movie, but it blends in nicely with
the rest of this edgy-looking mo-
torcycle. The Alp has a large seat,
spacious enough for a passenger
who will appreciate the factory-
attached passenger pegs.
In comparison to the 300 Rally,
the Alp has approximately 2.5
inches less wheel travel, a half-
inch shorter wheelbase at 56.7
inches, a one-inch lower seat
height at 34 inches and weighs 27
pounds less at 308 pounds (that
is according to the manufacturer's
specs). It also holds less fuel, 2.9
gallons versus 3.4 gallons.
MAKING DUST
The Alp couldn't be easier to
ride with its low seat height,
its low center of gravity and its
user-friendly motor. The motor is
remarkably torquey for a 350 and
makes more power overall than
you'd thinkāat least, I thought so.
Fueling is clean but not perfect, as
there is some hesitation at very
low rpm right when you first crack
the throttle, but it's only noticeable
when you're not moving. Once roll
-
ing, throttling is good and consis-
tent, and I never experienced any
stalling. Redline is approximately
9500 rpm, but that's not where it
likes to be ridden. Not even close.
Easy to ride and
affordable, the
Beta Alp 4.0 has
a lot going for it.
Mostly fun.
PHOTO: RON LAWSON
VOLUME ISSUE APRIL , P107