Kiwi Rider Podcast 2022 | E28
In this week's show, Ray talked us through his insurance win, we have
Eagle-eyed enthusiasts who closely followed the latest updates from EICMA last month may have caught sight of a very intriguing machine: a 350cc two-stroke adorned with the Beta logo. This bike, which we were initially told was a one-off, custom-built flat-track machine designed and custom built for Casey Stoner, has generated a lot of buzz. However, it appears the story we were told may not be entirely accurate.
Recent reports from the Australian motorcycle press have suggested that Beta is planning to release a 350cc two-stroke motocross bike. This prompted us to dig a little deeper into the matter. What we’ve uncovered is that Beta has indeed been working on a 350cc two-stroke model for some time now. Beta has been producing a 350cc 4-stroke within its Enduro lineup for a while, but it's not been brought into NZ since before 2019.
For years, the largest two-stroke engine in Beta’s range has been the highly popular and legendary 300cc model, which remains a favorite in enduro. However, reliable sources indicate that Beta is now preparing to apply the lessons learned from the Casey Stoner flat-track project to a new 350cc two-stroke motocross bike.
While the two-stroke motocross market is relatively niche in certain regions—especially in New Zealand, where the dominant categories are 250cc and 450cc four-strokes—this new model could still create quite an impact. That said, Beta seems to have more up its sleeve, as a 250cc two-stroke motocross bike is also reportedly in the works.
Both of these exciting new models are expected to debut in the 2026 model year, with a likely arrival in New Zealand by late 2025. Stay tuned for further developments as Beta continues to innovate and expand its motocross offerings.