It was good because now I’m off the bike for a while after surgery. In fact, depending on how long we can keep Gary Grealy from Beta Australia distracted, I might not get another chance to ride it.
Due to my house arrest we organised to hand the Beta over to our resident two-stroke fan, Wes Mills from Terry Hills, NSW, but before we could, the Xtrainer needed some minor repairs. I didn’t crash it, if that’s what you’re thinking, the cause was far more unusual and difficult to spot.
For a short time, Beta positioned a few diodes and plugs on the 2017 Xtrainer in such a way that they held water after you washed the bike. The trapped water corrodes the prongs on the diodes and can affect the flow of current. The problem is, the interrupted flow of electricity can mess with the oil-injection system and digital speedo.
Usually the Beta will sense a problem and default to a heavier ratio for the two-stroke oil but don’t ignore it if your bike is blowing more smoke than usual. The problem is unique to a few 2017 models and dealers now fix the problem during pre-deliver.One tell-tale sign is that the dash will flicker. However, that can be the instrument battery so if it’s happening change that battery first. If that doesn’t fix your problem, take your Xtrainer to a Beta dealer and in five minutes they’ll have the problem sorted.
They will replace the diodes with better-sealed ones and mount them in such a way that they cannot retain water. It’s a quick fix and takes all of five minutes if they have the parts in stock.
Apart from that hiccup, the Beta has been an easy bike to live with and huge amounts of fun. You get the best of both worlds; a torquey, 300cc two-stroke that rides like a 200 but you don’t have to mix fuel. Just keep the 2T oil tank full and you can pinch fuel from your four-stroke mates.
People forget that underneath the seemingly innocent frame is a 300cc two-stroke donk that can be tuned into a monster if you’re that way inclined, or leave it stock and just use the smooth, easy power – the scope of this bike is huge.
The only thing I wish I’d had time to test was the new cartridge for the fork. It’s supposed to make the fork more capable for high-speed work and that would transform the Xtrainer, but that’s something for Wes to test now! Digital Editor Olly Malone
This update of ADB’s Beta Xtrainer 300 long-term test bike as published in ADB issue #457 – October 2017.
So Far
Hours: 29
Mods this month: Replace corroded plugs/diodes
Mods next month: Fork cartridge
