Great review from someone who understands this great little bike.. light easy and wonderful in the technical but as you say dont expect performance at speed had mine 4yrs and love it like you i have another bike for the longer faster days but the beta flatters and will climb virtually anything...
Perfect bike! I've recently added a used 2022 300RR along side it. Recovering from back injury, so haven't tried anything too adventurous yet, but feels good too - similar to the mods done to the Xtrainer.
I have two Betas, including the same XTrainer. You are supposed to torque everything up after each ride on this bike. You'd be losing more hardware otherwise. Enjoy the bike, it is indeed one of a kind, super torquey.
Great vid and I love my 2021 XT! It has 25 hours on it but I've only put about 3 hours on it so far. At 59 years old, I really like the light weight. Question: What mount do you have for the Garmin GPS? I just bought one.
Awesome mate! Great bikes... the gps mounts are just the ebay ones to suit etrex 22x... I did buy the proper one (ram mount I think) but so far the GPS has been solid, and I feel it's been tested quite well (touchwood) - however, it did fall off once, recently when riding with my son on pretty easy terrain. I think I leant forward to remove a stick and must've dislodged it - backtracked and found it. Enjoy your new bike mate!
Thanks for the review - I'm about to pick one up as a step up bike for my kids and for me to practice slow technical stuff - like you said, log hopping and stuff!
Have you considered a beta 2023 480 racing they are on special at the moment If you’re enjoying the beta Maybe it’s another good option instead of the KTM 500 probably save some money as well
I'd probably look into them. Do they get adventurised? I know there are luggage racks, bigger tanks, etc for KTM... might do some research. Looking into steering dampner and try and lower the DRZ a bit (since new suspension it's WAY taller - I oversized the springs too much I think). Will all come down to $$$, appreciate the recommendation.
Great to see the update, I’m currently about 25 hours into my 22 Xtrainer, has been amazing. And I think that my skills (as little as they are) have definitely improved quicker than when I was on the WR. I agree that it SUX on the road, But something I’ve been thinking of trying is adjusting the gear ratio a bit, to hopefully get a bit more top end, I NEVER use 1st gear anyway, so I’m thinking doing this might just be a solution??? I would add that I love the fact that as you progress in skill level, the Xtrainer can be easily upgraded with parts available from beta that gets it closer and closer to the RR models, so it really is the bike that grows with you! Great vid, looking forward to seeing your upgrades, FMF exhaust I could see in the Vid already, lol.
Cheers mate, appreciate the detailed comment - sounds like we're having very similar experiences. I've done all the mods within the past week. Had 2 quick rides with tank & suspension & 1 with pipe, jetting, etc. I wanna give it some more time and trialling before I make much comnent but the suspension already feels more planted at speed, no doubt. And the pipe, jet, air mods have given lots more zip, but 1st gear revs out way faster (may not effect you though) but as I mentioned, have the Chook Chase (2 days of 90-100km enduro each day) coming up that will give me a proper chance to see how it goes. I just wound power valve down half a turn to see if that helps it tractor without the hit just a little. 2 seconds to change it around on the track too.
I have a 2018 with 120 hours. Best trail bike I've ever owned. With a 27" inseam, I had to lower the bike another 2" to be more confident. Replaced both tubes @60 & 80 hours, and battery @ 90 hours. Also installed a Smartcarb sc2 (HUGE improvement, as I was unable to dial in the factory carb, weird). Being age 65+, I am def a slowpoke, mostly riding tight single track. I really like the light weight and the bike's ability to chug up steep hills. Likely to be my last dirt bike. Thanks!
Awesome Paul, have heard great things of the Smartcarb. Haven't looked into them much though as my bike's always run pretty sweet (touchwood) but the economy would be nice. Great little bikes, easy to ride and I'm not sure I'll need anything more than this delivers either - just put gnarly pipe, JD jet and removed air box plate but not sure it's too responsive now... will test for a bit. Hopefully you still have plenty of good rided left and I pray to still be riding at 65! 🤙✊️
I got Smartcarbs for all 3 of my bikes, including my XTrainer. P.S. The dealers supposed to adjust the jets.... not many do. Mine did. However, my other Beta, the RR, never run properly.... it just fouls the plugs all the time, although all premix is 100%.... Smartcarb solved it. Bonus - can ride in any weather/altitude. Smartcarb == Smart Choice
Have the bigger tank now. It probably can do more like 80-90km on standard tank but I don't like pushing the limits when I'm usually only one in group running pre-mix. Bigger tank is awesome.
Great review of your use case and experience. Looking forward to hearing on the benefits of the pipe, airbox mode, jetting and tank - parts for these are all in the post for my '22 also (Suzuki needle rather than JD). The other common thing I plan to do to extend range is reroute the carb tubes over the carb and check float height, but you may have done this already. Enjoy the ride 👍
Thanks for your comment mate. I've had one quick ride with the new bits & pieces and it definitely has more zip to it. One thing I did find was 1st gear revved out really quickly - I was constantly in 2nd & 3rd (possibly 4th at times) everywhere instead of mostly 2nd and sometimes 3rd. I may find it will now tractor just fine in 2nd up steep rutty hills but I need to test more variety of obstacles to see. I just wound my power valve in a half turn to see if that helps a bit too. It was definitely an improvement on flowy singles but I just need to see how it is when I need that low down tractoring. Good luck with your install mate - it was a bit of fun (and a couple of parts needed some minor problem solving to line up etc, but nothing too tricky). Haven't done the breathers yet (have on DRZ though).
@@AdvHQ I have a +1 tooth front sprocket to put on as I have some road work to get to the trails and your comments kinda seal the need for me to have to do that also. Looking forward to the more in depth updates on how it all works out. It's not particularly difficult to do all this and I can see they need to differentiate it from the RR, but since so many people do the same basic stuff it's a pity the bike doesn't come with most of this already addressed.
@@MrEunuch you'll probably find the bigger front sprocket will make a decent change for you, it certainly helped on the DRZ. Will keep the vids coming - should have the first quick ride with pipe, etc edited today but it's just a quick ride, no real explanations, etc.
Thanks for watching mate. I enjoy your vids and trails. It definitely gives you confidence to try more hills and obstacles hey?! I can't remember if you have or not, have you got the gnarly pipe & jet kit? Definitely gives some extra zip! I've only done one quick ride with it and found 1st gear revs out too quickly - maybe can tractor hills in 2nd like you could in 1st? I've just wound down the PV half a turn to see if that helps too.
@@AdvHQ did you lose any slow speed rock crawl soft comfort. I like her soft rock absorbing springs. I have mine backed all out. I feel like if im gonna run fast open rough dirt roads ill get a wr250f. For the technical stuff which i prefer i like the soft stair case absorbing set up she has. Can you really get both in one setup?
@@wetlifesports I might not be doing super slow gnarly stuff to notice mate. Suspension seems great to me, the pipe/JD kit remove some of the slow tractor qualities that I liked. I just need to adapt a little differently. It's no KTM 300 2t though!
Was perfect last ride - has been a couple of months (back injury recovery)! Hopefully give it a good ride in a couple weeks. Goes heaps better with DFX suspension, gnarly exhaust, JD jet kit & air box plate removal.
I should've put the clip in of me on the TM300 for a quick squirt - that thing was so smooth at speed. Was chalk & cheese compared to the Xtrainer. I'm hoping the suspension upgrade helps with the faster sections (can tell it has a bit in 1-2 rides so far) but it won't be like the full size 200/300s. Up to 60-70 km/h is OK.
Great review from someone who understands this great little bike.. light easy and wonderful in the technical but as you say dont expect performance at speed had mine 4yrs and love it like you i have another bike for the longer faster days but the beta flatters and will climb virtually anything...
Perfect bike! I've recently added a used 2022 300RR along side it. Recovering from back injury, so haven't tried anything too adventurous yet, but feels good too - similar to the mods done to the Xtrainer.
I have two Betas, including the same XTrainer. You are supposed to torque everything up after each ride on this bike. You'd be losing more hardware otherwise. Enjoy the bike, it is indeed one of a kind, super torquey.
Yeah, you're right. I've learnt to run an 8mm spanner over many bolts now!
Great vid and I love my 2021 XT! It has 25 hours on it but I've only put about 3 hours on it so far. At 59 years old, I really like the light weight. Question: What mount do you have for the Garmin GPS? I just bought one.
Awesome mate! Great bikes... the gps mounts are just the ebay ones to suit etrex 22x... I did buy the proper one (ram mount I think) but so far the GPS has been solid, and I feel it's been tested quite well (touchwood) - however, it did fall off once, recently when riding with my son on pretty easy terrain. I think I leant forward to remove a stick and must've dislodged it - backtracked and found it. Enjoy your new bike mate!
Thanks for the review - I'm about to pick one up as a step up bike for my kids and for me to practice slow technical stuff - like you said, log hopping and stuff!
Nice one mate - you'll enjoy it, and your kids. My son will take over mine within the next couple of years too 🤙✊
Have you considered a beta 2023 480 racing they are on special at the moment
If you’re enjoying the beta
Maybe it’s another good option instead of the KTM 500 probably save some money as well
I'd probably look into them. Do they get adventurised? I know there are luggage racks, bigger tanks, etc for KTM... might do some research. Looking into steering dampner and try and lower the DRZ a bit (since new suspension it's WAY taller - I oversized the springs too much I think). Will all come down to $$$, appreciate the recommendation.
Nice review of your bike! I pretty much agree and enjoy my '23 XTrainer!
Thanks for the feedback mate. The '23 looks cool in the red/black and the clear tank would be nice to see fuel left (have this now with IMS tank hehe)
Great to see the update, I’m currently about 25 hours into my 22 Xtrainer, has been amazing. And I think that my skills (as little as they are) have definitely improved quicker than when I was on the WR. I agree that it SUX on the road, But something I’ve been thinking of trying is adjusting the gear ratio a bit, to hopefully get a bit more top end, I NEVER use 1st gear anyway, so I’m thinking doing this might just be a solution???
I would add that I love the fact that as you progress in skill level, the Xtrainer can be easily upgraded with parts available from beta that gets it closer and closer to the RR models, so it really is the bike that grows with you!
Great vid, looking forward to seeing your upgrades, FMF exhaust I could see in the Vid already, lol.
Cheers mate, appreciate the detailed comment - sounds like we're having very similar experiences. I've done all the mods within the past week. Had 2 quick rides with tank & suspension & 1 with pipe, jetting, etc. I wanna give it some more time and trialling before I make much comnent but the suspension already feels more planted at speed, no doubt. And the pipe, jet, air mods have given lots more zip, but 1st gear revs out way faster (may not effect you though) but as I mentioned, have the Chook Chase (2 days of 90-100km enduro each day) coming up that will give me a proper chance to see how it goes. I just wound power valve down half a turn to see if that helps it tractor without the hit just a little. 2 seconds to change it around on the track too.
Thus was a very well done review, great layout and pros and cons! The ending was perfect!
Cheers mate. Love the Xtrainer even more after the mods. Have just got myself a used 300RR now as well. Yet to ride in the bush 🤙✊️
I have a 2018 with 120 hours. Best trail bike I've ever owned. With a 27" inseam, I had to lower the bike another 2" to be more confident. Replaced both tubes @60 & 80 hours, and battery @ 90 hours. Also installed a Smartcarb sc2 (HUGE improvement, as I was unable to dial in the factory carb, weird). Being age 65+, I am def a slowpoke, mostly riding tight single track. I really like the light weight and the bike's ability to chug up steep hills. Likely to be my last dirt bike. Thanks!
Awesome Paul, have heard great things of the Smartcarb. Haven't looked into them much though as my bike's always run pretty sweet (touchwood) but the economy would be nice. Great little bikes, easy to ride and I'm not sure I'll need anything more than this delivers either - just put gnarly pipe, JD jet and removed air box plate but not sure it's too responsive now... will test for a bit. Hopefully you still have plenty of good rided left and I pray to still be riding at 65! 🤙✊️
I got Smartcarbs for all 3 of my bikes, including my XTrainer.
P.S. The dealers supposed to adjust the jets.... not many do. Mine did. However, my other Beta, the RR, never run properly.... it just fouls the plugs all the time, although all premix is 100%.... Smartcarb solved it.
Bonus - can ride in any weather/altitude.
Smartcarb == Smart Choice
I was considering this but when I hear about the range... 😢
Have the bigger tank now. It probably can do more like 80-90km on standard tank but I don't like pushing the limits when I'm usually only one in group running pre-mix. Bigger tank is awesome.
Great review of your use case and experience. Looking forward to hearing on the benefits of the pipe, airbox mode, jetting and tank - parts for these are all in the post for my '22 also (Suzuki needle rather than JD). The other common thing I plan to do to extend range is reroute the carb tubes over the carb and check float height, but you may have done this already. Enjoy the ride 👍
Thanks for your comment mate. I've had one quick ride with the new bits & pieces and it definitely has more zip to it. One thing I did find was 1st gear revved out really quickly - I was constantly in 2nd & 3rd (possibly 4th at times) everywhere instead of mostly 2nd and sometimes 3rd. I may find it will now tractor just fine in 2nd up steep rutty hills but I need to test more variety of obstacles to see. I just wound my power valve in a half turn to see if that helps a bit too. It was definitely an improvement on flowy singles but I just need to see how it is when I need that low down tractoring. Good luck with your install mate - it was a bit of fun (and a couple of parts needed some minor problem solving to line up etc, but nothing too tricky). Haven't done the breathers yet (have on DRZ though).
@@AdvHQ I have a +1 tooth front sprocket to put on as I have some road work to get to the trails and your comments kinda seal the need for me to have to do that also. Looking forward to the more in depth updates on how it all works out. It's not particularly difficult to do all this and I can see they need to differentiate it from the RR, but since so many people do the same basic stuff it's a pity the bike doesn't come with most of this already addressed.
@@MrEunuch you'll probably find the bigger front sprocket will make a decent change for you, it certainly helped on the DRZ.
Will keep the vids coming - should have the first quick ride with pipe, etc edited today but it's just a quick ride, no real explanations, etc.
Great review. I’ve really enjoyed mine and it’s definitely upped my game.
Thanks for watching mate. I enjoy your vids and trails. It definitely gives you confidence to try more hills and obstacles hey?! I can't remember if you have or not, have you got the gnarly pipe & jet kit? Definitely gives some extra zip! I've only done one quick ride with it and found 1st gear revs out too quickly - maybe can tractor hills in 2nd like you could in 1st? I've just wound down the PV half a turn to see if that helps too.
Best bike a own, 22 XT, I love it so much
Agreed mate. And the new mods I mentioned at the end of that vid, I got to really test last weekend. It's even better now 👌
Well done, have the same bike. I also love her single track ability, billy goat!
Such a great bike. Doing the mods since has changed it quite a bit - way better at speed now
@@AdvHQ did you lose any slow speed rock crawl soft comfort. I like her soft rock absorbing springs. I have mine backed all out. I feel like if im gonna run fast open rough dirt roads ill get a wr250f. For the technical stuff which i prefer i like the soft stair case absorbing set up she has. Can you really get both in one setup?
@@wetlifesports I might not be doing super slow gnarly stuff to notice mate. Suspension seems great to me, the pipe/JD kit remove some of the slow tractor qualities that I liked. I just need to adapt a little differently. It's no KTM 300 2t though!
Compression still good?
Was perfect last ride - has been a couple of months (back injury recovery)! Hopefully give it a good ride in a couple weeks. Goes heaps better with DFX suspension, gnarly exhaust, JD jet kit & air box plate removal.
How is the stability of the bike ate fast speeds?
I should've put the clip in of me on the TM300 for a quick squirt - that thing was so smooth at speed. Was chalk & cheese compared to the Xtrainer. I'm hoping the suspension upgrade helps with the faster sections (can tell it has a bit in 1-2 rides so far) but it won't be like the full size 200/300s. Up to 60-70 km/h is OK.
bike looks great.
Cheers mate, have the upgrades now - gnarly, jd kit, bigger tank, etc - even more awesome!
Great review! I reckon go the KTM500!
I'll make you a deal. You buy a 300 2t as a 2nd bike, and I'll upgrade the DRZ to a 500! 😉🤝
@@AdvHQ I've already been looking....
Nice work mate, solid review 👍
Thanks Bert. Hopefully it helps someone out there who's considering one.
Solid review! We’re currently looking at the Xtrainer 😎
Thanks mate 🍻 Researching bikes is half the fun, hope you find the bike that fits you best.
Great vid mate
Thanks mate, appreciate it 🤙🍻
Good video, thanks brother
Cheers mate, appreciate the feedback 🍻