Beta Motorcycles Australia has confirmed the first shipment of 2020 models has arrived in Australia and are currently landing in dealerships.
Across the range, we see a price increase of $500-$700 over the outgoing models, which is highlighted below.
Prices do not include on-road costs.
RR 125 $11,495 (+$500)
RR 200 $12,295 (+$600)
RR 250 $12,595 (+$700)
RR 300 $13,095 (+$700)
RR 350 $13,295 (+$500)
RR 390 $13,595 (+$600)
RR 430 $13,795 (+$600
RR 480 $13,995 (+$600)
The 2020 Beta range is an all-new generation of motorcycle from the Italian manufacturer. Around 85% of the parts on each bike are new for 2020.
ADB Enduro Editor Geoff Braico was in Italy for the international press launch of the new range. He found the 2020 models to be an improvement over the existing bikes.
The frame is around 500g lighter and they have redesigned the geometry and rigidity to give the rider a more agile, yet stable ride. There has been 10mm shaved off the width of the frame at the footpegs, with a longer swingarm for the four-strokes and 200T.
The subframe is now a three-piece Technopolymer (composite plastic) unit that is very strong and has all the wiring harness hooks and holes moulded into it for easy installation and reduced risk of wiring failures. The subframe also runs a redesigned airbox which, when you look real close, you can see has a far superior seal than previous models and the new air filter is quick and easy to change and, most importantly, idiot proof.
Just like last year, ZF Sachs suspension is again holding up the red and white bikes and has received a host of updates, mainly to handle the changes to the chassis. The 48mm open-chamber fork receives a new cartridge designed to give a plusher overall feel and there are beefed up settings to accommodate the new frame geometry.
It still has the compression and rebound damping in separate legs and the preload adjuster on the top of the right fork leg, which you can adjust on the fly. The shock got some love too, with a new top-out system which gives the rear better contact with the ground, mostly under brakes. The valving has been beefed up and there’s a new bumper to give the rider a little more cushion on the big hits. The shock looks cool too as it’s anodised red and screams bling.
TWO-STROKES
The RR125 receives the most changes of the two-strokes, with a host of engine mods to give it more muscle. It has a new cylinder, exhaust-port flange, exhaust valve with boosters, new power-valve and expansion chamber. Beta claims that these changes give the small-bore better performance across the whole powerband and more torque, while making the bike easier to ride.
Released for MY19, the RR200 is Beta’s newest recruit and only received minor engine updates. It’s unclear why it was the only two-stroke to receive the longer swingarm to make it more stable.
Big news in the motor department for the bigger two-strokes, the 250 and 300, is the addition of a counter-balancer to reduce vibration and increase the power throughout the rpm range. It was interesting to hear the Beta R&D guys say that they developed that powerplant to house a counter-balancer back in 2013 [not as a reaction to Kato and Husky fitting them]. The RR250 also gets a new cylinder head to boost bottom-end torque. I was really looking forward to riding these two.
FOUR-STROKES
Beta has put a huge amount of time, money and effort into redesigning the 350, 390, 430 and 480 models. Each of the engines has gone on a diet and are more than 1kg lighter. By raising the clutch and moving the crankshaft back, they’ve changed the centre of gravity and it makes the bike feel lighter on the track, especially on tip-in and under brakes, which makes them much easier to ride.
Other highlights include a new coolant pump with better flow, a new head and cylinder, a new clutch and gearbox, which Beta claims is smoother, updated EFI settings and finally, the oil circuit has been remodelled to give more flow and less heat in the more powerful engines. The technicians told me that they really are pushing to build their presence in the four-stroke market.
Stefano Soldani – Beta export and marketing manager
“We are very proud to be where we are at with the 2020 bikes. The new model range is completely changed and, in particular, the four-strokes. That is the market where we need to improve and where we need to offer something really new. We have built a very extended range of bikes with eight models and our goal is to offer great, quality-built bikes that the customers can work on with ease. We are very excited for the 2020 range.”
Stefano Fantigini – Head of Beta R & D department
“It’s been a big step forward for us as a company and a family this year to develop these bikes. Around 85% of parts on each of them is totally new and that’s incredible for a company as small as Beta. The last two-and-a-half years, we have been totally focused on developing the 2020 bikes and have worked very, very hard to bring the customers the best Betas possible. We believe that these new bikes are great all-round bikes, not just for the average rider but also for the racer.
“We did a lot of development of the two-strokes with Steve Holcombe and the new 250 and 300 is stronger and yet more rideable than last year, which is great for everyone. I’m particularly excited to show everyone our new four-strokes as that was our main focus for 2020. The development of the new engine has been a big project, especially since we put a lot of time into making it work in with the new frame and new geometry of the bikes. It was something that we worked on very hard as a company.”
Read the full story in ADB issue #461 – on sale now!