Beta, Beta, and more Beta!

[PALMER84ONE]

As much as I like Beta, I think it may be the other way around. KTM did the R&D and others benefited.

Not true, but I don't argue with people.

 

[Connor]

Not true, but I don't argue with people.

Can you find me proof that Beta did R&D for KTM? I am not saying that you are wrong I simply like to know the exact facts and need proof. Id like to believe the small company had an unknown hand in the large company, but I just find it hard to believe.

 

[Motosportz]

More like Beta did a bunch of R&D for KTM and shared info with Husky brothers.

Huh? Beta started out (dirtbikes) with KTM motors in them and very KTM for the period like designs, I rode several. Then designed bikes very KTM like. The swingarm looks right off a KTM. Then KTM bought husky.

- I was not bashing just noticing. Nothing wrong with seeing what works and massaging it to the next step as well as sourcing components that works just like the other manufacturers do.

 

[water racer]

Beta has been building motorcycles for as long or longer than KTM and if you watch the Beta factory tour video, you will see engines sitting on the shelf with KTM logos. Beta has been building KTM 50 motors for years.
Other than that, what does it matter? We know Husqvarna wheels fit Beta, don't think KTM wheels will.
I can also tell you that the newest generation Beta feels nothing like a KTM or Italian Husqvarna.

 

[Boogie]

...We know Husqvarna wheels fit Beta...

The real question is... does a white Beta front fender fit a te310r with a headlight. (seriously, do you know ?)

 

[hammer]

KTM did the R&D and others benefited.

Do you have proof of that?
Gentlemen you might find some interesting info about Beta with a little tool called Google.

 

[PALMER84ONE]

I can also tell you that the newest generation Beta feels nothing like a KTM or Italian Husqvarna.[/quote]



Not a KTM basher, just never could feel good riding any of the ones I have been on.
Man, you can say that again!

 

[robertaccio]

if its plastic it fits no? I mean really, a couple of grinds or new holes and its mounted, right?

 

[robertaccio]

they all have their own engineering depts........but break the bikes down...all the EU bikes. they all source their parts from various EU (most of hard parts) and Japanese Mfgrs (JP most of electronics). So if you break any of these bikes down you find common parts all over the place. PS KTM is major moto chassis builder and will even build you one if you contract them to do so. Grimeca did wheel hubs for Husky, they all use Braking and discs and brembo brakes as well as formula and nissin, those are just couple of examples. Excel rims. Outside sourced triple clamps, bearings, handle bars, levers and control mostly Domino on EU bikes, there are many more.
Husky used to use Verlicchi for their chassis builder (Ducati, Aprilia and others too).
Husky used Gilardoni foundry for their engine blocks and I wouldnt doubt if other brands have or had used them as well.
Reverse engineering at the Beta engineering dept??? Why not, they first bought end of the project line KTM RFS engines for their 4T enduros then put together their own engines, which seem/appear to share alot with their north of border KTM machines. I dont think there is a phone con between them, but with all the laser scanning tech and rev engineering simplicity and cost savings, I'll bet Beta did do some R-E for their machines,,,,and who made the Transmissions? maybe the same firm as KTM? Pistons Valves clutches rods, those are all sourced from major component manufacturers anyway. There is no argument Beta is more moto market Biz savvy unlike the old Husky crew.

 

[Motosportz]

they all have their own engineering depts........but break the bikes down...all the EU bikes. they all source their parts from various EU (most of hard parts) and Japanese Mfgrs (JP most of electronics). So if you break any of these bikes down you find common parts all over the place. PS KTM is major moto chassis builder and will even build you one if you contract them to do so. Grimeca did wheel hubs for Husky, they all use Braking and discs and brembo brakes as well as formula and nissin, those are just couple of examples. Excel rims. Outside sourced triple clamps, bearings, handle bars, levers and control mostly Domino on EU bikes, there are many more.
Husky used to use Verlicchi for their chassis builder (Ducati, Aprilia and others too).
Husky used Gilardoni foundry for their engine blocks and I wouldnt doubt if other brands have or had used them as well.
Reverse engineering at the Beta engineering dept??? Why not, they first bought end of the project line KTM RFS engines for their 4T enduros then put together their own engines, which seem/appear to share alot with their north of border KTM machines. I dont think there is a phone con between them, but with all the laser scanning tech and rev engineering simplicity and cost savings, I'll bet Beta did do some R-E for their machines,,,,and who made the Transmissions? maybe the same firm as KTM? Pistons Valves clutches rods, those are all sourced from major component manufacturers anyway. There is no argument Beta is more moto market Biz savvy unlike the old Husky crew.

Yep

 

[Connor]

they all have their own engineering depts........but break the bikes down...all the EU bikes. they all source their parts from various EU (most of hard parts) and Japanese Mfgrs (JP most of electronics). So if you break any of these bikes down you find common parts all over the place. PS KTM is major moto chassis builder and will even build you one if you contract them to do so. Grimeca did wheel hubs for Husky, they all use Braking and discs and brembo brakes as well as formula and nissin, those are just couple of examples. Excel rims. Outside sourced triple clamps, bearings, handle bars, levers and control mostly Domino on EU bikes, there are many more.
Husky used to use Verlicchi for their chassis builder (Ducati, Aprilia and others too).
Husky used Gilardoni foundry for their engine blocks and I wouldnt doubt if other brands have or had used them as well.
Reverse engineering at the Beta engineering dept??? Why not, they first bought end of the project line KTM RFS engines for their 4T enduros then put together their own engines, which seem/appear to share alot with their north of border KTM machines. I dont think there is a phone con between them, but with all the laser scanning tech and rev engineering simplicity and cost savings, I'll bet Beta did do some R-E for their machines,,,,and who made the Transmissions? maybe the same firm as KTM? Pistons Valves clutches rods, those are all sourced from major component manufacturers anyway. There is no argument Beta is more moto market Biz savvy unlike the old Husky crew.

Very well said.

 

[PALMER84ONE]

they all have their own engineering depts........but break the bikes down...all the EU bikes. they all source their parts from various EU (most of hard parts) and Japanese Mfgrs (JP most of electronics). So if you break any of these bikes down you find common parts all over the place. PS KTM is major moto chassis builder and will even build you one if you contract them to do so. Grimeca did wheel hubs for Husky, they all use Braking and discs and brembo brakes as well as formula and nissin, those are just couple of examples. Excel rims. Outside sourced triple clamps, bearings, handle bars, levers and control mostly Domino on EU bikes, there are many more.
Husky used to use Verlicchi for their chassis builder (Ducati, Aprilia and others too).
Husky used Gilardoni foundry for their engine blocks and I wouldnt doubt if other brands have or had used them as well.
Reverse engineering at the Beta engineering dept??? Why not, they first bought end of the project line KTM RFS engines for their 4T enduros then put together their own engines, which seem/appear to share alot with their north of border KTM machines. I dont think there is a phone con between them, but with all the laser scanning tech and rev engineering simplicity and cost savings, I'll bet Beta did do some R-E for their machines,,,,and who made the Transmissions? maybe the same firm as KTM? Pistons Valves clutches rods, those are all sourced from major component manufacturers anyway. There is no argument Beta is more moto market Biz savvy unlike the old Husky crew.

Can always count on a mouth full from you Rob, nice research review.
Beta is a very old family company that has been filling small orders for years.

 

[Norman Foley]

I can also tell you that the newest generation Beta feels nothing like a KTM or Italian Husqvarna.

The Beta seemed very KTM like to me, after year on my Husaberg TE250.....

My personal experience is limited to a pretty extensive test ride of one '13 300RR. It was the dealer's race bike, with the suspension from his '12 450RR Race Edition. The owner is a fast A GNCC and MX rider, so his suspension valving setup was way off for me. I rode a loop in the rain, which was muddy, rooty, technical off camber and a MX track section. You wouldn't mistake it for a Husky and it felt very KTM like to me. I felt that I would have to do all the tweaking to the Beta, that I did to my Husaberg to make it handle close to a Husky.

I'd say that the KTM was the target bike and Beta improved multiple areas. I'd like to demo a stock 250RR and the 250 Race Edition has my interest back up a bit.

 

[GMP]

I can assure you a stock 300RR Race Edition is very close in setup for our conditions here. Its not a stiff expert only bike, it hooks up and handles extremely well. If anything the valving its a shade soft for me but certainly works and allowed me 2nd in class points. I agree its somewhat like a linkage KTM, but certainly not a clone. Its similar in the sense that it likes you forward in the turns, but when you do that it TURNS, unlike the KTM. As I said before a little more rebound may even reduce this. It turns better than my '12 GasGas did. Its not as totally planted feeling as a WR250 Husky or a GasGas but that feeling comes largely as result of weight. If your looking for a Husky then maybe buy a Husky. I have a Scotts damper on the bike, but I run the low speed ckt. almost full soft to maximize the high speed sensitivity. Not once in 30 hrs have I noticed the damper kicking in, so stability is good, even at the last race that had some very fast sections. The Beta is also a bit smaller in feel, which I like a lot. Like I said its not a fussy bike, spring it, set sag to 105mm, and go racing. This is the most race ready bike I have ever owned.

 

[water racer]

I don't care what bike it may or may not feel like! LOL For sure it is less KTM like than the new Husky's will be!
All that matters is it is ITALIAN, BEAUTIFUL, RELIABLE, REASONABLY PRICED, company is financially stable, and works right out of the crate!

If Italian Husqvarna had been allowed to accomplish that, we would all be jumping for joy and not even be having this conversation!

 

[GMP]

It feels like, well, a Beta!

 

[Motosportz]

It feels like, well, a Beta!

So is it one set in front of behind the Alpha dog (husky) is the question.

 

[water racer]

So is it one set in front of behind the Alpha dog (husky) is the question.

Not sure exactly what you mean, but I will say the Italian Husqvarnas are great bikes in both performance and toughness.
There is something addictive about riding a Beta though, not sure exactly what it is, just seems very quick and light.

 

[Motosportz]

Was just making a Alpha / Beta Joke.

There is something addictive about riding a Beta though, not sure exactly what it is, just seems very quick and light.

Nice

 

[reveille]

I don't care what bike it may or may not feel like! LOL For sure it is less KTM like than the new Husky's will be!
All that matters is it is ITALIAN, BEAUTIFUL, RELIABLE, REASONABLY PRICED, company is financially stable, and works right out of the crate!

If Italian Husqvarna had been allowed to accomplish that, we would all be jumping for joy and not even be having this conversation!

And the RS models are plated... Big plus IMO