Am I On the WRONG Bike??? Beta 250rr Honest Review.

Today the IRC Tire Guy breaks down his thoughts on the 2023 Beta 250 rr comparing it to the Beta 300 race edition.

[@garethbuttery8996]

I bought a '23 250 Race Edition at the beginning of the year and I've put almost 100 hours on it, mainly MX and hare scramble type terrain. It's a great bit of kit, best bike I've ever had.

[@timmychen6]

Gee….. I bought a 23’ cross trainer 300, and I have 11 hours on it……

[@PNWEnduro]

I also preferred the softer Sachs suspension on the Beta's. KYB has a reputation of being the best of the best but the more bikes I ride, the more I think it's a bit overrated.

[@grinchnumber16]

Very honest analysis. Sometimes it happens that ego leads us to choose race-ready version bikes while we know that we aren't fast enough for those stuff😅

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

You could not be more spot on! Thanks for the support🙌

[@TheKitchenTechnician]

Most of the Beta 300’s I see are doing single track and technical enduro. I was advised against the race edition when I bought my new Beta 300RR last year and glad I went with the standard model. I’ve had four Yamaha WR 450’s with the Kayaba suspension and the suspension was always way too stiff for single track and trail riding even on the softest settings.

[@jamesoso259]

@@TheKitchenTechnicianrevalve changes everything

[@OtisFlint]

@@jamesoso259 Yeah...changes it to Sachs lol

[@jmgoggy]

Very accurate assessment of both bikes. I love both my 250 and 300 for the same reasons. Only thing I would say differs is that i would always prefer the quality of the kyb over the sachs. And the rear shock on the kyb is significantly more plush and feels bottomless. I've also replaced 3 sachs shock bodies due to excessive wear and that was with regular maintenance.

[@mikez104]

Love the way you break all this down. Thank you!

[@danekline7913]

Great content! I’ve been missing the more frequent releases. It’s winter here in PA and I’m ready to get back out on the trail but good content helps scratch the itch a bit

[@hello-dirt]

Awesome. Perfect timing. I have a friend who is looking into a 300 and isn't sure about the Race vs the RR. This should help A Lot. Keep up the vids with all the helpful content.

[@Natedoc808]

Get the race for ease of suspension components maintenance and compatibility with race tech valves. Zach’s stems are 7mm instead of 6mm of the KYB and showa- its best thing going. I had the stems on my 300 turned down to 6mm on a lathe to be able to install race tech gold valves and best thing I could’ve done to it- but cost me pretty penny

[@EGuy1974]

after watching almost every episode and seeing how much you like the Beta, i had a test ride on a beta 250/300/RR/Racing - and i sold my KTM 250 TPI (had it for 4 years) and got myself a Beta 250RR 23. i'm enjoying this bike so much! its a HUGE improvement over the KTM and i absolutely LOVE this bike. BTW, i had Ohlins cartridges on the ktm and now i'm with the ZF forks - i really like the ZF. Thanks for your work and reviews!

[@cepope]

Great Rich I like the Sachs front on my 300rr You confirmed my style of riding suits me well

[@danbutler2934]

Now that was a helpful review, exactly the key character questions I would ask as well and the suspension comments surprised me a bit. The only other question I have would be about perceived vibration between the 2 bikes, is it a factor, and the reliability in comparison to your past Austrian rides. As always, great job Rich!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

No difference in vibration between the two. I’d say the reliability is the same as the Austrian brands

[@jrdumond8999]

Excellent break down of the two bikes. I’m on a 2018 250 race edition with an RK Tek head and one tooth down on the front sprocket. I also swapped out the forks for KYB and had them revalveved. I have all the pros of the 250 u mentioned and I gotta say with the changes I’ve made it’s really hard to tell the difference on the bottom end between my sons 2019 300 rr stock and my 250 Sometimes I feel like I’m on the perfect set up

[@philipsmith6152]

Luv your bike reviews man, as well as your training vids

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I appreciate that!

[@markbanjodaniel]

Great honest review man 🙌🏻 I’m looking at getting back to enduro after a long spell away and just trials riding . The RR is the one on my radar, basically because I’m a better slower rider in tech than I am at speed in faster conditions . It’s just what cc to go for ! I spent a lot of time on 200’s back in the day , and nostalgia is leading me back down that route. Love your channel dude, your video on body position recently was a game changer for me 🤙🏻

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thank you so much for the support! I hope the 250 suits you well! Stoked the body physician video helped you! 🤘

[@Jercroft1]

Your videos have been super helpful, I've learned 90% of my riding skills from this channel so big thanks for that! It would be cool if you took an xtrainer 300 for a spin too. I ride east coast trails and being a new rider to Hard Enduro the x trainer has been really confidence inspiring for me. I feel like its a bike that most people will overlook.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I definitely should make that happen! Thanks for the support!

[@jesseleblanc989]

Excellent review! Thank you!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for the support!

[@andyd5515]

Excellent comparison. Personally i’m a 250 motor fan. I had a couple of 300’s but ended up going back to a 250 for my riding preferences.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I can see why! The 250s are fun!!

[@TheFrankenwagen]

Outstanding video, as always you have a great in-depth view. I run IRC tires because of you. Braaap it is!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Wow, thank you so much. 🙌

[@HolyRider22]

by far the best enduro style dirtbike videos online, came off a honda 250rx and jumped on a 23 250rr. personally i didnt think i was aggressive enough for the stiffer kyb and although i have no time on a 300cc, the 250 is perfect for the single track and slow rocky sections. Still need to dial in my suspension settings but im very happy with my RR

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks so much for the support! The 250 is awesome!

[@gearhigher2027]

Rich you're a class act...keeping it real speaks volumes 🏁

[@bobsalterorsouthwestsaltah4959]

❤❤❤❤ Nice stuff as always Rich !!!! Man you make it look so easy !!!! Happy Holidays to you my friend !!!! Cheers 🍻 !!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks Bob!!

[@mikecollins8241]

I was lucky enough to attend a Beta Demo Day a few weeks ago, and got to ride all 8 bikes in the 2024 lineup, from the X Trainer to the 480(?) thumper.. 4@ 2 strokes and 4 @ 4 strokes.. some were RR's some Race Editions! At the end of the day, they were all awesome machines.. I went there thinking I was definitely buying an X trainer come spring (and using the $2500 savings for upgrades) to not even sure I still want a 2 stroke!

[@tbank86q]

Finally got to watch this one. I ended up putting a RK tek head on my 2022 300 race and it really brought back the snap I was after. I tell everyone, the bike now runs like I think it should, from the factory. Made a huge difference.

[@matthewallen5399]

I had a beta 350 and was looking for a brand new beta 300 a couple of years ago and ended up with a brand new 250 because I got a deal that was to good to pass up. In hindsight getting the 250 was the best thing I could have done. I still have the 250 and will definitely get a 300 next but the value of the 250 is that the character of the motor is like Rich says compared to the 300 and thus is a bit trickier for wannabe hard enduro riders like me and I was forced to develop very good throttle and clutch control for the 250 where I could have been lazy with a 300. If you are looking to improve your riding the 250 shouldn't be overlooked.

[@ssteveo313]

Love my 23 250 race edition! The motor is amazing definitely has a snappy yet controlled feel. that combined with the suspension make it super playful... but it will beat you up a bit and give some arm pump in the real rocky stuff. For me the sacrifice was worth it to have more confidence and stability the faster I push it.

[@user-ei8sg5ic2f]

Well covered subject!! Cheers

[@andrey_kadochnikov]

I can watch you riding all day) would be glad to have a long compilation video

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Haha!! Thank you!!

[@mattjordan585]

Love my 23 rr standard, epic in the slow stuff but as you said the Sachs zf are terrible in the higher speed stuff it would throw me around so bad and that has cost me 9 months off the bike with an injury. I did get it alot better with the clickers but ended up opting for a revalve which I can't wait too try out unfortuantly I have a long wait for that 😂. I just moved over from a 16 ktm with the wp and from factory I would say I liked the wp better but with a play around with clickers it was probably on parr. Love the vids keep them up!

[@wbenz]

Great review. Thank you.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for the support!!

[@boerplaas388]

Perfect review. Thank you 🙏

[@dosovnis7090]

Very interesting review and thanks for comparing Sachs vs KYB also. I have a 300RR 2020 and looking to maybe going Xtrainer for my hard enduro. I'm a short rider and suffer from back pain so the lower height and weight would be ideal. I tested a 2023 and really liked it, it would be awesome if you could review the 2024 Beta Xtrainer. Of course for your level of riding you probably need more but for weekend warriors it is a great option.

[@ranchocortez]

Very good explanation 👍🏼 keep it up

[@kirkbailey3552]

Thanks Rich!

[@stantissue2065]

Thanks. I always felt uncomfortable if I didn’t have an M5B or a VE33 on the rear wheel of whatever I was riding. For years I bought KTM’s and just rode them without making any adjustments. On a good day, I weigh almost 120 pounds. The stock settings were really good for speeds approaching insanity. In tight terrain, well, you could depend on the attitude of the bike never changing, because nothing really moved up and down. So you have confirmed my suspicion that the Sachs suspension may be more suitable for me now that I am approaching 24/7 care requirements. The dealer is 10.5 miles away too. I think the 200 is probably my best option. BTW, oil injection worked on my TS50J Suzuki Gaucho just fine. I can still remember that.

[@lindsaysmith-white1298]

Why dont you swap the suspension on the bikes kyb on the 250 sachs on the 300, see if you prefer it that way.

[@babar69110]

Out of topic but as teenager in the 7O's , I appreciate you hair getting longer 😊 keep the great work. Hope to see you in Europe for clinics

[@Cross-Country-Biker]

Hi Rich. 100% aggree on the Sachs sus, it is plush but doesn't make dangerous - dives into holes on descents ( like i have had with WP ). Sachs is way underrated, it is sooo versatile.

[@eyalcr500]

Mr. Larsen - thanks for that review !!! exactly the interesting important things to know about the RR vs. Race Edition bikes ! but can i please ask about another very important aspect of the forks : what i remember from open cartridge forks, WP , KYB ,also Marzocchi , which ever, is that after 10 minutes hard work over rocks and hard enduro stuff - you got a sponge instead of a fork ... mushy whip cream , non predictable odd behaving fork - probably because the oil is whipped and full of air !!! so the KYB SSS is harsher and all, but at least it doesn't fade away on you and stays the same through all the ride ! what did you feel with the ZF \ Sachs forks ?????

[@jondoe4667]

The only beta I've been on was a friend's 2017 300. And I couldn't believe how much I liked it. It was actually setup better for the riding I do than my crf will ever be.

[@grantbowen5047]

I like the sereal killer haircut vibe! :)

[@LEEROY_UK]

I would love to see an RX250, I’d buy one for mx as I love Betas, my 2021 rr250 was epic

[@dalepellerin]

This is exactly what my enduro buddy told me on the phone as I was sitting at the dealer choosing between the 300rr or 300racing. Knowing that I like the slow technical stuff, he advised to get the rr as he felt the Sachs suspension was better in the slow technical rock than the KYB. The dealer concurred. Plus I didn’t want to look like Captain America. :) great review and confirmation that I get the better shock for my riding style.

[@dosovnis7090]

Yeah the RR always looks better than the Racing to me too, I don't really like the blue with the red.

[@blarpieman]

Yea the kyb race ed is very stiff but once revalved a bit lighter its super good.

[@SlipperySalamanders]

Killer video, I was going to pick up a Beta but they were all sold out, so I'm on the KTM for now. At the end of the day I just want Yamaha to put an Estart on the YZ250X, the YZ is still the best bike I've ridden.

[@youtubeaccount9058]

Amazing that Yam just sits there and watches how much KTM is getting for these bikes and yet won't lift a finger

[@simongilbert2704]

thanks , i liked that / those points of view ,,,

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Appreciate that!!

[@Tssimpson9]

Rich, when is your next Enduro clinic? And where can I find out about your classes?

[@freetaylor72]

I bought the 23 200rr as my first real dirt bike and after a year riding it I've got better, faster, and though I'm a still a novice, your video of you riding the 200 showed me exactly the bike performed as sold. Beta makes good bikes, hopefully it'll last a bit before I can move to a 300

[@sharpeniniron4589]

Appreciate your feed back. Thanks for it being straight up! So wouldn’t it be safe to say that the XTrainer is the best of both versions/worlds? Please do a review!!!! Thanks bro

[@RichPlakas]

Xtrainer suspension leaves a lot to be desired.

[@seashackf1]

No. The Xtrainer has softer suspension than the RR. For anyone even contemplating the RE it would be way too soft. It’s meant for the opposite terrain as the RE. Xtrainer is meant for technical low speed and is unstable at higher speeds. If anything, the RR is the best of both worlds.

[@laddjohnson2576]

How about swapping suspension between the two bikes and re-evaluate ?

[@rock_and_ro]

Man that hippie can rip

[@DmitriyAdv]

Flower child Larsen moves good! 😅

[@mikelyons2831]

I have carpal tunnel (can't do surgery, so please for-go how great surgery is). That said, does anyone know if the 250 vibrates any less (if the counter-balancer is the same & piston weight is less, I would assume so)??

[@wyatt30moto69]

Completely agree with you I own a 300 rr and my dad owns a 250 rr race and I ride slower technical east coast terrain and I find the 300 standard preforming way better than the 250 race

[@kenergy111]

Nice haircut bro

[@krazed0451]

Hair's looking luscious, mate. Hope its not pissing you off too much in the helmet ;-)

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

😂😂 thanks man. Pisses me off when filming these videos 🤣

[@tandccreations6383]

I'm looking at the betas I race hare-scramble's I'm an aggressive rider like to ride fast I'm coming off a 23 yz 125x I also do some slower enduro (not racing yet) and I do a lil training in moto which bike do you think would fit me (from beta, looking for opinions)

[@cowpker4life333]

Open cartage wp with suspension 101 sprung midvalve and gobblers made them an amazing forks. Much more plush on top lot more uphold and gobblers let you adjust h/l speed compression whenever.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Very interesting! Good tips!

[@cowpker4life333]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto having high and low speed compression on fork is sweet. Really lets you dial in for what your doing. Fast hard pack single track or slow rocky or moto. But ended up putting that bike as a spare and been running a tm en300. The handling on them are insanely good. Disappointed with 2023 xcw300 tried though very similar chassis to 2005 ktm chassis but bit more stable. Be great see video on how the enduro bikes compare. Tm vs sherco vs beta vs ktm. Would also love some more tire comparisons for front and rear of why use one vs another for irc brand.

[@ericday1891]

Love my 250 race Literally a do it all bike

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Got that right!

[@mulimen1]

@IRC Tire USA Moto..... for hard enduro technical conditions only...200rr or 250rr?

[@columreddy]

Swap the suspension and retest.

[@edinsalkic2198]

2022 300rr SACSO!!! front tyre pirelly scorpion midhard 90/100/21 Bck tyre mitas teraforce 140/80/18 bike is perfect for me... For all terane....

[@kent426]

How does the 200rr rate now compared to the 250 and 300

[@rebekahmoussa279]

Did you remove the headlight and tail light ? Or is there an option to buy it without the lights ? I thought only the 300rx came stock without lights (being an mx bike)

[@Ronhickmott]

If I was in your situation (had both bikes), I would have swapped the suspension over already.

[@miro_s]

Have you ever tried the Xtrainer?

[@ronwest7930]

These Beta bikes all have carburators? they look like red KTMs. The only negative of riding two strokes was jetting for altitude so while I am a bit old fashioned anything with fuel injection makes more sense. My riding would vary from sea level to 6500 ft.

[@timmychen6]

I end up buying a Xtrainer but I’m not sure if 300rr would be better for me

[@andrewauman40]

I got the 2024 rr for the same reason and if I did get a 250 I agree I would get the race edition for that stiffer suspension. I also wasn't sure I would like 2 spark plugs on the race edition but am jealous of the new Frame but still not proven.

[@bhenderson7651]

If you have a 24' what's the new frame?

[@steliosapergis]

I bought racing 2024 beta 300 . just leave it in dealer and i order new simple 250 rr 2024. The reason? First off is the second time in 20 hour to change spark plugs they destroyed it after almost 10 hours. I put 1.7% oil and i have the same result.i don't know why ?? Second reason is, for some reason i fell it little stiff because the kyb suspension are good but not for me . I am 92 kilos and with my Extra protection and back pack im going almost 110 and i have the same feelings. I try this morning all . 250 300 simple. After mine. Before 2 strokes try all 4 strokes for me the bests was 350 4 stroke and 430. Between them was 250 simple rr . The best part was the power delivery is better than 300. More aggressive and more alive. Now im wait of my new bike . Cheers 🎉

[@Dissentient01]

Do you run the power valve flush on both bikes and are you going to swap suspension?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Yes flush. Haha I could couldn’t I 🤔

[@michaelmonaghan595]

I’m a 51yrs old with a 2023 200rr race edition model but thinking about moving up to a 300cc I’m just a wknd Warrior doing play days and the occasional MX riding. Just looking for a bit of advice to move up to a 300cc or not. Ps keep up the good content✊🏻

[@moto2org]

I'm 45 (so not far off!) and test rode a 200RR Race Edition early this year, but I ended up going with the 250RR over the 200 and the 300RR. Its an amazing trail bike. Test the 250 before committing to the 300.

[@pedrodstc]

Me too!

[@steliosapergis]

​@@moto2orgtrye

[@gronkvbs2795]

Not a chance! The OC WP stuff on my 2005 KTM is STILL worlds better than the garbage that came on my 2021 500RR-S. In fact with over 200 hours on my Beta those forks have literally NO anodizing left on the inside of the tubes and the fluid that came out was horrifying. The shock is meh. I honestly thought about putting WP OC forks on my bike but then I got a repair bill for a new top end plus a few things. A piston kit for $550 plus a complete gasket kit for $300 was just a sample of the $2500 repair bill for a 200 hour bike that honestly had been babied and ridden as a DS. Meanwhile, my antique KTMs are thouroughly abused and put away wet. They are way more robust than the italian Beta princess bikes. IMO the bargain bin suspension is the least of one's worries when buying a Beta.

[@angellmarrero8326]

Awesome review. Just swap suspensions and problem solved :)

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

😂

[@millertimemoto64]

Any comments on the difference in engine vibes between the 250 and 300? or not noticeable?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thought I mentioned that in the video

[@renogsx]

You look like dirt bike Jesus and I love it haha

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

😂😂

[@youtubeaccount9058]

It makes sense. An actual trials bike doesn't have much suspension damping and is the worst thing ever through whoops.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Haha! Exactly

[@donaldgrant9067]

Just out of curiosity, what %age of people out at the trail can do all the stuff you can do? Or do most just ride the bike around climbing hills and riding trails?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That’s kind of a tough question. I don’t really see anyone doing what I do. 99.9% just ride trails. That being there not really a median age of rider doing my style of riding. I’m 35, there’s 20 year olds and there are 45 year olds. Suppose there aren’t too many older than 50

[@donaldgrant9067]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto Just was asking. You are really good at riding and at 67 was going to get back out there. And was just wondering what it would be like out there. Got 2 new bikes but money has been tight so I've had to put it off for now. But I can ride trails still.

[@brettrichardson9762]

Does the 250 have tractor ability similar to 300

[@MessengerMX]

What gear are you primarily using with the 250

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

1

[@bradaltergott2786]

swap the suspension, done

[@UTPP]

Good review, just get a Sherco and be done with it!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Clutch is junk on the Sherco unfortunately

[@williamcrotts7054]

Dude, Supercuts. Please.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Crazy how many of you care about hair 😂

[@user-fz8fy4zl1c]

Plastics are rubbish on them imho,break just to look at them!

[@dcptool]

like tools in a tool box ... need an assortment

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

🙌🙌

[@jondoe4667]

That's the same with the CRF 250 vs 450. 450 has a ton more power and is faster. But the 250 is snappier, revs faster, and to me is usually more fun to ride. Plus you always sound like you're hauling ass on a 250 😂

[@RoadTraveler]

Algorithm

[@sarahdell4042]

Rich… Nah, It’s ishmael from kingpin!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Least I’m not Roy Munson 😂

[@sarahdell4042]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto 😂😂😂😂

[@tonyrichengod9280]

You wearing a wig bro? 😂

[@handle690]

Not gonna lie I wish they weren't called "Beta". I thought Beta means a weak male.

[@seashackf1]

It’s an Italian company started in 1905. When they changed the name to the initials of the two guys running the company in 1950’s Italy they didn’t talk about Alpha, Beta, Sigma males like we do today. It’s even new here. You didn’t hear it much 20 years ago.

[@mikeburnett6222]

You always have great info. But the hair needs to go. It just doesn’t do a thing for you