SECOND OPINION Beta looks to have made a statement; to bring back good quality in a market full of LAMs approved bikes that are most definitely made down to a price. The Alp shows us what we really should be getting. It looks striking. Especially in the red, it really stands out. The integration of the TFT Dashboard into the headlight cowl looks neat and helps reduce the chance of damage in a potential drop / tip over. The indicators are fitted with soft rubber so they can flex and bend where most bikes are fitted with solid plastic indicators which can snap just walking past them. It’ s a comfortable bike to ride. Where some bikes are ergonomically challenged, this one fits and feels … just right. I love the feel of the Domino clutch lever and grips, the Nissin brake and Bosch ABS system have superb feedback, progression and adjustment. It is so user friendly, so easy to ride. I do have to note that the ABS is not clunky or unwieldy, it reacts very nicely to having a lead foot stand on the rear, it’ s quite comparable to higher end bikes for braking sophistication. Also, and very importantly, there is the option to turn it off. Good job Beta. The suspension suits really well, the front end doesn’ t fall on its face under braking and works really well … everywhere to be honest. It’ s great
ripping around town, ripping over the gravel roads, ripping on the main road with pot holes. The seat height is not too tall and the damping quality will make it so easy for learner riders to get to grips with the off-road world, and I’ m more the sure that it could handle a pro enduro rider having a bit of fun on a trail ride. The motor feels fantastic and, in my opinion, is one of the best single cylinders out there. It’ s smooth, hardly any vibration( for a single, it still tingles at higher revs) and packs plenty of punch. The gearbox is buttery smooth, and the adjustable riding modes between road and offroad give you a noticeable difference in throttle application. I really like the setup the Alp offers. It comes out of the box with knobblies which suit the bike well for its true purpose. It’ s nimble, easy to move around tight areas, and super nippy. I think the Alp X street version of the bike with its 19-inch front and slightly smoother tyres would be so so good! The Beta Alp 4.0 is a representation of how bikes used to be; well built, well put together, the layout of electrics under the seat is super neat and the amount of components proudly sporting Made In Italy is really nice to see. It is an absolute treat to ride, it works really well and anybody could have fun on it. HENRY FISHER
50 KIWI RIDER