I've been asked so many times on Youtube about the Beta RR300 vs the KTM 300EXC that I figured it was time for a video.
KTM 300EXC vs BETA RR300:
https://youtu.be/Dj9CFcySblU
I thought i'd post it here too to see what you guys think if you came across to Beta from one of the pumpkins and put a list together of the pros and cons of going red for anyone else trying to decide.
My personal conclusion is the KTM could have the edge for the professional racer, or a very experienced rider who is fast and hard core... but then the Beta RR300 will be the best bike for almost everyone else. But I don't think here's much in it and no one would be disappointed either way. Plenty of professional riders are doing great on the Beta, and there are plenty of trail hacks who are very happy with their KTMs.
Beta engine wins hands down. Far better starter motor, more user friendly, much better power valve adjustment, linear power for great traction, less likely to boil over...
The exhaust pipe is much higher and more tucked away on the Beta, so less likely to hit logs and rocks for us gumby riders.
KTM probably still has the edge for hard core riders with more suspension travel and the forks are probably still better although the rear isn't as good as the Beta. Early Sachs suspension was holding the earlier Betas back, but as of 2015 it's working quite well once set up correctly - see this guide here:
Beta Riders Club Discussion Forum ? View topic - SP Suggestions for Tuning Your Beta Suspension I had my Sachs set up for my weight by a suspension tuner, they put the rear shock on a dyno and said it's one of the best stock shocks they've seen and could only make minor
improvements on the valving. They said the forks were good but did get more of a plush feelon the initial stroke with a revalve. The Beta has a rear linkage, KTM persists with the PDS which can be good for clearing logs and rocks, but takes more work to get a nice action.
Ergonomics and weight. Later model Betas are better in these respects... lower, narrower and while the claimed weights put the Beta at 2kg heavier it feels lighter. That lower seat height is a real god send for shorter riders, but of course it does mean slightly less ground clearance so tall or experienced riders might prefer the KTM if they'll be hopping over a lot of logs and rocks. Ergos on the Kato DO suit tall riders quite well.
Both bikes handle well, KTM has reduced that twitchy front end but it still deters some and the Beta is more confidence inspiring, at least for us everyday riders.
Price wise, the Beta is cheaper... close to a thousand dollars in many countries and about $2000 cheaper in Australia!
Beta parts are cheaper, and way cheaper than most KTM parts. Of course KTM have the edge here with availability since there are far more dealers around, but Beta's solution is a very easy to use ordering system on every dealer's website and rapid postage works well. Personally I love how Beta is up front with their parts prices, KTM seem to hide theirs.
Along with the cheaper price on the Beta is a bit of extra bling on the standard model... billet triple clamps, FMF exhaust, Galfer discs. Nice if you are into that sort of thing whereas you'll need to buy KTM's premium model to get similar gear.
KTM still has the bigger fuel tank, important if you are into longer rides or into enduros with some fairly long legs between fuel stops.
There are more aftermarket parts available for KTMs but the gap is closing fast, there's a lot around for Beta now.
The KTM has a slightly lighter clutch, handy if you do a lot of clutch slipping in tight technical terrain.
BETA RR300 KNOWN ISSUES:
- In some climates the carby is too rich, consult Beta's excellent jetting chart to lean it out
- Float level is usually set a tad too high and can dribble fuel till adjusted
- Seat base can rub on the positive battery terminal, zip tie a bit of rubber or plastic on
- Frame protectors don't extend high enough, boots can rub paint off the frame
- Bigger-sized boots tend to rub the decals off the side panels
- A few report the two engine breather hoses can come off, zip tie them tight
- Wiring behind headlight can rub on the head stem - zip tie out of the way
- Side stand end is too small and sinks in soft ground, it needs a wider base
- Swingarm/mudflap edges rub on swingarm, epoxy small rub blocks to areas, or trim it.
KTM 300EXC KNOWN ISSUES
The starter motor is the main one... a terrible bolt-on setup to save production costs,
it usually needs a lot of maintenance and parts can wear or break quickly if you use
the starter a lot. The bendix is very prone to breaking, although they claim to have
reduced this with the 2015 batch. Consider the Slavens wet mod to increase longevity.
The twitchy front end is much better than it used to be but some riders still complain about
it. The exhaust sits lower on the KTM than all the other two strokes, it needs protection.
The KTM tends to overheat easier than the other two strokes, many riders install a fan
for hot weather and/or riding in slow technical terrain.
After that, it's just the usual sort of things that you'll find with most bikes:
- low air cleaner box can drown the engine in deep water
- switches on handlebars can be unreliable as they get older without regular cleaning
- new bikes are set up too rich and need rejetting
- stock suspension tends to be too soft unless you are a featherweight
- re-route the gearbox breather to avoid getting water in the oil.
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Originally Posted by Paul_E_D
thank you, Stefan, you crafty, rich, little devil you.. .
