plastics and have a go! The best
part is when you cartwheel down
the hill after attempting to hop a
log no bigger than a twig, you’ll
still have enough coin to replace
your hip as all the Alp’s precious
cosmetic bits have been removed.CURIOUS TRIALS PILOT
And fi nally, for trials riders
wanting to go trailriding with their
buds on a weekend but lacking
the gear for recreational
registration, the Alp qualifi es
without problems. The Alp can be
easily converted into a rec reg
trailbike by bolting the headlight,
plastics and seat back on.
Quite often when riding with
trials riders I’ve noticed they’re
not into the high-speed stuff. I’ll
fi nd myself waiting on corners for
them to catch up when we go
trailriding but as soon as it comes
to a hill climb they smile and
wave as they pass me stuck under
my bike. Most trials riders will fi nd
the Alp suffi cient as a trailbike.
Obviously the Alp is not going
to be as competent as your Beta
EVO 2T 300 trials machine, but it
will serve as a great introduction
to the sport for beginners.Main. Svelte Charris almosts lifts the front
- Kick and electric starting is convenient
- Trials riders don't sit down much and very
few produce large families - Mitas supplies the trials rubber
1
3
2
MOTIVE
POWER
You might recognise the Alp
engine. It comes courtesyof
the Suzuki DR200S,another
playbike that isn't road legal
but is just about unbreakable.SMILESALL
ROUND
The Alp aims to be two entry-level bikes
in one,so let’s do the math on that. If
you’re lookingto buytwo bikes, what can
six grand actually get you?
Sure, you’ll get a sweet second-hand
trials bikeifyou’re patient and cast a
wide net(they sell withinafinger click,
by the way), but that leaves little in the
kitty for a traillie, let alone a half-decent
one.Compromises areimminent; robbing
Peter topayPaul.
The Beta, meanwhile, doesn’t
pretend to be cutting-edgeineither
discipline andit doesn’t need to. What
you’re getting, though,is the value and
versatility oftwo very competent bikesin
one, and peace ofmind that comes with
asix-month new-bike warranty.
It’s a user-friendly plaything that will
helpdevelopthe skills ofanyrider,
especiallyforgettinginto the trials side
ofthings and the discipline ofstanding.
It ticks a lot ofboxesfor newbies like
me. Whether you’re an expert or novice,
I doubt you’d step off itwithout a smile
on yourface. All thatfor six grand. That
brings a new meaning to cheap and
cheerful.- – Chris Harris
66 | APRIL 2016 http://www.adbmag.com.au