2021 Beta 250 RR

Positive aspects of the Beta’s ride quality, engine, and smooth clutch give this bike a high-scoring grade of an A-, according to our test rider Allan Brown.

The Beta 250 RR is the Italian manufacturer’s 249cc two-stroke off-road dirt bike. It is designed to be more than just a playbike for the casual off-road rider or racer, from technical enduro terrain to single-track or casual fire roads and any fun riding in between.

As we covered in our review, updates include a stronger rear subframe, changes to the shim stacks in the fork and shock, a new seat foam and seat base, an improved air filter housing, new mounting of the side panel, and a red color scheme.

The base-model Beta 250 RR has an MSRP of $8,799, but it is also offered in a Race Edition that comes in at $9,399. A couple of the main differences between the two is the Race Edition swaps the base model’s Sachs front suspension with a KYB AOS (Air-Oil Separate) closed-cartridge fork, and Michelin Enduro competition tires for Metzeler 6 Days off-road tires. The Race Edition also features hand guards, racing graphics, and seat cover.

When tested on our in-house dyno, the 250′s numbers were not too far off from the 300 RR, the brand’s highest-displacement off-road model, that we dynoed last year. The 2021 Beta 250 RR’s peak figures were 38.9 hp at 8,100 rpm and 27.3 pound-feet of torque at 6,600 rpm.

When we rode the 250 we were surprised that its power did not fall too far (0.4 less peak horsepower and 1.1 pound-feet less peak torque) behind its bigger sibling. We did notice that, “While there is a small reduction in midrange torque compared to its larger-displacement sibling, the 250 RR engine runs very well and is lighter and more free revving.” The engine’s counterbalancer keeps engine vibration to a minimum.

Its six-speed transmission has a super-low first gear and decent spacing up to sixth, and the Brembo clutch works smoothly, we reported.

A slightly rigid chassis and point-and-shoot-like steering from a communicative front end combine to make the Beta a single-track dominator. DOT-approved Michelin enduro tires provide impressive lean-angle traction and confidence on harder-packed surfaces as well.

The fully adjustable Sachs suspension of the base model we tested allowed for easy tuning, and we did notice the “rear of the bike tracks well and the Sachs shock has a little more holdup than the fork.”

Braking is done with a Nissin two-piston caliper and 260mm disc combo up front and a Nissin single-piston caliper and 240mm disc out back.

Although fuel economy numbers are currently unavailable, we did note that the fuel mileage is not the best if the bike is ridden hard.

The Beta has a narrow chassis and an open, flat cockpit that allow for easy body position adjustments; however, we would like to see better comfort in the handlebar.

The Beta is equipped with an electric starter, but a kickstarter is sold as a separate option for approximately $400. An ignition map button is located above the fuel tank and is used to toggle between two map settings. A full light kit with pre-wired turn signal connections is also included. A compact dash is mounted in front of the bar pad to provide the rider with handy information.

Both the base and Race Editions of the 250 RR include a six-month limited warranty.

The Beta 250 RR receives high scores from our Cycle World test rider for its versatile rideability and surprising power. The updated suspension really refines the package as well. Just a couple of minor infractions with the handlebar and fuel tank size hold it back from receiving an A+.