Why does this forum get so little use?

[F5 Dave]

I've been MIA for a 2 months, but back to checking. Hoping to be able to ride in a while.

[BetaDude]

My first post on the this site, coming off of KTMs and the KTM Talk Forum. Sold my last KTM in the Spring 2023. Looking very seriously now at a Beta purchase. Everything I have read about these bikes is fantastic. Have been lurking on this forum a while now, and has been a great source of knowledge.

The bikes I am considering at are either a 22/23 Xtrainer or a 22/23 200RR. I have mostly been riding the KTM 300s, single track for the last 5 years. I like what I have read about the 200RR, but the Xtrainer seems like a better fit. I am a older rider, 5'9" 190 lbs with average skills. What I think I would really like is an Xtraier with the 200RR (sachs) suspension. Looking to purchase in the Spring 2024.

I hope to be an active participant in this forum.

Mike
Cary, NC

[JoeMaico]

I see you go through bikes fairly fast. Is that because you are always looking for something new, or because you are still looking for the perfect fit? As you are alluding to, the XTrainer needs help in the suspension department. You can spend money fixing it up, or go with the better suspension on a 200 RR or 300 RR. But regardless what Beta you choose, they are all a joy to ride.
joe

[BetaDude]

Hey Joe, I guess it could look like I burn through a lot of bikes, but my list spans over 40 years of riding...I went from dirt bike riding as a teen, to several decades of street bike riding, then back on dirt bikes later in life. My youngest son actually is the one who reintroduced me to dirt bike riding and a few of those bikes in the list were his (CRF250R and the KTM 150XC-W). He has since moved on from dirt biking, but I still have the sickness.

What appeals to me about the Beta's is the simplicity. A carburetor, an oil injection system (that can actually be deleted properly if interested), and the bikes are a bit shorter (lower seat height) than the KTMs - even the RR series is about an inch shorter than the KTM, with Xtrainer two full inches shorter.

I also see that Beta makes a sachs fork kit specifically for the Xtrainer and a sachs rear shock as well. That might be the combination.

The KTM forum is much more widely used, the guys over there really tinker with their bikes - and KTM does make a nice product. However, I am always looking around, and so far, really am impressed with everything I read on these Beta's.

Mike
Cary, NC

[AvB]

Yes I also much prefer the forum format compared to social media "feeds". Having topics archived by subject, in a more searchable format, is much more useable as a reference source. But unfortunately FB has prevailed. I just got a near new X-Trainer and have been looking at times for advice, and there's heaps of good advice available on Facebook. I've really benefited from it. But ... when using it I feel sad that the gem of information I've found or shared is quite temporary and will be buried very soon. OK, the search function on a FB page is actually quite useful, but there's no ability to narrow down the subject by searching a category or using filters. Due to the instant nature of FB you get a lot more junk crap uninformed responses too. It happens on forums too, but much less.

[BetaDude]

Agree with AvB - I prefer the organization of a forum as compared with much of the randomness of the FB groups. There are some nuggets of value on FB, but you have to read through a lot of BS to find. I will have to give the search option another try - so far, has been of marginal use.

Also, I like the accountability that forums offer. Users develop a reputation for accurate and helpful information; conversely, those that offer antagonistic replies are quicky weeded out.

Not to keep going back to KTM Talk, but only to reflect on why that forum has more participation? The age group is similar - largely in the 40-60 range. Maybe it just comes down to volume of KTM owners vs Beta owners. in 2022, KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS have sold 375,612 units. Beta data is harder to find, but in general, for 2019 Beta sold approx 22,000 units. Huge difference.

But that doesn't dissuade me, I am still looking hard at the Beta Xtainer or the 200RR for my next purchase...

Mike
Cary, NC