Answer, The 2008 and newer carburated Husqvarna TXC450 comparison- same spec competitive, race ready, 450cc, DOHC, liquid cooled, 6speed, Keihin FCR carb, 21 and 18 in wheels, high quality EU and Japanese controls and components, estart/kick start, cr mo semi perimeter chassis, marzocchi/sachs suspension, red/wht color combo, linkage rear suspension, Italian, etc etc .
Yes I believe that there is still a source biz relationship between Beta and KTM. Peirer ind . I would not be surprised if the frame division of peirer ind builds at the least the beta chassis for beta. Hey verlicchi built the last of the red husky frames for husky, thats normal outsourcing within the local economy. Tecate Enduro 2010 Team Kawasaki rider Justin Soule' and Team ZipTy Husky TC/TXC450 rider Bobby Garrison checking time sheets at the lunch break. Bobby Garrison went on to OA the event and the ZipTy Racing Husqvarna Team won the team OA as well.
I would think that since Beta has been building trials bikes forever that they would also build there own enduro frames. We do know they have used KTM motors in the past and that Beta currently builds some of the KTM 50 engines.
Their design is still very similar to orange, if you look close, the lower half of their engine is the same. They make their own parts, but still share many of the same designs. They will eventually over time grow further apart from orange. Besides, I'll take zokes over WP any day of the week.
The beta's can be cranked way up through engine mods unlike the new KTMs. When Nick jumped the track into the wash at Gorman last year, it was a real eye opener when he showed me just how much power his race bike had.
They have very usable power, very XR like down low and just continues to build with no "oh crap" moments.
