Theworld of trial excursion is still alive, and proof of this is that despite the absence of novelties, the versatility and quality of the finishes that characterizes our protagonists, continues to arouse passions.
At first glance it may seem that the offer of models is scarce, but each of them has a totally different character, which will captivate lovers of country excursions. The three bikes are full of personality on each of their sides, you only have to get on them for a while to see the great differences that separate them.
If we do a little history, you will remember that a few years ago Montesa tried to carve out a niche for itself in this market, marketing a model called Evasión.
This rivaled the first versions of the Beta Alp, as both offered a very similar level of performance and equipment, however the success of the Montesa Evasión was not as expected.
Subsequently, this trend continued, offering the user the possibility of incorporating a softer seat over some of the trial versions, intended for those who preferred to sacrifice handling for comfort. Such cases were those of the popular Montesa
Cota 310, 311 and 314.
At first glance we can see how Beta’s concept of trial-excursion diverges greatly from Scorpa’s proposal. The Beta retains a tendency closer to the trail, since the habitat where they perform best are the simple tracks and trials. On the other hand, the Scorpa Long Ride derives directly from the SY Racing racing model, so its character and trial skills are beyond doubt.
BETA ALP 200. POLYVALENT
The excellent work done by Beta’s technicians last year continues to bear fruit, consequently, the new model has not received any modifications other than aesthetics. The true Alp spirit is still in force, betting on a mixed bike that is clearly closer to trial than enduro.
The evolution of this model, we insist, has followed the schemes of a trail concept, limiting in some way its country aptitudes, but gaining in versatility and above all, in comfort. Despite this, Its behavior on rough terrain is still surprising, largely due to the extraordinary torque of its 4-stroke mechanics, which will get us out of more than one predicament. The The engine that equips the Beta Alp, has Suzuki origin and 200cc cubic, the strangest thing is that this one had never been mounted on a trial version, only on Japanese trail bikes.
In addition to the characteristic smoothness of valve motors, in this Alp we are going to find a really exclusive element that none of its rivals equip, the electric starter. This element is equipped with a practical safety system, through which we will be forced to activate the clutch to start the engine, something that the most “absent-minded” will appreciate.
Continuing with the virtues of this 4-stroke engine, it is worth noting, as usual in these engines, the low noise noise. This detail will help us to go more unnoticed and we respect the environment more, something that given the circumstances in which the “green motorcycle” is located we must keep in mind.
The chassis has been specifically designed for this model , due to the impossibility of sharing the frame destined for the Rev-3, and the absence of a hardcore base in the Italian brand. The result could not have been better, since the combination of this chassis with damping derived from a trial model, the dimensions of the mount are quite adjusted. Logically, the suspension setting is not as soft as a trial bike requires, but taking into account the characteristics and weight of the Alp, they have been thoroughly reviewed.
The rear end is perhaps a bit hard for our taste, although considering that the Beta offers the possibility of carrying a passenger, this detail becomes a virtue. The brakes are also the usual ones of a trial bike, composed of generously sized perforated discs and double piston AJP calipers on both axles.
Once on the bike, we will feel very comfortable, both because of the Excellent feel of the controls as well as the accuracy of its driving position. When you turn the ignition key and press the start button, you will feel the first pleasant sensations produced by a Quiet four-stroke engine well tuned. Both the clutch and the gearbox show a smooth and precise operation, providing a good dose of comfort on our journeys. He’s right
The development of the gearbox will allow us to make the most of the limited horsepower – 15.30 hp – that will surprise us with its effectiveness on trial routes.
The great limitation of the Alp is undoubtedly its high weight. Depending on the type of terrain where we travel, we will feel this aspect to a greater extent. While on twisty tracks with good surface, we will feel very comfortable, when it comes to practicing some “trial light” we miss greater maneuverability. Another detail that we didn’t like very much is the engine protection plate, made of plastic and very exposed to shocks if we try to face a trial…
The Suspensions, as we mentioned, work wonderfully, but not so the brakes, which although effective, are somewhat scarce to stop a mount of the Beta Alp’s mood. As a solution, it would be interesting to try four-piston calipers on both axles, similar to those currently used in trial models, thus achieving greater efficiency.
In short, for just under €4,000 we have a versatile and silent motorcycle that will allow us to make pleasant excursions to the mountains , without having to worry about the autonomy, since its 9 liters of fuel capacity will cover around 100km of distance.
SCORPA SY 250R LONG RIDE. NO WAIVERS
The French brand Scorpa has been the latest to complete this small trial-excursion market. If we said that both Beta and Gas Gas sacrificed their trial skills in favor of greater versatility, the case of Scorpa is completely the opposite.
The Scorpa Long Ride was born to satisfy those trial riders who enjoy going on excursions from time to time, without having to give up the advantages of a real competition bike. Of course, the path chosen by the people of Scorpa has been the simplest of all, just ask yourself: What are the problems of a trial bike for excursions? The answer can be guessed just by taking a general look at the bike… Lack of autonomy and comfort.
Said and done, it is enough to place a 5.5-litre tank (3 litres more than in the SY Racing) along with a small seat – bridging the unevenness that exists between the gas tank and the rear fender – to solve the problem.
This original idea has, like everything in life, its “pros” and its “cons”.
The main virtues of the Long Ride lie in the fact that in less than 5 minutes we can go from having a harmless excursion bike, to an authentic replica of a racing bike. On the other hand, neither the large tank nor the seat diminish its trial qualities, as the bike remains just as compact and manageable.
On the other hand, it is important to note that despite gaining in comfort during excursions, the seat forces the driving position too much on the front axle, and is not entirely comfortable for long journeys. Secondly, we must emphasise that The Long Ride, being a model derived directly from the SY RACING, avoids all the luxuries present in any of its other two rivals. Despite the fact that the Long Ride and Racing brothers are twins, they have a slight difference that will only be noticed by riders of a certain level.
A lot the chassis and the very powerful 250cc Yamaha engine is completely identical, where The differences between the two versions are in the following aspects: a different front fork (also signed by Paioli), a non-perforated front brake disc, fork posts with a different finish, a long-range headlight and more robust footpegs made of steel.
Of all these differences, the one we have noticed the most compared to the competition model has been the front fork, somewhat imprecise in the excursion model. Once all this has been explained, you can imagine that we will feel like we are on a normal modern trial bike.
In other words, with the Long Ride you will be able to travel seated from area to area and, once you have arrived, enter it and undertake it with guarantees of success in the face of the difficulties that appear. In short, the work of Scorpa was impeccable, and once again it has preferred to work in the search for a different path from its rivals, with a very successful result.
Text: David Quer
Read a report about the history of Scorpa and all its manufactured models
