BETA FACTORY REPLICA
PRESENTATION
We have all been there and seen the top factory supported riders on the ‘works’ machinery. They make the most fearsome hazards look like a normal day at the office, and we all think that on their machine we could all be just as good, if only the opportunity came along to own ‘that’ machine. Last year we tested a factory supported rider’s machine from Beta and the verdict was straight to the point: you have to have the talent to ride a full factory machine. The Italian Beta factory recognised that there were quite a few ‘Wannabees’ out there who wanted a factory machine and this is how we arrive at the 2015 ‘Factory Replica’.
The Italian Beta brand had an excellent 2014 World Championship season, taking fourth place in the World Pro class with Jeroni Fajardo and also the first three positions in the World Cup class. Based on the findings from the riders and mechanics and their experiences at the cutting edge of the sport in the WTC, they can now present, for 2015, the new Evo Factory models. They will produce three two-stroke machines: 125cc, 250cc and 300cc engine capacities.
R&D EXPERIENCES
The Research and Development Department is based at the Beta factory near Florence in Italy. Here, they carefully studied the experience of the Factory Beta Trial team and analysed their findings to introduce many technical changes, accessories and top quality components to the new Evo Factory machine.
The inside of the new silencer has been redesigned to provide higher torque at low and medium engine speeds, which in turn improved the linear power delivery and also produced a quieter exhaust note – music to the ears of the Beta fans, no doubt! The new exhaust manifold is fabricated in titanium, which reduces the weight considerably and increases engine performance throughout its range of use. The cylinder ports have also been revised in order to improve the throttle response and increase torque, which also improves the combustion process while making the carburetion much more constant. The profile of the combustion chamber has been modified in the ‘squish’ area and, in combination with the new cylinder porting, this improves the acceleration of the engine throughout the power-band. Due to these changes the engine has become more responsive with better acceleration, and the carburetion has been improved while the engine is under a heavy load.
On the 300cc model the mapping of the CDI unit has been revised so that it offers more linear output, which matches the performance of the other changes to the power delivery. The engine’s outer ignition and clutch covers are now made of magnesium for better protection and the other obvious benefit, lighter weight. The new ignition cover has also been improved to keep water and mud away from the stator. Coolant flow and heat reduction has also been addressed with new silicone hoses. The rear shock absorber is fitted with the
white-coloured spring and has the same benefits that were introduced on the standard 2015 Evo model, with an internal gas tank, and provides excellent feel to the rider as well as improving rear wheel traction in all conditions.
The aesthetics of the stunning new white front forks give a real ‘quality’ look at the front and are fitted with Factory caps that have an external knob that requires no tools to adjust the damping, ensuring very easy action from the rider to keep the fork response constantly under control. The Evo front fork has been refined every year since 2009 and has become a benchmark in trials front suspension.
The Evo Factory model theme continues with valving designed to provide riders with unmatched performance. The fork is matched with an all-new aluminium billet machined triple clamp in stunning red. These lighter triple clamps provide less flex, which translates to improved stability. Yes, you are correct; it all sounds pretty impressive and it’s so good to see the R and D team evolving such a good machine.