Beta is greatest recognized for its chart-topping trials and enduro bikes, however the Italian agency has produced a handful of quirky avenue authorized machines over time too. Amongst them are the Beta Alp 4 dual-sport, and its 17-inch-wheeled counterpart, the Beta M4 supermoto.
Earlier than Beta produced its personal engines, they used KTM powerplants in most of their bikes. However the Alp 4 and M4 have been powered by the much less glamorous single-cylinder motor from the steadfast Suzuki DR350. So as to add insult to harm, the engine was tuned down; these bikes have been constructed to be reliable, frugal, and accessible, slightly than wily.
It’s these actual traits that led Emporio Elaborazioni Meccaniche to a 2007-model Beta M4 as the proper donor for his or her latest venture. The Italian {custom} store’s consumer needed an easy-going metropolis bike with miles of favor, and an emphasis on maneuverability over outright velocity.
Protecting the bike compliant with Italy’s roadworthy legal guidelines (roughly) was additionally a precedence. So Emporio Elaborazioni Meccaniche opted to not mess with the Beta’s chassis an excessive amount of and centered on its bodywork as a substitute. The aim was to trim it down visually, whereas shaving off as a lot weight as potential to make the trip extra spirited.
EEM began by stripping off the entire Beta’s plastics. The OEM suspension, brakes, and wheels have been refurbished, and the subframe was edited to prep it for the brand new bodywork.
Subsequent, the crew fabricated a full complement of handmade elements, together with a brand new entrance fender, headlight nacelle, gas tank, and tail part. The tank attracts its inspiration from 70s enduro bikes, however provides just a little Italian aptitude. Sharp ‘folds’ on the entrance add an intriguing element, whereas curving upwards to assist tuck away the myriad cables and hoses.
The tank’s classic vibe is juxtaposed with the decidedly fashionable aluminum tail part. Beneficiant aspect panels taper right into a waspish rear fender, with an LED tail mild sunken right into a deep recess up high. The seat wears the type of gripper material that you simply’d discover on a motocross bike.
A peek across the again reveals a superbly formed undercarriage that acts as a rear splash guard, whereas additionally housing a number of essential elements. It’s adorned with EEM branding, flanked by a pair of vertically mounted LED flip alerts.
The high-mounted entrance fender is simply as sharp because the rear unit. With the classic-style gas tank sandwiched between them, the general impact is a considered mixture of basic and fashionable sensibilities that feels remarkably cohesive. The headlight meeting completes the set, with twin LED projectors and an LED bar mild offering greater than sufficient luminance.
A handcrafted aluminum rib runs down the middle of the polycarbonate headlight shroud, including just a little extra depth to the design. That very same element is repeated on either side of the Beta’s swingarm, whereas plaques bearing the EEM brand are affixed to the fork lowers.
Shifting to the cockpit, EEM put in new handlebars and grips, together with hydraulic brake and clutch grasp cylinders from Messner Moto. The bike’s cable clutch was transformed to a hydraulically actuated setup, and its digital sprint was relocated to take a seat atop the gas tank.
EEM rewired the entire bike too, only for good measure. In addition they eliminated the ignition key whereas they have been in there; the one solution to begin the bike now could be by hitting a selected sequence of hidden switches.
The engine is inventory, however the airbox was dumped for a custom-made air consumption and filter. A brand new exhaust system completes the setup—snaking its approach across the engine and exiting parallel to the tailpiece.
This Beta M4 supermoto’s monochromatic livery is simply as impressed as its silhouette. EEM picked a group of greys for the gas tank however left the remainder of the aluminum bits uncooked. It appears sharp as heck—and it’s 25 kilos [55.12 lbs] lighter than earlier than, too.
Mission completed.
Emporio Elaborazioni Meccaniche | Fb | Instagram | Photos by VD Photograph
