Is there any better call to get than being asked to go to Italy and test a range of new Beta motocross and enduro models? I personally don’t think so!
Words and Bike Test by Craig Chamberlain
After being picked up by my own personal driver and taken to a hotel that can only be described as out of this world, I was already feeling very positive about the test. The evening began with a fantastic meal and an excellent bottle of red wine while we were briefed on everything Beta has planned for the next few years.
The following morning started early with a ride over to the Monterveci circuit—an absolutely amazing facility. As an added bonus, the Watson brothers were on hand to show us what the bikes could really do, rather than us just plodding around thinking we were pushing them to the limit. 😂
Enduro Bikes
First up for me was the Beta 350 4-stroke enduro, and it instantly blew me away. I’m not an enduro rider by any means, but the 350 4-stroke worked brilliantly in the tight wooded sections where we were testing. It handled the roots with ease, delivered usable power all the way through, and inspired so much confidence that I didn’t want to get off the bike. I stayed out as long as I could!
Next up was the 430 4-stroke. As someone who usually prefers bigger bikes, I was excited after riding the 350. However, in the woods, the 430 felt a bit much for me and seemed to sit slightly high in the rear end—something that could be adjusted. Overall, it had a tough act to follow after the 350, and for me, it didn’t quite hit the same sweet spot. That said, in the more open terrain we get in the UK, I think the 430 would suit a bigger bike rider perfectly. It certainly has the power to get you out of any trouble.
Then came the 125 2-stroke, and I’ll be honest—it had been over 25 years since I last rode a 125! Unsurprisingly, I struggled at first, but that wasn’t the bike’s fault. Once I got used to changing gear every couple of seconds again, I could really see the appeal. For a smaller, lighter rider or a novice coming through, this bike would be absolutely ideal. It handled climbs well and was fun to ride, just like the 350. If you’re serious about getting into enduro, this would be a perfect starter bike.
After these sessions, we definitely needed a break—it was 34°C—so I parked myself right by the air-con unit before the afternoon motocross session.
Motocross Bikes
I went straight for the 450 MX first, as this bike really intrigued me after watching Ben Watson in MXGP and Benny Bloss in AMA. Initial impressions: rider positioning felt spot-on, and it didn’t feel “European” in the slightest—it just suited my style perfectly. Out on track, it didn’t disappoint. The KYB suspension worked flawlessly and only improved the harder you pushed. The 450 wasn’t overly aggressive; it had a mellow character when you wanted it but could rev hard when needed. Despite the hard, dry track conditions, it handled the flat corners beautifully and felt stable over every jump. For me, this bike matches any other 450 I’ve ridden and will definitely have a place in the motocross world. I hope we see more of them on UK tracks.
Next up was the 250 2-stroke. I was really looking forward to this one, but with how baked and dry the track was, I don’t think the conditions allowed it to shine. The power delivery felt a little sharp in places, but I believe in different track conditions this bike would come into its own.
Finally, the much-talked-about 350 2-stroke. Other testers were raving about it, so I jumped on expecting big things. My first couple of laps were messy, but after giving my head a wobble and remembering how to ride a 2-stroke, it quickly became fun. The handling was excellent, the power felt strong everywhere, and I personally preferred it over the 250 2-stroke. It really bridges the gap as an option to race against 450s without being so far down on power compared to a 250 2-stroke.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, we were given the chance to do a drone lap on any bike, and I chose the 450 MX. I’m a 450 guy, but honestly, this bike ticked every box for me. On the 2-stroke side, I could easily grow to love the 350, and I think its popularity will grow quickly.
For enduro, the clear winner was the 350 4-stroke—nothing else came close for me. If I were to get into enduro properly, that would be my bike of choice.
Testing five different bikes in one day was intense, but I hope you’ve enjoyed my thoughts on a brand that I believe will continue to grow in the motocross scene, just as it already has in the enduro world.
