Would you buy a bike like this?

[mau10]

Do you you know the Beta Alp?



It's an italian bike with a Suzuki engine inside, the Beta Alp is an all terrain bike. Here are some links about the Beta Alp:
http://autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/BIKES/REVIEWS/25812.html

http://www.behind-bars.co.uk/NewBikePages/Enduro/Beta/Alp%20200.htm

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Beta_Alp_200_2006.aspx

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Beta/Beta-Alp-2003-current/



We of "rugginose message board" think  that such a machine without competition claims, no modern, no aggressive and no ugly appearance, and we have developed an idea that we might suggest to the Beta Company.
Mr. Oberdan Bezzi, a bike-designer has prepared a sketch, and we would be happy if the POG members to provide us their  opinion about it.
Would you buy a beta Alp if it would look like this?   
350 cc model:


200 cc model:

      
Only the appearance has changed, it remains the Alp a solid and reliable machine, good for every journey, as in every terrain.
What do you think about this?
Please, let me know your opinion!  



Maurizio from Italy

[thrownchain]

I'd at least give it a serious look. After all it resembles the XL Hondas. Parts and service would also be a factor, as alot of the "new" imports are "throw aways", and parts are non-existent. Definately a test ride.

[mau10]

quote:Originally posted by thrownchain

I'd at least give it a serious look. After all it resembles the XL Hondas. Parts and service would also be a factor, as alot of the "new" imports are "throw aways", and parts are non-existent. Definately a test ride.

Hi Thrownchain,
Beta is an italian glorious off-road bikes company and the  200 cc and 350 cc engines are suzuki (it's very easy to find suzuki parts).
The Beta Company today:

http://www.betamotor.com/en/home

During the early 70s some Beta machines were marketed in the United States under the Premier label.
From Cycle World (december 1972), this is a beta bike sold as Premier in the Usa market:



Brief History of the Marque:

http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/euro/brands/beta.htm

A Beta Premier 1973 Enduro at the side of a Penton:



Maurizio from Italy

[OhioTed]

Maurizio,

Thank you for sharing the great info on Beta bikes.  Man, I for one would LOVE to own one of the vintage-styled dual-sports.  But, are they marketable in the U.S.?  Challenges would be brand-recognition, and price, not to mention emissions and other standards.  

On the brand-name side, the bikes would be going up against established models from Honda/Kaw/Suz/Yam/KTM.  On the (low end) price side, there is the influx of small-bore Chinese dual-sports to deal with, some selling for under $1500.

Certainly, if the vintage-styled Beta dual-sport models are aggressively marketed to the appropriate, potential customers, and offered alongside of the existing product line in Beta dealerships, there is a good chance of some modest sales success.  It all depends on Beta's expectations and investment-return requirements.  Sure would be great to see them, though.  

I was also very interested to see the info on the Premier model, from back in the 70's.  I happen to own one of those bikes.  It is in excellent, original condition, but is missing some key components, most notably the lights, speedo assy, and one numberplate/sidepanel.  Do you know if any parts are available for them, in Italy?

[mau10]

Hi Ohioted,
send me a photo of your Beta Premier and I'll looking for the missing parts.
[email protected]

Maurizio from Italy

[paul]

Hey, No jap engines in my garage. would not even consider the bike on this alone. Why couldnt you have put a KTM,Ducati (or anything but something from Japan) engine in it? TTP

[mau10]

Hi Paul,
I think like you about jap engines and I don't love them (I love sachs engine:D), but they work fine and are cheap.

Maurizio from Italy

[smkt342]

I like it.  The tank and headlight shell remind me of the jawa a little bit.  For mass sale in the U.S. it coudl be tough if it doesn't look like the jap or ktm's though.  It depends on the goals of Beta I'm sure.  You might have a market with the guys that also like vintage but short of serious marketing research I of course really have no feel for it.  But, I do like it as it show signs of bikes back in our youth.  I love the italian bikes, I race SWM in the cross countries and enjoy the marque as well as the fine Penton's of course.

Keith Taylor of Italian SWM

http://midwest-swm.tripod.com/

[Madloco]

Well, Maurizio...

I guess a Beta with a Jap engine won't work in the States, 'cause the Boys can't forget Pearl Harbour...

It wouldn't even help, if we propose 'em an Ancillotti - Beta Scarab 4 T, I suppose...







Believe me, Maurizio, the only one bike that could be interesting for this guys is the new KTM designed by Oberdan Bezzi...



Schöne Grüße aus Schwetzingen

[thrownchain]

There you go....BIG bore four stroke.....

[Kip Kern]

The last photo would be a great seller in the US.  Hope it would be offered in 250cc 4 stroke and have a seat height for a 30" inseam, twin shock would be great also.  I just purchased an "08" 250 Husky 4 stroke TE and love the bike (fuel injection is amazing) but have to use a ladder to get on it:(

[Rain Man]

Kip, I've been using a milk crate to start and get on dirt bikes since the inseption of 12" of travel and disc brakes!!  
 Funny, the only time I "git off" is when I stop !!
 very embarrasing

Raymond
 Down East Pentons

[Kip Kern]

Ray  I resemble "Laugh In" when I come to a stop or a "off camber" right hand turn:(

[socalmx]

Nostalgia is fine but for me I will take modern technology anytime. My Penton is fun to play on a couple of times a year but when I am racing a real race,it is on my Yamaha WR250F.

[lksseven]

I love how it looks.  I'd give it a very serious look, if parts distribution and service were adequate.  

Modern dirtbike asthetic design can't hold a candle to the classic lines of old school bikes, imo.  

Best of luck.
Larry


Larry Seale
I choose to ride