Beta main bearing failures: 2018 2019 2020 RR300 RR250 Xtrainer︱Cross Training Enduro

http://www.crosstrainingenduro.com http://tractionerag.com There's a small but significant number of main bearing failures in late model Beta RR250, RR300 and Xtrainer models. It began in the 2018 Beta models and into 2019. Head office said they fixed it during 2019 but unfortunately 2020 Beta main bearing failures are emerging - although it appears to be at a lower rate so far.
Beta head office have been very unclear about the cause of main bearing failures. Eventually they were forced by publicity to admit there was 'an assembly issue' but with no details. Later they changed their story to defective bearings. The latest we heard from a Beta distributor is it's back to being 'an assembly issue'... specifically the engine cases were heated incorrectly in the factory and warped. This would explain a number of multiple bearing failures for some owners.
Hopefully it's been resolved but Beta 2020 RR300 reviews won't mention it anyway lol. I recently did a video about the known issues not included in late model 2018 and 2019 Betas reviews. Since then I've been advised of a serious issue - strange engine noises leading to main bearing failures causing bottom end seizures. It's not common but Beta dealers and mechanics I spoke to say there is definitely a problem, most likely with the quality of the bearings themselves, but possibly also poor quality seals too. 2019 Beta Xtrainer reviews won't mention this I bet, but maybe it's been fixed too for the 2020 RR300 review. The warning signs of a main bearing failure problem in your Beta two stroke? Some report a high pitched squeal, another reported bad vibrations, others allowed me to reproduce their recordings in this video. It won't appear in a 2019 Beta RR250 review. Obviously you always stop your RR250 or RR300 engine the moment you hear any strange sounds. But if it's coming from the bottom end particularly you really need to stop. In some cases the main bearings have shattered then ruined the cases, barrel and piston. Very very expensive despite the 2020 Beta Xtrainer, RR300 and RR250 reviews proclaiming them so reliable usually. Some of these guys did limp home but you risk potentially wrecking the bottom end most of the engine except for the gearbox and clutch. So any strange engine noise in your RR250 or RR300, stop riding before you sieze the bottom end! And before anyone panics, we are talking low failure rates in late models, hopefully none in Beta 2019 Xtrainer RR250 and RR300 reviews. One dealer estimated one in 200 two stroke bikes, others I spoke to said their discussions with colleagues agreed with a low incidence figure like that. It shouldn't stop you buying a Beta enduro, it just means listen for any weird noises and get the main bearings replaced under warranty... as you would with any brand. Check the 2020 RR250 reviews of course. This was brought to my attention by 2018 Beta Xtrainer and RR300 owners. I did a quick google search and found various cases, usually 2017 and 2018 Beta models but earlier as well. I emailed everyone for more information about their problem with main bearing failures. Then I then spoke with a number of Beta dealers and mechanics for their opinions on causes of a siezed bottom end. Here are some of the cases in this video, just pause to read. And listen to typical engine noises when the main bearing fails. There are a number of things that can cause problems with Beta main bearing failure. The failures in late model Beta two strokes appear to be just the first two here, but we are keen to hear about different experiences and opinions too. Leave them in the comments. And listen for strange main bearing noises indicating engine problems - high pitched whining, screeching, grinding sounds etc. Check 2019 Beta Xtrainer RR250 and RR300 reviews to see if it's mentioned at all. Like many manufacturers, Beta uses the usually top quality NTN main bearings made in Japan. The evidence would suggest that poor quality control could be responsible for these bottom end siezures, and possibly the seals too. In online discussions I did note one mechanic say that there should still be quality control testing on components like this.
MAIN BEARING FAILURE PREVENTION TIPS
Don't use pressure washers too close to your Beta engine seals. Water around the stator can get through poor quality seals.
Don't wash your Xtrainer or RR300 while the engine is hot. Don't let water get trapped in your RR250 airbox in creek crossings or washing the bike. Moisture can pass through your carb and lead to rust in your bottom end.

Forum threads about Beta main bearing failures
https://thumpertalk.com/forums/topic/...
https://advrider.com/f/threads/main-b...
http://www.dirtbikeworld.net/forum/sh...
http://www.betarider.org/forum/viewto...