I know the li’l KTM since the 1st batch of the 350 to the 2nd batch (small improvements) and then moved to the 250R. All in all I have something like 300-400 Freeride hours on the clocks. So yes, I know the bike inside out.
Before digging into technical terms, I'll give you the bottom line right now - These 2 bikes are hardly comparable.
When you know the Freeride, especially the 250R, you understand how deep it has it's roots into the Trial world. From the simple no power-valve engine to the long reach gear lever to the short suspension and steep steering angle. And it's indeed feels like Trial bike with Enduro details.
The results is tiny and ultra-light bike, very capable on super technical terrains but with some serious limitations outside of this terrain. More about that later.
When Beta decided to enter the niche, they took the other way around and started with the 300RR as a base line, reduce the total dimension by 10-15%, tune the engine down to more Trial-ish work and finish the work with simple(er), short(er) and soft(er) suspension.
You can just read the final results right here - If you would want a smallish Enduro bike the Xtrainer is the right way to go. If most of your riding is ultra technical, the Freeride will be better choice unless you are above 175cm.
So now let's dive into technical details and understand the differences.
The Freeride is just in the middle between Enduro bike and Trial bike as far as wheelbase is concerned. The XT is in between the Freeride and Enduro bike. That give the FR top score in agility but will cause head shake and general nervousness as the speed pick up.
The FR use Formula brake and clutch components out of the SX85. As a results of this super-lightweight system, is a poor braking performance. It's basically impossible to lock the front wheel even when the lever pulled all the way in to the handlebar. When racing, the brake fluid boils so often that I had to replace it on regular basis, as well as the brake pads. The XT comes with the same RR components where Brembo is responsible for the clutch while Nissin takes the brakes. I would like just a tiny bit more bite from the front but this is just to be picky. The rear is perfect with plenty of feel.
Suspension wise, the FR does not stand out for a win too much as it has only 250mm of travel with basic 43 fork and a simple shock. While the XT shows an even simpler fork, the longer travel (20mm longer) with better valving allows very smooth operation and it takes relatively big drop to shut close the suspension. Modifying the fork will be easier on the XT as it's takes only one spring (right leg) and one set of shims (left leg). Before throwing $ on suspension work, I will try to play with thicker oil, mixing 50% 10W oil (OEM specs 5W) and later all 10W if necessary.
Beta took the 300RR as a starting point which is already a 50cc advantage. They changed the porting and piston some, left the carburetor at the original size (36mm) and shaped a new exhaust. Oh, yes - they left the power valve in place!
This engine is magic once above tick over. It pulls forward at any RPM, doesn't matter what. There is no big hit anywhere in the power band, just a linear continuous pull. What I was happy to find is that a simple wind off of the power valve adjuster allows the engine to rev faster and higher, now with a small change a-la "normal" 2 stroke.
Riding in very technical area, trying to negotiate extreme obstacle in very low speed, where high throttle and clutch control required, had me disappointed me a bit.
On one side, the throttle is just too hard to turn, like it has some mechanical friction in it. Especially when comparing to the butter smooth FR throttle. It might have something to do with the original cable routing as it is force between the odometer and the headlight mask. I will try to play with it and will report back my finding.
On the other side, the clutch pull is way too hard with immediate action, not good when riding on the clutch all the time. Missing the XCW300 clutch!
The combination of the grabby clutch with the jumpy throttle and the control on extreme condition is less than easy. I lost too often grip on the rear wheel in places I easily moved with the XCW300.
The Beta holds 1 liter more fuel than the FR but with the 36mm carburetor, but I'm doubt if it will get longer range. I know IMS will be in production soon with a 9.5 liter tank!
I did like the oil injection system though. Gives you the option to quick fill in gas stations without carrying oil in the backpack. Disconnecting and removing the oil tank and pump for the ones that want to save weight and to feed premix, is easy enough.
Electric starter get full points Vs the FR unit. It's similar bandix unit but it's integrated correctly in the engine cases and hold the basic lubrication better. didn't heard single failure yet which is good when you have no pedal as a backup. Haw...yes...if you do want to have the kick-start as a backup, Beta sells kits that fit right in unlike the FR where it's not an option.
What else?
The radiators are 2 units, same as the RR. Fan is standard. Nice!
The bike comes with both head light and number plate. Nice!
The bike comes with plastic skid plate but no hand guards.
Weird enough, the bike comes to the US with all road legal harness installed, (and the horn) but no signal lights or mirror is supplied with the bike. Rear light have brake light integrated but no rear plate light. No flasher relay come with the bike. EU bikes come complete ready for registration...
Tyres are GoldenTyre FIM Enduros which I like very much but will wear out quickly from my experience.
So this is it. The modern KDX200. Super easy for novice riders but with some modifications (suspension mainly), very capable machine in the right hands.
Next stop - SoCal Trial competition with Enduro bikes sections marked out. Half a year ago I did it with XCW300 and it was great fun. With the XT it should even more fun!
Well done with authority Yoram. Your a man of many talents.
ReplyDeleteHi Yoram, what is your choice for Romaniacs? Modified FR250 or XT?
ReplyDeleteBR, Joe
H Joe.
DeleteIt's a good question! If it's hard year (in Bronze class) like 2012-2013-2014 the Freeride will be probably better especially if you are short (under 1.7m).2015 was easier and faster and the Freeride was not the best in the game. I would take even XCW300 as it was mostly about speed.
How do you like the Sedona tire?
ReplyDeleteVery decent when you run very low pressure, 5 psi or lower (you have to use Tubbliss for that)
DeleteHello, I was wondering if you could tell me where you got that rear fender decal,I broke my last fender when I was doing a wheelie and got a new one but can't find a good after market rear fender decal. Thanks and love the bike :)
ReplyDelete