So, I picked up my 300RR Race edition from Allsport Cycles in Roanoke, Va on Feb 27. Our first race in the VCHSS was on March 26, so I was a little nervous changing to a new bike that close to the start.
I race in 45+C and had a pretty good KTM 300XC I sold to buy the Beta. I did win one race on it the year before and ended up 4th in points. So, yeah, I was a little nervous trying something new.
Our first race, I was third off the line and passed for the lead about a 1/2 mile later. Led until I had problems passing some people in the rocks. I ended up second. Not a bad start.
My bike is completely stock, except for springs for my weight, Suspension valving is stock.
So, last Sunday, I backed of a little rebound in the forks and did our second race. I was second off of the line, still working on my starts using the button. About a half mile in, I passed for the lead and lead for a lap and a half. A kid I was going to pass crashed in the only mudhole on the course, I tried going left to go around him and crashed myself. Took a minute and 20 seconds to get the bike up and going again and second passed me as I was taking off. I had one other little mishap and went back to third. I passed them both back by the end of that lap and completed the last lap still in the lead! So, a win the second time out is fine with me!
He is a video if you are bored. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFtZ-e5Yt_w
I read the Dirt Rider article that came out not too long ago and they called this a play bike. They did not like the suspension, said the bike does not turn well and does not have the top end of a KTM. I beg to differ. This bike is amazing! It turns so much better than my KTM and while I changed the springs for my weight, the valving is stock. I think the suspension is pretty damn good! And there is plenty of top end. It just annoys me the Dirt Rider is most likely biased by whomever spends the most in advertising dollars.
Can't wait till the next race.
Ride safe!
Eric