Beta’s entry-level XTrainer line-up has undergone substantial changes for MY27, with a new 200 model poised to slot in alongside a mildly refreshed 300, while the 250 has been quietly canned for all but a ‘few limited markets.’

The new not-quite-full-sized machine joins the family in a move aimed at riders looking for an even lighter, more mild-mannered machine than its longstanding big brother – not that the 300, or now-defunct 250, ever had a reputation for being a handful. Bikes are set to be available from mid-June, priced at £6795 and £6895 for the 200 and 300 models, respectively.

Beta’s decision to all but kill off its quarter-litre do-it-all enduro comes after the model underwent serious revisions last year to ‘significantly’ increase power and torque, bringing its performance level closer to that of its 300cc sibling. 

After quizzing Beta on which areas retain the 250, the answer given was that it is ‘only for limited markets in a few countries and the model now no longer shows on the marque’s website as a current model. 

After speaking to Beta’s UK arm, the company could barely recall the last time it imported a 250, so popular is its bigger brother by comparison. Perhaps though the lighter, revvier nature of the 200 will be enough to set the new machine apart.

Beta XTrainer 200 in detail

Development of the debut model has come effectively from marrying the existing XTrainer chassis with the motor found in Beta’s mid-level X-Pro 200, albeit with a raft of internal changes made to the 190cc platform to curtail power, creating a bike that ought to be easy as pie for newcomers while still offering enough capability to entertain experienced hands, especially when the going gets technical.

Changes include revised transfer and exhaust ports, a redesigned cylinder head, a new piston profile, a dedicated intake sleeve and exhaust, new ignition mapping, as well as softer clutch springs for an easier pull.

The 200 slots into a chassis that retains the geometry of the larger 300 but has been adapted to house the smaller engine.

At 97.5kg dry, it's 1.5kg lighter than the 300 and, as you’d expect, offers an accessible seat height of just 910mm - 20mm lower than the X-Pro and 40mm closer to the ground than the much pricier RR Race line-up.

Both the 200 and returning 300 gain a new LED headlight and mask, a redesigned chain guide and front sprocket guard, a new rear disc from Nissin, plus fresh graphics and a black-painted frame – a first for the XTrainer family.

Elsewhere, the usual staples of the model return, including electric oil injection, accessed via a button-operated seat latch, and a cooling fan as standard – the presence of the latter naturally begs the question of why neither the aforementioned X-Pro nor RR Race two-strokes come with a fan out of the box, despite their weightier price tags.

The latest XTrainer release follows the earlier unveiling of the MY27 X-Pro range, take a look here: First Look: 2027 Beta RR X-Pro range

Technical specifications:

Fotos: Betamotor