Hugh Cleary asked me to pen my thoughts, so here's a few of my views
Latterly I've had a load of XR250's and 400's since 1994, I'm basically a Honda man, but I've had the odd foray with a Serow, a KTM125 EXC and 5 years with a BMW 650 XChallenge.
But really i'm a trailbike trail rider and wanting another trailbike or enduro - I'd had ideas of WR250 F and R's, TTR250 or even a CRFX or a KTM300/400 if I wanted to go racy or back to another XR - I really had an open mind
A few weeks ago..............this popped up, a Beta Alp 350cc
Heard lots about them, but never had much to do with them
They had a reputation for great trail bikes and awesome for LDT's
Beta are more famed for producing their fabulous range of competition Trials bikes - British champion won on one, this year and at most trials they are one of the most popular bikes out every weekend
It was mint with only 1100 pure road miles, over the last 10 years
Went over to see it and fell for it
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It's got a Suzuki DR350 motor, with electric and kick with the Suzook carb and airbox, all wrapped in an Italian chassis
I last had a DR350 20 years ago and forget how good the motor is
The Alp has a 6 speed box and on 15/48 gearing will happily cruise at 65mph and spin up to 75-80 when asked
On the road the bike doesn't feel too small and handles well with great suspension/brakes
On the trails, it's not great for high speed - but sub 30 the suspension is great and it will literally climb anything. Very sure footed and nimble
I'm 6'1 and weigh 17st and it felt fine to ride, not too small
Makes me wonder why we fall for taller enduro and trail bikes, for trailriding
Nice thing is the 350cc engine has plenty of grunt, in this package
Needs a bashplate, but apart from that it's good to go, out of the box
I think I'll like this bike
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