PUSHING BOUNDARIES
IThink Italian in the modern trials world and Beta motorcycles come
to mind immediately; a company that has been producing world championship winning machines since way back in 1987. The factory is still at the cutting edge of motorcycle trials development and the latest model to come from them is the 2015 ‘Factory Replica’. You can ask the
question just how close are these ‘Replica’ machines to the ones the factory boys of Jeroni Fajardo and Jorge Casales ride? Beta UK importer John Lampkin will openly tell you that the ‘Works’ boys’ machines are a little different in certain areas, as they are constantly testing new ideas and components to push the boundaries of development even further.
What he will also tell you, however, is that either of these top two Spanish riders could also win major events on the new 2015 ‘Factory Replica’. Dec Bullock rides in the Roundhouse Team in the WTC on Beta machinery. He is one of the new breed of young riders riding at the highest level, and as he had taken delivery of one of the new models we
decided to ask him to put it through its paces.
must compliment
Beta once again on such a good looking machine. The aesthetics and flowing style of the machine give it that added edge and the factory look which is very sharp and clean. On closer inspection you can soon see that the machine carries changes that further enhance the performance of the already good, solid, standard machine. The Beta range of machines comes thoroughly tried and tested and as you see so many at events the buying public obviously likes them. The 300cc model we had on test today is also available in the 125cc and 250cc engine sizes to cater for riders of all ages and abilities.
Despite the 300cc engine size the short left-hand-sidemounted kick-start lever easily fires the motor into life. The exhaust note is very crisp and gives out less noise than you would expect from the single cylinder watercooled motor. Gear selection on the Betas has always been positive and precise and this model was no different. I had a little play on the machine as I warmed up the engine and before long I felt in the mood to tackle something a little more challenging.
The engine performs very clean, giving it that ‘Factory’ feel, and the claimed changes to the cylinder and exhaust system certainly appear to have worked. Riding up to steps, at that moment when you dip the clutch and open the throttle as you lift on to the point of contact offers an immediate responsive, controlled feeling. It’s the same when you accelerate hard; the response is very strong from the motor but you always have that feeling of control. The Beta makes you feel very at home, very natural and in charge.
“The Beta makes you feel very at home,
very natural and in charge.”
The suspension is maybe a little firm but is adjustable, but this works so well when you are attacking the bigger hazards and as the suspension at both the front and rear works through its travel you can feel exactly where both wheels are, allowing you to adjust your body to all the movements of the machine. The neutral feedback allows you to pick your line and, more importantly, stay on it. The relationship between the handlebars and footrest, which are the only contact points for the rider, is very good and I always feel more than comfortable attempting a wide variety of hazards.
The front suspension in particular has been evolved on the Evo model since 2009 and it’s in these areas where the refinements of the Factory model in particular can be felt. It’s also easily adjustable by the way of the external adjuster on the top of each front fork leg. The brakes, both front and rear, were excellent in all conditions. Yes the machine has plenty of ‘Bling’ on it but what’s also worth noting as that it’s not just for looks in most cases. Finished in a cool shade of red the all-new aluminium billet machined triple clamps improve stability by offering less flexing.
The machine certainly impressed me during my test ride and I look forward to competing on it. Its all round performance is excellent but it is also a very rewarding machine to ride. If you find a hazard you cannot clean just try that little bit harder as it’s in these situations that the Factory replicas shine, with all the refined components this machine has had fitted. Many riders will already have the standard 300cc Beta and may ask the question why change to the Factory replica? I can answer that question easily, it makes you feel like a Factory rider!