613 replies to this topic

[MrBlahh Get Help Now]

I've never seen ktm advertising, but holy crap have they taken over the races here

gasgas is starting to do the same, all by word of mouth, I know I just bought one because of it

[MrBlahh Get Help Now]

I cant tell if your agreeing with me or not, because you repeated some of the same things I said, and contradicted others

either way, I've not seen ktm advertise at all,   nothing like yamaha/honda do on tv

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

We're talking some serious apples and oranges here. Beta brought out their bikes in what year for the enduro market? What 2007? 2005?
When did Ktm/penton bring in bikes to the US?   in the early 70's. I remember as I ended up with a new 77 ktm 250 that was blazing fast. No one else ran a ktm then..just one expert. There were 2 ktms brought in and we bought those 2.Sound familiar? . ..or I should say my Dad bought mine. It was like that for many years. There actually was a transition phase folks. What's the time difference between the 2?  Beta around 7 yrs and KTM around 35 yrs... at least?!!  and now you think Beta is supposed  to match that difference?..but without the time and growth and public product knowledge... Kind of interesting the mentality here.  My Dad had a flock of ktms and we've had Bultacos and Huskys and yammies and hondas.etc etc .. None of those were bought on demo days.. Like I said earlier .. It's nicer and all but it's a small brand vs much much bigger older brand. Ktm was just like BETA at one time . People used to look at me and my bike on the line saying "What kind of bike is that?" all while looking at my ktm in 78'...and that is while he motorcycle boom was still happening. We are in a down economy now and still Beta has sold their bikes and moved forward very quickly. Also look around. We just had an old yamaha/Honda dealership just close. Look at the backing and advertising  Honda and yamaha have...yet they along with all the motorcycle companies and dealerships are hurting.

[MrBlahh Get Help Now]

I bought my ktm by word of mouth and riding other peoples bikes, I dont go to dealers and I dont read the magazines

I bought my gasgas for the same reason, people that own them love them

beta seems to have the same thing going for it

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

weantright, on 26 February 2012 - 05:11 AM, said:

You can have the best product but without advertising, marketing and networking you can't grow. I have talked to many Beta dealers on both sides of the country and all say the same thing , no one wants to risk their money. #1 reason there are limited Betas brought into the states is AB doesn't want to risk theirs money. They spend nothing on advertising, nothing on marketing, nothing on dealer support. Stop crying the poor little Beta story because it's thier own doing. Want to play in the states then you better have a plan outside of word of mouth.

"..without advertising , marketing and networking you can't grow" ... huh? Your post doesn't make sense. Beta has grown every year and is getting better and better.I don't get it... "Stop crying the poor little Beta story? Whaaat? Not me... Read my post again... I'm giving them credit for doin well enough to expand when some dealerships are going under. As far as AB goes .. I don't know what their business plan is like but It's partly supposed to be having fewer bikes and giving better service to the customer. I like that and I can say AB has been good to me .  I don't know what your personal beef is. What's the deal?f You want it buy it . .don't want it don't buy it.. or buy whatever bike you want out there. KTM , husky, , gasgas , sherco , TM, ossa, honda, yamaha... I don't know. It sounds like a sh** or get off the pot kind of situation. Analyzing and criticizing Beta's marketing plan isn't very important. You like the bike buy it. You don't don't buy it. Simple.  For me I'm good for right now. I have my super modded setup for trail cr 250 for a 2 stroke and my Beta 525 RS. My next targets after this will be a 498 Beta RS and maybe a ktm or husaberg 300 for the 2 stroke side. I don't know though Beta has rumours of a 2 stroke enduro  that came out of Trail Bike Magazine? I didn't see it but heard of it.. That will be interesting to see..

[BoiseBee TT Bronze Member]

Uhhh..... yes Beta has built bikes longer than KTM...... but NOT enduro bikes. The Beta enduros have only been out for what, 6 model years? Give em a break.

Beta also has no plans or dreams of becoming the #1 off road bike manufacturer. If KTM does.... good for them, they've probably achieved their goal. Some of us that are going to drop the cash for a new bike want something different..that is where a company like Beta or GasGas come into play. Not everyone has to drink the orange coolaid.... we will do our research and buy what is right for us. Beta wants to import just enough bikes to satisfy the people who want to buy them, and not flood the dealerships and cause year-end markdowns and decreased values. Good for them.

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

weantright, on 26 February 2012 - 02:44 PM, said:

I guess if I wanted to start a wheel company it would take me 35 years to become popular. Again Beta has built bikes a long time, longer than KTM. I guess you start new when you enter another country. Leadership mentality is the reason Beta is where it's at. Not because they are a new company or even a small one. KTM made it here in the states for one reason,, they set out to be number 1 in off road. This is not a Beta Italy issue, It's a North American issue. I will save the seat next to me when you wake up and expect more from your bike importer.

How do you figure any of what you say here? To me KTM looked similar to Beta 7 years in to being into the US. It was a new company just like Beta is and they didn't sell a lot of bikes... I don't know though that was a very long time ago... but even then who cares? Bike companies are what they are. If you want the bike get it. If you don't don't get it.They aren't going to change overnight for me. It's their company and it's their  approach to making their company with the resources they have. You sure have super high unrealistic  expectations for Beta on the administrative level? What's the point? Why should I or anyone else have this higher expectation for this 7 year in this country dirt bike company.



"I will save the seat next to me when you wake up and expect more from your bike importer."

This is the weird statement to me. I am getting excellent service from my bike importer...american beta . When I need a part or information for my bike it is handled and handled very fast. It's been better than any other company so far. That's more important for my purposes.

[KX290F Pilot TT Bronze Member]

I will say one very positive thing about American Beta here.  They put my used 2008 400RR on their website with photos to help me sell it.  I don't think any other bike distributor is doing that for free.  Thanks to American Beta.  Maybe if it sells I can focus on a new factory RR and get a test ride.

http://www.americanbeta.com/node/763

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

KX290F Pilot, on 28 February 2012 - 03:36 PM, said:

I will say one very positive thing about American Beta here. They put my used 2008 400RR on their website with photos to help me sell it. I don't think any other bike distributor is doing that for free. Thanks to American Beta. Maybe if it sells I can focus on a new factory RR and get a test ride. http://www.americanbeta.com/node/763

Good luck on that.. You actually have a nice bike there and I think your price is a deal for what you're getting. I'd recommend anyone around here to buy it if it was closer. For my 09 525 rs (that's pretty much the same as your bike except for plastic color and top end size).... I just put on the red Beta combo triple clamp that was recently for sale on closeout from Beta . I think it's 17.5 or 20 mm offsett. I put it on 17.5 which is closer to stock which is something like 16.5.. or so I'm not sure off the top of my head. What I'm more interested in is the adjustment of moving the bars more forward on the tripleclamp as there are 3 positions on the top clamp. I'm trying the more forward for now as I have some long arms . I think it might work good but I'll try different positions. I had been using a used brp 18.5 brp triple clamp that seemed to work good but a little different than stock ... I will try this and see how it goes. I bought the extended shaft for the rear shock but I'm just keeping that on hold for now until revalve time..which I probably should have done already by now. I just put a stiffer rear shock spring so far.

Edited by hawaiidirtrider, 28 February 2012 - 09:09 PM.

[catfish TT 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.

When I bought my 2011 520RS back in July, the dealer didn't have a new one in stock.  He had a slightly-used 450 on the floor though.  I got to test ride it in the large parking lot next to the building.  The 3.8-gallon tanks were just announced by AB.  It took a $3000 deposit on a visa card to order my 520.  It arrived at the dealer about a week later.  AB shipped the tank directly to me a few days afterwards.

All of those dealers you mentioned will order you a Beta when you show you are serious.  I understand your desire to see a new one first.  Ever considered moving to California?  ;-)

I remember a friend back in Mississippi in the early '70s who owned a furniture business.  He wanted a Zundapp 175 Enduro and couldn't find a dealer within 500 miles.  He became a Zundapp dealer (for next to nothing if I recall correctly) so he could buy the 175 he wanted & a selection of spare parts at a pretty good price!

HEY maybe YOU could become your own Beta dealer too!  :-)

Good luck George.

Catfish ...

[KX290F Pilot TT Bronze Member]

hawaiidirtrider, on 28 February 2012 - 08:30 PM, said:

Good luck on that.. You actually have a nice bike there and I think your price is a deal for what you're getting. I'd recommend anyone around here to buy it if it was closer. For my 09 525 rs (that's pretty much the same as your bike except for plastic color and top end size).... I just put on the red Beta combo triple clamp that was recently for sale on closeout from Beta . I think it's 17.5 or 20 mm offsett. I put it on 17.5 which is closer to stock which is something like 16.5.. or so I'm not sure off the top of my head. What I'm more interested in is the adjustment of moving the bars more forward on the tripleclamp as there are 3 positions on the top clamp. I'm trying the more forward for now as I have some long arms . I think it might work good but I'll try different positions. I had been using a used brp 18.5 brp triple clamp that seemed to work good but a little different than stock ... I will try this and see how it goes. I bought the extended shaft for the rear shock but I'm just keeping that on hold for now until revalve time..which I probably should have done already by now. I just put a stiffer rear shock spring so far.

The Beta after market clamps are 18-20mm offset if I remember right.  Stock is 16mm offset.  I rode the bike stock again for break in of the top end before selling and this thing can carve around the tight stuff well.  The stock bar adjust is 4 position. The bar clamps can be flipped and two spots on the triple clamp mounting.  My son is 6'3" and he had to run most forward position on his Beta.  I'm short so I run it all the way back with a tall handle bar.  The racers I knew here locally also ran the BRP 18.5 triples for better high speed stability.  Nice clamps too.  The red Beta clamps look nice too.  When I was shopping for clamps I thought they were a little pricey but sounds like you got a good deal on them.

Edited by KX290F Pilot, 29 February 2012 - 06:20 AM.

[Chas_M TT Addict]

Here in the Sacramento, CA area we are lucky to have two Beta dealers, i.e. Capitol Yamaha, and Motoxotica in nearby Vacaville.  I am somewhat concerned by the fact that Capitol Yamaha has not sold a single Beta since taking over the Beta dealership.  They even have two holdover brand new '09 models in their inventory.  I feel that part of the problem is a lack of advertising on their part.  'Word of mouth' only reaches out so far.

On another topic, I take exception to a comment in the previous post regarding triple clamp offset.  Since 18.5mm triple clamps have less steering trail than the stock 16mm clamps, the laws of physics determine and dictate that high speed stability will be better with the stock clamps (everything else being equal).

Edited by Chas_M, 29 February 2012 - 08:53 AM.

[KX290F Pilot TT Bronze Member]

Chas_M, on 29 February 2012 - 08:51 AM, said:

Here in the Sacramento, CA area we are lucky to have two Beta dealers, i.e. Capitol Yamaha, and Motoxotica in nearby Vacaville.  I am somewhat concerned by the fact that Capitol Yamaha has not sold a single Beta since taking over the Beta dealership.  They even have two holdover brand new '09 models in their inventory.  I feel that part of the problem is a lack of advertising on their part.  'Word of mouth' only reaches out so far.

On another topic, I take exception to a comment in the previous post regarding triple clamp offset.  Since 18.5mm triple clamps have less steering trail than the stock 16mm clamps, the laws of physics determine and dictate that high speed stability will be better with the stock clamps (everything else being equal).

Here is the opinion of someone who knows more than me.  I only speak from experience.  The page is about KTM but applies to any bike.

http://www.emigracing.com/confused.htm

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

Chas_M, on 29 February 2012 - 08:51 AM, said:

Here in the Sacramento, CA area we are lucky to have two Beta dealers, i.e. Capitol Yamaha, and Motoxotica in nearby Vacaville. I am somewhat concerned by the fact that Capitol Yamaha has not sold a single Beta since taking over the Beta dealership. They even have two holdover brand new '09 models in their inventory. I feel that part of the problem is a lack of advertising on their part. 'Word of mouth' only reaches out so far. On another topic, I take exception to a comment in the previous post regarding triple clamp offset. Since 18.5mm triple clamps have less steering trail than the stock 16mm clamps, the laws of physics determine and dictate that high speed stability will be better with the stock clamps (everything else being equal).

I don't know personally since I haven't ridden high speed for any great length of time on both triple clamps . The desert pro that I got the brp clamp said that he thought the brp was the best clamp of the 3 different clamps for his purposes which includes desert high speed...for what it's worth. I do know that my dealer said that the stock Beta was sketchy at high speed when he tested it before becoming a dealer..of course the bike is sprung and set up soft when new and hes a big guy. The thing is Beta offers up this red triple clamp up with the the 17.5 and 20 offsett for a reason . I'm guessing it's high speed but I don't really know especially with the longer rear shock shaft also offered for sale from Beta .That I think would change geometry also a bit. I guess the Beta suspension representatives can chime in anytime. It's kinda there for anyone to purchase but not with any direction for what may work for what situation..

Edited by hawaiidirtrider, 29 February 2012 - 12:34 PM.

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

KX290F Pilot, on 29 February 2012 - 10:24 AM, said:

Here is the opinion of someone who knows more than me.  I only speak from experience.  The page is about KTM but applies to any bike.

http://www.emigracing.com/confused.htm

Thanks .. This is a good little article. Sometimes my eyes glaze over when reading suspension theory. I pick up more and more with each reading.

[hawaiidirtrider Get Help Now]

Chas_M, on 29 February 2012 - 08:51 AM, said:

Here in the Sacramento, CA area we are lucky to have two Beta dealers, i.e. Capitol Yamaha, and Motoxotica in nearby Vacaville.  I am somewhat concerned by the fact that Capitol Yamaha has not sold a single Beta since taking over the Beta dealership.  They even have two holdover brand new '09 models in their inventory.  I feel that part of the problem is a lack of advertising on their part.  'Word of mouth' only reaches out so far.

On another topic, I take exception to a comment in the previous post regarding triple clamp offset.  Since 18.5mm triple clamps have less steering trail than the stock 16mm clamps, the laws of physics determine and dictate that high speed stability will be better with the stock clamps (everything else being equal).

I guess Motoexotica might be pulling sales away. I've heard their name many times as a good dealership . Maybe Capital Yamaha isn't putting enough effort or matching prices with Motoexotica being so close? Could be lots of things. I'd like Beta dealerships to do well overall because I like the brand and bike but really it's just one of those things that is what it is. High end more expensive enduro bikes from italy are just a luxury that only some are willing to pay extra for. To ride trail all we really need is around 2 grand for a good used mx/trail bike and it's riding time. I think most of us are lucky and are able to get much more than many. Of course this is cheap comnpared to cars , boats and planes in which case I could only afford the model type ..

[husky34 TT Titanium Member]

Chas_M, on 29 February 2012 - 08:51 AM, said:

Here in the Sacramento, CA area we are lucky to have two Beta dealers, i.e. Capitol Yamaha, and Motoxotica in nearby Vacaville.  I am somewhat concerned by the fact that Capitol Yamaha has not sold a single Beta since taking over the Beta dealership.  They even have two holdover brand new '09 models in their inventory.  I feel that part of the problem is a lack of advertising on their part.  'Word of mouth' only reaches out so far.

On another topic, I take exception to a comment in the previous post regarding triple clamp offset.  Since 18.5mm triple clamps have less steering trail than the stock 16mm clamps, the laws of physics determine and dictate that high speed stability will be better with the stock clamps (everything else being equal).

MotoXotica is a "Mom & Pop" style old school moto shop. That's a GREAT thing IMO. They sell both Beta and Husqvarna as well as service Husaberg, TM and the old VOR's.
When you deal with a "smaller" seller such as them, you get a lot better service than you do with a high volume dealer. Nothing against Capitol at all, but the customer attention, service and the friendly smiling faces who treat you right goes a long way. MotoXotica sold all there 2010/2011 Beta's. All they have left are 2012's now according to their web site. They don't deal in real high volume but if there is a Husky or Beta you want and they don't have it, they will get it..... Same goes for parts. Their awesome and good people!

[husky34 TT Titanium Member]

hawaiidirtrider, on 29 February 2012 - 01:53 PM, said:

I guess Motoexotica might be pulling sales away. I've heard their name many times as a good dealership .

Bingo.... And rightly so!

Edited by husky34, 29 February 2012 - 02:35 PM.

[happy seal TT Platinum Member]

I truely dont understand why he is so persistant on bashing Beta. I can't even come into the Beta threads anymore. Go buy a &%$#@!ing KTM already and wander off into those threads. Your banter is getting confusing as you speak in circles.

I'm going to go bash the TM thread.

[KX290F Pilot TT Bronze Member]

happy seal, on 29 February 2012 - 07:32 PM, said:

I truely dont understand why he is so persistant on bashing Beta. I can't even come into the Beta threads anymore. Go buy a &%$#@!ing KTM already and wander off into those threads. Your banter is getting confusing as you speak in circles.

I'm going to go bash the TM thread.

Try to stay Happy.  Go ride your Beta soon.