The 2019-2022 Beta RR 300 is an Italian-made two-stroke that has grown in popularity on Australian trails due to its easy-to-ride characteristics. The other reason is Beta still supports the carburettor and while all the Austrian brand two strokes have ventured across to fuel injection there is still a large contingent that doesn’t want any part in that new age technology.
The 2019-2022 Beta RR 300 has an engine that produces plenty of torque and power but is manageable enough to make riding the bike all day long an easy task. The chassis is nimble and comfortable due to its background in trials but still solid enough to perform in racing conditions. The ZF suspension is soft and compliant for the trails but in racing scenarios the it needs some valving work to be able to hold up on rougher circuits. That being said, the enduro models we see from all manufacturers need valving work to deal with racing scenarios.
Over the years Beta reliability has improved a lot. In the early days the European manufactures weren’t well known for making high quality electrics; the Japanese manufacturers finish their wiring harnesses off much neater and the plugs are more durable as well as being water tight. The Beta wiring can rub in places causing shorts. If you own a Beta then take some cable ties and secure the wiring harness better so it doesn’t rub underneath the fuel tank. Also add some dielectric grease to all the connections to help keep out water and to stop them from corroding. I have also seen a few engines become dusted because the air filters were fitted incorrectly; the filter looks like it is fitted correctly but it sits up in the corner allowing dust to pass straight through if no attention is being paid when fitting. I’ve also seen a few issues with the oil injection system leaking which could lead to the engine running dry and failing. Having said that, any bike can fail if it is not cared for correctly or assembled properly.
When looking at a secondhand 2019-2022 Beta RR 300 ask for any service or repair records. If the engine has a significant number of hours on it then the bike should have had a piston kit replaced at some stage. Be sure to check with the owner to see if this has ever been done. Ride the bike and make sure it selects all gears and the clutch does not slip. Check that the electric starter works well, as these can be expensive to fix. Check over all the wheel and frame bearings for excessive play and pay attention to the fork and shock for leaks. Push the suspension up and down and make sure it moves freely. Pay special attention to the rear suspension and make sure that the swingarm bearings are not seized; seized suspension bearings can set you back several hundred dollars. Take a look in the air box and make sure the air filter and air box is clean. This is usually a great clue as to whether the bike has been looked after or not. If the air box is filthy and there is dust on the clean side of the air filter then the engine is most likely not going to be in very good condition. Take a good look over the wiring and check the two-stroke oil injection system for any signs of leakage.
Make sure you ride the bike and that it rides well with no rattles or odd noises, and that it doesn’t have any flat spots or bogs throughout the rev range.
NEW
2019 $12,395
2020 $13,095
2021 $13,295
2022 $13,695
SECONDHAND
2019 $7,400 – $8,800
2020 $7,700 – $9,150
2021 $9,500 – $11.300
2022 $10,250 – $12,200
MARKET EQUIVALENT
19 – 22 KTM 300 EXC
$8450 – $13,850
19 – 22 Husqvarna TE 300
$8650 – $13,750
19 – 22 Sherco 300 SE-R
$7500 – $12,650
19 – 22 Gas Gas EC 300 Racing
$8000 – $12,650
