Long Term Test Bike | BETA RR350
Changing the oil and oil filter for the first-time last month gave me a better understanding of the Beta RR350. Rather than just hitting the start button and roaring off for a ride, tinkering in the garage afforded me the time to slow down and really look over the machine.
The Beta holds separate engine and transmission oil which is not the case with all motorcycles. I think it’s a good thing as it means contamination takes longer due to the hard-working oil in the transmission not performing double duty.
The other thing I appreciate on the Beta RR350 is the fork spring pre-load adjuster. The ZF fork is set up nice and soft for trails and enduro riding but I found it was a bit too soft and the first part of the travel was already compressed and was unable to soak up those small, chattery bumps. The fork would then compress further on the bigger bumps but not with any consistent, progressive resistance.
Winding on six turns of preload has caused the fork to hold up higher in the stroke, which allows it to soak up the smaller bumps in the first part of the fork’s action and it feels more progressive in resistance when I hit bigger bumps and jumps. It’s a nicer reaction for sure.
Taking the time to tinker in the garage revealed the pre-load adjuster makes a very discrete click at the completion of each rotation. Initially I couldn’t feel it and the adjuster dial would actually move about a quarter of a turn during a ride until it found its seated position. The reason was that the adjuster wasn’t seated in position properly, because I didn’t take enough time and care to feel for the click. Now that I have it seated correctly, it stays in place.
PARKED UP
The reason I had more time than usual to tinker in the garage this month is because I caught Coronavirus. It really slowed me up for a week and I still feel lethargic two weeks later. I am heading out for my first ride post Covid-19 this weekend so it will be interesting to see how I feel on the bike.
It’s been bloody torture looking at this beast just sitting there on a bike stand and not being able to ride it.
What I did manage to do, however, was to set the shock spring pre-load. I set the static sag to 35mm as per the owner’s manual. The standard fork and shock springs are suited to riders weighing between 70kg and 90kg. Dressed in full riding gear, I weighed in at 88kg so I am in the standard weight range. I’ll be setting the rebound and compression clickers back to the standard positions for my next ride and I’ll see how it goes.
The other thing I learned this month is that is it impossible to measure the rider sag on your own. I tried.
I have applied for and received confirmation of my off-road racing number for 2022 and by the time you read this I will have entered my first race event for the year on the RR350. I’m busting to see how the Beta and I get along at the races. I am sure it is going to be fun.
BETA RR350
RRP: $15,695
WARRANTY: Six months parts and labour
DISTRIBUTOR: Beta Motorcycles Australia
SO FAR
TOTAL HOURS: 3
MODS THIS MONTH: Set shock spring pre-load
MODS NEXT MONTH: Prepare for racing
