Well finally I have had the time to write up a report about the Beta Evo Factory 300. First up it looks the bomb! It is really nicely presented, it’s amazing just how much the anodised bits and pieces finish off the presentation of the bike. It looks as trick as it feels.
When I first ordered the bike I had heard all of the technical details but I still had the concern, “Was it really a better version or was it just all stickers and paint???” Well from the first click into gear I could feel it wasn’t just paint and stickers!
When I got the bike the first thing I did was pull the clutch apart and had a look at it and found that there was indeed different steel clutch plates and different washers on the springs to keep them centralised. Also there is the red slave cylinder that is 1mm smaller in diameter. Immediately when I started the bike and put it in gear the change was so smooth! Normally particularly on a new bike there is some chunkiness (if that is a word) to the gear changes, but this was really smooth and I assume this is from the clutch changes. When I rode the bike in the first Trial a few months back I found that the clutch was quick but also very smooth without pull when at top revs and stationary. When I was stationary at a big step that I had to start with the rear wheel on a greasy rock, I found no pull forward with the throttle was pinned and I got really good feel and a confident drive at the rear wheel. I didn’t think that I would get the lift and drive but I did. The clutch isn’t snappy, it is quick yet smooth.
The geometry of the bike is obviously very similar if not, the same, except maybe for the triple clamps. The bike feels very agile and light. Leo Nolan even commented that it felt lighter just pushing it around. Even though it is very similar in measurements it feels substantially different. I can only put it down to the weight and how it is distributed.
The bike gets much better drive to the rear wheel and steers better. I find I can keep the rear stuck to the ground even with a quicker rebound setting, which is great allowing you to be able to use more rebound with out sacrificing traction. When hopping on the back wheel it was sooo much easier, the bike is easily pulled sideways and lifted when on the back wheel. Even though it feels light to hop the bike hooks up and gets traction really confidently.
The first trial I rode at was very wet and slippery with a lot of soil and moss on the rocks, and the feel I had at the rear wheel was awesome, to point where I could be confident even whilst slipping and on the back wheel. I found that I could really gauge how much traction you had, if you broke traction it was progressive and you could feel the change, and make up for it, it really gave me confidence.
The motor itself I was surprised with. I was expecting it to be quite savage particularly down low, but it is surprisingly smooth and torquey. It really wants to go but is very smooth and easy to ride just on the throttle. It also doesn’t seem to have as much compression as I expected, it is quite easy to kick over. Even those who have a kick start on the wrong side found kicking it over with their left foot reasonably easy.
I think that the longer pipe on the 2011 models suits this engine beautifully, the bottom end is very “Beta” it really pulls and doesn’t hesitate at all and I think this is some of the reason for the bike feeling so tractable and confident in the slippery stuff.
My verdict is I LOVE IT! It is a genuinely big improvement on the standard bike that I know riders of all levels will feel! It is lighter and more agile - the clutch is smooth and has great feel – the bike gets unreal drive and gives the rider a confident feel at the rear tyre - there is more torque and a sweet sticker kit and paint job to match.
I think that experts will love it and feel the improvements I believe they will see a marked improvement in their riding. Confident club riders will find it to be a very easy and very fun bike to ride as it gives the rider confidence. I think the smaller capacity models planned for 2012 will be sensational club bikes. A club rider on a 125cc or 250cc factory model will see a huge improvement not just in their riding but also the enjoyment!