So we have probably all heard our bike mechanic talking badly about the two-stroke engine. As any good mechanic will tell you, two-stroke engines will most likely not stand the test of time, especially when compared to their four-stroke counterparts. The lack of a dedicated lubricating system simply means that the motor parts wear out more quickly, and this is often the main reason cited for opting for the four-stroke engine when looking for a bike.
What many people fail to think about, however, is that finding replacement parts for many two-stroke motorcycle engines is usually fairly easy. Furthermore, the quickness and lightness that two-stroke engines offer are simply incomparable to the sluggish feel of larger 4-stroke bikes.
Below, we take a quick look at some of the benefits of the two-stroke motorcycle as it pertains to dirt bikers and then go on to offer a full review of the Beta 300 RR, one of the best two-cycle bikes on the market today.
Benefits of the Two-Stroke Motorcycle
First and foremost, two-stroke bikes are going to be lighter than their four-stroke counterparts, and we mean much lighter. For dirt bike enthusiasts who are looking for maximum mobility, the light-weight design of many two-stroke dirt bikes will offer much more flexibility. For people who are just learning to ride a dirt bike, two-stroke bikes are usually better in that the lesser weight makes it easier to handle.
Despite the fact that they are more lightweight, the two-stroke engine also produces more power than a four-stroke motorcycle. While this might seem counterintuitive to some, the simple fact of the matter is that two-stroke bikes have less weight to pull and can thus offer more acceleration and more power.
Furthermore, two-stroke bikes are almost always less expensive than their four-stroke counterparts. Thus, you can get a lighter, more versatile bike that offers more power, while also costing significantly less by opting for a two-stroke dirt bike. Two-stroke bikes are also usually less expensive to maintain.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the simple design of a two stroke bike makes it easy to choose the best bike accessories for quality looks. Finding great looking accessories to safeguard your bike is easier with a two-stroke dirt bike because of the simpler design.
You can find radiator guards, pipe guards, bash plates, and other types of bike accessories to keep your bike looking good and protected even after a couple of wipeouts.
The Beta 300 RR Review
If you are ready to try out a two-stroke bike, the Beta 300 RR is quite possibly the best two-stroke bike out there. The Italian company Beta who manufactures the bike, might not be the best-known company, but they certainly have an impressive track record of pumping out quality bikes. While their first models utilized KTM motors, their more recent models, like the Beta 300 RR, is made of 100 percent Beta parts which include the precision of Italian engineering.
The 300 RR made by Beta is similar in appearance and performance to both the KTM 300 XC and Husqvarna TE300. In terms of the basic specs, this bike has an impressive 293cc displacement, a 72mm bore and stroke, the standard six-speed gearbox, Kokusan ignition, and a 36mm Keihin carburetor. While this bike is certainly built for some serious off-roading adventures, it also has several bike accessories that make it street legal, such as a horn and DOT tires.
The bike is also built to take quite a beating, which makes it a good choice for new riders as well. The steel frame offers long-term sturdiness while the suspension system is Sachs, the same small German company that is most famous for having worked with KTM in the past. Nissin brakes and Michelin tires also prove that this bike isn’t cutting any corners to try and cut costs, but rather offers the best all around.
Where the Beta 300 RR really stands apart, however, is in relation to the smooth throttle control along with its superior power. While this 2-stroke engine will not rev as high as its four-stroke counterparts, that is to be expected and is an accepted trade-off when one considers that this bike is much lighter weight than any comparable four-stroke bike. The bike actually weighs in at just 235 pounds on an empty tank while also offering a narrow and compact design which is perfect for riding in tight quarters.
The lightweight characteristic of the bike doesn’t affect its performance on rough terrain, however, as the suspension is one of the top traits of the bike. It will run over rocks and pebbles with minimum movement while the hydraulic clutch makes changing gears extremely easy.
At various price brackets depending on the part of the world you live, the Beta 300 RR is one of the best two-stroke bikes on the market that combines performance and budget.