new air filter box.

Chassis:

A great deal of attention has also gone into the rest of the motorcycle including the chassis and suspension which continues to use a Sachs rear shock and Sachs 48 mm diameter front fork but with a new slider. Both benefit from updated settings to work in junction with the new frame. Many other innovations have been combined with this time-tested solution aimed at improving the aesthetic appearance as well as the dynamic performance of the motorcycle, through a weight reduction of the chassis of an additional 6.6 pounds.

  • New Chassis The front-end has been completely redesigned enabling an increase in the flexural and torsional rigidity characteristics compared to previous versions and with a notable reduction in weight thanks to an improved structural layout. This generates a consistent improvement in handling and riding precision.
  • Air filter box and rear subframe: lighter and slimmer design giving the bike a more aggressive look.
  • Lithium battery: lighter in weight, more powerful and reliable.
  • Fork with a new slider: though also lighter in weight, this was developed to increase rigidity and reduce friction. Settings have been specifically calibrated to suit the demands of the new chassis.
  • New rear shock settings: adapted for the demands of the 2018 version chassis.
  • New skid plate: improved fastener accessibility for quicker removal.
  • New muffler heat shield: protects the rider from burns on both the 2 and 4-stroke versions.
  • Takasago Excel rims: with a new black finish specifically designed for Beta.
  • New colors and graphics: stunning white plastic with red frame sets the bike apart from the competition.

The 250 and 300 RR models will be available for U.S. dealers beginning in August. The 2018 Beta 250 RR and 300 RR will have a MSRP of $8,499.

2018 Beta 125 RR 2-Stroke 

Engine:

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This is the smallest 2-stroke engine of the Enduro range currently produced at Beta’s factory in Italy. The result of a long process of design and development, carried out entirely by the Technical and R&D Departments with the focus being a proper engine layout designed to optimize the distribution of weight while paying close attention to the power delivery. The result of the engine’s components including the crankshaft and gearbox, has created a compact engine that provides the optimum performance and reliability. The power delivery is smooth, yet powerful which is a feature not found in many models this size. 

There are many features of this engine, including:

  • Double piston rings (54 mm): piston designed to ensure high rigidity and reliability; the choice of double rings provides a better seal at the low and medium rpm ranges typical of off road riding.
  • Beta progressive valve: the power valve system derived from the 250 and 300cc RR models, characterized by a particular relationship between the opening of the main flap and that of the side boosters. The delay in opening the boosters enables excellent progressiveness in performance throughout the rpm range of the engine.
  • Crankshaft with polyamide inserts: favoring lightness and ensuring optimum filling of the crankcase to the benefit of performance and reliability.
  • Cylinder: exhaust flange system that is a separate machined part like that on the larger 2018 RR models, enabling better control of the piston-flap-cylinder front tolerance. By keeping this value to a minimum it is possible to achieve a significant performance boost at low rpm, reducing the leakage of gases.
  • Removable cylinder head dome: rigid and lightweight, made possible by moving the engine coupling on the cylinder. The geometry of the combustion chamber is designed to provide the best compromise between responsiveness at low-to-medium revs and top end power delivery. It also facilitates the fine tuning and replacement of the combustion chamber.
  • Die-cast aluminum crankcase: the casing geometries were designed according to an innovative layout in terms of the relative position of components and with a view to maximum weight reduction without compromising structural strength. The main bearing area received particular attention to ensure the correct rigidity of the walls in order to withstand the stresses transmitted by the crankshaft.
  • Die-cast clutch and ignition covers in magnesium: ensuring very low weight and optimal surface finish. It was possible to also adopt this solution for the inner clutch cover thanks to the isolation of the water pump from this element.
  • V-force4 reed valve assembly: the presence of the stoppers ensures high reliability without compromising performance. Provides stronger low-end power output.
  • Pre-mix: to keep the weight of the bike low.
  • 6-speed dog-box transmission: specially developed for this engine with gears made by mechanical machining of blanks, forged so as to provide mechanical strength and reliability while still maintaining very light and compact gearbox.
  • Clutch: multi-disc in oil bath with reverse opening, unlike the larger RR’s, this clutch actuator is integrated in the outer cover. This is a system designed for maximum lightness and compactness of the engine which, thanks to its low positioning, ensures the reduced size of the power unit and a significant centralization of weight.
  • Electric starter-ready: Beta has designed the 125 engine to accept, as an accessory an electric start system for those wanting a push button start. 

Chassis:

The chassis derives partly from the 250/300 RR but was developed specifically to optimize the behavior of the engine-frame combination.

Among the many innovations adopted on this model are:

  • Geometry of the new upper engine head stay: various solutions were researched and developed before the final one that made it possible to reduce the vibrations generated by the engine while maintaining significant engine-frame system stiffness.
  • Sachs Suspension: derived from the rest of the RR range but with its own settings. At the front there is an open-cartridge fork of 48 mm diameter.
  • Exhaust system: in order to optimize the 2-stroke engine’s torque and power curves, the Beta R&D Department has developed a special system dedicated to Enduro use.
  • Filter box sleeve: designed for the 125 cc engine, it improves the flow across the range of operation, from low revs upwards.
  • Engine guard: made from polyamide to combine strength and lightness, it provides excellent shielding against the ingress of mud between the engine and the guard.
  • Fuel tank: a slightly smaller tank has been adopted to improve ergonomics on board the bike while maintaining sufficient fuel mileage.
  • Cooling system: designed especially for this bike, it has new hoses and radiators with specially shaped reservoirs to fit the small size of the motorcycle.
  • Nissin braking system: extremely powerful and configurable, the same as on the rest of the Enduro range.
  • Colors and graphics: the same as the rest of the RR my 2018 range.

The 2018 Beta 125 RR 2-Stroke motorcycle will be available to U.S. dealers beginning in February and price is TBD.

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