Do you Need 100cc's More? Beta 200 vs 300, All Discipline Test!

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

My 24 year old grandson loves his 200 race edition. He wins medals on it at the Idaho City 100. I'm am a 74 year old rider and love my 300 race edition, with the suspension softened a little.

[@robm3357]

Wow, 74 People call me crazy for buying a Beta 300 and I am 65.

[@dejandezman6139]

​@@robm3357, haha, I'm 41 and bought my first hard enduro bike last year at that age, the Beta Xtrainer 300. But I've been thinking about this segment of motorcycles for a while and I've been told by some that it's not for that "old" people that it's this for younger people.

[@pepemanolo390]

@@robm3357 Well then, sir, there are two of us now... greetings from Spain

[@loustgeorge]

Thanks Rich, I'm not a scientist, so I enjoyed the video. For me it was a great comparison!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

😂😂

[@chapmandb]

I’m a Geologist and it rocked!

[@desert-timber-outdoors6577]

I’m a big small bore fan. I have the new TBI 125xc …. Small bore two strokes are absolute weapons in the woods. These new 200s and 125s have all the power in the world to get me through any of my terrain. I live in Idaho City, it is one of the most popular woods and off-road riding areas in the country….. most my riding is in the sawtooth mountains of Stanley…. The 125 never leaves me hangin. Sure I have to be a little creative sometimes and work a little harder here and there…. But that’s what I enjoy about them so much…. I believe everyone should ride a 125 or 200 in the woods…. And Instead of getting frustrated with it, let it teach you how to properly ride a dirt bike, and it will unlock a whole new level of riding abilities for you…. Because the only way to effectively ride a small bore two stroke, is the right way…. It will show you the keys to clutch control, momentum, balance, body position relative to traction….. it magnifies it all and really is such a valuable tool to have.

[@AprilInOctober]

Great comment! I had an xtrainer and had to get rid of it. Found a 200 for a great deal I couldn’t turn down. But I’m a novice female, 45 years old and need all the help I can get. I’m hoping I can hang onto this 200 and not have to go back to the xtrainer.

[@kennethwolfe3726]

TE150 owner here and I couldn’t agree more. Little bikes are big fun and forces skill development all at the same time.

[@MrCyphermonkey]

Yes, depending which you prefer, riding style etc.

[@JeffreyHess-u7x]

Thanks Rich! I appreciate your willingness to go out and brave that brutal heat to give us this content. I’m a 200 race edition owner. Funnest bike I’ve ever owned. I think it’s time to get yourself a 200 race edition!!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Man it was so terrible that day😂 thanks for watching

[@BruceThee]

I found your suspension comment at the end right on point. I always found it interesting that typical street riders always talk about horsepower, but on the track it was all tires and suspension.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@DH-3on_sAm]

you rock!!! i wish i had you and ur vids 30 yrs ago to help me be a truly better rider!

[@babconstruction]

Have been curious about the 200’s for a few years now as my 300 has been feeling heavy in some spots. Especially when I have to pick it up😂. Surprising results especially when the 200 is not setup to your liking. Great video! Thanks and keep them coming!!

[@killerballs]

My ec200 is great and with a lectron it sips fuel. I'm about to get a 300 Monday also but I know the efficiency going to really be disappointing in comparison. I like the 200 more also because i can ride it faster easier.

[@sfade6217]

Nice comparison and thanks for putting in the effort. It's a lot of work to do comparisons.

[@Mike-uh2gw]

They are the finest looking machines on the market. I can't wait to try one out.

[@craigtilford5118]

Sold me. Putting my money down tomorrow on the 200 RR!! Thanks IRC, Rich and the owner this 200 RR. Oh, also tested a 2019 200 RR this morning and a Sherco 300. Coming from a CRF300L of course this will be a big difference, but I am looking to advance my skills on the 200 RR.

[@lw8447]

Hows the 200rr treating you?

[@tamasszabados6178]

The huge rear sag on the 200 was also visually noticable, I can see why the front end felt washy Anyways, quality vid, like usual! Thumbs up

[@BradBrother]

Makes me reminisce on my 2007 KTM200xcw. Fantastic bike! The low end was comparable to my 250 two stroke but it did sign off a lot earlier.

[@VincentVagabond]

Awesome video and great topic. The skill of the rider makes this comparison worth watching. I love the 200! It has enough power and low end grunt to lug you around anywhere.

[@olliechristopher467]

Man Rich I'm amazed at how well you ride. This test just goes to show any of these "arm chair professors" that it's all about the rider. Going from your own well setup personal machine to a lowered bike your not used to with comparable lap times is impressive my man!! I bet the average novice rider like myself would be more than happy with a 200 for trail riding.

[@luboltz5201]

we are living the Beta era in enduro world champinship en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enduro_World_Championship

[@marshalbird2480]

Great comparison/video. I enjoy your well thought out comments-in this test and all your other videos, keep’em coming.

[@LARRYLANDMINE]

Great comparison test👍 I've just traded in a 2021 300 rr for a 2023 200 rr. I got sick of the 300 dragging me round when I get tired, the 200 doesn't do that, so I get to ride longer. It's early days yet, but the 200 is a real fun bike 👍

[@babconstruction]

Great description on the 300. I haven’t been able to put into words what I feel at the end of the day/not my best day on the pegs. I believe you have nailed it for me. The big girl feels like “a whole lotta Rosie” Going to be saddle on little spinner/200rr when I wear out “Rosie”

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I wish I had 1%of your riding skills. Stay safe and keep the vids coming

[@zpbeats3938]

Dang that uphill rocky section was crazy! Pivot turning like nobodys business!

[@neelrandall4803]

Just bought a 200 haven't even got to ride it yet but your videos have me wanting to get home and try out

[@RichPlakas]

I'm not a scientist but I did stay in a Holiday Express recently. Thanks Rich that was fun to watch. Make me want to check out a 200 Race Edition and compare it to my Xtrainer.

[@ottokirk2325]

Imma 200 for life. well, on a 200 with just simple, but loose inclines, littered with rock size like he pointed out. REAL hard to gain or maintain any momentum on steep-ish inclines. The 200's nature is to make good power with wheel spin, not so on the 300's. I have greatly improved lug factor with the STIC carb metering block and STIC Super X carb. And 'greatly' is an understatement, the low end is unstoppable and crisp pulling from the basement. There is simply responsive stronger power at any point in the RPM range. The X carb is like having a supercharger feeding a big turbocharger.

[@zm12341]

"We got some scientists out there" 😂 killed me. Great vid, great content. Personally I was torn between the GG EC250 and that Beta 200, went with the GG, but I dont either is a bad option.

[@zachfarkash6430]

Awesome comparison between the 2 bikes? Thank you for what you do rich.

[@HobbitHomes263]

I've got a 2 year 250 4 stroke that has lots of power but I still enjoy my ancient air head PE 175 that;s a ton of fun to ride.It's lighter and a lot less gyro effect from the engine it is super flicable

[@marioschristofi3145]

VERY nice video! Thank you for taking the time to make this kind of comparison video. Makes me wonder how the 250RR would compare to the 300RR if suspension was the same.

[@francisguerrero3240]

I enjoy your vids,not a scientist. To take 2 completely different bikes and put them head2head was pretty crazy. It basically boiled down to the rider. You made a lot of good points about each bike, but the 200 was at a disadvantage from the start. The skill and ability you have made it very interesting. Keep doing it🤙😎👍

[@thomastjg53]

I keep saying that beta would put better suspension on the x trainer , they would sale a million of them. The 200 and the 300 are great bikes too.

[@chadc301]

Man I LOVE my 2022 Beta 200RR/RE. I installed a RK TEK Head and took time to dialed my carb in. My suspension is still all stock but I love it also. The bike is amazing. It’s not the best on the moto track but I still have fun on it. As an expert vet rider I would rather race my KTM250XC. But the Beta is my preferred weapon for everything else.

[@timothylawson4518]

Awesome video!!! Great explanation of your findings

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@zacharycampbell1395]

I like my '20 300RR for the instant throttle response off idle to be able to jump over logs and tractor up hills. The only thing I don't like about the betas is the turning radius, and most of the KTMs I've ridden had a much better feel on the front end, as though the front tire was planted to the ground. I've only had it a few months so maybe there is some suspension adjustment that needs to be made, but that's all I can really complain about it at this point

[@asherlito3801]

All that can be a Said is the Hard enduro loop is insane

[@daneheinrich2690]

G'day Rich. Was there one that stood out as more physically or mentally draining? ie; if you were doing a much longer ride, would one or the other be less fatiguing?

[@claytonadams3942]

I am no Rich Larson, but I rode both models he did at a demo day and the 200 is way less work. Less wheel spin, less trying to hold onto the bike when you are ripping and it is noticeably lighter. Narrow through the mid, almost feels like a mountain bike. For me, the 200 is so playful and the 300RE feels like a race bike.

[@learningtofly6804]

Rich' What gearing are you running on the 200? Insightful Vid!🙏

[@Wildh2oskier]

If you liked them there you can understand why they are the fastest selling bikes in the thick tight woods back east. I ride a Beta but if this area was where I rode I would be on a Japanese 250 or 450. They are in my opinion made for the wide open spaces.

[@mariusmartinsen2064]

Nice video. You are so fast that you catching up with the dust 😂

[@garywilliamscornwall]

That 200 is a weapon. I wonder what it would feel like after 2-3 hours at a race setting

[@czechyalater_]

Can confirm.... amazing!!! I race Hard Enduro and I have has the 2023 RR300 Racing and now the 2023 RR200 Racing. Beast!

[@JamesMargolis79]

Loved the test! I'll be curious if a 200 is in your future. 🙏

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

May need one!

[@andrewberg2361]

I was this close to getting the 200 but last minute decision went with a TPI 250 Husky. Interesting to hear your thoughts on 200.

[@AntiStressKit]

Thank you for the consistently excellent content 🤟Are there any plans for protective gear review? I am sure that I am not the only one who will appreciate your view on that topic. Cheers

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

😂 episode comes out next week! 🙌 good guess

[@AntiStressKit]

@@IRCTireUSAMotoThat is super! At the risk of over-riding my lucky streak, would that also be the episode where I am announced as a winner of an all inclusive ride with Rich event 😆😆😆😆

[@BlueThunder69NZ]

Nice vid Rich, I’m sure you could make most bikes shine when setup the way you like 😁 which bike would you recommend to a newbie to enduro, 30-40yrs old, a little bit of off-road experience but no racing, regular dad bod with only beer fitness, to have fun with the lads on the weekends and putt around with the family on trips away (ie majority of us 😂)

[@roryhamilton9426]

I’m 43 and have a 200rr, novice rider, it’s a great bike, it does lack some bottom end for hard enduro, easy fix is a 13 front sprocket and a cylinder head upgrade, very cheap. A 300 can get you into trouble easily if your not fit and experienced.

[@brook_slider]

Great vid ! what's the gearing on the 200 ? It sounds stock and from factory its a15/49. Most 200 riders go to a 14 sprocket minimum especially for hard enduro.

[@shackledbyillusion]

Rich, what is the equipment or app info you are using for your lap times, I would like to do the same thing, for myself to see if I am improving, and I'm sure others would want to know as well? Thank you you are an awesome teacher!

[@CSRGM1915]

Crazy how similar the terrain and environment looks like Central Otago here in New Zealand. Thanks for the video, Rich!

[@marklang5169]

Fun comparison thanks

[@stacksmasher]

Where the extra power comes in is hill climbs and altitude!

[@HalfHourOfPower]

awesome vid, whats that laptimer your using please?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

My Pitboard

[@tommywallbanger]

I test rode a Beta 200 at beta's demo days and loved that bike. I want one 1 day. Not spending 10 grand on a brand new one htough.

[@philipsmith6152]

Great test, What it proves is that someone with your talent can ride anything...put a muppet on those bikes and you might see a bigger difference. Luv the vids keep em coming 🙂

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Well said! Need to have Marc do some comparisons

[@dudleycornman1624]

I've got 2 KTM 300s. I don't really ride anymore, but back when I did I got a chance to ride several KTM200s and was very impressed with them. I was never better than a c rider... think I would have been faster in many conditions on a 200.

[@adambatchelder4121]

Great video, I like my 200s geared a little lower than a 250 or 300 .

[@dalepellerin]

I have the 23 300rr and love it. I’m not too interested in times but more which is more playful? The 300rr seems lite and playful but I suspect the 200 will more so.

[@csmith7693]

Rich, awesome comparison. Thanks. What tire size are you running on the 200 and what final drive size?

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

The VE33S he has on it only comes in 110/100-18.

[@hoosk125-wm5bp]

Thanks for doing the comparo I suggested in the 200 review vid comments. Results as expected. Nice 2nd loop. Dig the pivot turns. Must be nice being able to touch the ground. 😂 I'm 5'5", rocks (aka foot rests/stands) are my friends, esp w/ left kickers 😊. Keep sending it.

[@Max-ye9xg]

I rode CR250 is always felt it needed a little more a325 two-stroke would be perfect

[@devincloud84]

Man imagine if that 200 was a race with a normal height KYB suspension! Do u think that's the way to go

[@lucafioravanti5350]

I'm on my 50s..I started enduro riding vlate and I'm using 300rr racing from 2 years that is a very really cool bike especially for the tour with friends but when it come to go very fast for my skills it is a very challenging bike. So I'm really thinking to pass at the 200rr racing I'm also a light rider 70kg I'm looking for a bike that is less tiring and for a bike that I'm able to exploit more

[@pmaly9473]

You will have more fun!

[@hello-dirt]

I think hills and climbs are where the 300 will shine the most for most riders 175# and up. Loved the 200 on Demo day but it could not compare to the 300 or xtrainer with uphill grunt.

[@claytonadams3942]

I weigh 200 lbs and I had no issue with the 200. Slightly more clutch work but its so manageable that it encourages you to attack obstacles. Never felt like it was trying to stall while going up steep stuff

[@inosp5923]

you are 100 right, that's why I bought 300 again

[@vladbronnikov9813]

It’s very pleasant to ride obstacles and trails but when you need to run a lot of long uphills - its much harder, so 300 is little bit worse in terms of handling but much better on uphill grunts

[@shereemitch]

Oh get your hands on a Xtrainer and do the same test. With all three bikes, but do it fast before summers over. LOL

[@Wooskii1]

Yes, I for sure need the extra 100cc. I ride purley for fun, I will never compete, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I suck... The KTM 300 XC-W I just got is by far the best bike I've ever ridden, definitely the lightest full size bike too. To me it feels like a mountain bike, especially compared to my last off road bike (DRZ 400). I wouldn't trade the extra power for anything- So what if I can't always use 100% of it? It's the most fun when I can put that power down and that's what matters to me, at least for now. I might have a change of heart as my skills improve... I've ridden faster/ snappier/ scarier bikes and I think the 300 is plenty practical and reasonably tame (I just might have to try to change that by playing with the power valve 😈). A slightly harder hit of the pipe would be kinda nice.

[@chrisvozza6530]

Badass. That 200 is a beast

[@jcknepp]

Great video and comparison!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jsmith8983]

Love your videos Rich!

[@huckfinn4260]

Is there any chance that we'll be seeing more content with you riding the TM300 4t? I'd love to see how it compares to the Beta 300rr in the hard enduro situations like your hard enduro and enduro cross loops that you're riding in this video. Would also love to see the TM on the 5 miles of hell.

[@jakejames3634]

I have a 2020 300 TM 2t and a 2022 300 TM 4t. The TM 4t will work for light hard enduro but it is not a replacement for a 2t. It is a fantastic motor and BY FAR my favorite bike for racing enduros or cross country. The sherco 300sef is a better 4t for hard enduro but is still not a 2t. If you’re looking for a do it all bike, the Beta 200rr RE is the closest thing you’ll find unless you’re a Pro. These Pro guys have far more energy and can compensate for the extra effort the 4t bikes require in technical terrain. I have ridden all the bikes I’ve mentioned, and countless others. 2t for hard enduro/technical terrain, 4t for all other racing.

[@huckfinn4260]

Thank you for that. @@jakejames3634

[@midnorthmidwest]

And then you got the X trainer factor. Pretty sure for for the average rider it would win the first two tests . Heaps of smooth torque wins the day.

[@Dissentient01]

Are the two bikes different enough to justify owning both? Killer upload. Thanks again!

[@woodsrider117]

I got both. I think it’s worth it but just the 200 or 300 is great too.

[@jacobbieler1876]

No go for a 125 if you want something different than your 300 the 200 is basically just a mini 300 same power characteristics

[@YZXRYDR]

Now, run the exact same test with the rider of the 200 on both bikes.

[@jordanwilson887]

My question: which one is easier to ride? Better for long rides and lugging?

[@paulpotempa8829]

Why not throw the 250rr in the mix for the guys on the fence? Not really pumped on my 200rr seems to need a touch more grunt.

[@masterbeta343]

so what youre saying is it comes down to bike setup with suspension and tires and rider skill/preference.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Somethin like that 😂

[@MechShark]

What happened to the TM 300 4T vids? Was that only a loaner bike?

[@layneford4262]

200s are magic. Add a high compression head and some porting with the new lectron pro and you will have similar power to a 250 at the 200 weight. They are just plain fun, an aggressive experienced rider can ring a 200 out in places that would be suicide to do the same on the 300.

[@mattjordan585]

Do you think alot of the differents comes from the kyb fronts vs zf? I came off ktm too 300 rr-s and man the front was so washy I couldn't stand it, was throwing me around and bouncing me off every rock. It's currently in getting the suspension all revalved.

[@ClumsyToast]

What is that brace on your right wrist? I might have missed that in the vid or in another vid...

[@Max-ye9xg]

What I mean is going up hills on a CR250 I thought I needed a little more grunt how to Revit too much

[@MikeHughesShooter]

I was literally wondering 💭 this week why I need a 300 in pure hard enduro. What about a lighter 200 with fly wheel weight?

[@Max-ye9xg]

Utah is huge and beautiful we would go to El Mirage in the desert when I was a kid🎉 should I move to Utah been stuck in Orange County California

[@aaronlyons1212]

Hey would you use the same size/type of tire for the 200 vs the 300???

[@atilaroda6349]

YES, you do.

[@MsDev77]

I love it great job

[@Max-ye9xg]

California in the desert we ride to be out in the open away from people being the open Terrain

[@isaacgentz3319]

Thanks for the comparison, great video. Is there a reason you think, that the Beta X-Trainer is a 300? As someone coming from the Dual Sport world and just getting into enduro I've been looking at the X-Trainer, but after watching this it makes me wonder why the X-Trainer isn't based on the 200? Love your training videos by the way, almost have clutch-ups and slow wheelies figured out on my CRF300L

[@matthewcrino5826]

For what it's worth, I have a 2023 Xtrainer and a 2023 KTM XC-W. The Xtrainer has a 292cc engine based on their 300 RR model. I consider its frame to be a hybrid of their enduro models influenced by their trials bikes. That said, it makes the Xtrainer (compared to my XC-W) feel so light, nimble and confidence inspiring. But (there's always a "but" when comparing another enduro bike to a KTM enduro bike 🤣) the Xtrainers build quality doesn't compare to the KTM's. The Xtrainer being carbureted vs the fuel injected KTM, the throttle response is very different. Depending on terrain, I just think throttle, the KTM gives it to me in an instant. The Xtrainer (carbureted bike), requires a split second to react by comparison and for me, going between the two now, the throttle response is annoying on the carbed bike. I love the Xtrainers light weight and nimble feel though with it's narrow chassis. it's an awesome bike that I bought to share with friends and family who don't have a bike of their own and they all feel good on it from what they've said. Simultaneously, I can get on it and push it and have a blast too.

[@hectorstewart7706]

​@matthewcrino5826 the Xtrainer is also a very detuned 300. It is tuned to have no snap. Not really to do with the carb vs injection. The 300RR is quite snappy if you want it to be.

[@matthewcrino5826]

@@hectorstewart7706 Good to know. 👍🏻

[@shredmas]

I think the results would have favored the 200 much more if you are riding tight Forest singletrack. Steep technical rocks and deep sand will tend to favor a 300 whereas more flowing Forest singletrack would likely favor the 200 more

[@hollievarner4624]

what’s on the 200rr 1in or 2in. Lowboy kit??

[@JoeMcGregor-kd1qq]

Dam. Not the hardest loop you say. Good job.

[@chriscardoza9785]

Those bikes are made for that kind of work that you are putting them through...

[@shereemitch]

You had the 200 on the rain map. I think it might have needed the full beans

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Nope it was in the hot map.

[@shereemitch]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto look like the blue light was on OK thanks

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Changes to white when it’s in the rain map

[@matthewmcallister8845]

Do you notice much difference in the low end torque?

[@1QuickSlovak]

Comparing my buddies 23 200RR vs my 23 300XC you can't ride them the same. I can tractor around just above idle on the 300 and I can just keep opening the throttle and it'll keep pulling. It barely needs any clutch climbing a hill in 2nd or 3rd. Do that on the 200 and it'll just bog. But the clutch is nice and light and like 1/4" movement with 1 finger slips it enough to get it to start pulling. Kinda makes the 200 idiot proof if you're concerned about looping it out. So no, it's not like a 300 on the bottom end, but it has plenty of power (for woods riding) if you keep it in the midrange where it's happy. It's also not like a 125 where it's either about to stall or you're reving the tits off it. I'd consider a 200 for my next bike in a few years, but I don't care for the Beta build quality.

[@matthewmcallister8845]

​@1QuickSlovak what's your problem with the build quality? Just curious as iv been looking at a 300RR Re and a KTM but leaning towards the Beta as I can get it street legal right from the dealer . I've also had people tell me they don't like the build quality/reliability of the KIM'S.

[@iman80skid91]

Is the 200 the race Edition

[@travisbertelsen6296]

Rich, where can I get that bar pad that lets you mount your phone on the bars? I’ve been looking for something like that. Thank you!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That’s a mypitboard lap time tracker

[@travisbertelsenbayareareal4170]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto Much thanks, love your vids, keep up the great work!!! You rock.

[@skulltats3011]

do you ride any 4 stroke motocross?

[@davidbeauvais1364]

Rich why not ride Maine or NH in the summer less suffering

[@learningtofly6804]

Hey BETA, you might want to ship Rich a suspension kit (or a race200).....((Lowering kit changes the characteristic of the bike big time))

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Not my bike. Check out our original review I explain there

[@amirbendayan376]

Curious about that handlebar bag you got there.. What is it?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

It’s the lap timer.

[@lesterma1608]

I’d like a 200!

[@trappinout18]

Heart rate monitor stats?

[@romanmgonzalez]

200 forever ❤❤

[@soilsmanadv6673]

I love the comment. "Not a real test!"..."DON'T SUBSCRIBE" I agree. if you knit pick a test then you can go do it yourself!

[@Max-ye9xg]

In California anyone that rode up a side of a mountain of rocks we would not think was too smart

[@Duken4evr29]

Enjoyed the video. Talk about taking one for the team, riding out in the Utah Dez in the summertime 😆 Elevation of the riding area is a big factor. I live in Colorado and my general riding ranges from 7,500 all the way up to 12K at times. My 300 wears a high compression head as a result and it works great at high elevation. Have ridden my 300 in Utah at around 4.5K elevation and it can be a bit much there, particularly with the head on it, as it snorts hard off the bottom, no doubt accentuated by being an old school carb'd model. If my riding was mostly at elevations not exceeding 7K, the 200 seems like a bit of a no brainer. Less spinning mass = a more nimble bike even if the weight isn't that much less. It is remarkable how well the 200 grunts in the video, but to get that kind of response at elevation ya more or less need a 300. Grew up on 125s and rode 500s back when they were a thing, on a 300 now. Lightweight two strokes are the bee's knees!