Beta’s Alp 4.0 and Alp X Deliver Affordable Dual-Sport Performance for Trail Riders

This week, Kit Palmer from Cycle News and I got together to cover Beta’s two new dual-sport models: the Alp 4.0 and Alp X. These bikes were created to cater to off-road enthusiasts looking for affordable and capable options. We tested both models at Anza Borrego, where we had a chance to ride and photograph them.

The Alp 4.0 is designed for more dirt-oriented use with its 18/21″ wheel combination, while the Alp X, with 17/19″ wheels and different bodywork, offers a slightly different experience. Both bikes are priced at $6490, the same as the Honda CRF300L Rally, and Beta seems to have aimed for a more performance-oriented approach compared to the Honda.

Powerful 348cc Engine, High-Tech Features, and Comfortable Ride for Trail Enthusiasts

Both Alp models feature a 348cc six-speed engine with a DOHC single-cylinder setup and fuel injection, delivering about 35 horsepower. The motor is surprisingly torquey, offering a smooth ride, particularly suited for cruising trails.

It operates with a redline of 8,000 rpm, ensuring a steady but not overly aggressive power delivery. The chassis is made of steel, and while the suspension is unbranded, it offers basic adjustments like spring preload in the rear. The front brake is provided by Nissin, while the rear is a proprietary Beta part. These bikes combine international parts, with a VIN indicating Italian manufacture, and many components labeled “Made in Italy.”

The Alp 4.0 and Alp X come equipped with high-tech features, such as a TFT screen, multiple engine maps, and antilock brakes that can be turned off via the handlebar switch. Despite these advanced features, the ride is intentionally unintimidating, with seat heights low enough for most riders to touch the ground easily.

The Alp X, in particular, is slightly shorter due to its smaller wheels, while both bikes have limited suspension travel (7.3” front, 7.7” rear), making them better suited for trail cruising than aggressive off-roading. The suspension is soft, and the bikes are not intended for riders looking to push the limits on rugged terrain.

Alp Models Offer Easy Handling and Trail Exploration, with Key Differences in Terrain Focus

In terms of performance, the Alp models are all about easy handling and trail exploration. The Alp X performs a little better on dirt roads, thanks to its wider adventure tires, while the Alp 4.0 maintains a more traditional dirt bike feel, offering slightly lower gearing.

However, both bikes have similar handling, and their main difference lies in their intended use: the Alp 4.0 is better for dirt-oriented riders, while the Alp X, with its more street-friendly tires, excels on mixed terrain. Compared to the Honda CRF300L Rally, the Alp models are slightly more powerful and lighter, but lack features like wind protection and long-range capability.

Beyond the bike review, the article also highlights the legacy of Gunnar Lindstrom, a key figure in the motocross and dirt bike industry. Lindstrom, a Swedish immigrant and former motocross champion, played a pivotal role in American motocross, including his involvement with Honda’s race teams.

His contributions to the sport are legendary, having won prestigious events like the Mint 400 and being part of the first American Motocross des Nations team. Today, Lindstrom is retired but remains active in the motorcycle community, contributing stories to Dirt Bike magazine and closely following industry developments. His son, Lars, continues the family’s involvement with Honda’s motocross team.