regulations, but it just looks plain wrong on a trail bike with knobbly tyres. Fear not though, a quick web search shows there’ s not only a conventional factory rear guard accessory, but aftermarket ones out there as well. Even Beta’ s own website displays images of the Alp 4.0 with a conventional guard and it looks great. While on the subject of extras, the Beta handguards and sump guard look good and would be on my list of must-haves if I were venturing onto the trails. There are also images of a rear rack and soft pannier luggage, so there’ s real factory intent for the Alp models to be used for light adventures.
THE HARDWARE The Alp 4.0 features a steel perimeter frame with the engine slung under it. This means they’ ve also been able to place the exhaust catalytic converter right under the engine. It’ s not small, but has allowed for
a nice small final muffler to be used. As noted earlier, the accessory sump guard would be a wise addition for any potential offroad action, to protect that cat’. The 43mm front fork is by Olle, a Spanish company, and non-adjustable. They offer 185mm of travel, while the rear shock provides 195mm and offers only spring pre-load adjustment. In the braking department, the front disc is 290mm with a Japanese Nissin caliper, while rear has a 220mm disc with a Beta-branded caliper. The bike has ABS from Bosch with two ride modes, Road and Offroad, allowing you to switch off the rear ABS in Offroad mode. Tyres are Vee Rubber knobblies with a quite aggressive and deep tread. There’ s a nice, clear TFT screen built into the fairing and a control on the left‘ bar switch to toggle through settings.
The optional high rear fender looks sweet
42 KIWI RIDER