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.
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.
