Alta Motors CEO Q&A - Marc Fenigstein

wildbill
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6/10/2017 11:36pm
Jetskis are kind of like snowmobiles in that I'd love for them to be electric, but I can't see how the numbers will work out in...
Jetskis are kind of like snowmobiles in that I'd love for them to be electric, but I can't see how the numbers will work out in the near term. It just takes so much constant power (i.e. energy) vs the weight of the vehicle to keep them up on plane. You can't get what I think is a reasonable amount of runtime, and the consequences of running out are unusually bad in both environments.

We're being really careful to focus on markets and use cases where we think the electric (with our tech) can be the best thing you can buy. If it doesn't meet that standard, then we'll skip it. there are too many good opportunities where the numbers work - from ATVs and side-by-sides, to kids bikes, to... other things Smile .
Sounds like a Dual Sport is also possible. I'm only asking because I envision a massive smokey burnout while leaving work with nary a sound, except for the shred of a knob at full tilt. Wink
mingham97
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6/11/2017 12:38am
You're a true space cadet Tingo
TomC31
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6/11/2017 2:54am
We are excited to see the motorcycle in Australia, what are your plans on it reaching our shores?
MX47
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6/11/2017 5:04am
I've been trying to get a test ride (on a track not in a parking lot lol) for about 5 months. I was in Georgia at the time and am now about an hour and a half from Millville for the summer. Is there any place near here or is there an owner in this area willing to give a demo ride?

I have been interested since I heard about the bike a year or more ago and would love to ride it (and purchase one when some of the extras become available such as the left hand rear brake, I assume there will also be a foot brake as that would be necessity for me).

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions.

The Shop

Swann
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6/11/2017 8:54am Edited Date/Time 6/11/2017 8:59am
Yes, please! The team is growing and we want awesome people. Our current openings (ha) are listed here: https://www.altamotors.co/careers If nothing up there looks right but...
Yes, please! The team is growing and we want awesome people.

Our current openings (ha) are listed here: https://www.altamotors.co/careers

If nothing up there looks right but you think you're a good fit and have something special to bring to the team, you can send a cover letter, resume, portfolio, and/or feats-of-strength video to our jobs@altamotors.co inbox.
Awesome. Much appreciated. I emailed a few different people and aliases over there. Snailmail pestering will soon follow.

In the meantime, I think we need to start considering a new phrase to help express both the act and joy of riding an electric motorcycle:





(I am not applying for any graphic design or marketing related positions nor is this a solicitation for any such related services. You are welcome to use my non-copyrighted, extremely corny onomatopoeia if you so desire.)

colintrax
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6/11/2017 9:00am
MX47 wrote:
I've been trying to get a test ride (on a track not in a parking lot lol) for about 5 months. I was in Georgia at...
I've been trying to get a test ride (on a track not in a parking lot lol) for about 5 months. I was in Georgia at the time and am now about an hour and a half from Millville for the summer. Is there any place near here or is there an owner in this area willing to give a demo ride?

I have been interested since I heard about the bike a year or more ago and would love to ride it (and purchase one when some of the extras become available such as the left hand rear brake, I assume there will also be a foot brake as that would be necessity for me).

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions.
If you come back to Georgia give Glenn a call at Highland Park/KTM World.
nytsmaC
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6/11/2017 9:02am
Zap zap sounds kinda effeminate. Needs more killer skullz.





Swann
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6/11/2017 9:53am Edited Date/Time 6/11/2017 10:08am
How about this time around, the next gen motorcycle industry not marginalize its customer base by using gender-specific and hyper-masculine imagery and themes? Instead - motorcycles for all and for all, motorcycles. (Economies work better that way, any way. More market, less problems).
nytsmaC
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6/11/2017 10:14am
Say what you want, but Zap Zap isn't getting guys like this to trade in his CRF for an Alta.

You need explosions, big ass titties and flaming guitars.



F.B
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6/11/2017 10:25am
DV has really let himself go.
Hut
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6/11/2017 10:32am
Thanks to Tingo and Marc F great thread.
When will they shed about 70 pounds?
Hut
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6/11/2017 10:33am
Say what you want, but Zap Zap isn't getting guys like this to trade in his CRF for an Alta.

You need explosions, big ass titties and flaming guitars.


Who cares what that homo thinks....Huh
MX47
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6/11/2017 11:02am
colintrax wrote:
If you come back to Georgia give Glenn a call at Highland Park/KTM World.
I'll be back in October. Haven't been to Highland Park yet. Would definitely go for an Alta demo if I don't get a chance before then.
scooter5002
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6/11/2017 12:25pm
I'm unfamiliar with these bikes, other than they are electric, so please excuse what may seem to be a silly question. Is there an auxiliary outlet on these, providing power for auxiliary equipment? Extra low amp draw lighting, for night motos in cooler temps, a GPS, or even better, an ice making machine? Nothing beats a frappé, mid moto, just to take a break. You might consider sponsoring Mookie, I'm sure this is a feature he would consider invaluable, and get him into the outdoor series.
colintrax
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6/11/2017 2:35pm
MX47 wrote:
I'll be back in October. Haven't been to Highland Park yet. Would definitely go for an Alta demo if I don't get a chance before then.
I strongly recommend it, I just got back home from testing one out there. The bike is absolutely awesome, and highland park is always a great place to ride. Plus, you know they'll give you a good deal if you buy one (I'm contemplating it)
kzizok
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6/11/2017 3:06pm
colintrax wrote:
I strongly recommend it, I just got back home from testing one out there. The bike is absolutely awesome, and highland park is always a great...
I strongly recommend it, I just got back home from testing one out there. The bike is absolutely awesome, and highland park is always a great place to ride. Plus, you know they'll give you a good deal if you buy one (I'm contemplating it)
Whaddya think about it?
colintrax
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6/11/2017 3:17pm
kzizok wrote:
Whaddya think about it?
I'm gonna post a write up later, but long story short the bike is great. My biggest gripe is the foot pegs and weight. Feels a little better than a 250F in the corners, but not as good as a 125. So the weight isn't a big issue, but I ride a KTM 150 and I'm a skinny shit. So I still notice it. And the foot pegs feel like stock Japanese pegs, they could do better. As great as the rest of the bike is, I feel they really dropped the ball there. 10 minutes with a file would likely remedy that issue though.
If I had the money right now, I wouldve left with an alta today.
Falcon
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6/11/2017 3:56pm
F.B wrote:
DV has really let himself go.
Woohoo Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Grinning
HenryA
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6/12/2017 3:51am
Hey Marc, I Posted this in the other thread but think it went under the radar:
I like the idea. Charge it, rip it, wash it. Tired of dealing with a ticking time bomb. Road legal would also be bitching, commute to work during the week with supermotard wheels and then switch to dirt wheels for the weekend and head to the track.
When can I find one at a dealer in europe?

Also, has there been any testing done with the Alta in freezing temperatures? If yes, how does it affect performance?
tingo
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6/12/2017 6:09am
mingham97 wrote:
You're a true space cadet Tingo
Reporting for duty, sir.


fasterfaster
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6/12/2017 9:52am
Hi all,
Getting a bit buried with work, and the folks at Vital are trying to set up a formal front page AMA sometime soon, so I'm going to bow out of this thread for a bit. I'll try to post up answers to the questions posted above that I haven't gotten to yet, as well as the PMs that came in, but it'll probably be later this week. Thanks for all of the interest and support! -M
imoto34
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6/12/2017 10:32am
Hi all, Getting a bit buried with work, and the folks at Vital are trying to set up a formal front page AMA sometime soon, so...
Hi all,
Getting a bit buried with work, and the folks at Vital are trying to set up a formal front page AMA sometime soon, so I'm going to bow out of this thread for a bit. I'll try to post up answers to the questions posted above that I haven't gotten to yet, as well as the PMs that came in, but it'll probably be later this week. Thanks for all of the interest and support! -M


nytsmaC
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6/12/2017 3:45pm
Hi all, Getting a bit buried with work, and the folks at Vital are trying to set up a formal front page AMA sometime soon, so...
Hi all,
Getting a bit buried with work, and the folks at Vital are trying to set up a formal front page AMA sometime soon, so I'm going to bow out of this thread for a bit. I'll try to post up answers to the questions posted above that I haven't gotten to yet, as well as the PMs that came in, but it'll probably be later this week. Thanks for all of the interest and support! -M
Not so fast there Hoss, answer the question about the ice maker.
6/12/2017 4:22pm
Hi all, Getting a bit buried with work, and the folks at Vital are trying to set up a formal front page AMA sometime soon, so...
Hi all,
Getting a bit buried with work, and the folks at Vital are trying to set up a formal front page AMA sometime soon, so I'm going to bow out of this thread for a bit. I'll try to post up answers to the questions posted above that I haven't gotten to yet, as well as the PMs that came in, but it'll probably be later this week. Thanks for all of the interest and support! -M
nytsmaC wrote:
Not so fast there Hoss, answer the question about the ice maker.
X2
mikec265
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6/12/2017 4:39pm
In the future, would Alta consider stuffing 2 strokes in the bikes? It might make the investors $happy$

Even if it was a Rotax made engine at first so less R and D money would be needed.

Has there been any thoughts of gas engine bikes down the road?

How many years would the battery last for a guy who doesn't ride more than 10 times per year?

Would people who don't ride much be better off with a gas bike? Pending that noise isn't an issue.
quiknic
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Fantasy
6/14/2017 12:23pm
Swann wrote:
Question: I want to work for Alta. Who can I talk to to follow up on a resume I submitted?
Yes, please! The team is growing and we want awesome people. Our current openings (ha) are listed here: https://www.altamotors.co/careers If nothing up there looks right but...
Yes, please! The team is growing and we want awesome people.

Our current openings (ha) are listed here: https://www.altamotors.co/careers

If nothing up there looks right but you think you're a good fit and have something special to bring to the team, you can send a cover letter, resume, portfolio, and/or feats-of-strength video to our jobs@altamotors.co inbox.
Hello Marc,

Great job with the Q&A and I am digging the multiple Alta threads and substantial amount of detail that is being discussed. This has been one of the most informative and mature discussions in quite a while.

I have been tracking the Alta and Redshift platforms since first seeing them just prior to the Red Bull Straight Rhythm of 2016. Since this time, I have purchased a home with 22+ acres. It is rural but still has neighbors and I have thought that the electric option would work out fantastic for our location and open up many more options for riding as we please. I am currently building a multi discipline track/riding area on the property that includes a mixture of motocross, endurocross, arenacross and freeride sections mainly for my son but I also still ride and bust out some moto’s. Like Ben990 (thanks for the detailed ride reports) I think the bike would be ideal for our case and I am very interested in joining in on the “Bleeding Edge” of this technology with the sport that we love.

I also see above that you have an employment position for a Video Content Producer, I am a CEO as well and own a full service post production company located in Burbank, CA and wanted to see if you and the Alta team would have any interest in a partnership where we could handle the video content production, project management, graphic and web design and some help on the marketing? My background is a video engineer who has grown up racing motocross, I reached the professional level for a few seasons but with working full time it proved to be an un-achievable dream without being able to dedicate the required training and structure to succeed full time in the SX and MX world. Anyhow my son is still racing on a regular basis and I do still ride and help him out on setup of the bikes so I do think that we could both be of help with testing in different environments and disciplines along with the post production services it could be a win-win for all.

Now for a few questions:

1). Is there any plan for supporting racing on a local level with sponsoring a small series/few events like the 125 Dream Race Invitational Triple Crown or even a Contingency Program at the larger events? I realize that this may be a bit too early in the business phase but overall financially it would limit risk on large payouts with a small volume of bikes and riders at the current time and also boost your exposure.
2). Are you in talks with any track owners or investors into indoor arenas where you could offer demo and test rides, public rental and racing opportunities year round?
3). Any plans for custom weight saving parts using carbon, magnesium, titanium and alloys or will you leave this up to others in the industry?

Let me know your thoughts and if there is any interest feel free to PM or email me to discuss in further detail. Nick@elitemediatek.com or you can check out the post production services at www.elitemediatek.com

Cheers,

Nick
motosurf
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6/14/2017 1:22pm
I love how the OP just started his own Q&A lol that's awesome Laughing Laughing
LoudLove
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6/14/2017 2:26pm
Many riders suffer sticker shock from the $15K+ MSRP. However, when considering the differences between "price" and "cost", the Alta separates itself from its combustion brethren. Add variable expenses, from gas & oil to top ends and the dreaded case-cracking, and over time the true cost of ownership gap closes significantly.

Also consider the catastrophic failure rate, and compare that to the Alta's vulnerabilities. Deep down each of us fears the delicate ballet between valves, cams, chains, and pistons. Think of not only rebuild cost, but the down time and frustrations. The Alta provides a Zen-like approach to riding, where the stress of routine maintenance is reduced dramatically.

Alta might consider developing a Cost of Ownership matrix, comparing the operating & maintenance expenses of it's bikes to 2T/4T machines. Most people who can plunk down $15K have already done the math, but many people may be surprised at how much they actually spend riding and racing MX bikes. The nickels & dimes tend to add up quickly.
Indy mxer
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6/14/2017 4:11pm
LoudLove wrote:
Many riders suffer sticker shock from the $15K+ MSRP. However, when considering the differences between "price" and "cost", the Alta separates itself from its combustion brethren...
Many riders suffer sticker shock from the $15K+ MSRP. However, when considering the differences between "price" and "cost", the Alta separates itself from its combustion brethren. Add variable expenses, from gas & oil to top ends and the dreaded case-cracking, and over time the true cost of ownership gap closes significantly.

Also consider the catastrophic failure rate, and compare that to the Alta's vulnerabilities. Deep down each of us fears the delicate ballet between valves, cams, chains, and pistons. Think of not only rebuild cost, but the down time and frustrations. The Alta provides a Zen-like approach to riding, where the stress of routine maintenance is reduced dramatically.

Alta might consider developing a Cost of Ownership matrix, comparing the operating & maintenance expenses of it's bikes to 2T/4T machines. Most people who can plunk down $15K have already done the math, but many people may be surprised at how much they actually spend riding and racing MX bikes. The nickels & dimes tend to add up quickly.
You make a valid point. But since its over double what I paid for my new 16 Kawi 450, it's still cost prohibitive for me.
I don't ride every weekend, so my yearly cost isn't a ton of money. It would take a lot of riding for me to make up the extra $7500.
Plus, with the Alta it's not a zero sum game. It will still need tires, chains, sprockets and other wear items. And how long before you need a new battery? At what cost?

Although I can see myself on one at some point, the price will have to come down for me to pull the trigger.

But I do think it's going to play a big role in offroad and mx down the road. Opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
TsmithMX
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Chico, CA US
6/15/2017 9:33pm
LoudLove wrote:
Many riders suffer sticker shock from the $15K+ MSRP. However, when considering the differences between "price" and "cost", the Alta separates itself from its combustion brethren...
Many riders suffer sticker shock from the $15K+ MSRP. However, when considering the differences between "price" and "cost", the Alta separates itself from its combustion brethren. Add variable expenses, from gas & oil to top ends and the dreaded case-cracking, and over time the true cost of ownership gap closes significantly.

Also consider the catastrophic failure rate, and compare that to the Alta's vulnerabilities. Deep down each of us fears the delicate ballet between valves, cams, chains, and pistons. Think of not only rebuild cost, but the down time and frustrations. The Alta provides a Zen-like approach to riding, where the stress of routine maintenance is reduced dramatically.

Alta might consider developing a Cost of Ownership matrix, comparing the operating & maintenance expenses of it's bikes to 2T/4T machines. Most people who can plunk down $15K have already done the math, but many people may be surprised at how much they actually spend riding and racing MX bikes. The nickels & dimes tend to add up quickly.
Indy mxer wrote:
You make a valid point. But since its over double what I paid for my new 16 Kawi 450, it's still cost prohibitive for me. I...
You make a valid point. But since its over double what I paid for my new 16 Kawi 450, it's still cost prohibitive for me.
I don't ride every weekend, so my yearly cost isn't a ton of money. It would take a lot of riding for me to make up the extra $7500.
Plus, with the Alta it's not a zero sum game. It will still need tires, chains, sprockets and other wear items. And how long before you need a new battery? At what cost?

Although I can see myself on one at some point, the price will have to come down for me to pull the trigger.

But I do think it's going to play a big role in offroad and mx down the road. Opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
Hear, hear. My thoughts exactly. $15,000 is way to steep for the average Joe, even after considering maintenance costs.

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