The Beta Alp is available in two 350cc versions, one looking
like a trials machine, the other a Supermoto. If you are keen on trials then the
slightly lighter Alp 200 might be enough for you, but the Beta Supermoto 350
makes a decent commuter/weekend fun bike, although it's a tad expensive for
something using a fairly old tech 350 motor.
The Beta Alp Supermoto has long travel suspension and you
sit quite high up - it has an 870mm seat height by the way - which gives you
confidence in urban traffic. You can hustle this motorcycle through jams
Monday-Friday no problem and the Supermoto comes with some classy spoked alloy
wheels too.
There's nothing wrong with the Beta Alp's old 350 Suzy
lump, in fact it's renowned amongst off-roaders as one of the toughest engines
you can hammer through a swamp all day long. But the motor can be a bit buzzy
above 60mph and there's a fairly low top speed to be had, which makes you wonder
why Beta didn't get a deal sorted for the newer Suzuki DRZ400 motor instead.
You cannot fault the Beta Alp's Suzuki engine - that will
probably outlast the next ice age. There's also something to be said for
choosing a motorcycle built within the EU instead of one of the many low budget
Chinese trail bikes which can be had for peanuts off the internet.
The Beta Alp 4.0 Trail looks pretty basic as you might
expect and although there's no mirrors on it, you do get a front mudguard,
although what use that would be in a muddy stream is anyone's guess. The
Supermoto version has the same basic layout; no mirrors, dinky indicators and
small headlight/nose fairing and both versions have a matt black exhaust which
looks like it might suffer corrosion if not kept scrupulously clean.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.