After snapping my ankle six months ago, the 2024 Beta 300 Racing found itself in the capable hands of my mate Jeff Briggs. He’s been using it to tear up the motocross track and cut some enduro laps. Now that I’ve got it back, this beast is set for a new kind of abuse—hard enduro. It’s time to put it through hell and carnage, and see if it’s as indestructible as Beta claims.
On paper, the 2024 Beta 300 Racing doesn’t seem far removed from its predecessors. The 300cc two-stroke, carburetted engine remains, as does the firm, race-focused character that Beta has become known for. But Beta has been quietly refining this machine year after year. The updates for 2024, though subtle at first glance, reveal a dedication to perfection that becomes evident once you throw a leg over it.
Having just gotten it back, I noticed that Jeff’s abuse has done little to dull its sharpness—if anything, it’s more alive than ever. This is a machine that thrives on being pushed hard, and the KYB suspension has finally bed in and is not as stiff as it was when we first tested it.
Jumping back on the Beta 300 Racing after six months felt like coming home. The moment I fired up the engine, I was reminded why this bike has such a loyal following. The dual spark plug system Beta introduced this year makes for a smoother power delivery, and it doesn’t disappoint. The engine fires up instantly, and the power comes on smooth and strong, even in the rain mode, which I initially selected to reacquaint myself with the bike.
The rain mode offers a more subdued power delivery, ideal for the technical and muddy terrain that I’ve been riding lately. However, it didn’t take long before I flipped the switch to the sun mode to unleash the full potential of this engine. The difference was immediate. The bike’s character shifted from calm and controlled to wild and aggressive. The power is linear, but there’s plenty of it on tap, ready to lift the front wheel over obstacles or rocket out of corners.
Ergonomically, the Beta 300 Racing is still looking new. The seat is still firm — classic Beta — but not as firm as it was when we got it new and not as firm as the previous generation. At 188cm, I find it comfortable, and I imagine it would suit even taller riders well with the tall seat fitted. Briggs mentioned the brake pads might need replacing but they looked fine to me.
After getting the Beta 300 Racing back from Jeff and putting it through the wringer in hard enduro conditions, I can confidently say that Beta has nailed it with this 2024 model. The updates, while subtle, have taken an already impressive bike and refined it into a true race weapon. It’s not for the faint-hearted — this bike demands to be manhandled.
Now it’s going to be used as a hard enduro scalpel, I’ve ordered some Mitas Terra Force-EX MH Double Greens and once they arrive I’ll stick my old Nitro Mousse tubes in them. I’ve got some other parts coming as well so stay tuned.
Mitch Lees
RRP
$18,395 Ride Away
WARRANTY
Three months, parts only
DISTRIBUTOR
Beta Motor Australia
INTERNET
betamotor.com.au
SO FAR
TOTAL HOURS 30
MODS THIS MONTH: None
MODS NEXT MONTH: Mitas Terra Force-EX MH Double Greens
