Beta EVO 4T

The much anticipated Beta EVO 4T was finally released at the Milan Motorcycle Show earlier this month. The eagerly awaited 4T comes in a 250 and 300cc configurations. Watch this space for the price and availability.

TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS
Cycle Parts
• Brand new ø 38mm Paioli front fork: more progressive, slide more freely
• New aluminium fork yoke with single-fixing pivoting handlebar risers
• New radiator with greater cooling efficiency
• Lightened wheels with aluminium spoke-nipples
• New wheel bearings, lighter and more compact
• New design for air filter box, provides greater breathing efficiency
• Swing-arm with hydroformed extruded rails: reduced weight with greater rigidity
• Aluminium-bodied shockabsorber with adjustment for preload and rebound damping
• Dedicated rear brake system: less bulk, reduced weight and greater effectiveness
• New engine protection plate with greater rigidity
• New electrical system
• New bodywork design: high ergonomic efficiency, reduced overall dimensions

Engine
• New programmable digital ignition with dual mapping switch (soft and racing)
• New forged conrod and piston: 30% less weight to reduce reciprocating masses
• Innovative exhaust system with a three-chamber mechanical silencer
• New ignition casing

Simon's Beta Evo first look

2009 Beta released.

Beta unvieled their 2009 Beta Evo at the Spainish World Round on Sat 20th Sept. Jeroni Farjardo and Dougie Lampkin did the honours by removing the covers off the bike. Neil and I were lucky to there and were very impressed. Check out the photo's I took at the unvieling.

The 2009 Beta is completely different, new frame and progressive link suspension. Beta have been pioneering the linkless suspension since 2000 with its Rev3 range. Whilst Beta made many modifications to the rear shock throughout the Rev3 range it obviously decided the progressive link system can provide the best performance. From a maintenance point of view it is a shame but if it provides better suspension then thats what it is all about.


Along with the suspension change comes a new frame. Beta have stayed with aluminum using a single box spar from the head stock which is the fuel tank. Then it spreads out to take in the suspension, air box and exhaust. Like all Beta frames this one is a piece art. Neil didn't like the look of the first part of the frame at the head stock, ie the box section but he's sure it will grow on him.

The exhaust system is completely different. The header pipe looks like a power pipe and the muffler is much shorter than the Rev3 which should be less likely to get damaged. The exhaust system is solidly mounted not relying on those rubber mounts of the Rev3.
The radiator top mount is changed not using the rubber mount. It has a pin arrangement that the holds the top of the radiator in place, whilst the two bottom mounts are the same as before. The radiator filler cap is a lot easier to access but it looks like its too long and easy to be damaged in a fall. Also there isn't any top and bottom radiator hoses, both hoses feed from the bottom of the radiator and the thermo switch is different which is hopefully an improvement on the olds one as there were a few that failed. Interesting though the thermo switch is held in place by a C clip not threaded in like the old ones.



















The motor appears to be similar to the Rev3 however the electrics are new with two mapping options. The right hand side crank casing is a bit different which appears to be due to the new electrics. All the electric components are easy to access. The big bore is now 290cc. The front mudguard doesn't have a separate support bracket, it is part of the mudguard.




































The chain tensioner arm is now cast aluminumin. The rear brake disc is now fixed not floating like the Rev3's and a different disc guard. The rear brake master cylinder is mounted at the back of the frame which a vast improvement on the Rev3 for easy access.



















The handle bar clamps are different having a hinge arrangement with only one clamp down bolt.

All in all a tidy looking package, looking forward to getting them. The first bikes should be here in WA by late December. We will have a 125, 250 and a 290 available for test riding. Don't hesitate to give us a call for a test ride, go excuse to go for a practice.

Simon Price.

Northam Motorcycle Festival 29-30th

WA’s most exciting outdoor motorcycle event, the Northam Motorcycle Festival is

back and pleased to announce the latest additions for 2008, bringing even more 

action to Bernard Park this November 29 – 30th. The action over two days includes

-Moto Trials, featuring Australian TDN team member Neil Price

-Supermoto racing, with Italy's #1 and World #2 

-Freestyle Motocross, with Yamaha Showtime Team

-Stunt Riding, featuring Matt Mingay and Movieworld stuntman Cameron Ambridge

There will also be plenty of displays from most of the major manufactures featuring

 there latest releases and accessories. This year the annual Make A Difference 

(MAD) will run in conjunction with the festival, all proceeds going to spinal injury

 research and rehabilitation. For more information on how to get involved with the

 MAD ride, which will take place on the 30th November, visit www.madride.org for

 more information. The ride to Northam will leave from Mundaring at 10am with 

breakfast from 7am. For more information on the Northam Motorcycle Festival 

visit www.northammotorcyclefestival.com.au