Alta Motors Electric Dirt Bike Takes on Red Bull Straight Rhythm

zehn
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zehn 10/5/2016 6:06pm
10/5/2016 6:06pm
Kx125rider wrote:
Im skeptical. Maybe they can program it to feel like a two stroke. What happens when a motor on one of these goes, four stroke failures...
Im skeptical. Maybe they can program it to feel like a two stroke. What happens when a motor on one of these goes, four stroke failures are catastrophic enough. My prediction would be that it could also shrink the sport because the average person might not be able to afford to fix a failure.
gjbruny wrote:
go look at the specs of the bike.... major maintenance schedules are at 1000 hours.... a 4 stroke will be scrap by then.

http://www.altamotors.co/redshiftmx#redshiftmxpage1
Not to mention the thing probably has like less than 10 moving parts on it
gjbruny
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gjbruny 10/5/2016 6:08pm
10/5/2016 6:08pm
bobojim wrote:
For straight rythm they could pull out a few battery cells and reduce the weight. But otherwise you can still go after different electric motors and...
For straight rythm they could pull out a few battery cells and reduce the weight.
But otherwise you can still go after different electric motors and power controller paramters. Its an electrical engineers game though...
you would NOT want to reduce the number of cells... that reduces voltage which makes the bike slower. you would want to reduce the storage capacity of each cell. if anything, they could reduce storage and UP THE NUMBER of cells to boost power and still reduce weight. the bike only needs to go 1/2 mile. not sure how fast they could change packs but worse case is they need to do a mile and a half (3 runs) and then have time to change the pack. they could pack a ton of power (provided the ESC could handle the amperage) into a fairly light short duration pack.
gjbruny
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gjbruny 10/5/2016 6:12pm
10/5/2016 6:12pm
if they could get the price to within what it is now with a spare pack, i'm in.... or get the pack so that it is comparable to what my XCF can do on a tank of fuel i'd do it. i'm not so worried about it at the track but when we are up camping it would be nice to have a spare pack charging while i'm out riding. will be interesting to see what kind of generator would be needed to charge one remotely.


either way, i can't wait for the day. i'd punch a track in the middle of my alfalfa tomorrow.
gjbruny
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gjbruny 10/5/2016 6:15pm
10/5/2016 6:15pm
on another front.... this could be what we snowbike enthusiasts need. huge torque to turn the track with huge reliability! you could "pack" a large battery on the kit itself.

The Shop

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BB67
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BB67 10/5/2016 6:21pm
10/5/2016 6:21pm
Ditch the batteries and hook it to a long extension cord for this race.470 Volts atleast
connordoll21
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connordoll21 10/5/2016 6:28pm
10/5/2016 6:28pm
Could the use of electric motors be designed to alow the chain to be driven at the same axis as the rear swing arm rotates allowing for a tighter chain, and zero chain growth? In theory being on the throttle would have ZERO effect on the rear suspession this way.
Titan1
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Titan1 10/5/2016 7:05pm
10/5/2016 7:05pm
How much do the packs weigh (batteries)? Would it be feasible to carry a second one on your back on long off road rides (just to increase the mileage)?
es337
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es337 10/5/2016 7:05pm
10/5/2016 7:05pm Edited Date/Time 10/5/2016 7:06pm
connordoll21 wrote:
Could the use of electric motors be designed to alow the chain to be driven at the same axis as the rear swing arm rotates allowing...
Could the use of electric motors be designed to alow the chain to be driven at the same axis as the rear swing arm rotates allowing for a tighter chain, and zero chain growth? In theory being on the throttle would have ZERO effect on the rear suspession this way.
sarolea sp7 and the lightning ls-218 both have concentrically mounted swingarms



es337
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es337 10/5/2016 7:06pm
10/5/2016 7:06pm
Titan1 wrote:
How much do the packs weigh (batteries)? Would it be feasible to carry a second one on your back on long off road rides (just to...
How much do the packs weigh (batteries)? Would it be feasible to carry a second one on your back on long off road rides (just to increase the mileage)?
packs weigh about 60 pounds
Hcallz5
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Hcallz5 10/5/2016 7:19pm
10/5/2016 7:19pm
Gimme that direct current BB.
Titan1
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Titan1 10/5/2016 7:52pm
10/5/2016 7:52pm
Titan1 wrote:
How much do the packs weigh (batteries)? Would it be feasible to carry a second one on your back on long off road rides (just to...
How much do the packs weigh (batteries)? Would it be feasible to carry a second one on your back on long off road rides (just to increase the mileage)?
es337 wrote:
packs weigh about 60 pounds
Then that would be a negative!

E-bikes will neee substantially more range before they will work in the off road world...100+miles. I hope they get there soon though!
rollin64caddy
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rollin64caddy 10/5/2016 8:16pm
10/5/2016 8:16pm
would the batteries last a 30+2 moto with a pro level rider on it?
mx836
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mx836 10/5/2016 8:34pm
10/5/2016 8:34pm
vetmxr wrote:
I may be wrong but with a brushless designs, the only real thing to wear out (other than an electrical fire from short circuit) are the...
I may be wrong but with a brushless designs, the only real thing to wear out (other than an electrical fire from short circuit) are the bearings.....not much high wear items in there I don't think....
You could fry the stater or delaminate the rotor also. Not very common though. The big concern for replacement cost would be a battery.
51xc
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51xc 10/5/2016 9:09pm
10/5/2016 9:09pm
that actually makes me bother to watch it. cool stuff.
Mr.Fuller87
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Mr.Fuller87 10/5/2016 9:21pm
10/5/2016 9:21pm
Anonymous wrote:
I was watching him yesterday at Pala, I think JH is awesome, very technical rider so a good pick for the Straight Rhythm event. But that...
I was watching him yesterday at Pala, I think JH is awesome, very technical rider so a good pick for the Straight Rhythm event. But that bike looked very slow and the noise is comical.
lol every time I see a video of him riding I imagine there is a guy off to the side with a remote control. To me it's just one big R/C toy you can ride. Pretty soon Toys R Us will be selling them.
Mr.Fuller87
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Mr.Fuller87 10/5/2016 9:23pm
10/5/2016 9:23pm
BB67 wrote:
Ditch the batteries and hook it to a long extension cord for this race.470 Volts atleast
Haha. Make sure to tie the ends together just in case.
aeffertz
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aeffertz 10/5/2016 10:10pm
10/5/2016 10:10pm
Mr.Fuller87 wrote:
lol every time I see a video of him riding I imagine there is a guy off to the side with a remote control. To me...
lol every time I see a video of him riding I imagine there is a guy off to the side with a remote control. To me it's just one big R/C toy you can ride. Pretty soon Toys R Us will be selling them.
Is that how you feel about Teslas?
Racer142
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Racer142 10/5/2016 10:19pm
10/5/2016 10:19pm
If these went live tomorrow for the general consumer and all brands jump to electric what happens to our industry in general? Serious question. What do FMF, pro circuit, moto tassinari, hot rods, and other aftermarket companies do? Sure there is still a used bike market but it will dwindle every year. What about their level of support in racing? I'm not anti electric just actually curious what happens when these companies are no longer needed for the most part.

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wildbill
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wildbill 10/5/2016 10:53pm
10/5/2016 10:53pm Edited Date/Time 10/5/2016 11:13pm
peelout wrote:
this is so badass! i hope he beats some serious ass
Might need some clothespins to hear it.
JMX82
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JMX82 10/5/2016 11:01pm
10/5/2016 11:01pm
I think electric bike will take over the sport eventually and nothing will stop that. The possibility to build track almost anywhere without worrying about noise issues is such great advantage to electric bikes that it can't be ignored.
Project 2501 10/5/2016 11:19pm
10/5/2016 11:19pm
They are great bikes. Watched one test flat track and then supermoto, they get after it. Stoked to see Alta trying to go compete.
hvaughn88
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hvaughn88 10/5/2016 11:19pm
10/5/2016 11:19pm
Racer142 wrote:
If these went live tomorrow for the general consumer and all brands jump to electric what happens to our industry in general? Serious question. What do...
If these went live tomorrow for the general consumer and all brands jump to electric what happens to our industry in general? Serious question. What do FMF, pro circuit, moto tassinari, hot rods, and other aftermarket companies do? Sure there is still a used bike market but it will dwindle every year. What about their level of support in racing? I'm not anti electric just actually curious what happens when these companies are no longer needed for the most part.
They will either adapt or go away
ando
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ando 10/5/2016 11:44pm
10/5/2016 11:44pm
Racer142 wrote:
If these went live tomorrow for the general consumer and all brands jump to electric what happens to our industry in general? Serious question. What do...
If these went live tomorrow for the general consumer and all brands jump to electric what happens to our industry in general? Serious question. What do FMF, pro circuit, moto tassinari, hot rods, and other aftermarket companies do? Sure there is still a used bike market but it will dwindle every year. What about their level of support in racing? I'm not anti electric just actually curious what happens when these companies are no longer needed for the most part.
If they're smart those aftermarket tuning houses are already looking into electric bikes, how they are engineered and what sort of aftermarket options there might be.

The big change is that they will have to gain electrical engineering expertise at the expense of their mechanical knowledge.
ando
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ando 10/5/2016 11:47pm
10/5/2016 11:47pm
Kx125rider wrote:
Im skeptical. Maybe they can program it to feel like a two stroke. What happens when a motor on one of these goes, four stroke failures...
Im skeptical. Maybe they can program it to feel like a two stroke. What happens when a motor on one of these goes, four stroke failures are catastrophic enough. My prediction would be that it could also shrink the sport because the average person might not be able to afford to fix a failure.
zehn wrote:
Why would you take all the inherent advantages of using an eletric motor and fuck it all up so it feels like a 2 stroke? I...
Why would you take all the inherent advantages of using an eletric motor and fuck it all up so it feels like a 2 stroke?

I love smokers, but damn, that's just dumb.
+1

A two stroke engine characteristic is almost the exact opposite.

Electric motors are far superior when it comes to traction.
Europedude 10/6/2016 4:10am
10/6/2016 4:10am
If they will take over one day I will quit motocross, it's absolutly opposite to what I love in the sport, 4t already made me less excited about the sport, electric bikes will kill my passion. I can't even imagine coming to races and not being able to hear that beast muffled sound of 40 dirtbikes coming from the other side of the track while waiting for them to show up at my spot with butterflies in my stomach.
KTMShane699
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KTMShane699 10/6/2016 4:52am
10/6/2016 4:52am
Europedude wrote:
If they will take over one day I will quit motocross, it's absolutly opposite to what I love in the sport, 4t already made me less...
If they will take over one day I will quit motocross, it's absolutly opposite to what I love in the sport, 4t already made me less excited about the sport, electric bikes will kill my passion. I can't even imagine coming to races and not being able to hear that beast muffled sound of 40 dirtbikes coming from the other side of the track while waiting for them to show up at my spot with butterflies in my stomach.
That sound you love is also part of the sound that's damaging the sport. Riding areas are closing and one of the biggest complaints is noise. Actually, that may be the biggest complaint. Noise played a significant role in the closing of a track near me. Four stroke sound carries much farther than the two stroke. Now imagine a place with some open space that could be next to other facilities. Maybe it gets people's attention since they can just watch without feeling the dread of the loud noise. People can carry conversation on without ear plugs or constant repetition because of the noise. People stopping to have lunch next door watch for a little bit to see what's going on and get interested in the sport for themselves or their kids. My personal feeling is that electric is the future of transportation and power sports. And a big part of me says it might be the catalyst to growth in the sport.

The other big hurdle is price. But that's something we battle now. Families simply can't afford it.
MxRyder
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MxRyder 10/6/2016 5:24am
10/6/2016 5:24am
Well i can say ive ridden electric MX bikes...yes plural...BIKES.....except the Alta....and i WAS!,( the guy who looked at them as a joke)....Then i cracked the throttle.....Now i ride a full modded 2014 Yz450...full GYTR set up...Head, Cams,Cp project X 13.75 piston..CrankWorks crank...and a great mapping set up that brings it to a dream......these electric bikes are AMAZING.....rode one at glen helen....the one i rode was the 450 counterpart....the torque & speed at which these things create is just insane...all the power to the rear wheel....nearly no wheel spin cause the motors are so programmable...u can add engine breaking by 3% + or -....im going to assume the traction control effect i felt is programmable as well...but was explained to me in technical terms so i must have missed it......it was MUCH faster off the line....and at every speed then a modded 450...ITS ALREADY HERE....the future......the only issue about ridding them is it hard to corner...no sound it screws with you entire cornering process...once u ride one u will understand what im saying......these things are damn fast....i rode a prototype 450 equivalent....and it was a hell of alot faster then a 450.....i was left in Awe.....when u ride in a stright line..it feels light....in a corner u feel the weight....Mass centralization....ehhh....slightly.....but the Alta is differant.....if you get a chance to ride on give it a shot....WoW!
Europedude 10/6/2016 5:24am
10/6/2016 5:24am
You probably don't know what F1 is. Tell me that sport is growing since engines are quiet. F1 lost TONS of followers since turbo V6 era only because of the sound and it's still sound of a traditional engine. No one cares that cars are better and faster. It will hurt mx more than you think because people don't want to watch rc cars racing. Less people watching = less sponsors = less money. Anyway recharging will be a BIG issue. How are you gonna recharge your bike in the woods or at the track. I guess bigger facilities has some elecricity, but how about small local tracks.
mjr119 10/6/2016 5:33am
10/6/2016 5:33am
One downfall of the electric bike is the inability (at this time) to mod them. I think that is one of the things we all enjoy about dirt bikes. Finding ways to improve them, tinkering, adding fancy parts, etc.

I do like the idea of electric bikes though, I would own one now if they werent so expensive!
MotoTribology 10/6/2016 5:48am
10/6/2016 5:48am Edited Date/Time 10/6/2016 5:49am
mjr119 wrote:
One downfall of the electric bike is the inability (at this time) to mod them. I think that is one of the things we all enjoy...
One downfall of the electric bike is the inability (at this time) to mod them. I think that is one of the things we all enjoy about dirt bikes. Finding ways to improve them, tinkering, adding fancy parts, etc.

I do like the idea of electric bikes though, I would own one now if they werent so expensive!
There will be no end to that in an electric bike era and I'm sure there are people that have the knowledge now to start doing it too. It will just be a change of the knowledge base for that modding. Instead of motor heads you'll have electrical/software engineers and the like finding ways to improve on the parts of the electric motor, software and batteries.

A combustion engine is far from the only machine that can be modified for higher performance.

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