BETA ALP 4.0 (2003 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£150
Power:	27 bhp
Seat height:	Tall (34.1 in / 865 mm)
Weight:	Low (298 lbs / 135 kg)

Prices

New £3,895

Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

3 out of 5 (3/5)

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.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

There's nowt 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.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

3 out of 5 (3/5)

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.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Beta Alp is decently made, handles well and the Supermoto has a beefy front brake on it too. But this is a 350cc machine competing with a clutch of 400cc supermoto/trail bikes on the market at about four grand new. The Alp 200cc version costs around £3400. Find a Beta Alp for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

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. Compare and buy parts for the Beta Alp in the MCN Shop.

Specs
Engine size	349cc
Engine type	Single cylinder, four stroke, 6 gears
Frame type	Steel tubular
Fuel capacity	11 litres
Seat height	865mm
Bike weight	135kg
Front suspension	Preload
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	Single 260mm disc
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size	130/80 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	50 mpg
Annual road tax	£55
Annual service cost	£150
New price	£3,895
Used price	-
Insurance group	7 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	27 bhp
Max torque	21 ft-lb
Top speed	75 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	16 secs
Tank range	110 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2000: Beta Alp 125 and 200 arrive in UK.
2003: Beta Alp 4.0 with 350cc motor launched.

Other versions

Beta Alp 4T 125: Basic learner trials/trailbike.
Beta Alp 4T 200: Same 125 chassis gets 200cc four stroke lump.

Owners' reviews for the BETA ALP 4.0 (2003 - on)

3 owners have reviewed their BETA ALP 4.0 (2003 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your BETA ALP 4.0 (2003 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Equipment:	3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£150

5 out of 5 Good Buy

11 October 2022 by Paul K

Version: 4.0 Trail

Year: 2018

Ideal for long distance trials.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Will cruise happily at a true 60 to 65 mph, though, it will be buzzy. Acceleration will invariably see you first away at the traffic lights and overtakes are always on the cards. Handling on curvy roads excellent, even with knobbly tyres. The seat is the restrictive factor for long distances. A gel pad and a sheep skin solves that problem. If you want to carry a pillion, get a more powerful bike.

Engine 5 out of 5

Brilliant engine for off-roading. Tractable at low revs, but enough grunt to get you up to higher rpm. Controllable power at the throttle.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Build quality is not up to the standards of the Japanese manufacturers, but, at the time, there was nothing available for what I needed. Problems are a dodgy dipswitch, an oil strainer in the frame that refuses to unscrew. Headlamp adjustment is up and down only; no sideways adjustment.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Do my own servicing; oil, filters, plug, valve clearances.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The forks must be the largest diameter in the bike's class. You will not bend them. The bike is a dirt bike so if you drop it, you pick it up, get back on and ride it. Electric start.

Buying experience: Brought from a dealer; £5200 on the road.

5 out of 5 Overlooked Adventure Bike.

27 November 2021 by Bert

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £150

Bought new in 2018 ,has just turned 7500 miles with off road , commuting ,and long hall TET in UK ,Wales, and Spain. If the truth was told she is probably a bit on the tall side for me ,but nothing like the stupid big stuff being ridden around the country. The easy bit is getting there ,then you know you brought the right bike when it's fallen over ,or stuck in a muddy ditch. It is one of the most underrated Adventure bikes that you buy. I would get another in a heart beat if it were to blow up ,which it won't.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Like all new bikes the seat becomes the controlling factor when running long distances. I have done 250 miles with only fuel stops, but my rear was telling me i'd gone too far without stopping for a proper rest.

Engine 5 out of 5

350cc Suzuki DR air cooled motor ,6 speed box ,what more do you need.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The only fault has been the dip switch ,which i replaced with a Suzuki part, much more reliable.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Being old school ,it's only oil ,filter ,brake pads ,and tyres, all this can be done by a competent owner.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Suspension is definitely on the economy side.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer £4800

4 out of 5

19 October 2020 by dimitris

Version: alp 4.0