Not long ago, the thought of a new two-stroke off-road bike was a little absurd. It was that rare. Now, it happens all the time.
This is the Beta X-Trainer 200, and it is a new model for 2027. We can’t say it’s 100 percent new, because it uses bits and pieces from other bikes in the Beta two-stroke fleet. The engine is loosely based on the RR200 X-Pro off-road bike, and the chassis, as well as the very concept, is from the X-Trainer 300. But, it’s a great bike and it serves a badly neglected part of the market.
Pete Murray getting a little silly on the 2027 Beta X-Trainer 200
To offer a lazy description of the X-Trainer, it could be called an entry-level off-road bike. It’s designed to be less expensive and easier to ride than pretty much any other European off-road bike. The chassis is said to be 15 percent smaller than a regular X-Pro off road model.
The motor is configured to offer low-end power and the suspension, which is made by a Spanish company called Olle, is super cushy. The MSRP fpor the X-Trainer 200 is $8790.
The Olle fork and shock, along with the Mitas tires serve to keep the price down, but there are some upgrade items that you might not expect on an “entry-level” bike. One is the radiator fan. It also has oil injection, Nissin brakes and a hydraulic clutch. The price is $8790. Perhaps that doesn’t sound inexpensive by pre-Covid standards, but you’re not going to find another legitimate Italian off-road bike for a price like this in today’s economy. You get to push your comfort zone with the X-Trainer; it weights around 215 lb.
More Read
dry. We’ve only had the bike for a week, but already we love it. It reminds us of 200s from long ago, that had real torque. You don’t have to rev the X-Trainer to get around, it pulls from down low like a 250 or 300.
It’s also super light. Beta’s specs say it weighs 215 pounds dry. We haven’t had a chance to put it on our scale yet, but that sounds accurate.
With all the low-end power and the lack of weight, the X-Trainer makes you feel like attempting Hard Enduro sections; big logs, rock piles and trials stuff. Sometimes you make it, sometimes you don’t but you gotta give credit to the bike for making you think you can do anything. That’s why it’s hard to call it an entry level bike.
More Read
Everyone wants to ride it and everyone wants to try to be a hero. To be fair, it’s not very fast. The standard RR200 X-Pro will eat it for lunch. Don’t go anywhere near a motocross track. Don’t take it in deep sand and don’t go hill-climbing unless the hill is super twisty and technical. The X-Trainer likes firm soil and tight terrain. We have a lot of fun places in mind already.
The full test of the 2027 Beta 200 X-Trainer will be in the November print edition of Dirt Bike. NEWS FROM TM
2027 TM EN300
Our spies intercepted a letter intended for TM dealers and got a little inside info for 2027. Here’s a little of what’s coming, lifted straight from the letter:
“Among the most important updates is the new dual-injector system for the MX 250 4T model. The throttle body and engine mapping have been completely redesigned to provide improved rideability and increased power, ensuring maximum performance without compromise. “ The development process, however, went far beyond the mechanical components. The 2027 range also marks the return of TM’s iconic blue and white colors, a hallmark of the brand’s identity, alongside an extensive technical evolution focused on further enhancing the performance and reliability of the entire lineup. The design has also undergone a careful restyling, featuring new radiator shroud that combine a more modern and aggressive look with optimized functionality.
2027 TM MX125
“Particular attention has also been given to the identity of the Corse models. For 2027, we wanted to establish an even clearer distinction between the Moto and Corse ranges, giving each family its own distinctive technical and visual character while reinforcing its philosophy and intended purpose. “The new TM 2027 models represent the evolution of a project built on the experience gained through racing and the achievements of our factory racing departments, bringing this valuable technical expertise directly to our production motorcycles. “Innovation, reliability, and performance remain the core values behind every TM development, delivering motorcycles that are ready to perform at their very best, whether on the track or out on the off-road. “
MADISON YARNELL, MOVIE STAR
The extended Yarnell family has been working behind the scenes at Glen Helen Raceway for years.
More Read
A few months ago, the whole family–Madison, Matthew, and Andrew Yarnell–helped us test the Denago MX1 for the January 2026 print issue of Dirt Bike. Kevin Duke at Denago read what Madison had to say for us and asked if they could make a promotional video out of it. It came out great! Here’s the result; click on the image above. NEW BDR X ROUTE
I had a great time at the Tenere Trek at the Tamarack ski resort in Idaho last week. You can check out my review of the Yamaha Tenere World Raid here. The guys at the Backroads Discovery Route used the occasion to launch a new excursion route.
If you don’t know about these guys, look them up. RideBDR is a nonprofit dedicated to creating great adventure bike rides all over the country. The new Idaho excursion is a one-day round trip that goes through Hell’s Canyon.
Check it out! See you next week! –Ron Lawson
