2013 Beta 250RR 2-Stroke: A Dirt Bike That’s Lightweight And Ready To Go

Despite all of the time I spend on dirt bikes, I rarely come across the Beta brand of motorcycles. That all changed recently, as I got the chance to test out the 2013 Beta 250RR – and I left with a pretty distinct impression of the dirt bike. It’s the culmination of more than two years of development and planning, and the end result is a machine that is on the cutting edge of technology and design.

Two-Stroke Engine And Lightweight Frame

At the heart of the dirt bike is a two-stroke, liquid-cooled engine. The Beta machine is available with 250cc and 300cc displacements, so you can choose the level of power you’re looking for depending on your needs. No matter which model you go with, you can take advantage of the six-speed transmission to harness the energy and handle on any kind of terrain. While the output may not seem like much, the low weight of the machine – it has a dry weight of 223 pounds – means that you don’t need much power to really get moving when you’re on the trails.

The frame of the bike was created with off-roading in mind. Weight reduction was achieved thanks to new materials, such as a lighter steel chassis, special inner tubes and revamped wheels. It also was made to seamlessly work with the different qualities of the motorcycle, allowing you to get the most out of the 2-gallon gas tank. Like many Beta bikes, the 250RR is easy to control regardless of the terrain you’re crossing. With the help of the two-stroke engine, you’re also able to maximize torque without the threat of stalling, so it’s an ideal machine for beginners who want to get accustomed to riding before investing in more powerful dirt bikes.

Stable Ride

Although many aspects of the machine have changed drastically, some of the dirt bike parts are the same as Beta’s 4T range, including the swingarm, wheels, brakes and general bodywork. The suspensions were altered, however, to provide a more stable riding experience for motorists. A 48 mm Sachs USD fork controls the front, while the rear is an all-new aluminum body shock with an adjustable rebound.

Final Thoughts

Each model of the 2013 Beta 250RR is assembled and tested by the brand in-house, so you can be sure your bike is up to snuff. Just don your newest dirt bike gear and get ready to hit the trails.

2013 Beta 250RR 2-Stroke Image Gallery

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2013 KTM 250 SX-F: Lighter, Faster And Stronger Than Before

I’ve spent my fair share of time riding a lot of KTM dirt bikes, and I consider myself to be pretty adept at distinguishing which characteristics and dirt bike parts are among the best. So it’s nice to see my personal preferences confirmed in the redesigned 2013 KTM 250 SX-F, which features many all-new aspects but still takes advantage of the top parts from the motorcycle’s predecessors.

Four-Stroke Engine – Full of Power

The engine has been almost completely redesigned to save weight – Photo: H. Mitterbauer

One of the biggest changes from previous models is the engine, which has been almost completely redesigned to save weight. The motor now comes without a kickstarter and is stored in a new engine case made from a relatively new aluminum alloy that is lighter and stronger than ever before. With a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine providing power to the KTM motorcycle, riders can enjoy some strong bursts of speed and a higher rpm range.

A restyled fuel tank holds about 2 gallons of gas. Although this doesn’t seem like a lot, it’s more than enough to power the lightweight dirt bike. You won’t have to worry too much about constantly checking the tank or other parts of the machine, however, as a new connecting rod brings a pressure-lubricated plain bearing to the machine. Not only does this increase the rpm, but it also doubles the service life of the KTM bike.

Lightweight By Design

The lighter curb weight plays off the strong ergonomics of the bike – Photo: H. Mitterbauer

The lighter curb weight – it’s about 226 pounds – plays off the strong ergonomics of the bike. A mixture of chrome and aluminum materials was used in the production of the KTM 250 SX-F to provide a solid, secure ride, and that theme was carried through to the wheels and shock absorbers. KTM increased the diameter of the rear axle from 20 mm to 25 mm, which gives riders more stability, and the absorbers were redesigned to offer more traction and less chance of bottoming out.

Additionally, the front fender of the machine has no ribbing, which reduces mud buildup, while the improved structure of the fender helps to improve the rigidity of the bike. The suspension has also been refreshed, with heavier front springs to create adjustable compression on the forks.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the KTM 250 SX-F has been among the top choices in motocross for the past several years. By focusing on decreasing weight, increasing stability and providing plenty of speed, the manufacturer has created a unique bike that any dirt bike enthusiast can be happy to own.

2013 KTM 250 SX-F Image Gallery

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2013 Suzuki DR-Z400SM: A Rugged Dual-Purpose Machine

Lately when I head out to the trails, I’ve been seeing more and more people riding a Suzuki DR-Z400SM. At first I wasn’t sure why I kept spotting so many out and about, but after hearing a friend talk about his new purchase, it became abundantly clear. The 2013 Suzuki DR-Z400SM is a tough machine that is more than capable of holding its own on any type of surface, and riders looking for a bike to invest in can certainly find it in this street-legal dirt bike.

Technical Specs – Power and Versatility

The dirt bike is powered by a four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with a 398cc displacement. An automatic decompression system gets the machine started up quickly, and it helps to produce a good amount of power at a low rpm. A five-speed transmission then allows riders to configure the motorcycle to their needs, and it’s designed in a way that helps cut down on the maintenance allotted to the different pieces of dirt bike parts present on the machine.

Most of the metal parts, such as the outer frame, are made from light chrome and aluminum materials that keep the machine at an extremely manageable 321 pounds. Even when the 2.6-gallon tank is full, the bike can still be easily handled, and it maintains its rigid form in even the harshest of conditions. The seat height is an ideal 35 inches with 10.2 inches of clearance. There’s nothing overly special about these specs, but it doesn’t take anything away from the riding experience and works seamlessly with the front and rear disc brakes, oil-damped suspension and an adjustable compression system.

Great Dual Purpose Bike

Perhaps the best part of this bike is that it can be used for anything. The inverted front forks contribute to less unsprung weight and improved overall handling. With better handling and a lightweight frame, this supermoto bike is great for handling whatever obstacles dirt roads can throw at you, but it’s also able to handle daily commutes on pavement. If you’re a beginner looking for a dual-purpose model or a more advanced motorist who wants a streamlined machine for enjoyable riding, you’ll find the 2013 Suzuki DR-Z400SM to be a more than satisfactory choice.

Final Thoughts

Already, three waves of models have joined the 2013 Suzuki lineup, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the 2013 DR-Z400SM ended up being the most popular of them all. The light dirt bike can be controlled everywhere from quiet suburban streets to the most rugged off-road conditions, and the dual-purpose motorcycle can be a great addition to any rider’s collection.

2013 Suzuki DR-Z400SM Image Gallery

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2013 KTM 690 Enduro R: A Solid Dual-Purpose Bike

I know I’ve talked about the 2012 version of the KTM 690 Enduro R before, but I finally got the chance to ride the 2013 model, and it definitely deserves the attention. After having been on the market for several months, the KTM offering is probably familiar to most riders, and even those who aren’t should take note of this intriguing bike. The dual-purpose machine is a great option for motorists who like dirt and street riding and don’t want to have to choose between the two when heading to the great outdoors.

Technical Specs – Performance and Power

Powering the 2013 KTM 690 Enduro R is a water-cooled, single-cylinder engine that has a displacement of 690cc. The four-stroke, 66-horsepower engine is also more efficient than in years past, consuming less gas and allowing you to fill up the tank and get more time on the track without hurting your wallet.

The motorcycle’s frame keeps the fuel tank out of the way, leaving plenty of room for a low seat and angled handlebars. The six-speed, claw-shifted transmission is easy to change no matter what the setting, and with 49 foot-pounds of torque, you should have no problem riding to wherever you need to be or conquering any type of terrain.

Off-Road vs. On The Road – Customization Is Key

One of my favorite aspects of the 2012 model is the anti-hopping clutch, an element that cancels out rear wheel chatter that they’ve carried through to the 2013 edition. Similarly, the electronic management system allows owners to choose from different mappings, each of which impacts how the machine distributes power. The ability to customize this to your own style of riding is a great advantage, and it can enhance your experience on dirt or roads.

There are many other ways you can tweak the bike to fit your own riding style. You can drop a tooth on the KTM 690 Enduro R’s sprocket, which caters the machine to more dirt bike riding rather than pavement. It’s also relatively easy to change out the motorcycle tires on the D.I.D. DirtStar rims in favor of other all-terrain items.

Final Thoughts

Despite its ergonomic design, it’s still quite a large bike, and riders will have to be conscious of how they ride it. The engine may be able to handle you pushing the machine to the extremes, and the suspension makes bumps in the road seem like nothing, so it’s easy to get lost in the riding experience. However, the heavy bike – it weighs more than 300 pounds without fuel – does need to be handled with some care to keep riders safe, especially when going over jumps or obstacles on dirt.

2013 KTM 690 Enduro R Image Gallery

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2012 Suzuki DR650SE: A Dual-Purpose Bike That’s Good At Any Age

Suzuki has been releasing models of the DR650SE since 1996, and while it’s always produced solid machines, the 2012 version may be one of the best yet. Although a more current model is now available, the 2012 bike persists in being a solid dual-purpose machine that could prove to be a good investment, whether it’s new or used.

Engine Specs

The standard engine on the 2012 Suzuki DR650SE is an air- and oil-cooled, single-cylinder motor that has a displacement of 644cc. Designed to provide ideal performance at a low-to-mid rpm, the engine is equipped with a gear-driven counter balancer that cuts down on vibration. It also comes with Suzuki’s Advanced Cooling System, which helps extend the life of the engine and keeps you on the trails for as long as possible.

Technical Specs

While the machine is a little on the heavy side at 366 pounds, that won’t get in the way of your riding experience, and the rigid semi-double cradle frame allows you to be just as agile on the bike as you would on any other model. Lightweight disc brakes, an aluminum springarm and special thin-wall tubing all help to cut down on the weight of the bike. Suzuki packed a lot of top-of-the-line features in this bike, and it could be significantly heavier when you consider everything it’s equipped with and the machinery involved. When you look at it that way, the weight basically becomes a non-issue.

A short wheelbase and low seat height of 34.8 inches are ideal for dirt bike riders, and a special accessory kit can even lower the rear suspension for shorter people or young riders, making the bike a solid option for any kind of owner. Dirt bike enthusiasts will also appreciate the ground clearance, which can vary from 8.9 inches to 10.4 inches depending on how you set up the bike, and helps improve the overall handling.

Final Thoughts

Historically, the DR650SE has been a compact, dependable bike, and that tradition is carried through in the 2012 model. It’s a reliable machine that can easily transition from dirt to asphalt, and, as no major redesigns have drastically changed the bike since its introduction in the 1990s, you can rest assured that any model is going to provide similar features. If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable bike, the dual-purpose Suzuki DR650SE will be hard to beat.

2012 Suzuki DR650SE Image Gallery

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2013 KTM 500 EXC: An Updated Dirt Bike For Any Rider

I’m always on the lookout for the next great dirt bike, partly so I can keep improving my skills on the track. Changes made to motorcycles usually make for a better overall riding experience – and that’s certainly the case with the 2013 KTM 500 EXC. Having only ridden older models from this line in the past, I was ready to get my hands on this most recent bike, and in doing so I found out just why so many professionals swear by KTM motorcycles.

Engine Specifications

Powered by a one-cylinder, four-stroke engine, the 2013 KTM 500 EXC is designed to provide enough strength to keep any rider happy. The water-cooled motor also has a 510.4cc displacement, giving the bike plenty of oomph while also maintaining its status as an easily handled machine. For people who aren’t exactly pro racers, that’s a huge bonus. Riders can also take to the track knowing that the clutch is made from one solid piece of steel, which drastically cuts down on the number of potential motorcycle gear problems that may come about.

Lightweight Design And Easy Maintenance

The lightweight design of the bike makes it more than one pound lighter than the closest competitor. While that may not seem like much, it definitely is an added bonus for speed demons who want to take advantage of the engine’s power. To go along with the reduced weight, the 2013 KTM 500 EXC was made with ergonomics in mind, and riders will find that the bodywork is tailored to create the ultimate riding experience.

The frame leaves plenty of space for a 2.25-gallon fuel tank, which is easily accessed, along with other dirt bike parts, thanks to the open design of the bike. This 2013 model also boasts shock absorbers by the rear wheel, which is a relatively new addition to the KTM 500 EXC family of bikes but is well worth the wait. The combination of the open frame and the absorbers makes the 2013 KTM 500 EXC extremely easy ride and maintain – a motorcyclist’s dream.

New Wheels Give Superior Traction

To keep the 2013 KTM 500 EXC running smoothly over any terrain, the bike comes equipped with new state-of-the-art wheels. Made by GIANT, the 7050 aluminum rims are covered with a corrosion-resistant coating and were developed specifically for KTM. Not only are they supposed to have a long service life, but the wheels should give riders great traction and superior handling over all kinds of terrain.

2013 KTM 500 EXC Image Gallery

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2013 Honda CRF450X: A New Kind Of Honda Dirt Bike

Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m a big fan of Honda dirt bikes. The style, the power, the riding experience – it just all works for me, and I have yet to find a Honda motorcycle that I wouldn’t think about buying if I could. That being said, the 2013 Honda CRF450X isn’t like a lot of other bikes from the manufacturer. It’s got a whole new frame, clutch, and other dirt bike parts – in addition to a range of special features, but it doesn’t sacrifice anything that riders have come to appreciate in a Honda machine.

Compact Engine – Champion Results

With a single-cylinder, four-strike, liquid-cooled engine, the Honda bike easily provides maximum power over a wide rpm band. Honda specifically designed the Unicam cylinder heads to bring the best of single- and double-overhead-cam motors to the bike, which allows for a smaller engine that doesn’t sacrifice power. At 449cc, it’s definitely a compact engine design, but it’s also the same bike that has won the Baja 500 and 1,000 multiple times, so it’s hard to argue with the output.

Technical Specs – Improved Control For Improved Racing

Honda also created its own Progressive Steering Damper. This small touch does a lot to help riders, as it makes for better cornering and cuts back on arm fatigue, which means more time can be spent honing motocross skills. The damper works hand-in-hand with the new chassis to upgrade the riding experience.

A narrower overall frame aims to bring a rider’s legs closer together for better control, making the bike is more comfortable and easier to handle than ever before. It also boasts a lower center of gravity and lower shock mounts, so whether you’re just a beginner trying to get used to dirt bikes or a more experienced rider looking to improve skills, the bike can work for you. While the frame is much different than its predecessors, the changes have improved many different aspects of riding and generally help to give motorcyclists a great motocross machine.

Final Thoughts – Upgrades Galore

A number of other assorted features also received upgrades. The 2013 Honda CRF450X comes complete with a lighter, more modern LED taillight and a rubber-mounted handlebar to cut back on fatigue and the dangers that can come with it. Additionally, there’s an electric start option that will get the motor purring in any condition.

All in all, the 2013 Honda CRF450X is an exciting new addition to the manufacturer’s lineup, and it definitely deserves a look from any dirt bike enthusiasts.

2013 Honda CRF450X Image Gallery

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2013 Yamaha WR450F: Handles Any Off-Road Trail

If you enjoy off-road riding and you’re looking for a new dirt bike, you might want to check out the 2013 Yamaha WR450F. This motorcycle was bred to get dirty – based on a race model, the WR450F offers plenty of power, excellent performance and impressive handling. You will be able to tackle nearly any trail, thanks to the redesigned chassis, advanced engine and suspension among other top shelf features.

Race-Worthy Inspiration

Yamaha took much of the design for the WR450F from the YZ250, adapting the aluminum frame from the racing model and including other parts. This gives the bike more strength while also reducing its overall weight, so it is more nimble, allowing you to make sharper turns and have better control. Yamaha also adapted the shocks from the YZ for the off-road bike. The WR450F features a YZ-based, adjustable 48 millimeter Speed Sensitive fork system with 11.6 inches of travel and KYB piggyback shock – similar to the gear found on the racing motorcycle. You’ll also find a clutch taken from the YZ450F model, which caters to riders of all styles, whether you prefer to leave your fellow riders in your dust or you’re more of a casual rider.

Technical Specs

The Yamaha WR450F features a 449cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine that is equipped with titanium valves. Not only does this motor deliver a broad range of power in low and high RPMs, but it also offers quick and accurate throttle response thanks to the fuel injection system. Plus, the five-speed transmission, coupled with the YZ clutch mentioned earlier, helps you get every ounce of top-end power.

Additional Features

The bike not only offers impressive performance, but it looks modern and stylish. The YZ-inspired frame gives the off-road motorcycle a sporty edge. Its aluminum body and parts also make it ideal for all sorts of weather conditions whether you prefer to ride in the sand, dirt or mud. Plus, you can ride day or night, thanks to a 35-watt headlight and an LED taillight that are both lightweight and take little to power. You can track all sorts of data thanks to the enduro computer, which displays a speedometer, tripmeter and clock in basic mode, and can also be switch to race mode to provide pace management functions such as a timer, average speed, distance-compensating tripmeter and more.

2013 Yamaha WR450F Image Gallery

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2013 Honda CRF250L: A Fun Dual-Sport Ride

Dual-sport bikes are great for riders who don’t want to deal with the hassle of strapping their dirt bikes to a trailer and driving a car out to the track every time they feel like getting their wheels dirty. The dual sport family is certainly a smaller subset of dirt bikes, but there are still a few contenders that are worth your while, including the 2013 Honda CRF250L. This bike put Honda back into the entry-level dual sport dirt bike game, as it only has one other dual sport option, which has a much heftier engine.

Technical Specs

The CRF has practically the same engine that can be found in the CBR250R street bike, with a few tweaks to make it off-road-ready. The transmission gears are larger, the throttle body is 2 millimeters smaller and the airbox is bigger. When it comes to shock absorption, Honda has you covered. The front suspension consists of a 43 mm inverted fork with 8.7 inches of travel, and there is a Pro-Link single shock in the rear that provides 9.4 inches of travel. Plus, Honda threw in a judder spring in the clutch that helps you deal with all those unexpected little jolts and shudders you’ll feel riding over rocky, unpaved paths.

Comfort And Other Features

Honda designed the CRF250L to be comfortable whether you’re riding on the street or kicking up dirt in the woods. The seat is positioned in just the right way so you’re not too far back or too upright when you straddle the bike. This way, you can easily see the road ahead and also feel at ease riding the trails for hours. When it comes time to fuel up, the bike’s superior fuel economy (73 miles per gallon on the road) will help you save money at the pump, which is something that will be sure to please every rider.

Final Thoughts

The bike is not a power performer, so don’t plan on winning any races astride this ride. But it has plenty of juice to haul you around the off-road track, making it a good choice for casual and beginner riders. You can always add aftermarket dirt bike gear to fine tune the bike to your needs. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the bike is moderately priced, and you won’t have to buy a trailer to get it to and from the track, which will let you get more riding time in and save you the hassle of the extra steps.

2013 Honda CRF250L Image Gallery

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Technical specs

The 450cc DOHC engine may look familiar, as it is also used on KTM’s 450 SX-F motocross model. This motor works smoothly with the five-speed transmission as well as an APTC anti-hopping clutch to give you plenty of control on the track. The special clutch helps reduce rear-wheel chatter and allows you to handle even the sharpest hairpin turns with ease so you can leave your competitors in the dust.

Superior suspension

When you encounter a bumpy stretch of track, you won’t have to worry about getting jostled around or thrown off your bike thanks to the WP suspension system. The front wheel relies on an upside down 4860 MXMA CC fork that offers about 11 inches of travel. In the rear, you will find the WP 5018 BAVP DCC suspension, which has a bit more than 12 inches of travel. Plus, the rear suspension features separately adjustable high speed compression damping, which will keep you in control of your bike no matter what obstacles you face.

Innovative features

KTM gave the SMR a new, lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel frame that helps reduce the overall weight of the bike and makes it easier for you to maneuver on the track. The bike also got a set of racing-laced wheels and Dunlop slick tires that are designed to provide the best grip possible. The bike’s front wheel has a Magura four-piston fixed caliper that works in conjunction with a 310mm brake disc and a radial handbrake valve to provide a controlled stop, which is handy when traveling at such high speeds.