2024 Beta 300 RR Race Edition First Ride Review

Beta offers a variety of open-class two-stroke options for interested buyers. From a 300 RX motocrosser to the enduro-based 300 RR and 300 RR Race Edition, there’s a 300 for everyone in the Italian manufacturer’s catalog. While the 300 RR Race Edition is the most expensive offering with a suggested retail price of $10,399, it’s also packed with the most features and unique specifications of the bunch.

Our introduction test took place near Johnson Valley, California, across varying terrain, before Southern California experiences hotter temperatures typical toward the end of spring and throughout summer. With an average elevation of 3,000 feet and multiple types of terrain, there’s something for everyone in this OHV wonderland. Rock gardens, single-track trail, wide-open lake beds, sand hills, and rolling Baja-style whoops are par for the course.

Read on to learn more about Beta’s 300 RR Race Edition and how it performs across a variety of conditions.

A majority of 300cc two-stroke engines utilize a “square” bore and stroke of 72.0 x 72.0mm. This dimension is found on Beta’s 300 RX model as well as a majority of its European competition. However, the 300 RR and 300 RR Race Edition are unique within the fold featuring a 73.0 x 69.9mm design. The 300 RR Race Edition is also equipped with a twin-spark ignition system, where two NGK GR7CI8 spark plugs in the cylinder head are fired at the same time.

Other engine highlights include the highly tunable Beta Progressive Valve (BPV) power valve system, electric starting, counterbalanced design, and Keihin PWK 36mm carburetor. Premixed fuel is utilized in the 300 RR Race Edition, one of the main differentiators between itself and the oil-injected 300 RR model.

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Starting is quick and clean, both in neutral and also with the Brembo hydraulic clutch engaged when in gear. Like two-strokes of the same displacement, the 300 RR Race Edition packs a powerful punch down low and through the midrange, more so than many competitors even. I’d attribute this to the oversquare design and well-jetted Keihin PWK 36mm carburetor more than anything. A six-speed gearbox includes proper spacing for the intended application, with a low first gear and ultra-tall sixth that will allow riders over 80 mph with stock gearing.

Trail riding the 300 RR Race Edition is one thing, going off-road racing is something entirely different. For the serious competitors who want to start near the front, the 300 RR Race Edition is up for the task. If the powerful engine begins to tire one out, Beta compensates with a fuel-tank-mounted engine map switch. Sun mode is full power, whereas the rain indicator mutes the hit and aggression a noticeable amount. I foresee many racers starting in the sun setting and finishing races with the rain icon engaged as the 300 RR Race Edition packs a powerful punch and extremely competitive power in the 300cc two-stroke market space.

Besides the 300 RR Race Edition’s need for premix fueling versus oil injection on the 300 RR, another big variation between the two is in the standard suspension componentry department. Simply put, KYB comes stock on the Race Editions and more trail-friendly ZF Sachs units find their way onto standard Beta RRs.

With a $300 price difference between both 300cc models, I highly advise off-road racers and those searching for ultimate performance to consider the 300 RR Race Edition. The ZF Sachs components on the 300 RR may provide better trail comfort and small-bump absorption, but the 300 RR Race Edition’s KYB settings are much better for serious enthusiasts and racers alike.

Suspension is one of the most subjective elements test riders have to navigate through and communicate effectively, but the 300 RR Race Edition makes my job quite easy: This suspension package is good—really good. Whereas the standard RR components can be ultrasoft and the 300 RX motocrosser also comes softer than expected, the KYB settings in the 300 RR Race Edition are the best of Beta’s 300 bunch.

While not the most planted in super low-speed, technical, and rocky terrain, the KYB Air-Oil Separate (AOS) 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork and KYB C46 shock offer adjustability and compliance unmatched by a majority of its competitors. Want better action in exceptionally low-speed sections, simply free up the rebound damping or go softer on compression damping.

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“Rideability” is Beta’s slogan, and the standard settings of the 300 RR Race Edition truly reflect that. Both the front and rear are versatile over an extremely large spread of conditions, well balanced, and properly set up for the intended target audience. After a long day on the bike, I can’t communicate any shortcomings. Also to note, the aftermarket industry knows this KYB design better than almost anything—a blessing for those who want to further customize their ride.

An all-new double-cradle chromoly steel frame with a wider backbone is big news for 2024, but the end result is much the same. The frame feels very much like the outgoing design with good compliance and accurate steering, while retaining a bit of an old-school and conservative demeanor. It doesn’t do anything odd or unexpected, which is a benefit for casual off-road riders and competitive racers alike.

Taller riders will surely value the variety of handlebar mounting options and everyone can appreciate the Nissin brakes. A 260mm front and 240mm rear rotor are assisted by quality steel-braided lines. It doesn’t take more than one finger to get any Beta stopped, and the 300 RR Race Edition is no exception.

With a horn, turn signals, low- and high-beam headlight switches on the left side of the handlebar and engine start and stop buttons on the right, everything falls at hand. The engine start and stop buttons are color coded and don’t take much effort to depress. With a display that’s mounted dead center behind the front number plate, it’s also easy to keep track of mileage or check diagnostic codes. Beta’s translucent gas tank makes spotting fuel usage a quick and simple affair, and with a 2.5-gallon capacity, one can ride for quite some time before a refill is necessary.

My only chassis-related complaints are not uncommon to fellow Beta riders. Starting with the seat, its shape and foam density can take some getting used to. After numerous Beta test days, I plan accordingly and wear padded shorts when long rides are on the schedule. It will “seat in” as hours accrue, but you have been warned. Also, the Maxxis 140/80-18 rear tire sizing is bigger than expected. Once the stockers wear out, it’s best to install your favorite tires/sizing combinations for your intended use.

Beta packs a lot of punch in the 300 RR Race Edition, and I haven’t even mentioned many of the extras included in every Race Edition package. From billet aluminum footpegs with stainless steel cleats, quick-release axle pull up front, to the red, white, and blue accents that are instant eye-catchers, Beta is certainly onto something. Standard Beta features like the Twin Air air filter and no-tools quick-change accessibility come standard, and the Build Your Own Beta (BYOB) program remains a manufacturer first.

During dry lake top speed runs, I was really hoping to hit 88 mph (see Back to the Future movie for reference), as this bike took me right back to more enjoyable times and simpler designs in two-stroke engineering. An impressive 84–85 mph was as fast as I could muster, but new owners can certainly experience the same fun and thrill once they throw a leg over their own 300 RR Race Edition. It’s hard to go wrong with a strong running bike that comes equipped with great suspension and brakes.

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Thank-you to Beta for exceeding expectations and building one incredible bike, Allan Brown and Jeff Allen for sharing in the adventure, as well as Alpinestars and Scott Sports for providing quality gear and protective equipment.

Helmet: Alpinestars Supertech M10

Goggle: Scott Prospect

Neck Brace: Alpinestars BNS Tech-2

Jacket: Alpinestars Session Race

Jersey: Alpinestars Techstar Ocuri

Gloves: Alpinestars Techstar

Pants: Alpinestars Techstar Ocuri

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7