Yes, you read that right, Beta Motor built a 350cc two-stroke for former MotoGP champ Casey Stoner to race and it’s a precursor to two new models coming in 2025.

We know it’s not enduro but who could blame us drooling over this one. This RX 350 two-stroke is a one-off, Beta say, built for former MotoGP World Champion, Australian Casey Stoner, to race this week at the EICMA show in Italy. 

Who wants a 350 2T then? 

It’s an unexpected one for sure but Beta say this special bike uses the engine of a production model coming in 2025. The Italian manufacturer says the over-size two-stroke engine is heading for an RX 350 production model – along with a new 250.

Combining the benefits of a two-stroke with the power delivery equivalent to that of a four-stroke, they say the aim is “solid and linear at any engine speed”.

Why a two-stroke? Their ease of use, assembly, and maintenance mean two-stroke engines are still perfect for many riders and certainly popular with less running costs and easier maintenance.

The RX 350 has been designed for hobby-rider Beta say, for riders who regularly compete but who want to have fun without too much physical stress, taking advantage of the light weight and rideability of a high-performance two-stroke.

The engine uses the dual-spark cylinder designed and manufactured for motocross – so not the enduro version we take it. The new engine on the production bike will run a dedicated exhaust, and modifications to the fuel supply (carburettor), exhaust valve etc., with a specific final gear ratio.

The two-time MotoGP World Champion will race the RX350 at EICMA’s Charity Race put on for the exhibition’s 2024 edition. The bike in question will feature a special Flat track configuration, which will not go into production, but which makes use of the engine.

Beta add both models (RX 250 and 350 two-stroke), alongside the existing 300 two-stroke and 450 four-stroke, will feature a series of updates for the 2025 season. These include upgrades to the frame and rear sub-frame, which is designed to enhance its handling, agility, and resistance to the most extreme stresses.

What’s the RX250 all about?

The RX 250 is a bike born to allow riders to compete on an even footing in the MX2 category.Its bigger sister, the 300 two-stroke, races in the top MX1 category, against 450 cc four-stroke models for the most part.

The RX 300 was born as a cross-country adaptation of a bike made in the past by Beta solely for the US market, and despite becoming a specialist model dedicated to motocross use, its displacement penalised it at the starting gate.

The RX 250 was created to expand race use of Beta motocross (Sprint Enduro and XC we’re saying) models, and that’s why they created it.

Despite the similarities, Beta stress there’s a clear line of separation from the enduro models which traditionally fall under Beta’s model ranges (and which in 2024 received major updates to the Race 250 model, with the use of dual spark plug).

Photo Credit: Beta Motor