BETA ALP 4.0 (2003 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £150 |
| Power: | 27 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (34.1 in / 865 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (298 lbs / 135 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe 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: EngineThe 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: ReliabilityThere'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: ValueYou 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: EquipmentThe 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
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 |
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| 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 | £57 |
| 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: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £150 |
Version: 4.0 Trail
Year: 2018
Ideal for long distance trials.
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.
Brilliant engine for off-roading. Tractable at low revs, but enough grunt to get you up to higher rpm. Controllable power at the throttle.
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.
Do my own servicing; oil, filters, plug, valve clearances.
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.
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.
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.
350cc Suzuki DR air cooled motor ,6 speed box ,what more do you need.
The only fault has been the dip switch ,which i replaced with a Suzuki part, much more reliable.
Being old school ,it's only oil ,filter ,brake pads ,and tyres, all this can be done by a competent owner.
Suspension is definitely on the economy side.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer £4800
Version: alp 4.0
Year: 2013
The Beta alp 4.0 is can be considered a decent daily commuter or off road bike and is able to reward its rider with a pretty fun riding experience.
