2021 Beta 250 RR Review

[Hugh Janus]

Beta motorcycles are designed and targeted for the everyday rider. The Italian manufacturer’s RR line of bikes are intended to be more than just a playbike. They focus on “rideability.” Beta takes pride in designing a motorcycle that appeals to the more common, everyday rider.

Riding the 2021 Beta 250 RR in Southern California. (Mark Kariya/)

The 250 RR is a carbureted, oil-injected two-stroke with an adjustable power valve. 2021 also marks the second year it features a counterbalancer, which greatly reduces engine vibration. That was just one of the many changes it received in its complete makeover for the 2020 model year; other updates included a new frame, swingarm, fuel tank, seat, and bodywork. For 2021, Beta’s 250cc two-stroke enduro bike features a stronger rear subframe, changes to the shim stacks in the fork and shock, new seat foam and seat base, an improved air filter housing, new mounting of the side panel, and a color change to Italian red.

Related: 2021 Beta 250 RR Dyno Test

After enjoying a major overhaul last year, the Beta 250 RR returns for 2021 with changes to the shim stacks in the fork and shock, a stronger rear subframe, a new seat foam and seat base, an improved air filter housing, new mounting of the side panel, and different color plastics. (Mark Kariya/)

Some of the key features of the 2021 250 RR include an adjustable power valve, six-speed gearbox, Brembo hydraulic clutch, nickel-plated pipe, non-spark-arrestor silencer, 2.6-gallon fuel tank, push-button seat removal, full light package with prewired turn signal connections, a skid plate, and an ignition map button for slippery conditions which is mounted just forward of the gas cap. It’s worth noting that while the bike comes standard with electric start, an optional kickstart backup can be purchased as an accessory for approximately $400. Also included with the bike is a complete tool kit and a front number plate in case the owner wishes to remove the headlight and odometer.

Because it is oil-injected, the 250 RR does not require premixed fuel. The oil reservoir, which has a capacity of 650cc, is housed underneath the seat and is easily accessible with the bike’s push-button seat removal design. (Mark Kariya/)

2021 Beta 250 RR Engine

I am somewhat familiar with the Beta RR models as we tested the 2020 300 RR last year. My first thought was the 250 might fall a little short on power. I was pleasantly surprised. 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 counterbalancing is also just about spot-on with only the smallest sensation of engine vibration when riding the bike.

The amount of power and controllability of the 250 RR engine are two of its standout qualities. (Mark Kariya/)

In full-throttle situations, the 250 RR makes good power. Engine recovery is up to par, with minimal clutch input needed should you let the rpm drop a little too low. The Italian machine has a very light engine feeling and a smooth transition as the power builds and it really starts to come on the pipe. This might even be an advantage for the less experienced rider or someone who just wants the power to be a little more forgiving.

The jetting of the Keihin PWK 36mm carburetor is close in stock trim, but the bike runs a touch lean on closed throttle and deceleration. Turning the air screw in helps, but a one-size-larger pilot jet is advisable for the long run. (Mark Kariya/)

For the most part the jetting was good, but in stock form it was a touch lean on closed throttle and deceleration. I went all the way in on the air screw, which helped. This gave it a little smoother idle and improved response on initial throttle opening. Going up one size on the pilot jet may correct this and round out the jetting.

As far as the transmission, it is a typical six-speed gearbox. It has what you are looking for from an enduro bike with a super-low first gear and decent spacing up to a sixth gear that will get you going about as fast you would ever want to go. The Brembo hydraulic clutch works smoothly and makes shifting almost effortless.

2021 Beta 250 RR Suspension & Chassis/Handling

It’s easy to change body position when at the controls of the 250 RR thanks to its open, flat cockpit and narrow chassis. (Mark Kariya/)

The 250 RR comes standard with a Sachs 48mm open cartridge fork that has an external adjustment for spring preload, compression damping, and rebound control. All of these adjustments are made on the top of the fork without the need for tools. The rear of the bike tracks well and the Sachs shock has a little more holdup than the fork. Fortunately, the shock has a high-speed compression adjuster that can be changed by hand. With this and the tool-less adjustability of the fork, you can conveniently make noticeable tweaks to better suit the terrain you are riding.

There is a nice compact display in front of the bar pad that shows speed, average speed, maximum speed, a tripmeter, hourmeter, and battery voltage. Also the handy low premix oil light, to remind you when it’s time to refill the oil reservoir, is easily accessible because of the push-button seat removal system. The brakes are Nissin with a 260mm front and 240mm rear rotor.

The 250 RR’s chassis has a rigid feeling in the handlebar and its fuel mileage is not the best if you are riding it hard. (Mark Kariya/)

Ridden correctly, the 250 RR has a decent planted feeling and the Michelin Enduro tires perform surprisingly well, especially considering they are DOT-approved. The low knobs and soft compound offer good bite in the rocks with an impressive amount of lean-angle traction on hard-packed two-track and fire-road conditions. The cockpit is very open, offering a very flat seat from front to back. Although the fuel tank has a 2.6-gallon capacity, it can easily be mistaken for a smaller motocross-type tank because it doesn’t have any major protrusions at the top near the filler cap or on the sides.

The 250 RR shines in the tight single-track. It’s a blast to ride in technical canyons with rock steps and waterfalls. While the frame, billet triple clamps, and solid bar mounts give the bike a slightly rigid feeling, I appreciated the precise steering and front wheel feedback.

2021 Beta 250 RR Overall Impression

According to Beta, its RR models are designed for a casual off-road rider or racer who is looking for more than just a playbike. After testing the 250 RR, we agree with the Italian manufacturer’s sentiment. The bike does a good job of exactly what it is designed to do. (Mark Kariya/)

What impressed me the most about the 250 RR was how well it worked as a complete package. The suspension setting change from the 2020 to 2021 model makes the bike feel more polished. Considering the Sachs units are set up for enduro and harder technical-type riding, the bike handles single-track and some higher-speed riding with better-than-expected performance.

If the 2021 Beta 250 RR was in my stable of bikes, it would get ridden quite often. It does what it is designed to do very well and it still has enough capability to venture out of its comfort zone. Trails, enduro, and just fun riding are what this bike is built for and since that covers probably 70 percent of the riding in North America, I give this bike a grade of A-. With slightly better initial comfort in the handlebar and a touch larger fuel tank, this bike would get an A+.

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai VX-Pro4

Goggle: Scott Prospect

Hydration Pack: USWE Outlander 9

Jersey: Fly Racing Evolution DST

Gloves: Fly Racing Evolution DST

Pants: Fly Racing Evolution DST

Boots: Sidi Atojo SRS

2021 Beta 250 RR Tech Spec

PRICE	$8,799
ENGINE	249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
MEASURED HORSEPOWER	38.9 hp @ 8,100 rpm
MEASURED TORQUE	27.3 lb.-ft. @ 6,600 rpm
FRAME	Steel double cradle
FRONT SUSPENSION	Sachs 48mm inverted fork adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload; 11.6-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Sachs shock adjustable for spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping; 11.4-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	2-piston caliper, Nissin 260mm disc
REAR BRAKE	1-piston caliper, Nissin 240mm disc
WHEELBASE	58.3 in.
MEASURED SEAT HEIGHT	37.3 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	2.6 gal.
MEASURED WEIGHT	247 lb. wet
AVAILABLE	Now
CONTACT	betausa.com
MEASURED SEAT HEIGHT:	32.3 in.
FUEL CAPACITY:	4.5 gal.
MEASURED WET WEIGHT:	410 lb.
AVAILABILITY:	Now
CONTACT:	kawasaki.com

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