The Beta 300RR Broke On The Trail | Why Did My Beta 300RR Die? | Highland Cycles

[@BenGallou]

My teacher when I was a mechanic apprentice said " when a NGK plug is flooded, throw it away". At this time I thought it was a bit exaggerated. 35 years and a ton of thrown plugs later, I verified he was right and NGK didn't do anything about it. The fact is the NGK ceramic is porous, more than others, and subject to make sparks through the ceramic, especially when hot, especially when flooded several times. Cheers from France

[@jeffbrownell279]

I found the same with most plugs.The only one I had much luck with were Bosh plugs when cleaning.I like my NGK plugs but Bosh good if you get stuck on trail as it will work when you scrape it with a tool.

[@donaldblank8873]

Definitely always read the plug. Thats How I tune the engine. A little black lean it out.if You don't feel the torque in the rear tire. Richen it just a little bit. My TPI gas gas EC250 runs perfect.❤❤❤❤😂

[@chadrides914]

No you tune the engine by feel. You check the plug for information.

[@PNW_MX222]

As Mr. Know-it-all says: 2 stroke 101, if you can’t see your truck you carry a spare plug. Guess we just have to ignore the spare that’s already on the bike.

[@highlandcycles]

Hahaha, totally. When I looked them up at first to get a spare, I saw the price and was like "f that". Now I have 48 dollars worth of plugs on me. Hahahaha

[@greatsouthernsky]

How come the 2nd plug didn’t get you home or did both foul? (I like beta but the dual plug seems like dumb idea and will be temporary like dual exhaust on the crf). Cheers Morgan

[@GasSoakedRag]

This makes me appreciate my KDX so much, I don't even need to remove anything to pull the spark plug.

[@Weekendwarriorsmoto]

Morgan, same problem as yours. 24 300 rr re. Sat for a week. Started, warmed up, started down the road and died. Fouled both plugs. Jetting has been spot on. After a frustrating search for plugs now all good. I have KTMs too and never a problem. I hope it’s a one off but now I’m a little nervous.

[@highlandcycles]

You get it! It’s weird

[@matbrown160]

I have a 23’ beta 300 race. I’ve only fouled one plug and it was after the bike was sitting for weeks and I started it in my garage and let it idle for a bit then shut it off. I think it gummed up from the oil in the gas settling over time and getting super rich. Now I just tip my bike over to mix the gas a bit before I pull it out for a ride, been great ever since then. Hopefully the new single plug head gives you less problems, I absolutely love my beta.

[@jamesoso259]

Once the gas is mixed it doesn’t separate. You just let it idle too long

[@vincedaugherty9687]

Hopefully BETA goes back to a normal head. I have a beta 200rr that I am loving right now. Change the plug in normal maintenance intervals, no issues. If it aint broke dont fix it BETA!!

[@highlandcycles]

100%

[@corsair7531]

Yep, exactly, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Love carb two stroke simplicity.

[@אריקעזרא-ח1ד]

Enjoyed the troubleshooting process, my Son rides a Beta 200 and had a similar problem that the plug was fouled but we still had a spark and it made the engine work bad at high RPM. Switched the plug and worked fine. It's normal for carburated bikes I used to ride ktm 125 and I must have changed 10 iridium spark plugs in a year.

[@highlandcycles]

I don’t think it’s normal. I haven’t fouled a plug since 2006. It’s weird

[@Max-dj5qj]

It isnt normal!!!! Im used to shifter Kart racing with TM and Vortex...and a Beta 300rr 23. In both engines never had one failed plug. And all other betas in Our group from my 15-24 either. But ocf one spare plug is a good way to carry

[@BAYAREAMX]

The irony of a dual plug system fouling both spark plugs 😂

[@mack73]

Wasn't Beta marketing that if 1 fouls you can ride home on the other 🤣

[@philipsmith6152]

@@mack73 Correct, when 1 fails they both fail. lmfao !!

[@corsair7531]

Never ever fouled a plug in my 2016 250xc or my 2019 300xc. Bought them both new and do my best to keep them well maintained. Intermediate level rider, I ride cross-country, enduro and trails. These bikes ''knock on wood'' have been great. Surprised to see that happen on your 300. I've been considering a Beta 300 because they have stayed with the carb. I'm not to keen on the electronics on the new Austrian bikes. Love your videos Morgan! 👍

[@1918Teufelshunde]

My '24 300RE is an absolute monster. Of course, I jetted it properly using the Beta jetting chart, including the recommended NEEDLE. Many people say use this or that needle instead. For some it works, others not so well. Jetting, proper air screw and idle adjustments, Amsoil Interceptor at 50:1 and this thing runs perfectly bottom to top. no smoke, no splooge, great torque right from the bottom and power builds all the way to the top. Hang on cuz you just jumped on a Cheetah's back. It is an amazing bike.

[@highlandcycles]

Mine has been perfect for 50 hrs then this

[@jeffbrownell279]

I changed my stock plug at 172 hours because I figured it was time lol(21 300rr).It still looked in good shape And now my spare.I really don't get the reason for 2 plug head besides a sales pitch.

[@jeffbrownell279]

@@highlandcycles I just really don't get the 2 plug head thing.Don,t they realize a lot of us no about that bs?.This is like the 3rd time this shit has been tried.I am still bummed because they varied from the perfect square engine in 22.The stock square bore 21 has better power down low for tight riding and single track.The 22 up is actually a setback and 2 plug head is just stupid(plus unreal stupid plug price like KTM on 2 plug head).Just run the 21 plug in your single plug head as less than 7$.I am wondering the set up on the 2 plug head ignition.Can you go to single plug without burning out cdi.Looking forward to what you find out(better your dime than mine lol)

[@donaldblank8873]

My tpi has never broke down. 140 hours and going strong. KTM ROCKS

[@highlandcycles]

Why only 140. My 23 KTM has 208 and it’s not my only bike. Ride that thing.

[@zachfarkash6430]

Man glad it was just plugs for ya. Hope its good for a great while 🤘🤘

[@philipsmith6152]

Great review video, best on YT 👌Dual spark plugs theory, if 1 fails, you've still got the other one, what a croc. typical Beta !!

[@bill-spec]

I doubt it was done for reliability. Probably for performance and a more complete burn. Been working on dual ignition 2strokes for years.

[@philipsmith6152]

@@bill-spec Cool, but twin spark has been tried in many different automotive applications over decades and has failed to provide any real measurable benefits or has been not cost effective. IMHO its a marketing wank by Beta to increase sales.

[@kevinvesey5263]

I’ll bet this isn’t the end of the issue. Plugs rarely just foul if the bike is jetted even close to correctly. you say you may need to lean it out a bit but not that it’s running bad. I think there’s still a gremlin in there somewhere.

[@highlandcycles]

That’s what I’m thinking. I’ve had bikes jetted terribly and not fouled plugs

[@leeg4682]

I had a similar problem on my 200rr. Ran fine on bottom and mid, but broke up at high rpm. Turned out to be a connection problem with the map switch. Shored up the connection and the problem disappeared.

[@royvinator7038]

Because It's not the xr650r alfa.🤣Thanks for the video.

[@bryand2978]

Dang, your boy is lucky to get that bike.

[@highlandcycles]

Yes he is

[@andrewauman40]

One of the main reasons I snagged a base model. Never seen a need for 2 plugs for a single cylinder bike.

[@MrGoPro44]

My 22 beta 200 has 122hrs on it with oil injection, i also always dump a little extra oil in my gas and bike is always on its side. Still running factory plug. Havnt fouled yet. I’m in the process of a new top end so a new plug will be going in

[@brendonchase9460]

Me not knowing any bette, by the bikes behaviour it sounded like a fuel issue... i will always check the spark plug first before going forward. Thanks 👍

[@chadrides914]

One thing people need to realize about these carbureted two strokes is they’re not meant to sit in idle for more than a few seconds a lot of people are treating them like TPI bikes or EFI bikes start them up and just let them idle while they’re getting dressed and that’s the worst thing you can do for a carbureted two string

[@chadrides914]

*stroke

[@steliosapergis]

I have 2024 300 rr racing. They burnt my sparks after 7 hour's every time i realised was had the nidlle in 3d position i changed in second of the up positions and now running Very very good with out issues!❤

[@highlandcycles]

That’s crazy that it took that tiny change

[@steliosapergis]

@@highlandcycles yes but i search it a lot of days and was this tiny change. Was so rich and after be ok. I give one example. First with full fuel tank I made 45 km/h and after changes with one deposit of gas make 75 km/h and some time more

[@1918Teufelshunde]

@@highlandcycles Mine is very sensitive to changes. These engines are engineered to a high state of tune.

[@highlandcycles]

@@1918Teufelshunde that is no good for me. I ride from 4 k to 13k all within an hour of my house. And my kids YZ’s aren’t that finicky and they are way faster and snappier.

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

Put an ohm meter on that old plug, that will tell you if you have a bad plug. Also check for a hairline crack in the porcelain. The bike will run fine until it gets hot.

[@barryhanenburg3833]

Really interesting - and a bummer. A night time 5 minute rip is not conclusive so I want to see what it does on the next ride. I ride a 2019 300 RE with 170 hours and am really old and slow but that bike has been super reliable - zero issues. But, I also run your hated/stupid/not for bikes Amsoil Sabre at 75:1. Love the idea of going to the single plug HC head.

[@highlandcycles]

Hahaha, I know that little rip isn't conclusive. We will see what happens tonight. Really hoping it isn't anything. My jetting is the same as a bunch of other beta riders around here so I don't think that is it.

[@donniebaker5984]

16:26 What do you mean you have a single plug head coming ? The spark plug that is at the center at the top of the head and goes straight down is the spark plug hole you are supposed to use ...and never ever use the 14 mm threaded hole off to the side of the center spark plug hole ..the off center hole is for a manually operatrd compression release valve that is not used for eazy starting at all ...when you dump the compression on top the piston of a 2 stroke stroke it has the same effect of a jake brake on a diesel 18 wheeler ..the compression in the bottom end of a 2 stroke below the piston is strong enough to stop the movement of the piston while you are at speed .this effect is great for pitching the bike sideways with the throttle on and squaring off the apex of any sharp turn like the type you are riding on !!! You can throttle on into a narrow turn in the woods just before the apex grab the short two finger compression release lever mounted just above your left clutch lever throttle still pinned and the compression release will cause the back tire to scuff off the necessary speed to pitch the bike sideways into your turn with the throttle still on. Instant you hit the apex of the turn you let go of the compression release lever and your bike will go braaap harder than it ever did before blasting you out of the turn way faster than your competition... A Husqvarna dealer went one stage further,,, fabricated an air shift cylinder feed hose to his compression relief valve and he go flying by me power shifting his Husqvarna in the hoopdee doose ...he also used a set of ignition breaker points to short circuit the ignition coil .. does Husqvarna 250 dirt bike shifted gears like an automatic has this guy would shift whether or not his feet were attached to the foot page or not... Sometimes he would pass me in this tree roots section on the track Superman style

[@grantbowen5047]

I had a Beta and carried the expensive replacement plug, never fouled one plug.

[@pnwdirttalk]

2 plugs per cylinder? I thought that was just an old Ford Ranger thing! 😁 Hope it's a one-off and you don't see it again!

[@bmwlane8834]

first off....thank you ,thank you for clearing trails....I ride out there every year or two....and it's so far away I can't help out. So thanks. Well damn...what up with $30 plugs....br7es at $2 bucks a piece is what should be in there...2 of them.

[@609enduro]

Damm the house shop is litty lit... influencer makin it rain !!! Hahahahaha jus kidding love u dawg #nodiddy

[@highlandcycles]

❤️❤️🤣🤣

[@1918Teufelshunde]

I had to push the "Translate to English" link on your post. I still don't understand it, and apparently neither does "Translate to English".

[@609enduro]

@@1918Teufelshunde only the cool kids understand

[@travisshedd930]

Can you do a video on the 2 spark plug setup, I've never heard of 2 plugs.

[@highlandcycles]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJOxhIyZjb1roc0si=UL5DFwqIclwQHkap

[@d.brayman3165]

Great info! I would've thought having a second plug would have acted as a redundancy.

[@highlandcycles]

Right but they are both firing so if one is fouling the other is too. Might take longer I guess 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@smileyhansen]

​@@highlandcycles I wonder if 1 was fouled and the 2nd started fouling?

[@richardsmith3350]

Hi Morgan! Love your channel, down to earth and great advice. Im wondering if you are running hi end fully synthetic race oil in your bike when trail riding ot track clearing? This seems to be a problem here too, with guys trail riding, when using low revs and stop start riding. My local bike shop is run by Juan and David Knight here on the Isle of Man. We were talking about this same problem the other day with modern race dirt bikes and people using them for trail riding and not reving them enough.They think the full race spec oils are designed for full throttle heavy load and high rev use. Try dropping down a grade of two stroke oil. eg Motol 510 or 710 instead of 800 full race spec. It definitely works for me, I'm 400 hours on my Husky 300 using Motol 510 semi synthetic oil. Bike is used for trail riding, enduro, mx practice all ridden at sedate speeds and never fouled a plug!

[@highlandcycles]

I really only ride 2T bikes and I run BelRay gear saver in them. My XR650R gets belray 10/40 mineral oil.

[@richardsmith3350]

@highlandcycles Sorry, I'm talking about 2 stroke oils. The high end synthetic race stuff doesn't seem to work well with low rev stop start type of riding. Best regards. 👌

[@highlandcycles]

@@richardsmith3350 gotcha. I always run motorex

[@richardsmith3350]

Good stuff.. if that's your preferred brand try using some fuel mixed with Motorex 2T Formula senthetic blend or 2T Scooter two stroke oil when you are not racing at high rpm. Might save you fouling those expensive twin plugs. Just a thought. Cheers bud.

[@chadmildram175]

Will you do a video when you swap the head? I would like to do the same on my 24 as well

[@highlandcycles]

Yes

[@Duken4evr29]

Glad ya got it running and it was an easy fix. Surprised a modern 2T would foul a plug, even if the jetting is way rich, given how strong modern CDI ignitions are. I wonder if the twin plug setup cuts the spark strength to each plug in half, rendering them easier to foul. I bet a normal single plug head solves the issue. No biggie, for us high elevation CO riders we all get high comp heads anyway... I once was out riding with a friend on his '17 300 XC with a not yet fixed stock Mikuni carb and failed jet block gasket, it puked raw gas into it's cylinder to the point that it was sputtering and barely ran good enough to get back to the staging area under it's own power, and it still didn't foul it's plug. He is not much of a mechanic, so I took pity on his poor bike, installed the JD jet and block gasket kit, Jarvis modded it, and it runs like a champ now, all in exchange for a case of beer in payment for my labor. He is my friend but hey, I don't work for free ya know. The last plug I fouled on a two stroke was when I was a kid with a '74 Honda MT-250 Enduro, which had points ignition, back when the earth's crust was still cooling 😂

[@highlandcycles]

That’s what I’m saying. It’s weird

[@prairiedog879]

The thumbtoon cracks me up 😂

[@Snappedaxles]

I lay by 2022 beta 300rr down every ride nearly and never fouled a plug in 50 hour’s factory plug.

[@highlandcycles]

You only have 50hrs on a 22?? I have 54 on this 24. Ride that sucker

[@Snappedaxles]

@@highlandcycles picked it up December 22. So haven’t had it that long. Broke an arm and a wrist in that time 🤣🤣 plan is to ride the bell out of it this year! 🤙🏼

[@simonfry7629]

My 2019 sherco se300 kept fouling plugs from new,turns out it was a known fault that was caused by a weak spark,one remap and stronger coil later bike has never fouled a plug since.

[@andrecontois8510]

Ronnie Mac "put 6 different spark plugs in and all of them came out fouled!"

[@coskier1969]

Right on!!! 💯

[@knobbysidedown4258]

Sounds like the smaller four stroke style plugs might be a little finicky and not recover from "partial fouling" like the bigger plugs do. It would be interesting to see you do a video comparing the Beta jetting app suggestions to what you actually need in real life.

[@highlandcycles]

I need to check that out

[@1918Teufelshunde]

I jetted according to the Beta jetting chart and it runs absolutely perfect.

[@highlandcycles]

@@1918Teufelshunde I will check my jetting against theirs but I will say that there are at least 4 betas jetted like this here in the valley and no issues. And I had no issues for 50 hrs. I still think it’s the crashing.

[@scottpurcell2813]

You need to swap out that heavy ass chainsaw for an Echo 2511t with 16" blade. It will rip through any tree 2x as fast and it only weighs 7lbs

[@highlandcycles]

Yeah but then I’d have to buy it. I own this one.

[@mikevm1981]

Make sure u cut logs at least 3-4 feet off either side of trails - when they get overgrown (hidden) they can break feet :-/

[@highlandcycles]

Yep.

[@markmtbrider]

Every time I want to sell my kdx 220 , I see something like this ....lol

[@KCCLBTHORX]

iM so glad you didnt blow it up. It didnt sound like you were blowing it up but you never know. I guess next time you will bring some plugs with you in your pack.

[@colinwilson8928]

have done 100hours on betas ,, never once fouled a plug ,, just changed them usually same time as doing a piston ,,, cdi on the other hand ,, I've had 2 of them go

[@colinwilson8928]

not a 24 tho

[@highlandcycles]

Dang. Really hoping it was just my crashing and flooding. Also, don't love the 2 plug head

[@elkku2934]

I have fouled some sparkplugs on my 2021 ktm 125 sx too. Would it be okay to go for br8ecmix instead of br9ecmix?

[@highlandcycles]

Yes. One heat range won’t hurt anything but make sure you listen to the bike. If it starts pinging that could be the cause.

[@richardhartley1705]

You managed to foul Two plugs Morgan at once that’s got to be a first lol👍

[@highlandcycles]

🤣😂

[@erikeberstein6460]

Sorry too here that morg, LOVIT though man, love ur channel 👍can u answer a quick question for me?? Change of subject, what pilot and main jet are u running in old maria?? The xr650r?? Would love too know, thanks man, Erik👍

[@highlandcycles]

165 main 65 pilot needle #2 for up here at elevation

[@erikeberstein6460]

Thanks morg, I'm in southern Idaho, I running a 68-170 and I'm thinking it's a lil off... What you thinking??

[@highlandcycles]

@@erikeberstein6460 what elevation

[@erikeberstein6460]

4163 ft above sea level

[@highlandcycles]

@@erikeberstein6460 might drop to a 168 main

[@greatsouthernsky]

With the dual plug beta can you use a normal bs7 or 8 just to get you out of trouble like you can on a Ktm?

[@chadrides914]

No

[@highlandcycles]

Nope

[@Frostbyte911]

I’m hoping beta up’s their game, I’ve been eying them for a while. I’m not a ktm guy, but they are arguably the best, I hate it.

[@Shelby8371]

Shit happens no matter what brand of bike it is. Beta is a great machine. Fall down get back up and have fun

[@highlandcycles]

It’s ok. It just doesn’t excite me like all my other bikes. I honestly like riding the KDX more

[@csmith7693]

@@highlandcycles KDX? You have lost your mind. 😁

[@ParkerRichards360]

Morgan, are you saying if the beta doesn’t bring forth more fruit you will take it away? Haha jk 😂 cheers brother!

[@highlandcycles]

Yep! 🤣😂

[@calvinjones2745]

PRC!!!🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@highlandcycles]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@rearwheelslider]

ASK SLAVEN WHAT TO DO he know all

[@chadrides914]

Lololol😂

[@James-nc2ed]

So moral of the story is don't lay your beta down! 😂

[@highlandcycles]

Yep

[@PrimalEnduro]

@@highlandcycles IDK? My Beta practically lives on it's side...never fouled a plug in many hundreds of hours....But I only have 1 plug...maybe they just died of boredom? LOL

[@csmith7693]

Interesting. I wonder how it would pan out if only the "normal" plug was changed, which would be much easier on the trail.

[@highlandcycles]

I should have tried that. I think it would work fine. They fire at the same time.

[@otpipe]

​@@highlandcycles have you tried to run it on only one plug? Are both plugs the same part number?

[@highlandcycles]

@@otpipe they are the same part number. Im getting a single plug head from the 23 bike soon.

[@AdamCoffey828]

@@highlandcyclestry running the stock jetting from the beta chart for altitude and temp before you toss the dual spark head. I tried doing my own jetting thing on my 24 and it ran great but reading the plug looked like I was boarder line fouling it. Switched to what they recommended and it’s magnificent! 38p, N2ZW-2, 165 main and 50:1

[@1918Teufelshunde]

This man has seen the light!

[@DavidMacPherson-ob8bc]

BETA = Bring a - The a -Tow a -Strap a. Bummer about your tow out. Good luck chasing the issue.

[@smileyhansen]

I used to talk trash to my buddies but now I own one. BETA, Bring every tool available. 🤣🤣

[@jackaofdp]

Morgan you've just unsold me the hipotesis of getting a beta, I'll just have to save more cash and buy a KTM instead

[@highlandcycles]

I think that’s a good idea

[@Oilburner375]

Soooo, it wasn’t a beta issue as much as an operator issue??

[@highlandcycles]

Seems like it. Hoping it stays good

[@donaldblank8873]

I know my opinion doesn't matter. But I think. Warm it up like A TPI. Isn't it oil injected. If you touchThat throttle it injects too much oil in cold mode.

[@Sugoi_Senpuki]

The race edition is not oil injected

[@highlandcycles]

It’s pre mix

[@lukekelly5115]

I knew it was cuz it spent so much time upside down lol

[@Blake-ut4mw]

Are you racing silver kings this year?

[@highlandcycles]

No.

[@mcool4587]

Omg all that drama and click bait over the last week and it was a fouled plug!

[@highlandcycles]

I’m good at what I do! 😂. We will see if that’s all it is.

[@tonyc9050]

I just realized I will stick with KTM lol

[@smileyhansen]

What jets u running amigo? Also 50:1 mixture?

[@highlandcycles]

158main 40 pilot

[@highlandcycles]

40:1

[@csmith7693]

@@highlandcycles I am no jetting expert, but the 40 pilot seems rich. The rich low rpm pilot jet combined with the low rpms of hard enduro and your preference of a 40:1 ratio, there might be a tendency to foul plugs.

[@highlandcycles]

@@csmith7693 I have run 40 with rich pilots since 2006 with no problem. I think it is from crashing so much

[@csmith7693]

@@highlandcycles Like you, I doubt the 40 pilot is the problem, but a counter point. You haven't been going slow and staying in the low RPM's since 2006. I mean, you rode a YZ250, I know that thing was freaking singing. 😁And if you look at the mixture ratio for the oil injected bikes, its stupid low at the lower RPM's, like 100:1.

[@Bobcat325]

Peace. Out

[@highlandcycles]

Peace!

[@kainklieman9524]

You're doing a video about a fouled plug? Wtf, used to be bike riders had to be mechanics......

[@highlandcycles]

It’s more about what caused it. Still not sure it’s fixed

[@1918Teufelshunde]

Definitely click bait

[@highlandcycles]

Kinda. But the bike did die on the trail and it was a pain in the ass.

[@onecrueldevice]

Garbage