Beta is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, specialising in off-road motorcycles. Beta is best known for their popular observed trials bikes. In 2005, they launched a range of enduro motorcycles using KTM engines. In 2010 they launched the new RR series, with a new engine made in-house. Beta motorcycles have been used by world trials champions such as Jordi Tarrés, Dougie Lampkin, Albert Cabestany and Enduro riders Steve Holcombe and Brad Freeman. Production in 2018 was expected to be in excess of 20,000 motorcycles, ranging in size from 50cc to 480cc.[1]
Beta has its origins in 1904 as a bicycle manufacturing company named "Società Giuseppe Bianchi",[2] originally based in the town of Via Bellariva and later moved to Florence. The name Beta comes from the initials of Bianchi, Enzo and Tosi, Arrigo who ran the company at that time. Currently, the company is run by Lapo Bianchi great-grandson of Giuseppe Bianchi the company founder.[3] The company started making motorcycles in 1948. Focusing on two-stroke street bikes through the 1950s and 1960s, the company began development and production of off-road motorcycles in the late 1960s with the introduction of the 100cc motocross model XC-100 in 1967.[4] The off-road models were initially observed trials bikes.[5] In 2004 Beta entered the 4-stroke enduro market with bikes using KTM motors. By the 2010s they were producing both two-stroke and four-stroke off-road bikes with Beta designed motors.[6]
Beta has produced motorcycles for observed trials since the early 1980s and is now one of the leading manufacturers.[7] All trials bikes use Beta's in-house design engines.
TR240 (1983–84) First trials model, twinshock suspension 125cc, 200cc engines, the majority with reed valve induction.[8]
A 1983 Beta TR240, 200cc air-cooled engine, twinshock suspension
TR32, (1984–85) Air-cooled, monoshock model, produced in parallel with the twinshock model, same engine as TR240
Introduced in 2004 the chrome-moly framed enduro bikes (with Beta 250, 400, 450, 525 RFS motors) came equipped with Nissin brakes and rotors, Marzocchi forks, and a Sachs rear shock.
For 2007 the RR models were upgraded with a removable clutch sub-cover, upgraded front fork settings, and a redesigned rear swing arm.
2008 introduced the RS models built for the American market. The RS model is the street legal version of the RR model and came in 400cc, 450cc and 525cc versions.
2009 saw the introduction of the first "Factory" or Race editions. The race edition included upgrades such as a titanium exhaust, Marzocchi closed cartridge forks, billet triple clamps and a carbon fiber skid plate. 2009 was the last year of the KTM motors.[9]
2010-2014 1st Generation Beta Motors
Starting in 2010 in-house designed carburated motors appeared in their enduro bikes. All 400cc, 450cc and 520cc (actually 498cc) four-strokes have DOHC, separate engine and transmission lubricants, Nissin brakes, Brembo hydraulic clutches, Excel Takasago rims and six-speed gear boxes.[10][1]
2011 saw the introduction of the in-house motors in the RS (dual-sport) models and introduced the 350cc motor. RS bikes have slightly different frame geometry resulting shorter wheelbases (58.1 vs 58.7 for RRs) and lower seat heights (36.6 vs 36.8 for RRs). All RS dual-sport bikes sold in the United States come standard with the TrailTech Voyager GPS.[11]
The 2012 motors were available in 350, 400, 450, and 498cc. 2012 also saw the introduction of the Sachs forks and rear shock on the RR models. A 2012 only cross country version of the 450 was offered with Marzocchi closed cartridge forks and a Sachs rear shock with a special link for longer travel.
2013 saw the introduction of the 300RR 2-stroke sporting Marzocchi closed cartridge forks and a Sachs rear shock. The 350 RS sported 45mm Marzocchi USD[note 1] forks.
2014 saw the addition of a 250cc motor to the RR 2-stroke line.
A 2018 Beta 125 RR
The 2014 "Race Edition" bikes made use of 48mm Marcocchi closed cartridge forks.
2015-2019 Improved Perfect Displacement Motors
2015 saw the introduction of new engine displacements. The 350 remained the same. The 400 was reduced to 390, the 450 reduced to 430 and the 498 was reduced to 480 to provide the same horsepower and torque as the 2014 models yet with more “useable” power. Beta engineers call these the "perfect displacements.” The RS (dual-sport) models were available in 390, 430 and 500 only. 2015 also saw the introduction of the x-trainer 300cc 2-stroke employing oil injection. Fuel injection was introduced to the 350cc 4-stroke.[12]
2016 saw the addition of the 350 to the RS line. Oil injection was added to the 250 and 300 2-strokes. The remaining 4-strokes 390, 430 and 480/500 received fuel injection. All 4-stroke models now come with plastic skid plates and translucent fuel tanks.[12]
In 2017 all bikes gained the convenient push button electric start. The RS models are rebranded RR-S and gained USFS spark arrestors. The bikes designated RR-S are full-on versions of their electric start, fuel-injected, four-stroke dirt bikes, outfitted with the bare minimum required for a license plate. RR race edition bikes gained the new Sachs closed cartridge forks. Beta also introduced lithium-ion batteries, while the RR-S models became electric start only with the option of an add-on kick starter.
2019 saw the introduction of the carburetor equipped 200 to the RR 2-stroke line. All models of the RR line 200, 250 and 300 gained electric start. The 125 RR-S gained electric start while 125 RR remained kick start only.[9]
Through 2019 all RR-S models included an AGM battery, a 200W stator, handlebar-mounted ignition map switch, fold-away mirrors, and a factory-installed radiator fan. The RR models are the "race editions" featuring performance tweaks and stiffer suspensions but no street gear.[10]
2020-Present
For the 2020 model year Beta revamped their "Perfect Displacement" four-stroke once again. The new motors alter the crank shaft position and add twin fuel injectors allowing implementation of specialized EFI mapping to increase engine performance and mixture control. The 250cc and 300cc 2-stroke motors (including X-trainers) gained a counter-balancer. The "Race Edition" RR bikes were offered with optional Gold KYB closed cartridge forks.[9]
The 2021 200 RR Race Edition, drops the oil injection in favor of pre-mix to shed weight.
2022 models saw only small changes.
2023 Saw the reintroduction of the "RR" models into the US market after six years of only the RR racing editions being offered. All Beta four-strokes gained traction control in addition to dual mappings. Compression and rebound performance was improved in the Sachs ZF forks.
2024 dual sport models were renamed back to the original RS designations. Other changes include: new radiators to improve turning radius, softer seats, improved front brake lines and upgraded Sachs front suspension.[13]
For 2021 Beta introduced the 300 RX motocross bike with a 19" rear wheel and other enhancements geared to the MX market.[14] They also entered 2021 and 2022 MXGP series with a new 450 RX.[15] As of 2023, Alessandro Lupino and Ben Watson were part of their team.[16]
2024 saw the entry of Beta into the AMA pro supercross/motocross series. Riders Benny Bloss (67) and Colt Nichols (45) ride for the Liqui Moly Beta team.
Trail models
The Alp trail motorcycle models use air-cooled Suzuki DR engines and have a reputation of being easy to ride due to their low seat height.
Alp 4T 125cc (2000–present) Basic learner trials/trailbike.
Alp 4T 200cc.(2000–Present) Same 125 chassis with a 200cc four-stroke.
Alp 4.0 350cc (2003–Present)
Street
Starting in 2018 Beta offered the 2018 125 RR-S Super Moto.
Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded immediately after World War II in Noale, Italy, by Alberto Beggio. The company started as a manufacturer of bicycles and moved on to manufacture scooters and small-capacity motorcycles. In more recent times Aprilia has produced large sportbikes such as the 1,000 cc V-twin RSV Mille and the V4 RSV4.
KTM is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and motorsports brand which is co-owned by Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto and Austrian manufacturer Pierer Mobility AG. It traces its foundation in 1934 as Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. Today, Pierer Mobility AG operates as the manufacturer of KTM branded motorcycles; whereas KTM Fahrrad AG operates as the manufacturer of KTM branded bicycles.
Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. The sport evolved from motorcycle trials competitions held in the United Kingdom.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese mobility manufacturer that produces motorcycles, motorboats, outboard motors, and other motorized products. The company was established in the year 1955 upon separation from Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. and is headquartered in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan. The company conducts development, production and marketing operations through 109 consolidated subsidiaries as of 2012.
In the market, there is a wide variety of types of motorcycles, each with unique characteristics and features. Models vary according to the specific needs of each user, such as standard, cruiser, touring, sports, off-road, dual-purpose, scooters, etc. Often, some types like sport touring are considered as an additional category or integrated with touring.
Gas Gas is a Spanish motorcycle manufacturer established in 1985 by Narcìs Casas and Josep Pibernat in Salt, Girona. The company specializes in off-road motorcycles for trials and enduro competitions. Gas Gas was purchased by KTM motorcycles in 2019. After the sale to KTM, Spanish motorcycle manufacturer Rieju bought the right to produce old Gas Gas off-road models.
First introduced in 2003, the Ducati Multistrada is a series of V-twin and V4 touring focused motorcycles. Essentially a hybrid of a supermoto and a sport-tourer, the Multistrada competes in the market with other dual-sport motorcycles such as the BMW GS. The first iteration of the Multistrada was, like the Yamaha TDM850, neither intended nor suitable for off-road use. Subsequent models were more suited to a proper dual-sport role.
Husaberg was a manufacturer of enduro motorcycles with four and two-stroke engines, the displacements ranging from 125 cc to 650 cc. Originally based in Sweden, its motorcycles were later manufactured in Austria by parent company KTM until the line was retired in 2014.
Penton was a rebadged American brand of off-road enduro motorcycles designed by John Penton and manufactured by KTM in Austria for distribution in the United States between 1968 and 1978.
ATK is an American motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle company founded in 1985 and located in Centerville, Utah, USA. As of 2016, it has been operating primarily to support previously sold models through parts and service manual distribution. While ATK was initially founded on in-house chassis designs and modified sourced engines, the brand has primarily focused on acquisition and badge-engineered models from multiple companies worldwide since 2004.
SV.VM was an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1971 by Piero Sironi and Fausto Vergani. Based in Milan, SWM manufactured Observed Trials, Enduro, Motocross and off-road motorcycles in the 1970s and 1980s. They started with small capacity Sachs engined enduro bikes and began making Rotax engined trials bikes in 1977. The other main manufacturers at this time included Fantic Motor, Bultaco and Montesa.
The motorcycle sport of racing includes motorcycle road racing and off-road racing, both either on circuits or open courses, and track racing. Other categories include hill climbs, drag racing and land speed record trials.
The Yamaha WR450F is an off-road motorcycle made by Yamaha Motor Company. It currently has a 450 cc (27 cu in) liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. First offered in 1998 at 400cc, it shared many components and design concepts with the YZ400F motocross model. It is basically the racing YZ450F detuned slightly for more controllable power, with a headlight and lighting coil, softer suspension, a kickstand, lower noise specifications, larger radiators and lower emissions. The WR in the name indicates a wide-ratio gear box common to most enduro or trail bikes and stands in contrast to the close-ratio gearbox essential to a motocross racer. Over the years the WR has benefited from the advances made in the YZ motocross version gaining displacement and advancements such as an aluminum frame and improved suspension. Over much of its life the weight of the WR450F has remained fairly constant ranging from 244 to 249 pounds dry weight.
An enduro motorcycle is an off-road racing motorcycle used in enduros, which are long-distance cross-country, Trails, time trial competitions.
The Yamaha YZ450F is a four-stroke racing motocross bike built by Yamaha Motor Corporation. It was the successor to the previous YZ426F which was discontinued in 2003. It is credited by Cycle World and Dirt Rider magazines as the bike that started the four-stroke dirt bike revolution. The 2006 YZ250F and YZ450F were the first production motorcycles equipped with titanium suspension springs.
Greeves Motorcycles was a British motorcycle manufacturer founded by Bert Greeves which produced a range of road machines, and later competition mounts for observed trials, scrambles and road racing. The original company produced motorcycles from 1952, funded by a contract with the Ministry of Pensions for their Invacar, a three-wheeler for disabled drivers.
Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH is an Austrian company which designs, engineers, manufactures and distributes motocross, enduro, supermoto and street motorcycles.
The KTM 300 is a series of 2-stroke enduro / off-road motorcycles made by KTM. They are the Penton-inspired 1984 300 GS, the 300 DMX, the dirt only 300 MXC, European road legal 300 EXC and the US 300 XC (close-ratio), 300 XC-W and 300 SX (Motocross) versions. The KTM 300 is designed for difficult off-road conditions. The 300 EXC and the 300 XC-W have a small headlight, speedometer, tail-light and somewhat softer linkless PDS suspension. Starting in 2008 all 300's came with electric start. Since the early 2000s KTM has been offering the XC-W model in a special "Six-Days" or "ERZBERGRODEO" limited edition.
The Ducati 450 R/T (road/trail) is a 436 cc (26.6 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive desmodromic SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati from 1971 to 1974. Initially produced at the request of the American importers Berliner Motor Corporation as a motocross / enduro motorcycle offered exclusively to the American market, and only a few hundred machines were made of this type. It is the only off-road racing motorcycle to use desmodromic valves. An optional street equipment kit was available. From 1972 it was produced for the European Market as a street legal on/off road machine, which was sometimes known as the 450 T/S.
The Ducati 450 Scrambler, also known in the US as the Ducati Jupiter and in Europe as the Ducati 450 SCR is an on/off-road 436 cc (26.6 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati from 1969 to 1974. Total production was around 11,000 machines.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
