Trail Rider Magazine

July 2019 15 Looking back at our Trials coverage here in Trail Rider Magazine, I'm no cing that most of my bike features have been focused on the "Top End" of current Trials equipment, so perhaps it's a bit over- due that we take a be er look at some of the more "moderate" bikes available for the buying public. Let's get started with what could perhaps be one of the friendliest, yet most capable bikes for the "clubman" level riders out there, the ubiquitous Beta Evo 200 2T. Back in the 60's, Trials had a "Bantamweight" class that proved to be extremely popular and not with- out good reason. Bikes ranging from 125 to 200 cc proved to be light and easy to handle as well as having adequate but not overwhelming power to deal with the sec ons at hand for the day. Combine this user friendliness with be er affordability when compared to the bigger bikes, and it becomes easy to see why these bikes have always been so popu- lar. Looking at the current offerings on the market today, I'm somewhat surprised to see that Beta has the 200cc 2-stroke class all to itself in the Trials seg- ment of off-road. I can't help but wonder why this is so. One ride on the li le Beta will have you con- vinced that there is plenty of power for any sized rider in most any sec on they might encounter at a local Trial. The bike feels more like a mini-250 than a beefed-up 125, and as such, the techniques used to ride the bike are about the same as with any oth- er full-sized Trials bike out there. This is great news because there is no need for lots of extra clutch work as needed on smaller 125cc bikes. The rider can proceed as usual with lots of low-end grunt to pull them through when it counts the most. Perhaps best of all, this 200cc motor makes and maintains trac on like few other bikes can and will help most riders make the most of their abili es in a variety of slippery condi ons. The clutch pull is light and easy, with a progressive feel that makes the rider feel in control of the bike, instead of the other way around. Star ng and shi - ing are also easy to enjoy on a daily basis. Although some new riders might find the le -side kickstart a bit novel at first, the bike is easy to kick over and starts easily, usually on the first kick hot or cold. Steering lock on the Beta is unmatched, with the ghtest turning circle of any bike on the market, along with compliant and comfortable suspension from the Paoli forks up front. The Sachs rear shock out back keeps the Dun- lop 803GP res in firm contact with the ground when needed, providing for easy and light move- ment of the bike for flicks, hops and stops when needed. This bike easily accommodates the older No-Stop style for Trials, as ridden by most moderate-level riders, while also allowing for the more modern Stop-Allowed techniques to be employed by those who have developed the talents to do so. The Grimeca brakes work very well indeed, although the rear brake might be a bit less powerful than with other bikes in the seg- ment. We usually fit a set of "sintered" rear pads to our Beta bikes to add a bit of "bite" in wet or muddy condi ons and find that this brings them up to snuff very easily. What I find most interes ng when riding the Beta Evo 200 is the feeling of lightness when compared to the 250 and 300cc versions from the same Beta factory. Even though the 200, 250 and 300cc Evo's weigh virtually the same, the 200 seems lighter and demand less energy than its larger cc siblings, and this becomes more no ce- able as the day goes on. There's no doubt in my mind that the 200 will pay dividends on the last loops of almost any event, with the easy manners of the bike taking less toll on the rider over the course of the day and helping to provide be er scores as a result. Along with all this, there is the legendary qual- ity and reliability of the Beta brand and the top notch support for parts and accessories that Beta provides to the customer through their large group of dependable dealers. A family-owned company in Florence, Italy, Beta has been in business since 1906 and is well-known for their quality products. Beta's support at the Na on- als is also excellent, with parts and tech service available to all Beta riders who choose to com- pete. Almost as if saving the best for last, it's well worth men oning that the price of the Beta 200 is actually hundreds of dollars under that of the 250 or 300cc versions, making this bike an amaz- ing value in every way. So next me you start dreaming of the "Perfect Bike," be sure to consider the Beta Evo 200 2T. It truly is the li le engine that could, would and will if you're willing to give it a chance!

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