- Joined
- Apr 5, 2002
- Location
- San Jose, bottom of dirty 130
- Moto(s)
- ‘18 Alta EX006, ‘17 Alta MX019, 06R6, 05TM530 Black Dream, 01TM250 2T, ‘24 Yam Tenere 700
- Name
- Butch
- BARF perks
- AMA #: 1093637
Alta Redshift First Impressions
This is cheating.
I just rode the Redshift MX by Alta. This particular bike is the first delivered customer machine and was modified a bit from the MX setup for trail riding. Big fun.
The electric propulsion is a bit of a different experience from a internal combustion engine/ ICE. It does not provide the “hit” of a CR500 or even my 250 KTM; it delivers smooth tractable power that makes it deceivingly quick. With more riding, I might be quicker than with an ICE because I am smoother.
Smoother also conserves a rider’s energy, resulting in less fatigue. The Redshift MX, at 250 pounds, weighs more than the two stroke dirtbikes I am accustomed to, but the weight was only noticeable occasionally. The lack of the gyroscopic effect of the spinning ICE makes the bike more responsive than a comparable weight ICE bike. The result is more fun.
The “cheating” of smooth electric power from zero RPM enabled negotiating technical sections more easily. With an ICE there is a fair amount of manipulation of the controls to make sure the bike is in the right place through obstacles, with the right speed and momentum, with the right engine RPM to carry through the section and onto the next. The power delivery of the electric motor and software enable you to proceed more slowly (even stopping), picking lines and accelerate forward without losing critical momentum. It is just easier to ride, especially for the less talented like myself. The result is more fun.
The Redshift is a game changer for many (most?) conditions. Usually I find the dry slippery dusty summer conditions of north central California riding areas unappealing. With throttle and software controlled power delivery, traction is easy to maintain. I enjoyed riding in conditions that normally I would have not bothered with. The result is more fun.
Superman talented riders can negotiate a bike through amazingly challenging terrain. I need an advantage to go where they do.
I need an Alta Redshift.
I also need to ride the street legal motard version. It too will be a game changer.
Edit:
1. Oh, another thing. They are not silent. You can hear what the tires are doing. It is a new feedback on what the bike is doing.
2. Oh, another thing... The software has three settings for different conditions. I was on "torque" as described by Eric. More investigation is required. I imagine this effects battery range too.
This is cheating.
I just rode the Redshift MX by Alta. This particular bike is the first delivered customer machine and was modified a bit from the MX setup for trail riding. Big fun.
The electric propulsion is a bit of a different experience from a internal combustion engine/ ICE. It does not provide the “hit” of a CR500 or even my 250 KTM; it delivers smooth tractable power that makes it deceivingly quick. With more riding, I might be quicker than with an ICE because I am smoother.
Smoother also conserves a rider’s energy, resulting in less fatigue. The Redshift MX, at 250 pounds, weighs more than the two stroke dirtbikes I am accustomed to, but the weight was only noticeable occasionally. The lack of the gyroscopic effect of the spinning ICE makes the bike more responsive than a comparable weight ICE bike. The result is more fun.
The “cheating” of smooth electric power from zero RPM enabled negotiating technical sections more easily. With an ICE there is a fair amount of manipulation of the controls to make sure the bike is in the right place through obstacles, with the right speed and momentum, with the right engine RPM to carry through the section and onto the next. The power delivery of the electric motor and software enable you to proceed more slowly (even stopping), picking lines and accelerate forward without losing critical momentum. It is just easier to ride, especially for the less talented like myself. The result is more fun.
The Redshift is a game changer for many (most?) conditions. Usually I find the dry slippery dusty summer conditions of north central California riding areas unappealing. With throttle and software controlled power delivery, traction is easy to maintain. I enjoyed riding in conditions that normally I would have not bothered with. The result is more fun.
Superman talented riders can negotiate a bike through amazingly challenging terrain. I need an advantage to go where they do.
I need an Alta Redshift.
I also need to ride the street legal motard version. It too will be a game changer.
Edit:
1. Oh, another thing. They are not silent. You can hear what the tires are doing. It is a new feedback on what the bike is doing.
2. Oh, another thing... The software has three settings for different conditions. I was on "torque" as described by Eric. More investigation is required. I imagine this effects battery range too.
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