Beta (motorcycle manufacturer)

Beta 160 Vulcano Sport, 1955

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 company started making motorcycles in 1948. The name Beta comes from the initials of Bianchi, Enzo and Tosi, Arrigo who ran the company at that time. Focusing on two-stroke street bikes through the 1950s and 1960s, the company began development and production of off-road motorcycles in the 1970s. The off-road models were initially motocross and enduro bikes and in the 1980 they began production of the highly successful observed trials bikes. 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.[3]

Notable Beta riders include Jim Pomeroy, Gilbert De Roover and Ivan Bessone in motocross, and jordi Tarres and Doigie Lampkin in trials. Beta motorcycle riders Steve Holcombe and Brad Freeman collectively have won the last three (2017 - 2019) EnduroGP Enduro World Championships.

Beta have produced motorcycles for observed trials since the early 1980s and are now one of the leading manufacturers.[4] Unlike the trail models, the trials and enduro bikes have used Beta's own engines.

• TR240 (1983-84)[5] First trials model, twinshock suspension 125cc, 200cc engines, the majority with reed valve induction.

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
• TR33, (1985-86)
• TR34, (1986-1989) Very successful trials model, stripey paintwork, 125cc - 260cc engines
• TR35, (1989–1991) Air-cooled engine series
• Zero, (1989–1992) Water-cooled monoshock
• Synt, (1992-194) Water-cooled monoshock
• SuperTrial, (1992-93) Air-cooled engine
• Gara, (1993-94)
• Techno, (1994-1999) 125cc version from 1995
• Rev-3, (1999–2008) 2-stroke trials
• Rev-4, (2007–08) 4-stroke trials
• Evo [2009-] 2-stroke and 4-stroke

The Beta enduro bikes used KTM engines from 2004, though 2009. Starting in 2010 in-house designed motors appeared in their enduro bikes. There are currently nine two-stroke and nine four-stroke models.[note 1] All four-strokes have DOHC, separate engine and transmission lubricants, Nissin brakes, Brembo hydraulic clutches, Excel Takasago rims and six-speed gear boxes.[6][1] All RR-S dual-sport bikes sold in the USA come standard with the TrailTech Voyager GPS.[7] 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. They all include 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. [6]

Beta E3 bike at the 2010 WEC GP of Italy

For the 2020 model year Beta revamped their four-stroke lineup with new motors.

The Alp trail motorcycle models have used air-cooled Suzuki DR-model engines and have a good reputation as commuters and "green-lane" trail bikes. With low seat heights and reputations as easy to ride motorcycles, they are ideal for beginners to off-road riding.

• Alp (2000-), 125 cc, 200 cc and 350 cc models. Air-cooled bikes with Suzuki engines.

Starting in 2018 Beta offered the 2018 125 RR-S SUPER MOTO.

• List of scooters
• Scooter (motorcycle)
• List of scooter manufacturers
• List of Italian companies
• List of motorcycle manufacturers, Italy

• Beta Official site.
• Beta Racing UK Uk based Beta Trials site.
• www.betausa.com US site.
• www.betarider.org Beta Riders Club