weaseldog

Yes the guard has to come off, and yes it's a giggle getting it back on. One point worth mentioning to all Rev3 owners though, check the water pump area of the casing regularly. The original casing is magnesium, which the coolant dissolves. The replacement ones are now aluminium to correct the problem.

In short, unless you are doing clutch dumping full throttle splats up 6ft rock steps, the Beta 200 will do anything you ask of it in traditional style trials riding, novice to national. Only the top flight riders need more power than this bike has. Unfortunately there's a mix of ignorance and macho that leads people to a bigger bike that they struggle to ride. The Beta 200 feels so light and controlable compared to the bigger bikes, yet has enough guts to pull you through anything you'll find in traditional style riding. I started trials at the age of 30 after 20 years experience in motocross, enduro and trail type riding. I made the mistake of thinking I needed something with a bit of poke. After being abused by a TX270 Gasser for a year, I asked Nigel Birkett for help taming the beast. Nigel gave me some sound advice. Unless you know how to use power, it's the biggest hindrance you will ever have. You don't need a big engine for trials, you need technique. He went on to recommend the new model Beta 200 (1999 Techno)as the best way forward for me. I found a dealer with two in stock, and after a ride on their test ground, struck a deal to take one of them home with me. An absolutely fantastic bike, which served me well for the next 4 years. My riding improved ten fold. Then, stupidly listening to riding mates telling me I was ready for a bigger bike, I made another serious error in the shape of a TXT280. I love Gassers, had a few EC250 over the years, and have had a 2005 TXT250 Pro for over 4 years now (son rides it now) but after the Beta 200 the 280 was a serious handful, and did nothing for my results. A 2002 TXT200 Pro came next, very revvy, little torque. Then a 2003 TXT200 Pro, a little better, but not enough torque compared to the Beta. Next came a Montesa 315R, nice bike, very grunty but a bit bulky and heavy. I was offered a 12 month old 2005 TXT250 Pro for very little money, road reg'd and mint, so I took a chance. Beautiful bike to ride, really docile compared to my earlier 270/280 Gassers, but still not as smooth or rideable as the 200 Beta. So, when the chance of a mint 2005 200 Rev3 came along a couple of years ago, I took it. I've now given the 250 Pro to my son, and I ride the Beta Rev3 200 all the time now, it's like finding your way home after being lost. I'm probably going to be passing this one on to my other son who's coming over from motocross, he's ridden it and perfectly happy with it's performance. There'll be no mistakes this time though, it'll be another Beta 200 that replaces it, either late Rev3 or Evo, not sure yet, but one of those two, I've learned my lesson the hard way. Hope this helps. Sorry about life story, but it shows genuine advice, some reviews are from people trying to help, but only ever ridden that one bike.