American Beta has released more information on the two RR enduro models that it released photos of two days ago. The Italian company, which started as a bicycle manufacturer and is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, will offer a total of six off-road models for 2014.
2-Strokes
Just as we suspected, the changes made to the 250 RR and 300 RR two-strokes are centered on chassis and suspension refinement, as the two-stroke models received all-new engines in 2013. Beta has released a diagram showing the differences in the 2014 chassis. According to the company, the frame areas that are in light blue or yellow in the diagram are the heaviest impacted under extreme conditions. These areas are normally red in color under heavy impacts, but Beta’s engineers have reduced all the areas to a yellow or light blue. Furthermore, Beta has updated the frame on the two-stroke models by reducing stress to the heavier weighted areas. Beta engineers say the adjustments account for roughly a 20% reduction of stress to the frame, which ultimately translates to less feedback to the rider, making the bike easier to ride and control.
The biggest suspension changes have been made to the Beta’s Marzocchi inverted cartridge fork, which now has a smaller inner cartridge as well as updated compression and rebound pistons to improve the oil flow. Beta also revised the valving for improvement over square-edge hits and updated the top fork cap to make spring changes easier. The two-stroke models also get a reshaped rebound adjuster on the shock to allow for more precise suspension tuning, and the shock also gets updates to the valving as well as a new 5.2 kg rear spring.
Fuel tank capacity has been increased from 2.0 gallons to 2.5 gallons for increased range, and the tank is also light in color so that it’s easier to monitor the fuel level. Other changes for 2014 include a new front fender that provides better rider protection and a redesigned seat base for a better fit to the frame and to provide a more comfortable ride.
Other minor updates to the two-strokes include a new oil check plug for the clutch cover, making it easier to check the clutch and transmission oil. The 250 RR also gets a new power valve mechanism in an effort to improve low-end performance and smooth the bottom-to-top transition in the powerband. New brake disks are claimed to offer better stopping power thanks and greater durability thanks to an improved heat treatment process.
Even with the changes, both the 250 RR and 300 RR will be offered at $7999, the same price as last year’s models.
4-Strokes
Beta’s 2014 four-stroke models receive the same updates chassis and suspension updates as the two-strokes. All of the RR four-stroke models—including the 350 RR, 400 RR, 450 RR, 498 RR—also receive the updated front fender and new seat base found on the two-strokes.
As with its two-strokes, Beta made a few changes to the existing four-stroke engine design for 2014. All four-stroke models will utilize a new countershaft that features a new heat-treating process and more durable bearings. The transmission shift drum has also been modified to improve shifting. Lastly, 350 RR (only) gets a new piston with an updated profile and additional lubrication holes to increase reliability.
2014 Beta RR Pricing
2-Stroke:
250 RR $7999
300 RR $7999
4-Stroke:
350 RR $8999
400 RR $8999
450 RR $9199
498 RR $9399
All 2014 models will be available in August, and American Beta says that it will release more information on its 2014 dual-sport and trials models soon, so stay tuned. For more information on the RR models, check out www.americanbeta.com
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