Hey. 

Sure this has been asked before. 

260 vs 301 for novice rider?

Im 3 months into trials and the beta 300 i bought is a real handful. A mate wanted it off me, so got my money back on it. I ride most weekends but just havnt hit it off with the beta. Ive been riding bikes for years, im just new to trials. I've always had 4 strokes in whatever sport ive ridden in and id like to try a 4rt before I have to buy another 2t.

Cheers

Edited April 1Apr 1 by SM_998

The Beta is the easiest bike to learn on, but not a 300. If you need a 4 stroke buy the 260. The 301 is too quick. 

The Beta 4 stroke is super smooth if you are going with a 4 stroke, might be a better option than the Montesa if you thought the 2 stroke was a handful.

 I love my Beta`s, but recommending the 4 stroke as super smooth over the 2 stroke is quite funny. I have many hours working on the 4T. Ny son had a real good running 300 4T with all the upgrades. When he went for a new bike I forced (invited him) to buy a Montesa. He has loved it ever since.. 

I have not been on a 260 but currently ride a Beta 300 4t and a 2018 Montesa 300.  I find the Beta much easier to ride.  The Montesa has much quicker engine response and initially can be a real handful to ride.  It took me a long time to get comfortable on it and I still greatly prefer the Beta.  I have been told that many people prefer the 260 for that reason.

I did have a Beta 300 2t in the past and it had smooth power delivery in the lower rpm range.  However, it really took off after the middle of the rpm range.  If it was that upper rpm surge you did not like, you may really like the Beta 4t.  The power curve feels quite flat and even fluffy on top compared to the 2t.  You can be much less precise with the throttle.  NOTE:  I have the standard muffler.  I have heard that the factory muffler or an aftermarket muffler can really enhance the power.

The tech fork on the Montesa is quite nice and it has a much better rear brake than the Beta.

     

 

Yeah, he was asking about the 301. The 300 cota is slow compared to the 301. The Montesa has the best suspension and handling. Yeah, the beta std runs more like a sewing machine. Never liked the 4 T Beta.

Sewing machine could be a good description of the soft powerband. That can be an advantage for novices or those of us with low skill sets.  Has anyone ever tried a non vacuum carb on one?  

I had a Tiger 800 that actually sounded like a sewing machine at highway speeds

Just a follow up. 

Been on my new (to me) 4rt for the last 3 weekends. Starting to feel at home on it, much more so than the Beta I had before. The bike feels heavier, but more predictable and more planted. I love the throttle response, im still a bit jerky on the clutch, but im sure I can iron that out in time. Its already on the bench for repair having fallen foul of the well known fuel pump issue, whether the seller knew this or not, or whether I've just got unlucky is still up for debate. I've got a new Quantum pump to go on and will do oil, filter, gb oil etc.

Overall, really pleased with my purchase. Thanks to everyone that helped out. 

It is a shame you have to go through the pump issue. The 4rt was rock solid for it`s first 16 years. The pump issue has been around for almost 4 years now. Terrible mess.