I've ben lurking in the Trials section for some time now. I've been into bicycle trials for years and have been jonesing to try out moto trials. I found a bike for sale near to me that would be in my price range. What do you guys think? He says it runs well with a few broken spokes in the rear... I might go for a look this weekend. 1995 Beta 250 - $1,200
Sounds like a decent deal. Since the rear wheel has the spoke lip rather than the spoke going through the rim it is much easier to replace (no fussing with rim strips). Provided its otherwise in ok shape it outta be a fine start to motorized trials I'd think.
I just got a 97 Techno 250 for $950 but looks to be a little more used. Should be good. You got Scott up there in St. Albans VT. Motoconnection, to get parts from. If you have any questions call him up and ask. He'll give you honest advise ( Beta dealer ) I just bought a 520 RR from him in August!
The 95 Beta was known for its abrupt clutch and throttle. Even expert riders I know considered it to be difficult to ride in the sections. Of course the bike in question may have been modified extensively in the last 16 years. It would be good if you could get an experienced Trials competitor to ride and evaluate the bike for you. I've seen several bike Trials converts over the years. Typically they are quick to pick up some of the advanced moto techniques but take a while to master the basics of throttle and clutch control. Of course once you have a motor you won't want to go back.
. I was told parts were not going to be an issue. Tryalsshop has parts and Motoconnection has plenty of Techno parts. Just to name a few. I hope I'm not wrong.
Ron Commo (the previous Beta Importer) should also have a nice selection of parts for this bike. I bought my first modern trials bike in '95 (a Gas Gas) and a month or two later a buddy bought a one year old Beta. The bike he bought was ridden and somewhat abused by a Master rider, but with a little TLC was a nice bike and fun to ride. If it is in good condition, it should be an ok starter bike. It should be in pretty good shape for this price.
Just lookin` it seems like a `````94. The 1994 was bumblebee black and yellow, first year of the techno. Very abrupt power very fast clutch. The 1995 was a very nice blue and red scheme. The bikes were worlds a part in rideability. I would not buy a 1994 except for parts. Just keep looking.
For reference here are pics of the various Betas http://www.americanbeta.com/node/751 1995 had a very fast clutch. I rode a 2008 270 and a 1995 250 back to back - the 270 was much easier to ride. The 250 clutch was almost an on\off switch - good for expert \ master perhaps but not below that level. I had heard that a 1996 clutch cylinder smoothed things out quite a bit.
My '95 also had an upside-down fork (Paioli, I believe). IIRC, for '96 they switched back. My biggest problems with the bike were the footpeg mounts that required constant attention or they would vibrate loose, and the distance between the rear brake pedal and footpeg. I would have to re-position my Size 9 boot on the peg to operate the rear brake on downs, but having your heel on the peg is not proper riding position. I never had any trouble with the abruptness of the clutch or throttle, but I had spent a decade teaching people how to use the friction zone in MSF classes, and you can get different throttle tubes to adjust how fast the throttle operates. The clutch did drag terribly until the bike warmed up. No oil change ever fixed the problem; some oils made it worse. I hated the left-side kick starter. The bike overheated and lost coolant when the bridge rectifier that powers the fan failed, but I found a replacement at Radio Shack.
A slave cylinder was supposably the problem w/ the clutch. Guys were putting later model slaves on the 94's to combat that problem.
Yes,you can fix the clutch but not many wanted to invest the dollar to fix the worthless power this model had. Most every first year model of Beta should should be avoided as the next model years were always better. As in 1990,1994,2000,2009. I also disliked the `91 and 2003 as poor performers.
It had too much too quick. It has been a long time since i rode a 1994, I remember that it was very hard to control. I was pretty much a die hard Beta guy, but some years they miised on real world power to the ground.
Wow guys. Thanks for overwhelming support and advice! I have decided to pass on this one. While I do want a trials bike to puttz around on, I'm also saving for another moto travel adventure. However, I'll still keep my eye open for something local and inexpensive. If there are any New England inmates with an old bike, drop me a line and maybe we can do some riding together in the spring too Thanks all! -Ben
Just got offered a 95, well used, for $800. Mostly all there, runs. Needs a few rear spokes, rear fender and some TLC. Clutch seems prgressive with a long friction zone. Price seems reasonable, or am I crazy? Not going to be much but a play bike and skill building. And at 61 probably not all that much. There aren't many of these in my neck of the woods.
Sounds like a good deal to me!! You should be able to recoup most of your money in a few years at that price.
Took the plunge, a 95 Beta for $600 seemed like a project and a oppurtunity I coudn't pass up. After dumping the 3 year old gas and adding some 70:1 synthetic it doesn't run to bad. Needs a new manifold, a tubeliss rear, a few rear spokes and a serious trueing, and a rear fender. And at 61 it probably won't hurt me as much as the WR450 did!