Beta Motorcycles History
Beta | November 1, 2010Betamotor commenced in 1904, in the Italian city of Florence. Begun under the name “Società Giuseppe Bianchi” the company originally intended building bicycles that were handmade. With the fast paced development of the motorized transport and the massive changes that went through the Italian economy, the company turned to producing motorcycles in the late 1940s. Let us know the detailed story behind the origination of Beta bikes.
Enzo Bianchi and Arrigo Tosi, the duo who controlled the company joined the initials of their surname to create their brand name, Beta. Ever since, the bikes were sold under this brand name.
The first model to be placed in the market was called Cervo 48. A rubberized roller which acted on the rear-end tire took care of the bike’s transmission. CIGNO was launched in 1948. Propelled by a 48 cc motor (single cylinder), the telescopic forks, double-cradle body and the shock absorbers gave the motorcycle a smart look.
Beta Motorcycles stepped into the 125 cc category in 1950. ITAL-JAP 125 was the first bike which resulted from the company’s foray into the new era. The ITAL-JAP had rear shocks (telescopic) and girder forks manufactured from pressed steel.
M.T. 175 was also launched in the 50s. Beta went a step further with their design this time and used a 2 stroke engine which could reach speeds of up to 81 mph. The S.V 175 was developed next.
Veering towards a sporty look, Beta Motorcycles produced a large range of bikes around this period. The FOLGORE 175, MERCURIO 150, ORIONE 200 and the ASTRO 98 are a few models which had four stroke engines (single cylinder). In the 60s, Beta commenced with an in house manufacturing of motors. New models were rapidly developed. The ‘50s witnessed Beta’s 175s heaping successes in the Motogiro and the Milan Taranto race.
The 1970s saw Beta focusing on production of off road vehicles. Of course, a commitment for excellence and a drive to beat the competition has always matched Beat’s innovations. Successes in motocross (in the 70’s and 80’s) were an early mirror of the fantastic victory of Jordi Tarres (four times, at World Trials Championship) and the equally incredible success of Dougie Lampkin (three world titles). This was followed the 6 indoor world championships, which was won by Albert Cabestany in 2002. The icing on the cake were the final European titles—five in number!
Beta returned to four strokes “enduro” in 2004. This is a relatively new field for Beta, yet it has carried on to the new path with its traditional motto: to bring about an instinctive and natural riding style in motorists. Sure enough, although extremely technical, in essence Beta delivers a comfortable feel and a great riding experience. Since ’72, the production plant for Beta has been located at Florence, near the Italian city; here it occupies an area of 116,000 sq. meters and has an employee force of 111. Annually producing 17,000 vehicles and 15,000 engines, Beta Motorcycles has a gross turnover of 44.5 million Euros.
Two other prominent bike models manufactured by the company are: Beta Alp 200 and Beta Rev 50.
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