Beta (Motorcycle)
1948 -
History
Beta was founded in Florence in 1948 and the name comes from the initials of founder Enzo Bianchi and Henry Tosi. The first models WERE motorcycles engines with a roller drive mounted on a frame of a bicycle. The engines were produced by others manufactures, but later Beta will build there own. The first 125 cc was a two stroke, with a front shock fork and the rear suspension had telescopic shock absorbers (1950). A 175 cc followed and was entered into sport racing events like the Milano-Taranto and the Motogiro with excellent results.
In 1952 they presented a new model with a 160 cc 2 stroke engine called the Vulcan, they made two versions, a touring and a sport that only differ in the finish or styling. The Titan 175 was added to the lineup in 1953, as well as its sister model, the Uranus, which at had a 125 cc; both had a four-stroke engine. These were followed by the Grillo and Mercury with both moped models available in a 150 cc and 200 cc version. Also added were the Orion with a 4-stroke engine and the Lynx with a 75 cc 2 stroke.
In 1958 the Astro was introduced with a 98 cc 4 stroke engine reaching 90 km/h but in 1959 the Astro would be upgraded to a 125 cc engine. The engine was a single stroke with vertical rods and rocker arms adapted on a 4-stroke model constructed by the company to this point.
More Recent
Beta today is specialising in off-road motorcycles are best known for their popular trials bikes. In 2005, they launched a range of enduro motorcylces using KTM engines.
See also
External links
- Bike Models External Link
- Beta Official site.
- Beta Racing UK Uk based Beta Trials site.
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