613 replies to this topic

[happy seal TT Platinum Member]

I work with a kid who says they just add weight, especially when they get filled w loam. You,ll hit sand. No big deal.

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

happy seal, on 11 February 2012 - 07:57 PM, said:

I work with a kid who says they just add weight, especially when they get filled w loam. You,ll hit sand. No big deal.

For the hardcore guys ...Ok..but....
I always thought the weight issue was ridiculous. It's the throttle hand and it's position that matters more to me . Put a small sliver of foam across the front of the skid plate so it doesn't fill with loam/soil ...but whatever.....The getting crazy with titanium and carbon fiber parts is a huge waste of time to me.  If some want to go naked it's fine. I know the frame tubes still get hit . That's why many companies still sell glide plates for MX .  http://www.thumperta...ta/page__st__20 . To me Beta is a high end bike and it looks wrong to have frame guards but no skid plate.  eeeehhh  but no big deal. ..I don't care about mx anymore anyway except to watch. My domain is in the trail!!!!!!!!!!!!  It's way more fun overall.

[dirtbird TT Bronze Member]

http://www.betamotor...in-basella-race

Robert is very popular in Greece after the manic way he was riding his TM125 (or 144?) during the 2008 Greek I.S.D.E.
He was riding so hard the little stroker, that he had to replace clutch disks between special stages. Despite being relatively unknown, soon he bacame one of the crowd's favorites!!!

Edited by dirtbird, 17 February 2012 - 11:11 AM.

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

dirtbird, on 17 February 2012 - 11:06 AM, said:

http://www.betamotor...in-basella-race

Robert is very popular in Greece after the manic way he was riding his TM125 (or 144?) during the 2008 Greek I.S.D.E.
He was riding so hard the little stroker, that he had to replace clutch disks between special stages. Despite being relatively unknown, soon he bacame one of the crowd's favorites!!!

Sounds like Beta got a good rider! Thanks for posting! It's great that you can share some info that we don't get so much.

You probably know already Americanbeta gives regular emails of updates if you want them . It's kind of nice and of course the stuff from their website:

http://www.americanbeta.com/node/728

Edited by hawaiidirtrider, 17 February 2012 - 03:55 PM.

[CRFJeff113 TT Bronze Member]

hawaiidirtrider, on 11 February 2012 - 11:08 PM, said:

For the hardcore guys ...Ok..but....
I always thought the weight issue was ridiculous. It's the throttle hand and it's position that matters more to me . Put a small sliver of foam across the front of the skid plate so it doesn't fill with loam/soil ...but whatever.....The getting crazy with titanium and carbon fiber parts is a huge waste of time to me.  If some want to go naked it's fine. I know the frame tubes still get hit . That's why many companies still sell glide plates for MX .  http://www.thumperta...ta/page__st__20 . To me Beta is a high end bike and it looks wrong to have frame guards but no skid plate.  eeeehhh  but no big deal. ..I don't care about mx anymore anyway except to watch. My domain is in the trail!!!!!!!!!!!!  It's way more fun overall.

Frame tubes rarely hit, and if they do, they've already had the suspension slowing down the impact. Even so, a blow to the frame tubes isn't really an issue. Ppl are usually more worried about their engine case, but that's just me... Maybe I'm weird.

BY the way guys... Had a talk with Tim Pilg this weekend.


Watch the Vid... IDK how to embed it.

Edited by CRFJeff113, 22 February 2012 - 01:51 PM.

[CRFJeff113 TT Bronze Member]

nevermind then... it embeds automatically ... SUPER

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

CRFJeff113, on 22 February 2012 - 01:56 PM, said:

nevermind then... it embeds automatically ... SUPER

Yea.. that's  one of the TT upgrades I guess. Beautiful bike...just gorgeous!!! A 498 Beta  street legal would be what I would get  a new bike. I like the bigger bore Beta's

[BoiseBee TT Bronze Member]

I see Beta is releasing "Factory Edition" RR bikes in early April..... Lost of sweet upgrades for not much more $ than a KTM. Sweet looking bike too!

[YHGEORGE TT Addict]

BoiseBee, on 24 February 2012 - 01:23 PM, said:

I see Beta is releasing "Factory Edition" RR bikes in early April..... Lost of sweet upgrades for not much more $ than a KTM. Sweet looking bike too!

Where did you find this info? Thanks.

[BoiseBee TT Bronze Member]

YHGEORGE, on 24 February 2012 - 03:20 PM, said:

Where did you find this info? Thanks.

http://www.americanbeta.com/node/770

[KX290F Pilot TT Bronze Member]

BoiseBee, on 24 February 2012 - 01:23 PM, said:

I see Beta is releasing "Factory Edition" RR bikes in early April..... Lost of sweet upgrades for not much more $ than a KTM. Sweet looking bike too!

  Nice bikes and would love to own one, but I am having problems selling a used Beta.  I have 2 already and don't have the room for 3 unfortunately.

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

KX290F Pilot, on 24 February 2012 - 06:51 PM, said:

Nice bikes and would love to own one, but I am having problems selling a used Beta.  I have 2 already and don't have the room for 3 unfortunately.

All bikes are hard to sell right now and everyone wants the mega cheap price no matter what ...heck cars , boats, anything people want the ridiculously  lolow price is what people want. It's definitely a buyers market and the buyers have gotten used to asking for cheap. Beta's are great bikes. People just don't know what a great deal you have there. I've basicly got the same bike with a bigger motor and I love my bike.It handles and rides awesome. Of course I'm like you ..I'd only sell if I was upgrading to a new gen Beta.. .It's just where times are and the word is just getting more and more out there about how these bikes work.

[YHGEORGE TT Addict]

Marketing FAIL!

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

YHGEORGE, on 25 February 2012 - 10:50 AM, said:

Marketing FAIL!

??? I guess all dirt bike companies are failing then

http://www.motorcycl...8--in-2010.aspx

Beta is actually doing better than most in a horrible down market. Beta is just breaking into the market without a recognizeable name brand ... a significant disadvantage against other manufacturers and still has made a name and dent in the american market.. even with a very limited amount of bikes brought into the country. I am actually kind of shocked that they have done as well as they have.... even though I love my bike. Here Ive found an updated article.. scooters and dualsports are listed as comeback kids associated with high fuel prices..

http://latimesblogs....ycle-sales.html .

funny how the highway bikes are down in sales.. ..although I don't see the Beta's in the dualsport category..more street legal dirt bike. It would be nice to find what the numbers are for 2011 dirt..

http://www.webbikewo...-statistics.htm

Edited by hawaiidirtrider, 25 February 2012 - 01:00 PM.

[YHGEORGE TT Addict]

Was referring to the idea of Beta seemingly dependant on riders to spread the word. That is a very good thing IF there are bikes out there being ridden. But in the majority of areas the Beta is invisible.  And of the five dealers I have contacted to find one (350/400RR) none of ANY model were available. And not one dealer was planning to even put another on the floor. Of any size. I think it will be a long slow grind without MANY more dealers and a better floor plan model.

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

YHGEORGE, on 25 February 2012 - 12:22 PM, said:

Was referring to the idea of Beta seemingly dependant on riders to spread the word. That is a very good thing IF there are bikes out there being ridden. But in the majority of areas the Beta is invisible. And of the five dealers I have contacted to find one (350/400RR) none of ANY model were available. And not one dealer was planning to even put another on the floor. Of any size. I think it will be a long slow grind without MANY more dealers and a better floor plan model.

Isn't that how it is for all high end 9-11 thousand dollar motorcycles? When you throw down that much cash you look for all the info you can ..especially the opinions of others that ride those bikes.. Isn't that why you are here? This is a down market but if you or anyone really wants to buy a Beta you can . It's easy and that factory rr looks awesome.But really look around . All the major dirt mags have full page ads of Betas . Beta is hiring top riders like Cody Webb and flying him around the world to compete with the best and they are doing well . From what I see Beta is definitely getting the word out on the Bikes. It definitely isn't only on word of mouth even though I think that is mainly why I bought one.
As far as a floor plan. That doesn't make any sense with so few Beta's being brought in. Every one of the Beta owners never needed a floor plan. I sure didn't care. There's more info available for riders to choose bikes than ever before for all motorcycles. Put a search on how Beta rr and rs's for sale on google. There aren't many out there for sale for a reason. They are sold. I think the rush is more for the newest generation Beta's for obvious reasons.They are the newest but the 2009 and earlier like I have are awesome bikes and have their advantages too like the rfs motor that so many love for their performance, durability,etc etc. It's a down market and there are there's a select group that are going to buy now . Lots of guys will just get whatever bike and ride it and mod it out. Not many will throw down for the best . Plus Beta has Husaberg, Ktm, Husky , sherco, gasgas and other great bikes to compete against for these customers. There's only so many pieces to the pie. That's why I think Beta has done well considering.

Edited by hawaiidirtrider, 25 February 2012 - 02:32 PM.

[happy seal TT Platinum Member]

YHGEORGE, on 25 February 2012 - 12:22 PM, said:

Was referring to the idea of Beta seemingly dependant on riders to spread the word. That is a very good thing IF there are bikes out there being ridden. But in the majority of areas the Beta is invisible.  And of the five dealers I have contacted to find one (350/400RR) none of ANY model were available. And not one dealer was planning to even put another on the floor. Of any size. I think it will be a long slow grind without MANY more dealers and a better floor plan model.

I have never been involved with a persons negative views as much as yours. I have not been posting in Beta section much just for this reason.

1. KTM, TM, Ossa, Gas Gas and others dont come into America with two container ships filled with bikes.
The President on American Beta even told us that a couple months ago.
2. Word of mouth is the best way to make the bike a "wanted" item. They have that. The bikes that are being imported to the US are mostly already sold. They are not going to have bikes laying around.
IF YOU WANT ONE, GO BUY ONE!

MARKETING=

2012 Hell's Gate Enduro Results | Enduro360.com
Full Article at Motorcycle USA

The Beta Buzz


There is your marketing and proof that Beta is doing just what they want to do!   Unfortunately they dont give a rats ass what YOU think.

Go to Suzuki and sit on a DRZ and try to take that for a test ride. LOL!

[KX290F Pilot TT Bronze Member]

I must be the crazy one that kept buying bikes from 2008-2011.  In that time frame I purchased (2) 2008 Betas, (1) 2010 KX450F and (1) 2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC.  I am now shopping for another Euro dirt bike off road ride to replace my 400RR.  Beta's marketing plan is different but it is setup to help them survive.  I've tried to sit on one before I buy a new bike and cannot find a dealer within 300 miles of me with a 2010-2012 350rr or 400rr.  I can't bring myself to spend the cash for a bike sight unseen.  Never done that before and can't bring myself to do it now.  When I bought my other Beta's we had a local dealer and I had three friends with the bikes to try out.  When I bought my Triumph it was because I was able to ride it as a demo first at a dealer also.  The Kawasaki was for my son who just loves those bikes and had ridden a friends already too.  With Beta I have nothing to even sit on and I have confidence issues with purchasing such an expensive machine without at least seeing it and sitting on it.  I have to say KTM has the best marketing.  I went to their demo day recently and got to ride just about every off-road bike they make.  This made a very positive impression with me.  I haven't bought an orange bike yet, but it has me leaning that way for sure.

Edited by KX290F Pilot, 25 February 2012 - 03:08 PM.

[YHGEORGE TT Addict]

happy seal, on 25 February 2012 - 02:46 PM, said:

I have never been involved with a persons negative views as much as yours. I have not been posting in Beta section much just for this reason.

1. KTM, TM, Ossa, Gas Gas and others dont come into America with two container ships filled with bikes.
The President on American Beta even told us that a couple months ago.
2. Word of mouth is the best way to make the bike a "wanted" item. They have that. The bikes that are being imported to the US are mostly already sold. They are not going to have bikes laying around.
IF YOU WANT ONE, GO BUY ONE!

MARKETING=

2012 Hell's Gate Enduro Results | Enduro360.com
Full Article at Motorcycle USA

The Beta Buzz


There is your marketing and proof that Beta is doing just what they want to do!   Unfortunately they dont give a rats ass what YOU think.

Go to Suzuki and sit on a DRt for a test ride. LOL!

Go buy one, where? Maybe you should reread my post. Carefully.

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

weantright, on 25 February 2012 - 02:58 PM, said:

Make a dent in American????? You are truly bias. You need to sell 1000 bikes just to be considered competition. What KTM or Husky sold in one model was more than twice what Beta sold completely. Not knocking them but deffently not near a dent. Sure they are making headway in a tough market/ times but so are the others. Word of mouth works locally but advertising at national races, shows and demo trucks spread the word better. Ask KTM YGeorge, new dealer here in Ohio will have a 350RR in the showroom shortly. He has sold one to a racer going to southern Ohio. Flip side his other bikes are flying out the door. Market here is good with most buyers are racers. It is hard to sell a buyer on a bike that cost $1000 more without a major name. I have 3 weeks to decide on bike. Hopefully I can ride that 350rr before the dealer sells it.

Of course Beta has made a dent in the market. You are proof of it and everyone interested in reading these threads along with seeing Beta win Baja and Lampkin winning Hell's Gate and Webb getting fastest lap time in the vegas endurocross... along with all the rave reviews and great reports in bike shootouts in the magazines..... There's a buzz. What's a Beta? What the hell is a Beta doing there? People are starting to know about a Beta and word of mouth is out on these bikes being great... everyone knows there are other good bikes to get. We all could be buying Ktm's if we wanted.

It's simple and you already know it. Ktm brings in how many bikes compared to Beta? Tons more...All things being equal of course I'd want to try a bike before buying. but if one company brings in 10000 and the other brings in 300 spread out in 50 states in the country the one bringing in 300 just isn't going to have many demo days and bikes available...especially since Betas are great bikes . It just doesn't make sense business wise. I've bought a few bikes sight unseen. If you don't want to buy it simple . Buy something else. To whine over how a small company breaking into a very small segment of dirt riding market under a bad economy is a waste to me. Just buy something else. no worries. Look I live in the middle of nowhere. You guys can jump in your car and drive to a variety of dealers ...... whaaat? If you're grumbling it looks lame to me and it isn't bias. I don't even have the newer Beta.. so I may be looking to buy a newer streetlegal dirtbike in a year or 2. I can go and buy a new KTM or Husky or Gasgas for that matter. I know those bikes are good too. We don't have a Husaberg dealer although I might still pick one up if I ever wanted to get a 2 stroke and the improvements over a ktm were significant enough. So buy one or don't buy one it's all fine .. but to say Beta is not doing a great job under the circumstances is just not true to me.

Edited by hawaiidirtrider, 25 February 2012 - 07:50 PM.