Brian Cappar is a ten time South African Supermoto Champion and master of the Trials Bike (he was also the first rider in the World to successfully land a back flip on a Trials bike) and his Red Bull sponsor offered him the opportunity to do something totally different like ride over the high arch of South Africa’s spectacular Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The 350-metre-long and 105-metre-high arch in Durban is the largest of its kind in the world, with 550 steps from base to the top, and using a special 65 kg Beta Evo 300 Capper made it up the steep incline and over the top and safely back down.

“For months now it’s been a process of getting my mind around the magnitude of doing this,” said Capper. “Before today, the most stairs I’ve climbed is 20. Now I’ve accomplished it. It’s a pretty awesome feeling.”

After updates to the Beta RR Enduro 350 4T for 2012, the smaller RR Enduro 50 and RR Motard 50 get new features for 2012, too. The 50cc models are designed to offer some of the options of the larger bikes on the smaller cylinder engine, and for 2012 they get a completely new design along with technical updates.

The chassis and overall finish of the smallest in the Beta offroad range get overhauled, and the result is a mix of agility, balance and a great ride on what have evolved into good-looking bikes. The Beta enduro and motard range have been developed to provide a mix of entry-level and premium models in a varied price range.

The top-ranging RR Enduro Factory and RR Motard Track have specialised components and high performance for racing or just to beat others in city traffic. The Standard enduro and supermotard models have more classic components and good value for money for those not wanting to go overboard on either performance or track-spec technology. Below are more details of the new 50cc Beta offroad range.

Beta RR Enduro/Motard 50 MY 2012

Beta RR Enduro 50 and 50 Standard

new mask and front headlamp design
new front mudguard design equipped with bracket
new LED tail lamp and plate holder
new multifunctional digital instrument
new electric equipment for a better lightning
new front brake pump improving modulation
new chain pad, lighter and more modern
new frame with elliptic section tubes
increase of steering angle (+1,5°) for improving handling and stability
new high impact colours and graphic designs
ø 37 mm front fork
steel wheels
steel swing arm
mounted direct shock absorber
all black seat

Beta RR Enduro 50 Racing

More than just a restyling of the traditional RR, this is a completely original design created specifically for Enduro competitions – a specialized bike that has all the features necessary to put it at the top of its class. The new RR Enduro Racing design is the fruit of experience gained in the Under 23 Italian Championship competitions, with second-, third, and fifth-place finishes in the final 2005 results, as the 30% of 50cc class riders who ride Beta bikes can confirm.
Main features:

Dual radiators for higher cooling efficiency under stress, for consistent performance.
No automatic oil pump, for lighter weight. Fuel: 2.5% synthetic oil mix.
Straight-cut primary transmission with a reinforced clutch basket for a net reduction of mechanical loss.
No counterrotating balance shaft, to increase engine responsiveness.
Adjustable hydraulically damped 41 mm forks (hydraulic damping with spring preload).
Monoshock with preload adjustment and hydraulic damping in compression and rebound.
Even more progressive new linkage system, with aluminum connecting and rocker arms.
Aluminum swing arm with a broader cross section, for increased strength and stiffness.
Aluminum rims.
Aluminum handlebars.
New backlit digital instrument panel.

Beta RR Motard 50

Completely renewed, RR Motard 50 gets a fresh and more aggressive look, in line with the RR Enduro 4T design.

Main new features:

new mask and front headlamp design
front mudguard equipped with bracket
new LED tail lamp and plate holder
new multifunctional digital instrument
new electric equipment for a better lightning
new front brake pump for improving modulation
new chain pad, lighter and more modern
new extrusion swing arm
aluminium wheels black coloured
ø 36 mm front fork with black leg
new frame with elliptic section tubes
increase of steering angle (+1,5°) for improving handling and stability
new high impact colours and graphic designs
new two-colour seat

Beta RR 50 Motard Standard

Same quality and feature of the traditional version with a basic equipment and a cheaper price. The best quality-price ratio!

The features equipment are increased than in the 2009 version:

new mask and front headlamp design
front mudguard equipped with bracket
new LED tail lamp and plate holder
new multifunctional digital instrument
new electric equipment for a better lightning
new front brake pump improving modulation
new chain pad, lighter and more modern
new frame with elliptic section tubes
increase of steering angle (+1,5°) for improving handling and stability
new high impact colours and graphic designs

The Standard version differs from the traditional one for:

ø 37 mm front fork
steel wheels
steel swing arm
all black seat

Beta RR Motard 50 Track

Completely renewed, RR Motard 50 Track gets a fresh and more aggressive look, in line with the RR Enduro 4T design. It gets a sporty look and a rich and distinctive equipment: two-colour grips, muffler, and shock absorber spring in red colour, black handlebar without support, wave brake disks, racing colour which involves the saddle too.

Main new features:

new mask and front headlamp design
front mudguard equipped with bracket
new LED tail lamp and plate holder
new multifunctional digital instrument
new electric equipment for a better lightning
new front brake pump for improving modulation
new chain pad, lighter and more modern
aluminium wheels black coloured
ø 36 mm front fork with black leg
new frame with elliptic section tubes
increase of steering angle (+1,5°) for improving handling and stability
new high impact colours and graphic designs
new two-colour seat

Here are the first pics of the new Beta RR Enduro 350 4T model for 2012. The Beta RR4T models have slowly made a name for themselves in recent years as responsive, trustworthy models that require low maintenance. Beta likes to show off its Italian image and the 2012 RR4T generation is the third model year for the Italian dirt bike.

There are a number of technical updates for the 2012 Beta RR Enduro 4T model, including the 350cc engine, which is the first of its kind in the enduro range from the Italian company. The chassis is a new trellis frame with larger tubes, there is a 48-mm Sachs fork for 2012, the disc brakes have been updated and there is a new Brembo clutch control.

More details on the range to come, you can find the RR Enduro 350 4T info after the jump.

350 RR Key Features

- Wide, usable powerband with amazing peak power.
- Light handling and quick-turning prowess in tight conditions similar to a 250 four-stroke.
- Less exhausting power delivery compared to the bigger bikes, while also providing the extra low-end punch that is missing on smaller bikes.
- Accurate and sharp cornering provides excellent agility.
- Easy to modulate power and maintain traction in technical terrain.

CRANKCASE / COVERS

- Engine main cases with high wall thicknesses at essential points for highest rigidity.
- Lightweight magnesium covers with high wall thickness at exposed points for best protection under rough and extreme conditions.

CRANKSHAFT / PISTON

- Bore – 88mm, stroke – 57.4mm
- Compact crankshaft design along with minimized moving masses for excellent handling.
- Lightweight forged piston.
- Bowl-shaped piston dome for compact combustion chamber.

BALANCER SHAFT

- Balance shaft eliminates extra vibrations as well as reduces arm pump

CYLINDER HEAD/TIMING CHAIN

- Titanium (unique to the 350 RR) four-valve DOHC.
- Reinforced camshaft bearing bridge – increased stiffness for less deformation of camshaft slide bearing under load. Results in more precise valve train function and improved working conditions for slide bearing.
- Reinforced valve spring retainer.
- DLC-coated finger followers provide high stiffness and lowest oscillating mass (technology used in MotoGP and F1 race engines).
- Lightweight valve train design allows engine to rev up to 13,000 RPM.
- Extremely narrow valve angle (9°/11°) which results in an optimally compact combustion chamber.
- New timing chain guide with metal insert minimizes deformation under load and high temperatures for more accurate cam timing.
- Additional oil jet for timing chain provides optimum lubrication and reduces friction losses.

GEARBOX

- Close ratio six-speed gearbox.
- Sistema distribuzione di elevata leggerezza, che garantisce un funzionamento stabile delle valvole fino a 13.000 giri/minuto
- Angolo fra le valvole molto stretto (9°/11°) che consentito di ottimizzare la geometria della camera di combustione

CLUTCH

- Hydraulically operated multi-disc clutch.
- Reinforced clutch gear – higher stiffness reduces axial motion of clutch basket rendering improved reliability and clutch function.
- New clutch springs – high quality material resists high temperatures, minimized production tolerances for consistent spring force.

CDI

- Improved mapping for high spark energy and lower stator temperature.
- Dual ignition map function – CDI comes pre-programmed with a second mapping. With the optional map-selecting switch (factory accessory) the “soft” map can be activated.

LUBRICATION

- Two separate oil circuits for engine and gearbox.
- Total oil capacity: 1.6 liters.

There is debate about to the exact year of these vintage Beta motorcycles, but we understand them to be Beta 74 and Beta 75 models from about 1979. If someone can help us out with that in the comments, we’d be happy to clear it up! The pics come from the guys at Motopiù (and Motoblog.it) who have a dealership in Italy specialising in Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Beta and Garelli bikes, especially their offroad models.

Send your funny, bizarre or surprising pics to us and we’ll post them, with your name. We’d love to share what you guys find in the world of motorcycling! Send to: pics@twowheelsblog.com.

Italians love to move their hands while talking and Beta Motors had come up with this very cute viral video that they’ve dedicated to all those Italian bikers who know how to explain themselves using only one hand, including what to do if you don’t have a woman.

Have a laugh.

Here’s a look at the 2010 Beta RR 50 motard and enduro models, with the standard versions already available on the market. There will be two versions available - standard and racing - with the Enduro model coming with 21-inch or 18-inch tread tyres, and the motard available with 17-inch road tyres.

The Beta RR Enduro 50 has a new look which is now more similar to the rest of the Beta RR family. Some technical aspects has been updated, including a front pump brake and greater steering angle for more stability. The RR Enduro Standard costs 2,490 euros, while the RR Enduro Racing costs 2,950 euros.

The Beta RR Motard 50 has the same modifications as the enduro model, and now includes a digital multifunction instrument panel and improved electronics for better use from the lights. The standard version costs 2,690 euros and the racing model costs another 200 euros.

The Beta Motard family is growing, with the RR range now available in road version, including the 50 Standard model, right up to the professional 400, 450 and 525 4T models. The RR Motard 50 Standard is the latest arrival and is offered at a really competitive price of only 2,690 euros.

The 50cc Beta models will now include three options, with the Standard being joined by the RR Motard 50 Track and RR Motard 50. Compared to the latter, the Standard version is available in white, red and black, with a black saddle, analogue instrumentation and some small mechanical differences.

The RR 400, 450, and 525 4T versions are now available as Supermotard versions. Previously a customer could purchase the enduro version, then pass to the supermotard with a Beta road wheel kit, but now customers can also go the other way.

These new Beta types also have the capacity to carry a passenger (as opposed to the RR motard fit only for the rider), which can still be the case even if swapping from the supermotard, back to the enduro. The range is completed by the RR Motard 125 four-stroke and the M4.

Prices are as follows: RR Motard 50 Standard 2,690 euros, RR Motard 50 2,890 euros, RR Motard 50 Track 3,050 euros, RR Motard 125 4T 2,990 euros, RR Motard 400 4T and RR Motard 450 4T 8,550 euros, and the RR Motard 525 4T 8,850 euros.

Source | Beta Motor

For the new trial bikes, Beta EVO 2009, official accessories are available that modify the engine’s performance. A change in look is possile, along with the Long Range kit that improves comfort and transmission.

Various parts and kits are available for the Evo 4T (both 250 and 300cc versions) that increase performance by 2hp and torque at lower revs, by 16 percent. A new piston reduces compression ratio and keeps riding style.

A racing kit for the EVO 4T is also available with titanium parts including valves and cam heads. Revs are increased, giving the engine an extra 26 percent power.

A silencer/muffler kit is available for the Evo 2T. Built from titanium, the kit increases engine response and performance, while reducing overall weight by about 500 grams. A similar muffler kit is also available for the Evo 4T, also in titanium. Performance is increased by about 15 percent, and weight is also reduced by 500 grams.

Kits using a magnesium carter are available for the Evo 2T with a further weight reduction of about 1.5 kg, increasing agility and riding feel. It costs about 300 euros. The Long Range Kit for both the Evo 2T and 4T is available on the ALP range, and provides a more comfortable saddle and a tank with an extra four litres.

Headlight fitters and front disc brake covers in carbon are available for all Evo versions. The headlight holder costs 87 euros, the disc cover 62 euros. Other accessories available include a racing triple clamp for 360 euros. For full details of all Evo kits, see the Beta site.

Fans of mud, dirt and dust will be happy to know that the glorious Beta brand has occupied itself in updating its RR Enduro 4T model. The Beta RR Enduro model for 2009 has undergone some improvements, focusing on its agility and riding quality.

The biggest change is in the fork with an even more precise hydraulic control with a reprogrammed interior. The rear monoshock has had some retouches to the calibration to optimise its function.

The professional Excel wheels have saved 900 grams on the weight compared to the previous model, and have a considerable advantage in terms of agility and reactivity. In the photo gallery you can find the entire range from the Beta 50cc to the 525cc. The look changes slightly with a version in white added to the range, with red graphics. The seat also has a new, more comfortable cover for more kilometres of fun.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that it will be opposing a plan by U.S trade officials that could double the cost of some European motorcycles imported into the United States.

It would impose a 100 percent import duty on more than 100 European goods, including motorcycles with engines sized between 51cc and 500cc, hitting such companies as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husaberg, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.

Designed in retaliation to European Union’s 20-year-old import ban on American beef infused with steroids and hormones, despite a World Trade Organization order to end it. The United States wants to impose $116.8 million in import duties to equal the amount of money it claims the U.S. beef industry loses each year because of the ban.

There is no logical link between European motorcycles and the dispute over beef,” said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations, in his comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. “Imposing these stiff tariffs on motorcycles would do nothing to resolve the trade dispute, but would punish American buyers of European motorcycles.”

“Trade disputes residing concretely within the boundaries of the agricultural industry should not be resolved with trade sanctions levied against non-agricultural products,” Moreland said. “A 100 percent ad valorem, or higher, tariff on these motorcycles will cause serious and potentially irreversible harm to American small- and medium-sized business owners selling the vehicles. Additionally, citizens will be denied access to certain models of competition and recreation motorcycles that contribute to the lifestyle and well-being of millions of American families.”

Source | motorevue

The latest Evoluzione from Beta is a new trial bike that really shows the style of this company. Evo is a pure trial bike, with a combination of technology, lightweight chassis and excellent weight distribution.

The new frame is in alloy giving the trial bike strength and agility. The centre of gravity has been carefully studied to improve the dynamic aspects of this bike, and give it the added flexibility required in this sport.

A new shock absorber has been used with an updated progressive leverage system, while the new fork was developed in collaboration with Paioli. Engines available are two or four stroke, with the new 290 2T available with its impressive torque at low revs. Check our our gallery of the new Beta Evo trial bike.

The Beta Urban takes on a Special look in a particular version that comes across as a kind of city scrambler with some captivating technical characteristics.

The chassis is in white and contrasts with the brilliant red at the rear. The seat is twin colour, while on the wheels is a classic stripe, with new alloy spokes. Completing the package is a nice alluminium handle, new brake design and a sports muffler.

The Urban is increasingly becoming a special motorcycle - light, agile, and capable of stunt moves. It’s an urban jungle out there - get yourself something to survive and have fun doing it.