Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
RideApart
RideApart
Sport
Justin W Coffey

Beta Is Expanding Its Enduro Lineup. Proves the Segment Is Thriving

I’m a big fan of the Beta XTrainer. Before purchasing my 300 RR, I spent some hours in the saddle of an XTrainer. And although I opted for the stiffer suspension and full-size frame of the 300 RR – mostly due to the kind of terrain I ride - the XTrainer felt like the perfect weapon for tight, technical single track, a cross between a trials bike and a hard enduro machine.

So, it’s no surprise that the XTrainer is the Italian brand’s best-selling model. It’s a perfect fit for casual, trail-focused riders, and is especially great for those with a shorter inseam. It’s lightweight and is powered by the same 300cc two-stroke motor found in the Beta 300 RR and 300 Race Edition - although outfitted with a different exhaust system and expansion chamber that provides more linear, tractor like power. It also carries a price tag that is easily digestible at just $8,990.00 USD.

Oh, and if that doesn’t sell enough XTrainers, there’s even a “Lowboy” model that offers a 34.6-inch seat height, roughly 1.2 inches lower than the standard model’s 35.8-inch height.

Approachable, affordable, and offering more power than most people need.

Call me convinced.

For 2027, though, Beta has decided to expand its enduro offerings with the new XTrainer 200, a bike that is derived from the X-Pro models and features a new 200cc engine that has been, according to Beta, “refined to meet the needs of a wide range of riders, from off-road novices to seasoned enthusiasts seeking an agile, fun bike for the toughest Hard Enduro trails.”

The 200 XTrainer is intended to fill a gap in the market, offering younger or smaller-stature riders a powerful two-stroke with an electric start, low seat height, and electronic oil injection. Beta says the bike is “designed to elevate skills for riders of all levels.” I suppose it does this thanks to the new 200cc powerplant, which is more approachable for less experienced or younger riders, and yet still likely to satisfy more advanced riders.

Part of the appeal of the XTrainer line is the exhaust power valve, which prioritizes low-end torque and a smooth initial throttle response, effectively eliminating abrupt power surges.

Additionally, the engine and chassis combination on the XTrainer 200 offers precise, predictable handling, which makes the new 200 model ideal for ripping single-track and rutted, rocky trails. An updated frame - developed specifically for the 200cc powerplant – retains the fundamental geometry of the 300cc model and is engineered to maintain the overall feel of the XTrainer line.

But what is that feeling exactly?

From my experience, the XTrainer was already a bike filling a gap. Positioned between a traditional trials machine and a full-size two-stroke dirt bike, the XTrainer carries its weight down low, and is incredibly easy to control at slow speeds. The power valve and expansion chamber help the XTrainer make tons of low-end torque, so you can lug the two-cycle motor through technical sections, then spin it up to overcome obstacles.

It’s also insanely light, with a wet weight of just 229-lbs for the 200 model and 239-lbs for the 300. Honestly, it’s hard to compare the XTrainer to anything else on the market but suffice to say it’s easy to ride and far more capable than you’d imagine.

The updated 2027 XTrainer model lineup goes on sale in August, and this new XTrainer 200 looks to be the perfect fit for new riders looking to get into enduro riding. With an MSRP of just $8,790.00 USD, it’s hard to argue that it isn’t the right choice if you’re in the market.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.