Beta is best known for its chart-topping trials and enduro motorcycles, but the Italian firm has produced a handful of quirky street legal machines over the years too. Among them are the Beta Alp 4 dual-sport, and its 17-inch-wheeled counterpart, the Beta M4 supermoto.
Before Beta produced its own engines, they used KTM powerplants in most of their bikes. But the Alp 4 and M4 were powered by the less glamorous single-cylinder motor from the steadfast Suzuki DR350. To add insult to injury, the engine was tuned down; these bikes were built to be dependable, frugal, and accessible, rather than wily.
It’s those exact traits that led Emporio Elaborazioni Meccaniche to a 2007-model Beta M4 as the perfect donor for their newest project. The Italian custom shop’s client wanted an easy-going city bike with miles of style, and an emphasis on maneuverability over outright speed.
Keeping the bike compliant with Italy’s roadworthy laws (more or less) was also a priority. So Emporio Elaborazioni Meccaniche opted not to mess with the Beta’s chassis too much and focused on its bodywork instead. The goal was to trim it down visually, while shaving off as much weight as possible to make the ride more spirited.
EEM started by stripping off all of the Beta’s plastics. The OEM suspension, brakes, and wheels were refurbished, and the subframe was edited to prep it for the new bodywork.
Next, the crew fabricated a full complement of handmade parts, including a new front fender, headlight nacelle, fuel tank, and tail section. The tank draws its inspiration from 70s enduro bikes, but adds a little Italian flair. Sharp ‘folds’ at the front add an intriguing detail, while curving upwards to help tuck away the myriad cables and hoses.
The tank’s vintage vibe is juxtaposed with the decidedly modern aluminum tail section. Generous side panels taper into a waspish rear fender, with an LED tail light sunken into a deep recess up top. The seat wears the sort of gripper fabric that you’d find on a motocross bike.
A peek around the back reveals a perfectly shaped undercarriage that acts as a rear splash guard, while also housing several crucial components. It’s adorned with EEM branding, flanked by a pair of vertically mounted LED turn signals.
The high-mounted front fender is just as sharp as the rear unit. With the classic-style fuel tank sandwiched between them, the overall effect is a judicious mix of classic and modern sensibilities that feels remarkably cohesive. The headlight assembly completes the set, with twin LED projectors and an LED bar light providing more than enough luminance.
A handcrafted aluminum rib runs down the center of the polycarbonate headlight shroud, adding a little more depth to the design. That same detail is repeated on each side of the Beta’s swingarm, while plaques bearing the EEM logo are affixed to the fork lowers.
Moving to the cockpit, EEM installed new handlebars and grips, along with hydraulic brake and clutch master cylinders from Messner Moto. The bike’s cable clutch was converted to a hydraulically actuated setup, and its digital dash was relocated to sit atop the fuel tank.
EEM rewired the whole bike too, just for good measure. They also removed the ignition key while they were in there; the only way to start the bike now is by hitting a specific sequence of hidden switches.
The engine is stock, but the airbox was dumped for a custom-made air intake and filter. A new exhaust system completes the setup—snaking its way around the engine and exiting parallel to the tailpiece.
This Beta M4 supermoto’s monochromatic livery is just as inspired as its silhouette. EEM picked a collection of greys for the fuel tank but left the rest of the aluminum bits raw. It looks sharp as heck—and it’s 25 kilos [55.12 lbs] lighter than before, too.
Mission accomplished.
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