Common misconceptions about dirt bikes on NZ roads.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there, not just around motorcycles, but let's take a walk down this meandering path and attempt to clear up some of the points that are often incorrectly touted as gospel. Dirt bike, what’s legal on NZ roads, do they blow up, is the Beta 200cc only for learners and more... While the law is pretty black and white, finding the right information can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths about dirt bikes and their place on Kiwi roads.

Myth 1: You can’t road-register a dirt bike in NZ.

This is flat-out wrong. You absolutely can register bikes like the Beta RR, XPro (both two-stroke and four-stroke), and XTrainer for use on New Zealand roads.

Some people claim that getting a dirt bike registered is exploiting a loophole in the law, but it’s not. It actually falls under a legitimate exception to the ABS requirements introduced a few years back. If a bike is classed as an enduro bike, it doesn’t need ABS. That said, it still has to meet roadworthy requirements—like having proper lights, indicators, a horn, and other necessary equipment.

Another misconception is that enduro bikes registered for the road can only be ridden to and from sanctioned events. Not true. These motorcycles are fully road legal, meaning you can ride them anywhere you would ride any other road-registered bike.

Myth 2: You can’t ride on the road with knobbly tyres.

While it might not be the smartest idea for long stretches of tarmac, you can ride on the road with knobbly tyres—as long as they’re DOT-approved. These tyres meet the necessary safety standards for road use in NZ.

We recommend saving knobbly tyres for the dirt, but if you absolutely need to take your dirt bike onto the road, rest assured it’s completely legal.

Myth 3: Beta dirt bikes blow up.

Utter rubbish. Beta bikes don’t “blow up” any more than any other brand. However, there is one specific scenario worth mentioning that could potentially lead to issues.

In rare cases, extended periods of low-throttle riding (less than 20% throttle) on a two-stroke Beta RR or XPro can result in insufficient oiling to the big-end bearing. The automatic oiling system isn’t always designed for such sustained low-intensity use. To mitigate this, some riders add a small amount of oil directly to their fuel, similar to traditional two-stroke setups. This ensures proper lubrication for those longer, gentler rides.

Myth 4: Beta bikes are built in China.

Not true! While some components (like on all motorcycles) are sourced from China or other countries, Beta motorcycles are designed, built, and assembled in Italy. The company relies on a network of 10 factories across Italy to produce most of the parts, and every bike is assembled there before being shipped around the world.

Myth 5: You need a big bike (500cc+) to go adventure riding in NZ.

Who says bigger is better? While larger bikes (like 700cc or 1000cc models) are great for long motorway stretches or wide-open trails, smaller bikes—especially sub-500cc ones—excel in technical, tight, or rugged terrain.

Adventure riding is all about matching the bike to your riding style. Smaller bikes are lighter, more agile, and less intimidating for new riders. Plus, if you’re prone to dropping your bike (we’ve all been there), you’ll appreciate a lighter machine when it comes time to pick it up.

Myth 6: 200cc bikes are only for learners.

That’s a very dated take. Modern two-strokes have come a long way in the past 30 years, especially when it comes to power delivery. Gone are the days of having to rev the bike to the moon just to get some torque. Beta’s two-strokes are designed to deliver plenty of low-end grunt, making them capable of crawling through technical terrain as well as blasting along faster sections.

For example, the Beta XTrainer and XPro 300cc models offer smooth, manageable power with lots of torque, making them perfect for learners or those who prefer a more mellow ride. Step down to the 250cc, and you get a slightly livelier experience that requires a bit more skill to fully enjoy. The 200cc two-stroke, on the other hand, is a nimble powerhouse—best suited for experienced riders who know how to make the most of it.

Myth 7: Dirt bikes have short service intervals.

While there’s some truth to this, Beta’s four-stroke models are designed with a clever workaround: separate oil galleries for the engine and gearbox. This means you don’t have to change both oils every time, giving each one more longevity and saving you time and effort.

Sure, dirt bikes might require more regular maintenance than a larger touring bike, but that’s a small trade-off for their off-road capabilities and performance.

Hopefully, this clears up some of the confusion! If you’ve got any other questions about road registration, maintenance, or choosing the right Beta for your riding style, feel free to ask. Ride safe, and enjoy exploring NZ’s incredible trails and backroads!