I really think the fender thing is temperature dependent. Myself and two teenage boys all ride Evo's in Southern California and we haven't broken a fender in a few years. Plus I'm a dealer and I just don't hardly sell any fenders. Now if we rode where the temp was usually below 60 it might be an issue?
As for Beta USA and parts, if a part like a certain fender is back ordered with Italy not much they can do. I have seen it with a certain fender taking awhile. Beta kinda shoots them self in the foot with each year being different and fenders coming with stickers. In those cases I just looked up what other year looked similar and went with that. Not perfect or ideal, but not a huge issue
Only had issues with stuff like that. Every other part that makes the bike go they always have! And I order parts a few times a week for customers.
Beyond that ride and enjoy your 300! You can put whatever guards on you like. That's more of a personal thing. I would say just check the fender and muffler bolts often.
Thanks for the correction... it did seem odd to me that they wouldn't bring their own bikes... it just goes to show don't believe everything you hear during trials practice
or these days anything you hear in the media, social media or forums
We're all just speculating anyways since none of us know what Bou's bike is really like. But speculating is the fun part! Personally I believe Bou's factory bike brings it up to the same level as the other Factory bikes. No better or worse, just different being a 4t.
Now if they all had to ride standard bikes? I don't know. Would the extra weight be more of an issue or would it be the lack of power? In the end I think he still wins because it's still all about the rider, but I think he would 5 some of the truly large ups that he cleans on his factory bike.
Interesting discussion. I heard that when the world round was in the States all the other riders were able to take stock bikes from the US and with a few modifications ride them compared to the Honda team that brought their bikes with them. It certainly sparks this sort of debate ... but is it because their competition bikes are so unique or because Honda has the resources and it is just simpler to ship the bikes. I know if I had the option I would much rather ride "my" bike that I had running just the way I like it, than to try and reproduce it by modifying a brand new bike. It is kind of funny that when Toni moved to Honda people thought he was going to kill his career moving to a 4 stroke now it seems people are saying would he be that good if he was riding a 2 stroke .
The thing that puzzles me the most is whether having somebody of his caliber helping or hindering the sport... when you see him riding without even having the motor on you can't help feeling a little defeated before you even start... on the other hand it is awesome to realize what a hell of a lot of hard work and talent can actually produce with respect to trials riding.
You heard incorrect. The top rider for each team brought their own special bike and it went back with them. Other riders brought parts they swapped out. Things such as cylinders, clutches, shocks or in the case of the Top Trial team (then Beta) full motors. But Raga, Caby and Fajardo all had a special bike that was their own.
Yes the back fire issue is the reason 4 strokes come with the wire screen. However I don't know any 4 stroke riders who continue to use them. This includes national level 4 stroke riders for Beta
Well we made it though the national season with several 300 Factory's out there and none broke their ignition covers. Also with this new design it is tucked in more than before.
My kid got a 300 after the nationals (from the 125) and has already put a lot of time on it. I'm not saying something couldn't happen, heck he has even punched a hole in the clutch cover so anything is possible! So yes it could get broken along with 1,000 things that might happen.
The only thing I would add is that the bikes do rev out really well if you need it to. Also Cody Webb won both days of the TN. National on a totally stock bike (other than jetting and tires) so they are more than capable for anybody.
Yea, but you flipped bikes every season. Keep one and ride it for 5 years or more and that could change. I almost got one, I love the power and feel of a real big bore 4T, but honestly I would need to de-tune it for my needs. The original "05 was easier to ride but the carb just did not work for the bike.
Neo, If you are not into the Mont, the Beta 250 is the pussycat you want! No noise, no stress, it will go if you twist it. First time I rode one it reminded me of my old 80's XR 200 Honda power. Reliability seems good by reports. The CV carb is the next best thing to the FI on the mont, and without some the downfalls. And in a light enough package to the average rider is not gonna matter. Can be upgraded to 300 if big power wanted.
Everything is a tradeoff.
That's not so much the case Cope. In 2010 I had Cody Webb's 2009 practice bike for a year. Lots of hard hours on it when I got it! Only thing I did to the motor was replace the water pump seals and the clutch plates.
Anyways for almost everybody I would recommend the Beta 4t. Its a much more finished and refined product than the Sherco ever was.
I've had more time on a 3.2 than most people and I'll say I really liked them. Note I didn't have the first 2005 models. I had 2007-09 models which where much improved.
The bike isn't much heavier or feel top heavy, though you can feel it. Like most four strokes it is easier to balance which I like.
From my experience the motors are very reliable. I never did any motor work and that includes adjusting the valves!
Once you get the carb set up properly the bikes are no problem to start. Even when hot. Though you must give it a kick like a man! In fact on hot days when the bike is really hot the bikes run even better! Like the motor is looser and runs more free. Starting is also easier. On cold days or trying to ride the bike when its not fully warm the motor always felt really tight. Also the older and more time a bike had the better it seemed to work.
As far as power goes the 3.2 has plenty of it. Lots of bottom end torque. That's what I liked about it. For this reason however I don't believe it really suits lower class riders. On the other end it doesn't rev really high so top experts or pros don't like it. This is why I believe the bikes didn't make it, they only fit a narrow range of riders. It has to be a rider that likes fourstrokes, isn't a lower class rider or isn't a upper expert/pro.
Last production models I believe where 2010. Saw a pic of a 2011 at a show and heard you could special order them, but don't think there are any around.
There where a good number of 2009's. Heck I had 3 of them!
Looks like I won't be able to tell you how well the new design holds up. Just got the Factory 125 and unfortunately the little bike still has the old style stator/flywheel. Still an awesome looking bike though!
There should still be enough 300's around the nationals to give a good evaluation. I still don't foresee any problems...
But I heard this Honda thing was going to be great for trials because now there will be trials bikes sitting on Honda show room floors all across the country
Anyways I agree with lineway, I wouldn't get a bike to ride the nationals that didn't have support there. The other brands will fully take care of you if you have a problem.
As for the contingency, in the fine print I believe it says there must be 5 riders in a class for any pay out. Not many classes have that. I know Beta pays theirs down to 3rd even if there is only 3 riders in the class.
That is true. The Montesa uses 9 bolts and the 4 stroke Beta 9 also. The problem is the two stroke only uses 3 bolts. One bad hit and it`s done.
I'll have the answer by August. My kid will be riding his first year in the 125 expert class at the nationals on a Factory 125. I'm sure he'll be giving it a good workout!
Well its the same design as the 4t's (Montesa and Beta) don't hear people having problems with those and their covers are much bigger. Our Beta 250RR enduro bike is also setup the same way. Its been used pretty hard in Endurocross etc. with no problems. Frankly I'm glad to see a cover that shouldn't leak!
Also Magnesium center cases are nothing new for the Factory Beta's so I don't see a problem there.
It costs way too much to get a bike green sticker eligible even if it can pass all the tests. I forget the exact number but its really high! They would have to sell a lot of 4rt's in Ca. to cover that cost.
Same reason the Beta fourstroke is a red sticker bike.
I've had several 3.2's and I really liked them! Once set up correctly you shouldn't have a problem starting it. If yours has the SPS carb I found the best jetting to be a 42 pilot with a 128 main jet from a dellorto carb. Air screw 1/4 to 3/4 out. The air screw really depends on the bike. Some wanted it turned out a little more, some a little less. The balance between the air screw setting and the idle screw setting is what seemed to really affect starting. Don't have the idle too low. These bikes are not like the Beta or Montesa 4t's where you push the kickstart through, you have to give them a good manly kick! And also not stab at it like a 2t. My bikes always worked best on hot days. The motor seemed a little looser, revved quicker and started easier.
Sorry I didn't write down jetting for the none SPS carb, but same things apply.
Also the obvious thing is make sure the carb is very clean!
Well we just had an event last weekend outside of Temecula. Same location where we hosted the national in 2012. Our next event is Jan. 12th in Romoland/Perris. I'm organizing that one. Our season runs from Sept-April (some think its too hot in the summer). Closest practice area for you is probably here in the Riverside/Perris area.
Damon keeps our website pretty up to date so you should be able to find everything there. Anything else don't hesitate to contact me info@tec-cycles.com
Not a bad idea, but might be a problem in 15, NE is a west coast national if anything. Would have to get some other clubs to join in from the east.
LOL, funny how we all see it different depending where we live. I would say NE is pretty central. It's about 1,500 miles for me in Ca... Your probably within a few 100 miles of that?
On the subject at hand. Not too sure I count since we go to them all anyways, but it couldn't hurt. Just another set of points to keep and if it brings out a few more riders then that's great.
I might suggest putting more of the classes together though. Have classes something like Pro, Expert (Expert and 125 Expert scored together), Expert-Sportsman (Es , High school scored & Woman's ES as one class), Sportsman (Sportsman & JR.), SR. (all the SR. Classes scored as one) etc..
I know a few SR. riders who know they are going to win their class every time so they're main goal is to be the top Support rider or compare they're scores to the other top Sr.'s. This would give them a chance to really compete for something.
I've also heard the rumors about Honda bringing in and selling the 4rt through the "regular" bike shops. While it might be good for a new guy to see the bikes sitting on their show room floor I hope most experienced trials riders avoid them and here's why.
How much has or will American Honda put into our sport? The Importers of Beta, Sherco and Gas Gas are true trials people who put more of their own time and money into our sport than most will ever know! They not only take care of the trials riders on the bike end, but they also help shape our sport at the national level with hours of unpaid hard work. I spent the summer traveling and doing pit support for Beta at the nationals so I know the cost of being there to have parts and service for any Beta rider there. Its the same for Gas Gas and Sherco. Do you think Honda is going to do that?
Just as an example when I was at the Duluth national I was changing a fork seal for a rider with the Beta 4t. As I was finishing up he mentioned he was getting a new bike next year but hadn't decided between Beta or a 4rt. I just looked at him and asked "do you think Honda will be here with a fork seal and change it out for you?". Later during the trial he came in with some crash damage to his clutch hose. I got his clutch working again and sent him back on his way. Had it not been for American Beta sending me there he would have never got that kind of service.
In the end I say support those who support our sport and I don't see American Honda doing that. If the President of American Honda shows up at the NATC meeting and they send a fully stocked truck/trailer to the nationals I'll eat my words.
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Bought a new 17' factory 300! What does it need?
in Beta
Posted
Been awhile since I've been on here!
I really think the fender thing is temperature dependent. Myself and two teenage boys all ride Evo's in Southern California and we haven't broken a fender in a few years. Plus I'm a dealer and I just don't hardly sell any fenders. Now if we rode where the temp was usually below 60 it might be an issue?
As for Beta USA and parts, if a part like a certain fender is back ordered with Italy not much they can do. I have seen it with a certain fender taking awhile. Beta kinda shoots them self in the foot with each year being different and fenders coming with stickers. In those cases I just looked up what other year looked similar and went with that. Not perfect or ideal, but not a huge issue
Only had issues with stuff like that. Every other part that makes the bike go they always have! And I order parts a few times a week for customers.
Beyond that ride and enjoy your 300! You can put whatever guards on you like. That's more of a personal thing. I would say just check the fender and muffler bolts often.