Factory Beta Race Team Is All Set

Factory Beta racers Cody Webb and Max Gerston finished second and tenth respectively in Brazil at the International XGames Endurocross. The event proved to be challenging as the track changed for the worse in the main event when the water that was put on the track earlier resurfaced at night making for a greasy final.  

 

Webb describes the event, "X Games went very well for me. It was the first big race and all preseason I was confident I had made the right decision in riding the 2 stroke. My riding and performance proved it was the right bike for the job as I felt very comfortable and was able to push at a good pace and put pressure on Taddy. Unfortunately, the track was very slick causing the front end to wash out over a berm. My gloves were covered in mud and I lost all momentum from there. I gained my composure again near the end and almost caught Taddy in the final turn. I learned a lot with X Games Brazil being the opening round and I can't wait to prepare for the rest of the series!"

 

Max Gerston also finished strong with a third place in his qualifier and a solid tenth in the main event. Unlike Webb, Max chose the 350 RR four stroke for the event.  

 

"My heat race started of pretty bad, I had a last place start coming into the first turn, but I quickly proceeded to work my way through the pack eventually passing other riders and finishing third. Coming into the main I just wanted to ride smooth and smart, especially because it was equivalent to riding on linoleum with motor oil spread on top, with rocks, logs, and tractor tires mixed in. I pulled an awesome start in the main event.  I was in third for a little over a lap before I made a mistake in the super slick rock pile. I slowly worked my way back, and I eventually ended up taking a 10th place overall. I am extremely happy with my finish, and I hope to carry my momentum coming into the first round of the AMA National Endurocross Series. I would like to say Thank you to my family and sponsors for the support!" Gerston explains.    

 

The team is all prepped and ready for the 2013 season opener in Las Vegas on May 3^rd. Managed by Alan Stillwell of Stillwell Performance with Cody Webb and Max Gerston at the controls. Fresh off his King of Moto's victory and the second place finish at the International XGames , Webb is hungry for his first Endurocross win. And will contest the season on his factory Beta 300 RR two stroke, the same bike Dirt Rider magazine awarded the "Bike of the Year" to while Gerston will contest the series on his Beta 350 RR four stroke.  

 

 

Cody Webb's 2013 Factory Beta 300 RR

Webb Wins King of Motos!

Factory Beta ace Cody Webb won the King of Motos extreme off road race last weekend held in Johnson Valley. The 160 mile event was designed by moto-journalists and all around extreme guy Jimmy Lewis so it was nothing but nasty. The race was filled with major rock canyon sections that tested riders to their limits. Webb battled with last year's winner Graham Jarvis . . READ MORE

Our staff spent several days abusing the 450 RR, along with its competition, in the high desert of Western Arizona, and the Beta was always the most in-demand no matter the situation. Its comfortable layout and excellent components were only challenged by the KTM 450 XC-W, but not a single machine held a candle in the looks department. The bright red plastic and red frame oozes sexiness and tells you the 450 RR is something special.

Riding it only further confirms that sentiment, performing at the top of the list in every single category except one during our comparison test. We praised it for the compliant and planted Sachs suspension, marveled at its agility in the rocks and were surprised by its stability when the throttle was pinned wide open. It’s obvious that some of Beta’s trials bike DNA is present in the 450 RR, as it would find traction when the rest couldn’t.

It is also worth noting the success of Beta’s trials star and off-road racer Cody Webb this year in Endurocross on a 350 RR, which is the same basic bike with just a smaller engine. Webb finished second overall in the Pro class for 2012, challenging the seemingly unbeatable Taddy Blazusiak on several occasions. An impressive feat considering the massive factory effort that KTM puts forth. Additionally Max Gertson took the Jr. Class Championship in the same series on a Beta.

With the win in our 2012 450 Enduro Shootout and the success Beta has been having with Cody Webb in the saddle, the 2012 Beta 450 RR is the Enduro Bike of the Year.

 

August 22, 2012

For Immediate Release
Paso Robles, California

American Beta has re-signed Cody Webb through the end of 2014. The Mototrial and Endurocross specialist will stay with the team for two more years to help further develop the product line while he continues to make a name for himself in both arenas.

"We are super excited to have Cody signed through 2014. It gives us a chance to develop our products further. Our bikes are gaining the reputation as being the "nasty condition" specialists and with Webb on our side, it really makes it easier to continue that development plan. The kid's abilities are amazing, we feel he is one of the most talented riders out there for Enduro X, Mototrial as well as anything extreme. We have a new off road bike coming for 2013 that we feel will fit Cody perfectly!" Beta's Marketing Manager Tim Pilg explains. 

Webb will continue going after Championships in both Mototrial and Endurocross. The Californian racer currently sits third in Endurocross points only twelve back from the leader. Stillwell Performance continues to tune the Beta 350 RR two-speeder for the Enduro X series while Ron Lee of RL Racing tunes his Evo 300 Mototrial weapon.

                                 Webb is excited to continue with Beta (Shan Moore Photo)

Cody Webb to Trial Des Nations

The AMA announced who will represent the U.S. men's and women's teams for the 2012 Trial des Nations, which will be held in Moutier, Switzerland, September 30.

Cody Webb

Former AMA MotoTrials National Champion Cody Webb will lead the men's team, which will be made up of Webb, Bryan Roper, Karl Davis Jr. and Eric Storz. Kip Webb will manage the team, while Martin Belair serve as the delegate to the hosting nation's FIM affiliate organization.

The Women's team will be made up of Louise Forsley, Caroline Allen and Rachel Hassler.

"MotoTrials is one of motorcycling's most enduring disciplines, and its popularity is growing," said AMA Off-Road Manager Chuck Weir. "Events such as the Trial des Nations play a key role in that popularity by bringing together the best trials riders in the world. It is an honor for AMA racers to compete at this event, and we're looking forward to a strong showing in Switzerland this September."

Webb said the bar is high at the Trial des Nations but that the American squad has what it takes to compete.

"The Trial des Nations is a fantastic opportunity for our American riders to compete on a truly international level," Webb said. "The experience gained from this competition proves invaluable for our riders, helping them improve their skills as well as bringing home new techniques that are shared with other American riders furthering advancement."

The Trial des Nations began in Europe in 1983. Each competing country fields two teams: a men's team consisting of four riders and a women's team consisting of three riders.

2013 Beta Evo:
The EVO range has been completely revised for 2013: new frame, new plastics, improved ergonomics and greater versatility.
Improving what for years has been the benchmark in Trial is always difficult, but once again the Tuscany House has managed to make a major development in its 2013 EVO models, starting with the introduction of a technology that has never been previously applied in the Trial market. The new 2013 EVO is in fact the first trial bike in the World to use a frame where the main section is obtained by hydroforming with all the advantages that this technology allows. Ease of maintenance, friendly riding, and ergonomics are further improved on the 2013’s by raising the bar to an even higher level of quality in the EVO family. The experience gained in the last year of racing and the constant research for new technical solutions, have led to an excellent product under any point of view. Donato Miglio, Beta Trial Factory Team Manager, describes the EVO 2013: "Powerful and easy for riders of any level, the bike is extremely versatile with a great travel range. From your first ride you feel the EVO was made for your needs." The 2013 EVO is therefore an excellent bike able to compete at the highest levels in national and international competitions and at the same time allows hobby riders to discover how easy the new EVO is to ride..
FRAME:
• New frame obtained by hydroforming: the application of this technology has allows a frame with better mechanical features, lighter (‐ 250 grams), more rigid, with a larger capacity fuel tank (+ 250cc) and a unique aesthetic. The red color compliments the new shape of the frame and reinforces the look of the bike.
• Rear fender: the rear fender is completely new, with a slim design, it includes a cover in the “seat” area to access the air filter box. This allows to speed up and simplify inspection, maintenance and replacement of air filter.
• Side covers: now made in one piece, they are a real tank cover, and through their sculpted forms, enhance the aggressive spirit of the 2013 EVO.
• Stand: made of forged aluminum, stronger in design yet it is over 100 grams lighter. It also improves the general aesthetics of the vehicle.
• Rear Shock: revised with new internal components and new valving, it has a different setting which allows better agility of the new EVO.
• Front Fork: new settings for a more progressive feeling with the front wheel.
• CDI: placed under the rear fender, it is more secure and less prone to accidental damage in the event of a fall.
• Regulator: located at the rear of the engine for simplification of the electrical system.
• Electrical system: the repositioning of the CDI unit and the regulator has allowed us to define a new layout of the electrical system that is streamlined and simplified for greater efficiency and better look.
• Light/Map Switch: mounted on the side to avoid damage, it also houses the switch for the dual mapping settings.
• Kill Button: positioned on the handlebar for practicality and ease of use.
• Color and graphics: frame is now red ( to inspire power and racing feeling ) while plastics are white and matt black. The new graphics highlight the innovative shapes of the chassis and plastics, escalating the racing look of the 2013 EVO **.
ENGINE:
• Shift drum: New shift drum with a modified shape to allow smooth action of the gearbox, greater fluidity and precise riding.
• CDI: a new timing curve has been developed to optimize power delivery and provide an immediate feeling with the bike. This allows the rider to be comfortable in any situation and condition of land. From a performance point of view a greater torque at low rpm and a never ending top end have been obtained.
**4T models receive all new colors and retain the 2012‐style Single Box Frame design. Price on both 4T models remains the same as 2012 at $7999.00

The Beta Factory team riders including Cody Webb and Ray Peters concluded their AMA Mototrial National season with one championship in the Expert class and a solid second place in the Pro Class.  

 Twenty four year old Webb finished off the season with one win and a second in this past weekend's Round 7 and 8 held in the wooded hills of Exeter, Rhode Island. Riders were greeted with a hard downpour of rain Friday

night which made Saturday's event tougher than expected. Event organizers laid out sections that had both large rocks with eight to ten foot "ups" as well as smaller rocks covered in mud making it difficult to find traction.  

Webb had to win both days by fourteen points to take the Championship however a few mistakes the first loop created a hole too deep to dig out of. Webb finished second on Saturday which ended all hopes of a second title.  

Webb explains, "I had a lot of pressure coming into the final two rounds of the series. I needed to win both days in order to take the championship. Unfortunately I struggled heavily my first lap making poor mistakes and fell off the pace. I finished really strong however the damage had already been done and I came away with a second in the series. I worked hard on Sunday and took the win adding a positive cap to the end of my season. My Evo 300 ran perfect all season long, my tuner Ron Lee worked hard to make the bike perfect at each event. I can't thank American Beta enough for their support this year. I hope to return next year to do battle for another championship." 

In the competitive Expert class, four stroke rider Ray Peters once again won both days and capped off a perfect season by winning all eight rounds. The Texan rider grew up in New York so the mud and muck played into his favor. Competing on a Beta Evo 300 4-stroke, Peters dominated the first day with a 26 point lead over second place.  

"The Rhode Island events were a great finish to my season. The afternoon thunderstorms and good layout made for some challenging sections. My 4 stroke really worked well in the slippery conditions providing me with that extra bit of traction needed to make some awesome rides. I'd like to thank Ron Lee for the great pit support, Mike Komer at The Tryals Shop for the gear, and American Beta for the opportunity to represent what I feel are the best trials bikes on the planet. I am looking forward to setting up some riding schools for the remainder of this season"  Peters explains. Ray Peters can be contacted via Facebook or at rayp@americanbeta.com

 Cody Webb shifts gears to focus on the remaining six rounds of the AMA Endurocross season aboard his Factory Beta-Stillwell Performance Beta 350 RR. The season continues this weekend with the ESPN X-Games to be televised live Sunday night at 9:00 pm PST. 

Beta Race Team Update June 1, 2012

Rounds 3 and 4 of the AMA/NATC Mototrial Nationals were held in the high Colorado mountains just 25 miles outside the small town of Salida. With altitudes above the 8000 foot mark, riders bikes had to be jetted perfectly to extract the most power. This proved especially true for the ultra-competitive Pro class where riders were forced to deal with huge rocks and high winds. On Saturday, Factory Beta rider Cody Webb held a five point lead until the very last section of the day where he clipped a class marker which gave him a five and ended up costing him the win. Sunday however was a different story with Webb dominating the day and taking the win by 23 points. Cody Webb is tied with Patrick Smage for the championship with 110 points each.

Webb Describes the event, "After such a hard fought day on Saturday, I was very upset after adding ten points to my score through the new touch the marker rule. I used this aggression to my advantage and rebounded to the top of the podium Sunday. Ron Lee and my father went through the bike many times to make sure it was Cody Webb launches his Beta 300 up one of the 10’ walls to my standards in the high altitude, and it worked perfect. I had a flawless day Sunday and I'm happy to come back from a hurtful loss from the previous day. Off to Ohio where we will have a big change in the series."
Expert class rider Ray Peters continued his winning ways aboard his Evo 300 4-stroke with wins both Saturday and Sunday. Peter’s has extended his points lead to 28 over second place.

Peters explains, “The Colorado nationals were better than I was prepared for. Saturday was technical and flowing with sections that were both challenging and elusive. My goal for the weekend was to be consistent. The bike was amazing all weekend, Ron Lee and crew provided the routine service during the event that makes it so much easier to concentrate on the riding. Section 11 would be the one I want to go back and have another go at. I came so close to cleaning it my third lap, the wind forced me to dab. Sunday was easier with more direct sections. After scoring 2 points on my first loop, I knew every point would count and I could see a clean loop in the cards but it eluded me in the end. A single point on my second and third loop was good enough for the win. My 300 4 stroke worked great all weekend, never lacked performance for the bigger obstacles and super forgiving on all details.”
Ray

Peters explains, “The Colorado nationals were better than I was prepared for. Saturday was technical and flowing with sections that were both challenging and elusive. My goal for the weekend was to be consistent. The bike was amazing all weekend, Ron Lee and crew provided the routine service during the event that makes it so much easier to concentrate on the riding. Section 11 would be the one I want to go back and have another go at. I came so close to cleaning it my third lap, the wind forced me to dab. Sunday was easier with more direct sections. After scoring 2 points on my first loop, I knew every point would count and I could see a clean loop in the cards but it eluded me in the end. A single point on my second and third loop was
good enough for the win. My 300 4 stroke worked great all weekend, never lacked performance for the bigger obstacles and super forgiving on all details.”

New Cross Country Model from Beta

American Beta is proud to announce the release of a new mid-year 2012 450 RR Cross Country  model that has been developed for the demands of a MX or WORCS/Hare Scramble racer in mind. There are many refinements and improvements compared to the RR Enduro models, particularly on the frame. Only available in 450cc version with electric starter, a light kit to turn the bike into enduro version will be available to allow more usage in off-road events.

One unique feature is every bike comes with an Electric Start AND kickstart removal kit so racers can choose to remove a starting system of their choice to save weight if desired.

The bike starts with the legendary RR models with the following items included:

-48mm Marzocchi closed cartridge fork with MX-inspired spring rates.

-Sachs "Factory" rear shock with larger reservoir and 7mm more rear wheel travel.

-New reinforced frame providing a more rigid feel while also saving weight.

-19" rear wheel with MX-based tires.

-MX front number plate.

-Non-oring chain for less weight.

-Removal of all non-essential off road components including the meter as well as a simplified electrical system.

-AC generator for quicker throttle response and a quicker-reving motor.

-Accessory light kit will be available as an option. 

MSRP:  450 RR Cross Country  $8999.00

Beta Race Team Update M ay 21, 2012

Beta Team riders started the AMA/NATC Mototrial season off in the right direction with Pro rider Cody Webb earning a solid 2nd on Saturday and winning on Sunday. Expert team rider Ray Peters capped his weekend off with two dominating wins setting the pace for the rest of the season. The event was held at the Moto Ventures site in Anza, California. Riders were greeted with large grippy rocks with sandy approaches. Weather was a factor as the temperatures exceeded 85 degrees both days.  Factory Beta Pro class rider Cody Webb started out the day on Saturday with a disastrous first loop carding 22 points with his closest competitor Pat Smage turning in a 7. Things came together for Webb during the second loop as he carded only 7 points for a total of 29 for the day for second place behind Smage. Sunday proved to be Webb’s day as the Californian put his head down and turned in an unbelievable score of only 2 points total for the day winning the event. Webb shares the points lead with Smage going into rounds three and four in Colorado this weekend.  Webb explains, “I'm very happy with my results from the weekend. I've been very busy lately trying to balance out training for both trials and Endurocross and had no idea how prepared I was coming into the opening rounds. I felt confident with my riding ability but made some really poor mistakes my first lap. Once I got used to the pressure of being in an actual trials event, things started to click and I rode to my old form. My bike worked great with no issues and I was glad to have my team and family there supporting me.”
 

Webb doing a 180 kick-turn on his way to victory
(Shan Moore photo)

Beta Factory expert rider Ray Peters showed up with Beta 300 four stroker and cleaned hose. Scoring only 25 points on Saturday and a mere 13 on Sunday beating his closest rival by a total of 16 points over the two days. The 7-time expert champion is looking to earn his number one plate back that was lost in 2011.  “Saturday was my first major event on my factory 300 4 stroke and it really worked  well. Lots of power for the obstacles, but smooth and precise for all the sandy
setups. It was really a two-section event for the expert class that made the difference, section 8 which I never rode well, and section 12 that had a really tricky downhill drop  off at the end that I was able to put some consistent rides on. Sunday was much the same, technical setups and big rock faces. The bike worked flawlessly again all day and aside from a slip in section 12 for a five on my first loop, my day was very enjoyable.

Ray Peters and his Beta Evo 300 4-stroker launching an eight-foot gap
(Shan Moore photo)

Overall a great opener for the National Mototrial series, I am looking forward to the events next weekend in Colorado. Huge thanks to American Beta and RL Racing for the amazing support all weekend”, Ray Peters explains.  The 8-round series continues in the mountains of Colorado on May 26-27th for rounds three and four. More event information can be found at www.mototrial.us  Cody Webb's Mototrial sponsors include American Beta, Stillwell Performance, Moose Racing, Dunlop, Kal Gard lubricants, Jitsie, S3, SIDI boots, DVS, VP Race Fuels, Matrix Concepts, BRP, Slick Off Road Wash, DP Brakes, No Toil, Motorcycle Superstore, Country Home Inspection, and Ron Lee of RL Racing.
American Beta is the USA’s sole distributor of Beta motorcycles including a complete range of Off Road, Dual Sport, and Mototrial models. Log onto www.americanbeta.com for more information.

For Immediate Release

Paso Robles, CA

May 8, 2012

The Beta race team finished off this weekend's events with two podiums and a strong 4th place finish. Cody Webb started  things off at the AMA Enduro Cross in Las Vegas with the third quickest time in the hot lap qualifiers. The California rider continued his run with a win in his nighttime qualifier and a 4th in the night's main event in the Pro class.

Webb explains, "I'm happy with my performance in the season opener. I came into the event with a nagging cold. I put that all behind me and focused at the task ahead of me. I had a top 3 qualifying position and came away with my heat race win for the first gate pick in the main. The dirt in Vegas was really poor and I got a terrible jump on the start. I made my way into third and felt great on the bike, but after the halfway point my sickness started dragging me down and I began making small mistakes I normally wouldn't have made. Excited to finish fourth at the first round and the bike was working awesome. Couldn't thank everyone at American Beta and Stillwell Performance for their support."

Max Gerston won the Open Amateur class in a dominating fashion. The Arizona youngster pulled a holeshot from the rest of the field and never looked back taking the top spot on the podium by more than 20 seconds!
Beta team manager Alan Stillwell explains, "With the new rules, Max will now be racing in the pro class as he has pointed-out in the Amateurs. He loves his 350 and I feel he will surprise many people this year with his finishes."

Max is looking forward to the pro class (Drew Ruiz photo)

 

On the National Enduro front, Factory supported racer Justin Sode finished last Sunday's Cajun Classic in third place. The open A racer from Ohio is working his way up the ladder in both Enduro and GNCC competition. 
The Louisiana race was challenging due to the heat however Sode pushed through the warm day as well as a big crash near the end to take the final podium spot. 

With poor visibility from the dust it made it hard to see the various obstacles such as roots, stumps, sand ruts, tight trees, and other riders.  Overall I had a very good day. The first three tests of the day went very well, sitting in second with a 57 second lead over third. On the 4th test I had a big crash, bending my hand guard down into my brake lever, I lost about 5 seconds to third. The fifth test went well but I lost 3 seconds to 3rd. The final test I knew I just had to ride smart but I had another fall causing me to lose about 3 minutes. I ended the day 3rd and 19th overall." Sode explains.

 

 

Justin Sode rippin through the dust in Louisiana (Shan Moore Photo)

 

Cody Webb's sponsors include American Beta, Stillwell Performance,  FMF, Moose Racing, Dunlop, Kal Gard lubricants, HBD Graphics, Fastway, Jitsie, S3, SIDI boots, Bell Helmets, DVS, Earth X Batteries, VP Race Fuels, Matrix Concepts, BRP, Slick Off Road Wash, DP Brakes, Dirt Tricks, Posey Racing Engines, Fox Racing Shox, Woody's Wheel Works, No Toil, ODI, Motorcycle Superstore, Country Home Inspection, and CV4.  

 

Max Gerston's sponsors include American Beta, Stillwell Performance,  FMF, Klim, Dunlop, Kal Gard lubricants, HBD Graphics, Fastway, SIDI boots,  DVS, Earth X Batteries, VP Race Fuels, Matrix Concepts, BRP, Slick Off Road Wash, DP Brakes, Dirt Tricks, Posey Racing Engines, Fox Racing Shox, Woody's Wheel Works, No Toil, ODI, Motorcycle Superstore, and CV4.

 

Justin Sode's sponsors include American Beta, Stillwell Performance, MX Motorsports, Kal Gard, FMF, HBD Graphics, Tucker Rocky, Arai, Answer, Dunlop, Scott Goggles, Formation Cementing, NAPA, and Polks Scrap Iron & Metal.
  
American Beta is the sole US importer of high quality Beta motorcycles. Beta motorcycles are handcrafted in Florence, Italy offering a complete range of Off Road competition, Dual Sport as well as class-leading Mototrial motorcycles.

 

Factory Beta Enduro X Racers Cody Webb and Max Gerston have done their pre-season testing and are ready for battle! Webb returns on his Factory Beta 350 RR running number five in the Pro class for 2012. The Watsonville, California rider has been busy during the off season  preparing for both the Enduro X as well as the National Mototrial seasons.  

Cody Webb testing his Factory Beta 350 RR

Newly added to the team for 2012 is Open Amateur racer Max Gerston. Also aboard a special 350RR, Max is in the hunt for the Amateur title as well as advancing to the night shows to bang bars with the top Pros. 

Max Gerston is loving his new Beta!

The Stillwell Performance/Factory Beta Team's sponsors include FMF, Moose Racing, Dunlop, Kal Gard lubricants, Fastway, Jitsie, S3, SIDI boots, Bell Helmets, DVS, , BRP, Earth X Batteries, VP Race Fuels, Matrix Concepts, BRP, Slick Off Road Wash, DP Brakes, Dirt Tricks, Posey Racing Engines, Fox Racing Shox, Woody's Wheel Works, No Toil, ODI, Motorcycle Superstore, Country Home Inspection, and CV4.

Enduro360 reviews the 2012 Beta 350 RR “The Challenger”
I just got back in from a great day of riding the new 350 Beta. It left me with a very favorable impression on the Italian manufacturer’s 2012 line up. The 350RR has some distinct handling traits that make it a hoot to ride. The smaller motor makes power in a way that is fun and rewarding. In short, I found the littlest Beta a great trail companion.
The 350 is more or less all new for 2012. A few 2011 models arrived in the spring. Yet with the new frame and suspension components, this is really a significantly different package. The Chromoly frame has been modified to decrease flex. New larger diameter tubing is used throughout. There is an additional cross bar added just below the exhaust header. The area around the top shock mount is also beefier.   READ MORE

American Beta is proud to announce the release of their new 2012 Factory RR models. These Limited Editions are hand built in the Tuscany hills of Florence Italy and are inspired by the Beta factory off road team. Offered in 350, 400, 450, and the big brother 498cc for 2012 with more than $3500.00 in accessory items from the Factory Beta catalog as standard equipment for a fraction of the cost. 

The bikes start with the legendary RR models with the following items included:

-All-New 48mm Marzocchi closed cartridge front fork with hard-coated tubes

-Billet aluminum triple clamp with two-position adjustable offset 

-Factory Sachs rear shock with large volume reservoir

-Complete titanium Arrow exhaust system (saves 1.8 lbs over stock)

-New lighter weight frame (a full 2 lbs. over stock)

-Extra-Wide billet aluminum footpegs straight from the race team

-PHDS (Progressive Handlebar Damping System) bar mounts for reduced arm pump

-Supersprox dual material rear sprocket

-Dual-Map ignition with switch with two settings (race or play settings)

-Braking oversize front and rear brake rotors

-Quick-pull front axle for swift wheel changes

-Modified clutch for a more aggressive action

-Finished off with special race team graphics, seat cover and a special black swing arm

MSRP: $9950.00 (same price for all models)

Factory RR models can be ordered directly from any authorized Beta motorcycle dealer in the USA. First shipments will arrive the first week in April. For more information or to locate a dealer go to www.americanbeta.com

Beta Announces 2012 Race Team

January 5, 2012
Paso Robles, CA

American Beta is proud to announce their race team plans for the 2012 season. 2011 proved to be very rewarding for the Italian-based manufacturer and this year is looking to be even more exciting.

Returning to the team for 2012 - Cody Webb, who will compete in the AMA/Geico Endurocross series including the ESPN X Games. Webb will also contest in select extreme enduros including Hell's Gate and the 2012 Tennessee Knockout.  

A new addition to the Beta Endurocross team is current  Open Amateur Champion Max Gerston from Scottsdale, Arizona. Gerston will be riding a 350 RR. Also returning to the Beta squad is 17 year old Justin Sode racing the A class in all GNCC events as well as the National Enduros. Rounding out the team is Clay Davies from Fillmore, Utah competing in the AMA National Hare & Hound series aboard his 450 RR.

New to the American race program is the addition of Stillwell Performance. Alan Stillwell will manage Beta's Endurocross team as well as help in the development of the Beta Amateur team for off road including GNCC, Enduro, Hare & Hound, Hare Scrambles, and Endurocross events. Amateur racers can email their resumes to racesupport@americanbeta.com . Stillwell Performance has put together special support packages for racers.

Alan Stillwell explains, "I'm very excited to be managing the Beta Factory Racing program for X Games and EnduroCross this season. Beta is aggressively expanding their racing efforts and the 350RR has incredible off road potential.  I watched the bike closely this past season and was very impressed.  We will be testing extensively with Cody Webb in preparation for the season opener on May 4th in Las Vegas.  Cody set the fastest hot lap time at the final race and finished the season with a strong 5th overall in points.  Together we are looking forward to putting the Beta 350RR on the top of the podium this year! The Beta Amateur Support Program is a great way for aspiring riders to race a fully dialed in RR model and take advantage of the Factory Team's testing and setup.  Support riders will be able to purchase bikes and parts at a discount and also buy Factory Team motor and suspension setups.  Through the company's unique "Build Your Own Beta" program riders can pre select their options and have suspension dialed in for their specifics-all prior to delivery.  It's the closest thing to a factory bike you can get!"

Beta's 2012 World Enduro team has signed Finnish rider Marko Tarkkala to team up with current Beta rider Oscar Balletti. Both riders will compete in the World Enduro Championship in the E3 and E2 class respectively. The team will be managed by Fabrizio Dini. Also continuing is the Boano Team of Deny Philippaerts on a 450 RR. 

In Mototrial, (formerly known as Observed Trials) Cody Webb returns to the team ready to earn the title back that eluded him in 2011. Webb will be contesting the AMA Mototrial series aboard his factory-prepped Evo 300 in the elite Pro class. Also returning to the team is 7-time Expert champion Ray Peters riding the Beta Evo 300 4-stroke. Rounding out the factory supported team is 2011 High School class champion Nick Fonzi. "The Fonz" will move up to the ultra competitive Expert class for 2012. 

Team Manager Ron Lee of RL Racing explains, "2012 looks to be another exciting year for Team Beta at the Moto Trials Nationals! Cody Webb in Pro and Ray Peters in Expert class going after the #1 plates that slipped away last year. Nick Fonzi, after winning the High School class in 2011, is moving up to the Expert class- another contender for Team Beta. I'm looking forward to another awesome year of supporting all the Beta riders at the Nationals. I would like to thank our trial team sponsors Dunlop, Kal-Gard, Jitsie, and Matrix Concepts for their support." 

For the World Trail indoor and outdoor championships, Beta has brought back Spanish trial ace Jeroni Fajardo. Riding a factory Evo 300 2 stroke, Fajardo could be a serious threat for 5-time champion Toni Bou. Also returning to the team is James Dabill from England who finished the 2011 outdoor season in 8th place. The team will be managed by former world trial competitor Donato Miglio.  English rider Jack Challoner will ride for the Top Trial Team in all World Championship events as well, making for a very strong team in 2012.

Webb will compete in the Trial series on a RL Racing-prepped Evo 300

2012 Beta Team (USA):

Cody Webb - 350 RR & Evo 300 Factory - Geico Endurocross and AMA Mototrial (Pro)

Justin Sode - 350 RR - GNCC and AMA National Enduro (Open A Class)

Clay Davies - 450 RR - AMA National Hare and Hound (Pro)

Max Gerston - 350 RR - Geico Endurocross (Open Amateur)

Ray Peters - Evo 300 4-Stroke - AMA Mototrial (Expert)

Nick Fonzi - Evo 250 - AMA Mototrial (Expert)

2012 Beta Team (Europe):

Marko Tarkkala - 498 RR - World Enduro Championship

OIscar Balletti - 450 RR - World Enduro Championship

Deny Philippaerts - 450 RR - World Enduro Championship (Boano Team)

Jeroni Fajardo - Evo 300 Factory - World Trial Championship

James Dabill - Evo 300 Factory - World Trial Championship

Jack Challoner - Evo 300 Factory - World Trial Championship (Top Trial Team)

Beta racer Cody Webb Debuted the new 350 RR at the first round of the World Indoor Enduro championship now known as the Superenduro in Genova, Italy. On a track that was faster and more open than the American Endurocross series, Webb finished strong in all three main events with two top fives and a ninth place after bending his brake rotor and losing the front brakes.

"The Superenduro in Genova was a great experience with some positive results. In the first final I was riding timid and took advantage of mistakes from the other riders and made a last second pass before the finish to take fifth. The course had some very fast sections, which I was uncomfortable with for the beginning of the night. In the second final I bent my front rotor early in the second lap and rode the rest of the final with no front brake. I rode to a cautious ninth place. In the third main event I had a bad start, but rode a smart the first two laps and moved up through the pack. On the last lap I made my way up to the third place rider and made a last ditch effort to finish the night with a podium, but I had to come from too far back. I feel as though it was a very successful weekend for me and I can't thank American Beta and the Beta factory enough for giving me this opportunity." Webb comments.

Webb's next extreme event will be at the Hell's Gate Enduro on February 18, 2012.

American Beta has concluded their 2011 racing season on a high note with Cody Webb's performance at the last round of the AMA Geico Endurocross in Las Vegas. The likeable Californian turned the fastest lap times in qualifying and backed it up with a win in his heat race. Webb went on to a 5^th place finish in the first moto and a 9^th in moto two after a fall.

"I felt really confident after my hot lap time. The track was a little more technical than some of the others and I felt this was to my advantage as my 350 works so good in the tight sections. I was a little disappointed by my results in the two main events however I was pleased with my overall performance for the year and am looking forward to challenging Taddy for the title next year!"

After the race, Webb flew to Italy to compete in Round one of the World Indoor Enduro series this Saturday, November 26^th. He will ride a specially prepared Beta 350 RR with a three-speed transmission.

Webb's sponsors include Factory Beta Racing, Dunlop Tires, Kal Gard Lubricants, AXO, Gaerne, Troy Lee Designs, FMF, CV4, Rekluse, Works Connection, TU-Bliss, and DVS, and Country Home Inspection. 

One look at the 2012 Beta 520 RS and you can tell it was made to excel in the dirt, with little or no regard to the street part of the dual-sport equation. For basic intents and purposes, it is a dirt bike with the running gear required to make it street legal. Turn signals, mirrors and a license plate holder are about the only addition to the RS model from the dirt-only RR model. Beta developed the RS just for the U.S. market as dual sport sales continue to rise.

With all its red anodized parts and billet bits the Beta is one trick looking machine, and our young test rider Frankie Garcia found the looks of the RS the most appealing between the two machines tested.

“The Beta comes off the crate looking like a full factory race bike with a red anodized shock chamber, red anodized triple clamps, black forks, a bright red frame, and billet hubs. The thing is TRICK!” says ‘Full Factory for Life’ Garcia.
 

  
The 2012 Beta 520 RS make no bones about being a dirtbike with the required-by-law equipment bolted on.

On the other hand, think the angular radiator shrouds looked dated and a bit out of place on the bike. Also, I would have liked to have seen the sweet red plastics of the RR carried over to the 520 RS.

Looks are vital, but nothing is more important than the ride for the hardcore shredders at MotoUSA - and that’s where the Beta shines. In the dirt the Beta is top dog in the comparison as it spits out full on dirt bike performance that allows you to roll right past Johnny Law and smile. (Although we did get stopped, anyway)

The punch from the 497.4cc mill pulls strong down low and continues to build power all the way to the top end. Although it feels stronger than the Husky, the numbers from our DynoJet 250i reveal it slightly trails it’s Swedish, uh, German, competition with 39.17hp and 25.50ft-lbs of torque. The 15-pound lighter curb weight of 276 pounds and better Michelin Enduro Competition tires obviously impart a better power feeling when on the trail. From 0-60 mph the Beta just edges out the Husky by a quarter of a second with a 4.76s run.

Surprisingly, Beta still chooses to run carburetors on both the RR and RS models. Even so, the throttle response is crisp and there is no sign of bogging from being too rich or lean. However, starting the Beta is where we miss fuel injection. Once hot, the 520 RS was finicky when the starter button was pushed. The Beta just doesn’t jump to life like it’s FI equipped rival, and it takes some cranking to get it to light up. After two days of stopping and starting for photos and video passes, the battery was weak and we even had to kick start it a few times.
 

 
The suspension on the 2012 Beta 520 RS is well suited for whatever dirt craziness you throw at it.

Once running, blasting through the six-speed gearbox was precise and solid. Never once did we miss a shift on the Beta. The Brembo hydraulic clutch offered excellent feel and was buttery smooth.

On the brakes, the Beta’s Nissin calipers and Braking rotors are an excellent combination. The 260mm front rotor was strong with excellent feedback, without any grabbiness. Out back the 240mm rotor and single-piston caliper compliment the front perfectly.

Suspension duties on the 520RS are handled by a Sachs rear shock and a 45mm Marzocchi fork on the front. On the street the Beta was a bit stiffer than the Husky, as we expected, but on the dirt the springy bits were more suited to aggressive riding. The fork was a complaint in the rocks but was still stiff enough to really pound through the whoops and g-outs strewn throughout the Southern California desert. The rear shock handled everything we threw at it with composure, and tracked straight and true through even the gnarliest of sections. Whoever was piloting the Beta was always out in front when the terrain got nasty.

Handling on the RS was exceptional in the dirt with quick steering and a lighter side-to-side feel. The only time the front end was unsettled was in slow speed sand washes where the rear end traction would cause some serious pushing. On hard pack surfaces, however, the package was neutral and confidence inspiring. Once on the street, the 520 wasn’t as composed in the corners as the Husky, which really boils down to tire selection. We would gladly give up the stability on the street for dirt domination, but that’s just us.

Doing work behind the bars of the Beta is more hard edged than the TE511.

The seat is narrower and stiff, making long street sections an uncomfortable affair. However, the push button seat release is so trick I would click the button just for fun. Just like the Husky, the Beta’s controls are top of the line with dual density grips that should be the industry standard. One gripe from both of us was that the mirrors are cheap and not up to the standards of the rest of the bike’s high quality components.

When all the numbers are added up the 2012 Beta RS and Husqvarna TE511 are locked in a dead heat with both machines scoring the same amount of points. Both mounts are great choices for the aggressive dual sport rider. But draws are disappointing, and there must be a winner! The Beta scored more points in the subjective categories, and so we are inclined to give it the nod as our winner. With better performance in the dirt the 520 RS just barely edges out the TE511 for hardcore dual-sport supremacy; it was just more fun to ride, plain and simple.

PASO ROBLES, CA (November 3, 2011) Beta Enduro Cross regular Cody Webb will be in Tennessee this weekend to try out a GNCC. This week's GNCC double-header makes for a great chance to have the California native and 2010 Mototrial Champion put his abilities and fitness to the test. Riding a MX Motorsports-prepped Beta 400 RR Webb will compete in the elite XC1 Pro class on Friday and Sunday. Webb Joins teammate Jesse Robinson and Justin Sode for a three-man Beta assult.   

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to ride the last two GNCC races at Loretta Lynn's ranch. I'm taking this race as a learning experience and to get some more race time before the last round of Endurocross in Vegas. I'm looking forward to having a great time this weekend and get my feet wet for more offroad racing in the future. I want to thank American Beta,  the Sode family, and MX Motorsports for making this opportunity possible." Webb explains.
 

PASO ROBLES, CA (October 6, 2011) Beta Enduro Cross regular Cody Webb raced his Beta 350 RR to 4th place at Round 5 of the Geico/AMA Enduro Cross Series held in Denver, Colorado this past weekend. The Mototrial specialist started the night out with a heat race win over Geoff Aaron transferring him directly into the main event. The likeable Californian now sits 4th in points. Round 6 will be held in Boise, Idaho on October 22nd.

"The race went well considering the unfortunate luck I had coming out of the first turn. I got hit from behind and got hung up on the first log and fell over causing me to round the first turn in second to last place. For the next two laps I battled hard and fought through traffic to make it into fourth place. I could see the three leaders ahead and pushed real hard to catch them because I knew they would gap me if I didn't catch them in the beginning of the race. Mike Brown eventually made a big mistake and I got right on his rear tire. Unfortunately, I pumped up real bad and couldn't push as hard as I was earlier in the race to make the pass for third. I had to settle for fourth, but I was still content with my finish considering the circumstances on the first lap. I was also really happy with the performance of my 350 RR during the race. Once the bike was jetted for the Mile High City, the bike was dialed and had a substantial horsepower increase compared to some of the other fuel injected models. Now it's time to head home and try a few new tricks up our sleeves to keep on improving." Webb explains.