and is easily removed for trials name boards on
game day. The location of the mapping switch
has changed with a small LED mounted in the
X-frame to let you know which mode you are in
with a glance, not that you need it, it’s quite clear
at the throttle.
The 250 two-stroke engine is, quite simply,
breathtaking. Yes it’s a little less than ‘fashionable’
riding a two-stroke in trials these days, but I’m
used to it and I love it. This engine was revamped
in 2019 and not much has changed, as it is just
trick and lovely. New exhaust port geometry,
timing charts, and a new CDI system were
all incorporated at that time and the engine
produces traction comparable to the famed
Montesa 4RT.
In action on a very steep hillside I dropped
the bike into second and wound it out for the
first part and then stayed in the gear and held
it till it was chugging uphill, without faltering or
feathering the clutch. The traction and low down
torque was rock solid and smooth. With its neck
wrung it will leap like the best of the 2 strokers
but that low down torque was a total revelation.
The famed steering geometry delivers the
tightest of turns and weight shifting produces
circles in its own wheelbase. It does feel small
too. I’m a fair weight for a trials rider and six foot
tall in my stocking feet, but I was particularly
comfortable lifting the front and placing it
anywhere after I had set the rake of the bars for
my strange shape, (long legs, short top half – the
exact opposite of most Italians) and we became
a unit within ten minutes of riding. For reference
sake I have owned and ridden Yamaha, Scorpa,
Ossa, Sherco and GasGas bikes, and have ridden
many a 4RT but confess to disliking the four-
stroke ride for trials.
I was really enjoying the ride of this bike and
the best was yet to come, theres a certain
creamy smooth gentility to the suspension that
also reminds me of the best of the 4RTs. Several
friends ride the Montesa and in truly rough stuff
it’s akin to cheating, in my view. It is so smooth
104 KIWI RIDER
that one has more time. I’ll explain it this way
– in a trials section one is not thinking about
the obstacle or drop off in front, because the
bikes suspension imparts such confidence that
you are able to easily look ahead, beyond, to
the next obstacle, and it allows more time for
preparing to arrive in the best configuration
at that obstacle. This is the secret to Montesa
riders’ success as a whole I believe; exceptional
suspension. No kidding.
The 2020 Beta 250 2T that I am riding produces,
as near as dammit, a perfect facsimile of that
4RT ease and capability. This is no idle boast,
it’s truly a remarkable piece of work. Out of
ten points it’s a ten. Cracking, and now I have
absolutely NO excuse for my scores; it’s rider
skill, the bike performs miracles.
For the stat wonks among us: James Dabill
has won two Scottish Six Days on Beta, so has
Dougie Lampkin, with 12 wins to his name, but
Beta has been the winning machine on more
occasions than any other manufacturer with a
total of 13 wins, five more than its closest rival.
The longest winning streak has also been Beta,
with a remarkable seven years unbeaten in the
90s and another four from 2008–11.
Given the quality of the finish of the bike, the
ride quality, the geometry of the frame and its
astonishing little powerplant I suspect Beta is at
the start of another winning streak at the SSDT.
With a new dealer structure in place for New
Zealand, and spares and support being provided
with that national support network I expect the
uptake of the new Beta bikes to be significant,
both in Trials and in Enduro. It is high time
that trials was recognised as the best possible
training ground for youngsters and novices in
motorcycle sport of every stripe, and it offers
superb fitness and fun for the rest of us. Get on
one as soon as you can.