The Beta EVO celebrates its eleventh edition on the market presenting the EVO 2020 range, which is composed of the standard model, the 80cc and the Beta EVO Factory 2020, which has just been presented to society.
Beta has always been a brand with a lot of personality, and the first sign of this is the distribution of its range.
The transalpines are the only ones to offer both two-stroke and four-stroke trial versions in their catalogue, and also the only ones to offer two variants of the same model.
We are referring to the 300cc 2T, which in addition to the standard mechanics, there is a second option called “Super Soft” or “SS”, with settings that offer a smoother response in the low and medium rev range.
Therefore, in 2020 we have again four 2-stroke versions (125cc, 250cc, 300cc and 300cc Super Suave) and a 300cc 4-stroke.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE EVO 2020 BETA?
Analysing the changes introduced in the new Beta EVO 2020 we see that basically work has been done on its aesthetics, something that camouflages the ballast of the passing of the years in the EVO range.
Thus, the EVO 2020 receives new front optics and a redesigned tank cover with new channeling for the wiring, which in turn houses the power map change light display. The rear fender, as well as its optics, are also newly designed.
Other aesthetic details of the new 2020 range are the black anodizing of the brake lever, gearbox and cylinder head. Beta also announces a variation of settings on the front fork.
THE BACKGROUND
Beta is a brand that is used to stretching the durability of its models to the maximum. The Beta Rev3 remained in the catalog from 2000 to 2008 without too many modifications; The EVO, which was born in 2009, received a new hydroformed frame in 2013, which saved 300 grams and increased the fuel capacity by 250cc.
Since then, the novelties have been rather discreet and many of the components are not at the level of what its rivals offer.
COMPONENTS CAN BE IMPROVED
To do this, it is enough to make a first aesthetic review. The headposts, anodized in black, are not at the quality level of other brands. The brake and clutch master cylinder equipment is signed by Grimeca and it is the only one on the market that bets on this brand (the EVO Factory model does equip Braktec).
As for the suspensions, it is also the only one that mounts a Paioli fork with 38mm bars, being the usual for quality and performance Tech or Showa, both 39mm. The shock absorber more of the same; the reference is Reiger and Öhlins, while Beta bets on an R16V.
This background is not to say that the new Beta EVO does not have quality materials at the chassis level, but that it is one level below its competition.
The Beta EVO is a bike with a very accentuated personality. And therein lies one of its main attractions: it’s different.
For starters, the boot (as always), is on your left. Its mechanics have an unmistakable sound, very round. At the controls, there is no doubt that the aesthetics of the bike are impressive, with very sharp shapes and a beautiful frame, well complemented by an attractive map-changing display. The new fender design and front optics bring much-needed freshness to the EVO range.
A VERY ACCENTUATED PERSONALITY
Dynamically, this is a bike with a very marked character. The best thing is the behavior of its chassis, as it provides good poise and mass distribution, with the particularity of having a very wide turning radius, favoring riders with less technique in the movement of the bike.
Enhancing this quality is not helped by the suspension equipment, which provides correct performance, without boasting. We would probably have better qualifications if the level of components that the rest of the brands are equipping were not so superior to that of the Beta EVO. Dynamically, it is especially appreciated in that it is a bike that is not very agile and heavy, especially at the rear end.
What do these premises mean? Basically, if your riding is very intuitive and you like to move the bike, it is physically demanding. On the other hand, if your style is more rolling and lined, you will notice that the bike has good poise and precision.
Continuing with the chassis part, we already mentioned that Beta is the only brand that entrusts its braking system to Grimeca instead of Braktec. This only happens in the standard EVO version, because the Factory does have Braktec. A few words are enough for a good listener. The stopping power and component quality is remarkable, but it is a level below all competing models.
ELASTIC MECHANICS
That personality that we talked about in the cycle part of the EVO Beta extends to its mechanics. We start from the premise that there are no relevant novelties compared to last year, so we are going to focus on its dynamic sensations.
We are facing an engine block with eleven seasons behind it, and that conditions it. The best thing about this mechanic is the elasticity and progressivity in the power delivery, transferring very noble reactions to the driver. If we have to highlight something else, it would be its behavior in the low rev range, where it offers a good compromise between torque and power.
GEARBOX & CLUTCH
The gearbox also works well, and as in previous editions, it is smooth and precise. And as a point that we liked the least, the clutch. We already mentioned that the bomb is Grimeca, not Braktec, but the underlying issue is more related to mechanics. It is a clutch that, for our taste, lacks progressivity and is too abrupt.
Difficult to manage engine response. This brings us back to the previous point, where we commented that the Beta is an easier bike if you ride rolling and tracing, playing more with the engine torque and less with the clutch.
A GREAT BIKE THAT SHOWS AGE
The 2020 Beta EVO is a great bike, especially if you analyze it for itself and judge the build quality. Our opinion is no better because comparing it in terms of price and components against its rivals, it is evident that there is a stagnation in the evolution of the model, which cries out for a complete update that does not end up arriving.
The other alternative would be to opt for the Factory model, which includes aspects as standard that we think should also be on the standard EVO.
Spare parts and accessories for Beta EVO and Beta Rev3
Beta has always been a brand with a lot of personality, and the first sign of this is the distribution of its range.
The transalpines are the only ones to offer both two-stroke and four-stroke trial versions in their catalogue, and also the only ones to offer two variants of the same model.
We are referring to the 300cc 2T, which in addition to the standard mechanics, there is a second option called “Super Soft” or “SS”, with settings that offer a smoother response in the low and medium rev range.
Therefore, in 2020 we have again four 2-stroke versions (125cc, 250cc, 300cc and 300cc Super Suave) and a 300cc 4-stroke.
Other aesthetic details of the new 2020 range are the black anodizing of the brake lever, gearbox and cylinder head. Beta also announces a variation of settings on the front fork.
The Beta EVO is a bike with a very accentuated personality. And therein lies one of its main attractions: it’s different.
For starters, the boot (as always), is on your left. Its mechanics have an unmistakable sound, very round. At the controls, there is no doubt that the aesthetics of the bike are impressive, with very sharp shapes and a beautiful frame, well complemented by an attractive map-changing display. The new fender design and front optics bring much-needed freshness to the EVO range.
What do these premises mean? Basically, if your riding is very intuitive and you like to move the bike, it is physically demanding. On the other hand, if your style is more rolling and lined, you will notice that the bike has good poise and precision.
Continuing with the chassis part, we already mentioned that Beta is the only brand that entrusts its braking system to Grimeca instead of Braktec. This only happens in the standard EVO version, because the Factory does have Braktec. A few words are enough for a good listener. The stopping power and component quality is remarkable, but it is a level below all competing models.
