Beta 350RR Enduro Racing 2018, many "race ready" details and the right fork [ROAD TEST VIDEO]

This Beta 350RR Enduro Racing is exactly the same one that, with a few modifications, races in the Enduro World Championship. Last year we had the pleasure of previewing Beta's entire 2018 Enduro RR range, including the new arrival, the long-awaited 125 2T. Our correspondent, Tomas Del Campo, had tried them in the standard version (here you can find the article and video), now let's get on the Racing, which arrived a few months later and is the same bike that Christophe Charlier uses in the Enduro World Championship and in the Italian Championships.

These are bikes also developed on the basis of the experience and indications of the Beta riders, first and foremost the reigning World Champion Steve Holcombe and the reigning Italian Champion Alex Salvini. The 2018 range was subjected to a record-breaking diet, with the 4-stroke models losing as much as 5,3 kg. On a bike which, in this case, weighs 109 kg in total, that's a lot. The result was achieved with a revised chassis, with the renunciation of the kick start and the adoption of a lithium battery, but not only. A half revolution therefore, which in the last few months has also affected the Racing range, the "race-ready" ones from Beta, which are available in two displacements for the 2-stroke, 250 and 300, as many as 4 for the 4-stroke, starting from this 350 rising to 390, 430 3 480.

Racing, in look and substance, with “race ready” bikes

The Racing versions are characterized by racing details and components, as well as graphics. We find, for example, the quick-release wheel axle, the ergal footrests with a larger support surface and steel pegs, the crown with anodized aluminum core and steel teeth, as well as the red ergal chain tensioner. From an aesthetic point of view, the Racing bikes are characterized by the Vertigo handguards, the racing saddle with document pocket, details with a black or red anodized finish and the Racing graphics, including the red stickers on the rims.

In addition to the details, a dedicated suspension setting

Going into detail, the chassis settings are different, including the Sachs closed cartridge fork with 48 mm stanchions, thanks to the new lightened chainstay and a revised design. It uses the latest generation high-flow oil and a new calibration, similarly to the rear shock absorber. The new Michelin tires close the picture.

Let's saddle up for our verdict

Let's get to our impressions and considerations. First of all, the 350 uses the same block as all the 4Ts, of which it is the least powerful, so the mechanics are under less stress, to the benefit of reliability. The 350 is in fact the entry level of the 4-stroke Racing range, but certainly, at least for an amateur, it is already very, very high performing and you can do practically anything. It allows you to fully enjoy it and have fun, even a lot, while to exploit it 100% you need to reach very high levels of driving. Light and easy, all the sensations we had when trying the 2018 RR enduro range in the standard versions are confirmed. The differences for the Racing are mainly in the components, which are more valuable and more resistant, ready to be stressed even with racing use. Added to this are solutions, such as the quick release for the front wheel axle, which make maintenance operations easier and quicker.

The fork that makes the difference

When riding these differences are appreciated above all from the point of view of the suspension setting, which is a little more aggressive, but above all for that fork which, some would finally say, satisfies absolutely everyone. Beta's RR enduro range had in fact amazed and satisfied us already at the presentation of the standard ones, but precisely at that time, some had raised some doubts about the front fork, considered not to be up to par with the rest of the chassis and the bike in general. This obviously only stands out for those who ride in a slightly rougher manner, but it must be said that it is not uncommon to hear of someone who has preferred to intervene on the standard fork, rather than "settling". Then thinking of choosing Racing, even without competitive ambitions, could be the smartest and most advantageous solution on an economic level.

As Beta has accustomed us, perfect for everyone, from the amateur to the professional

The 350, perhaps even more than other displacements, has proven to be a motorbike capable of pleasing and satisfying everyone's desires, from the most relaxed enduro rider, who will find it easy, light and with the convenience of electric ignition always ready to get the single cylinder moving again without the slightest effort, to those who choose it for competitions and who will find it up to par with the best competition. It is therefore confirmed, in full Beta philosophy, as a motorcycle truly for a heterogeneous public, also because, without being a professional, you take home a reliable vehicle, prestigious in its solutions, powerful and ready for anything.

Prices

We close with a note regarding prices, which, despite the half revolution and the many new features of the 2018 range, remain unchanged. The 350RR Racing we tested costs 9.490 euros, the same price for the 390, with 100 more you buy the 430, another 100 for the top of the range 480. For all, there are an additional 500 euros to go from the standard RR to the Racing with racing components.

He collaborated for the Tomas test of the field, which he wore:
Jersey and pants: Alpinestars Techstar Screamer
Gloves: Alpinestars Aviator
Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7
Knee, elbow and torso protectors: Alpinestars
Helmet: LS2 Subverter
Mask: Scott Prospect