Blake Wharton on Alta Electric for Outdoors?

nascarnate326
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nascarnate326 4/11/2017 6:07pm
4/11/2017 6:07pm
OldYZRider1 wrote:
I think the younger crowd is gonna roll over to these electrics pretty quickly [u]if[/u] they can afford them. They've been programmed their whole lives through...
I think the younger crowd is gonna roll over to these electrics pretty quickly if they can afford them. They've been programmed their whole lives through public school education and kids television shows to embrace the green initiative. I also think alot of the younger crowd just doesn't have the mechanical skills or desire to develop the necessary skills to maintain an IC engine with all its moving parts. Some of that may come from knowing it's a power plant that's damaging the environment so they don't want a "commitment" to it.
I wanted to disagree at first with the normal 'motocross isnt for bitches' but your right.

Most people on a 250f couldnt change a 125 top end in 8 hours let alone between motos.


The electric bike is coming/here. We need to make a class for them and save the current system while we can.
Shawn142
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Shawn142 4/11/2017 6:17pm
4/11/2017 6:17pm
harescrambled wrote:
Could you drive it from Florida to upstate New York, or Florida to California?
I realize you're trying to be funny but yes, you can. The Tesla Supercharger network connects the entire US now. You can hop from charger to charger like a series of gas stations. My parents drive from Dallas TX to Melbourne FL routinely for visits in a Model S.

And yes, the Model X can haul a bike on a trailer. It's a very capable towing vehicle.
machine
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machine 4/11/2017 6:23pm
4/11/2017 6:23pm
lostboy819 wrote:
Wharton is a full time rock and roller now, doubt he would want to give up the easy life to go beat himself up by riding...
Wharton is a full time rock and roller now, doubt he would want to give up the easy life to go beat himself up by riding the nationals , but then again if hes on a Electric bike he would only need to ride half a moto anyway before the bike dies. Blush
No kidding, that's a no brainer, that bike would crap out within 20 mins of hard riding like that.
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hvaughn88 4/11/2017 6:26pm
4/11/2017 6:26pm Edited Date/Time 4/11/2017 6:29pm
I've never understood the disdain for vehicles that venture away from your typical internal combustion. In my opinion, it's nice to have options. I agree there is just something about that growl of a perfectly tuned engine, but that doesn't mean other types of motors/engines don't have their place. If you don't like an electric bike...don't ride one. If you don't like a 4 stroke...don't ride one. If you don't like a 2 stroke...don't ride one. If you don't like a quad...congratulations (I'm kidding, don't get mad guys). Hell, even if you don't like electric bikes a potential positive is that the competition in the market might potentially keep the costs of a gas engine in check. Just a thought.

Also, I have a feeling some of the people making snarky comments about the Alta might be selling it pretty short in the not too distant future.

The Shop

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hvaughn88
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hvaughn88 4/11/2017 6:31pm
4/11/2017 6:31pm
lostboy819 wrote:
Wharton is a full time rock and roller now, doubt he would want to give up the easy life to go beat himself up by riding...
Wharton is a full time rock and roller now, doubt he would want to give up the easy life to go beat himself up by riding the nationals , but then again if hes on a Electric bike he would only need to ride half a moto anyway before the bike dies. Blush
machine wrote:
No kidding, that's a no brainer, that bike would crap out within 20 mins of hard riding like that.
How long would it last under hard riding like that?
APLMAN99
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APLMAN99 4/11/2017 6:38pm
4/11/2017 6:38pm
305FC250 wrote:
As cool as it is I hope it doesn't catch on. Checked out a few in person and saw them being ridden and the fact that...
As cool as it is I hope it doesn't catch on. Checked out a few in person and saw them being ridden and the fact that they were nearly silent, and have no gearbox (therefore no clutch and no shifting) kills it for me. I love the way internal combustion engines sound, operate, smell, ect. so I'm never going to jump ship. Not to mention the price in a market where new bikes are already expensive to begin with.
jasonward73 wrote:
I thought the same thing about cars until I bought my wife a Tesla. A couple years later I sold my 500hp supercharged Range Rover and...
I thought the same thing about cars until I bought my wife a Tesla. A couple years later I sold my 500hp supercharged Range Rover and bought a fully loaded P100D Model X. 2 electric cars in garage now. Never looking back.



What's crazy to think about is that in your area, electricity is about 10.4 cents per kWh. In our area, electricity is under 3 cents and folks resist plug in cars because of "limited range". They forget that most folks don't drive past the range of those cars very often or that Tesla's charging stations are pretty strategically located to make longer trips pretty manageable now.
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machine 4/11/2017 7:15pm
4/11/2017 7:15pm
lostboy819 wrote:
Wharton is a full time rock and roller now, doubt he would want to give up the easy life to go beat himself up by riding...
Wharton is a full time rock and roller now, doubt he would want to give up the easy life to go beat himself up by riding the nationals , but then again if hes on a Electric bike he would only need to ride half a moto anyway before the bike dies. Blush
machine wrote:
No kidding, that's a no brainer, that bike would crap out within 20 mins of hard riding like that.
hvaughn88 wrote:
How long would it last under hard riding like that?
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that.

And in response to what you said prior, I think the underlying fear amoung a lot of us, aside from losing the cool factor of a bike with a motor( similar to dudes that are into hot rods and having a pick Prius to replace it), is the worry that once again the tree huggers will win and we won't have the choice you speak of in the future.
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hvaughn88 4/11/2017 7:18pm
4/11/2017 7:18pm
machine wrote:
No kidding, that's a no brainer, that bike would crap out within 20 mins of hard riding like that.
hvaughn88 wrote:
How long would it last under hard riding like that?
machine wrote:
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that. And...
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that.

And in response to what you said prior, I think the underlying fear amoung a lot of us, aside from losing the cool factor of a bike with a motor( similar to dudes that are into hot rods and having a pick Prius to replace it), is the worry that once again the tree huggers will win and we won't have the choice you speak of in the future.
I understand your concern, but if that's your concern then that will probably happen regardless
machine
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machine 4/11/2017 7:24pm
4/11/2017 7:24pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
How long would it last under hard riding like that?
machine wrote:
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that. And...
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that.

And in response to what you said prior, I think the underlying fear amoung a lot of us, aside from losing the cool factor of a bike with a motor( similar to dudes that are into hot rods and having a pick Prius to replace it), is the worry that once again the tree huggers will win and we won't have the choice you speak of in the future.
hvaughn88 wrote:
I understand your concern, but if that's your concern then that will probably happen regardless
Yep, more crap being forced on us that we don't like or want in the name of green. It's all about marketing to make us buy more expensive products. The biggest scam of the century...Cool
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Zoom 4/11/2017 7:27pm
4/11/2017 7:27pm
I will see Blake this weekend and ask him. He, Vann Martin and I are will be instructors at at benefit training class for James Marshall.



JM485
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JM485 4/11/2017 8:00pm
4/11/2017 8:00pm
machine wrote:
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that. And...
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that.

And in response to what you said prior, I think the underlying fear amoung a lot of us, aside from losing the cool factor of a bike with a motor( similar to dudes that are into hot rods and having a pick Prius to replace it), is the worry that once again the tree huggers will win and we won't have the choice you speak of in the future.
hvaughn88 wrote:
I understand your concern, but if that's your concern then that will probably happen regardless
machine wrote:
Yep, more crap being forced on us that we don't like or want in the name of green. It's all about marketing to make us buy...
Yep, more crap being forced on us that we don't like or want in the name of green. It's all about marketing to make us buy more expensive products. The biggest scam of the century...Cool
Except that Alta has never said they are doing this for the green agenda, they just want to make an electric bike that is better than a current 250f. I'm also pretty sure they designed the battery to last 30+2 as well, so you might want to actually visit their site and do some research before spreading a bunch of false information.
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kzizok 4/11/2017 8:16pm
4/11/2017 8:16pm Edited Date/Time 4/11/2017 8:17pm
People in the middle of technology shifts don't like the new because they know the old. They also are nostalgic and like certain characteristics of the outgoing technology and can't envision something new because it lacks some of their favorite things. But then, the new generation comes in, starts out with the "new" technology and its acceptable because its all they know. Then, the inevitable happens, a new technology is introduced and they dont like it because they know the old. And so it goes......
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JB 19 4/11/2017 8:18pm
4/11/2017 8:18pm Edited Date/Time 4/11/2017 8:20pm
machine wrote:
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that. And...
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that.

And in response to what you said prior, I think the underlying fear amoung a lot of us, aside from losing the cool factor of a bike with a motor( similar to dudes that are into hot rods and having a pick Prius to replace it), is the worry that once again the tree huggers will win and we won't have the choice you speak of in the future.
Actually, the Alta does have a motor and a traditional motorcycle has an engine....but you probably already knew that.

.....and you're presenting your theories as facts which may be misguided.

....And for the record, those bikes aren't silent....because silent is, you know, silent. Watch the Red Bull Straight Rhythm and at times you can clearly hear Josh Hill's bike over his competitor.
Project 2501 4/11/2017 8:37pm
4/11/2017 8:37pm
305FC250 wrote:
As cool as it is I hope it doesn't catch on. Checked out a few in person and saw them being ridden and the fact that...
As cool as it is I hope it doesn't catch on. Checked out a few in person and saw them being ridden and the fact that they were nearly silent, and have no gearbox (therefore no clutch and no shifting) kills it for me. I love the way internal combustion engines sound, operate, smell, ect. so I'm never going to jump ship. Not to mention the price in a market where new bikes are already expensive to begin with.
Ok
machine
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machine 4/11/2017 9:37pm
4/11/2017 9:37pm
hvaughn88 wrote:
I understand your concern, but if that's your concern then that will probably happen regardless
machine wrote:
Yep, more crap being forced on us that we don't like or want in the name of green. It's all about marketing to make us buy...
Yep, more crap being forced on us that we don't like or want in the name of green. It's all about marketing to make us buy more expensive products. The biggest scam of the century...Cool
JM485 wrote:
Except that Alta has never said they are doing this for the green agenda, they just want to make an electric bike that is better than...
Except that Alta has never said they are doing this for the green agenda, they just want to make an electric bike that is better than a current 250f. I'm also pretty sure they designed the battery to last 30+2 as well, so you might want to actually visit their site and do some research before spreading a bunch of false information.
I said "I would bet it wouldn't last a,moto riden by a pro" , so thats not spreading false info. I can also give a crap about what their website says, theres a reason even racing cars aren't electric....YET. They simply won't last on a charge being driven/ridden basically wide open,most of the time for very long, but feel free to drink the koolaid...
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JMR1976 4/11/2017 9:40pm
4/11/2017 9:40pm
If he is at Hangtown on a Alta i will be there for sure!
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Cashmore 4/11/2017 9:40pm
4/11/2017 9:40pm
305FC250 wrote:
As cool as it is I hope it doesn't catch on. Checked out a few in person and saw them being ridden and the fact that...
As cool as it is I hope it doesn't catch on. Checked out a few in person and saw them being ridden and the fact that they were nearly silent, and have no gearbox (therefore no clutch and no shifting) kills it for me. I love the way internal combustion engines sound, operate, smell, ect. so I'm never going to jump ship. Not to mention the price in a market where new bikes are already expensive to begin with.
Project 2501 wrote:
Ok
It would kill the moto industry guys!!! You would be crazy to think this will happen anytime soon... PC would be done exhaust wise, fmf also! Maybe mitch will get with E. Musk to develop a new high performance battery that sounds like a dirt bike
JMR1976
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JMR1976 4/11/2017 9:44pm
4/11/2017 9:44pm
305FC250 wrote:
As cool as it is I hope it doesn't catch on. Checked out a few in person and saw them being ridden and the fact that...
As cool as it is I hope it doesn't catch on. Checked out a few in person and saw them being ridden and the fact that they were nearly silent, and have no gearbox (therefore no clutch and no shifting) kills it for me. I love the way internal combustion engines sound, operate, smell, ect. so I'm never going to jump ship. Not to mention the price in a market where new bikes are already expensive to begin with.
Project 2501 wrote:
Ok
Cashmore wrote:
It would kill the moto industry guys!!! You would be crazy to think this will happen anytime soon... PC would be done exhaust wise, fmf also...
It would kill the moto industry guys!!! You would be crazy to think this will happen anytime soon... PC would be done exhaust wise, fmf also! Maybe mitch will get with E. Musk to develop a new high performance battery that sounds like a dirt bike
So we should not advance the sport to save PC and FMF? Evolve or go extinct.

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machine
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machine 4/11/2017 9:49pm
4/11/2017 9:49pm
machine wrote:
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that. And...
You might want to ask Alta, but i'd be willing to bet they wouldn't last a pro moto and surely start slowing even before that.

And in response to what you said prior, I think the underlying fear amoung a lot of us, aside from losing the cool factor of a bike with a motor( similar to dudes that are into hot rods and having a pick Prius to replace it), is the worry that once again the tree huggers will win and we won't have the choice you speak of in the future.
JB 19 wrote:
Actually, the Alta does have a motor and a traditional motorcycle has an engine....but you probably already knew that. .....and you're presenting your theories as facts...
Actually, the Alta does have a motor and a traditional motorcycle has an engine....but you probably already knew that.

.....and you're presenting your theories as facts which may be misguided.

....And for the record, those bikes aren't silent....because silent is, you know, silent. Watch the Red Bull Straight Rhythm and at times you can clearly hear Josh Hill's bike over his competitor.
Feel free to trade your bike in then if you feel that confident in them. Men will always like a motor that sounds like..well you know..a "combustion" ,motor. ...Barret Jackson doesnt auction off many electric cars...Wink
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Cashmore 4/11/2017 9:49pm
4/11/2017 9:49pm
JMR1976 wrote:
So we should not advance the sport to save PC and FMF? Evolve or go extinct.
In most cases I would agree with you. Not this time
loftyair
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loftyair 4/11/2017 10:11pm
4/11/2017 10:11pm
If it works better, theres no arguement.
JustPuttinAround 4/11/2017 10:14pm
4/11/2017 10:14pm
correct...They are not at all silent...they have a "throaty" giant RC car sound...
Whistling

Saw a Formula E race recently...Sick
Made me appreciate F1 all the more.

Would be very cool to see Wharton out there mixing it up on an Alta...was at Hangtown when Henry showed up on the YZ 400F
kzizok
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kzizok 4/11/2017 10:30pm
4/11/2017 10:30pm Edited Date/Time 4/11/2017 10:40pm
machine wrote:
Feel free to trade your bike in then if you feel that confident in them. Men will always like a motor that sounds like..well you know..a...
Feel free to trade your bike in then if you feel that confident in them. Men will always like a motor that sounds like..well you know..a "combustion" ,motor. ...Barret Jackson doesnt auction off many electric cars...Wink
What if there is a generation of men that didnt experience IC motors? Just because electric doesnt share the same characteristics as an IC motor, that doesn't mean they wont develop their own unique characteristics. Barrett-Jackson auctions off what is relevant at the time of their auctions, based on collecter demand. If electric takes over, IC will no longer be
relevant. Whole new generations will become nostalgic for what was relevant during their time because they can relate and understand it.

These types of shifts have happened consistently over the years. Horse to steam. Steam to IC. Props to jet. Abacus to calculator. Wire to telephone. Caligraphy to cursive. Easy to look back on, but not easy when entrenched in the change with one foot in and one foot out. Its human nature to like what we understand and dislike what we dont.
Crush
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Crush 4/11/2017 10:33pm
4/11/2017 10:33pm
Wouldn't it not be ok as per the rule book?

Oh wait, don't worry.
RPM68
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RPM68 4/11/2017 10:35pm
4/11/2017 10:35pm
Wouldn't it only require a rich "Dealer" to buy 250 production models? I mean, other than DC making rules for em, which would be awesome! Please be nice other OEM's!
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Zalev 4/11/2017 10:51pm
4/11/2017 10:51pm Edited Date/Time 4/11/2017 11:01pm
kzizok wrote:
People in the middle of technology shifts don't like the new because they know the old. They also are nostalgic and like certain characteristics of the...
People in the middle of technology shifts don't like the new because they know the old. They also are nostalgic and like certain characteristics of the outgoing technology and can't envision something new because it lacks some of their favorite things. But then, the new generation comes in, starts out with the "new" technology and its acceptable because its all they know. Then, the inevitable happens, a new technology is introduced and they dont like it because they know the old. And so it goes......
To some point new technologies were all about more, bigger, lauder, faster now it's not that obvious, motosports are getting less exciting with every new changes.

Making MX electric is like taking out something from the sport. Sound is a big part of it. I still don't get it why people are so excitied about electric motors. It's such a boring technology.

TheGetFresh 4/11/2017 11:00pm
4/11/2017 11:00pm
When mercedes builds their 2018 hybrid sprint with an available e-bike outlet, shits gonna get real futuristic at the dirt scooter track.
JB 19
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JB 19 4/11/2017 11:06pm
4/11/2017 11:06pm
I like the sound of a crisp two stroke or a 250F at 13 grand, but there are also situations where I would welcome 1/4 of the sound.....like if I could park right next to the track on race day and be close to the action, but still be able to speak to whoever I'm parked with and have them hear me.
ripcurl888 4/12/2017 1:23am
4/12/2017 1:23am
I would think alta would want to enter racing in the supercross 250 class , where the instant torque/traction of an electric bike would be and advantage on a tight corner filled track .

Instead of going head to head with factory 250's on wide open outdoor tracks where the battery tech for that kind of power might not be availble yet .

Also short supercross motos would be easier on battery duration .
a22
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a22 4/12/2017 2:00am
4/12/2017 2:00am Edited Date/Time 4/12/2017 2:00am
I know very little bout electric bikes, just wondering how many charge cycles can the battery take before it becomes toast and how much would a new battery cost? Isn't that a big issue with electric bikes?

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