ALTA OWNERS: Would you do it again?

Titan1
Posts
9407
Joined
2/3/2010
Location
Lehi, UT US
8/22/2018 1:35pm
Titan1 wrote:
So it doesn't have radiators? Is it air cooled?
seth505 wrote:
No radiators to bend up!
Right...so is it air cooled or does it just not generate enough heat to worry about it?
8/22/2018 1:46pm
Titan1 wrote:
Right...so is it air cooled or does it just not generate enough heat to worry about it?
The bike has coolant circulating the batteries, and the battery pack has cooling fins on it.

The battery will warm up some with extreme, loaded, continuous use and during charging.
1
seth505
Posts
10170
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
SD, CA US
8/22/2018 1:50pm
Titan1 wrote:
So it doesn't have radiators? Is it air cooled?
seth505 wrote:
No radiators to bend up!
Titan1 wrote:
Right...so is it air cooled or does it just not generate enough heat to worry about it?
Internally liquid cooled, but no radiators/hoses to worry about
1
ktmdan
Posts
1227
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Houston, TX US
8/22/2018 2:02pm
Holigan wrote:
Yes, I would buy it again. Reasons: - Corners better than any bike I have ever ridden (including RMs), and feels like a 125 or 250...
Yes, I would buy it again.

Reasons:

- Corners better than any bike I have ever ridden (including RMs), and feels like a 125 or 250 2T
- Has the power of a 350, but no searching for the powerband, it is everywhere
- Built in the USA
- Never change the oil
- Never need to buy a pipe and silencer because I crushed mine
- Never replace a radiator or have one repaired
- Never bend a shift lever
- Never brake a clutch lever
- Never adjust the valves or do a top end job
- Never clean an air filter
- Never foul a plug or have problems starting
- I can ride on a track in my backyard near dense population
- The negative of recharging has not been a factor yet. I need to rest occasionally.

Is the Alta MXR the right bike for everyone, No. It is the right bike for tha majority of the offroad riding population, Yes. But the only way for someone to really know is to ride one. Hope you guys make it to a demo day or get to try a friends.
You had me at 'Never clean an air filter'.
5
1

The Shop

chrisg19
Posts
455
Joined
10/6/2014
Location
Castle Rock, CO US
8/22/2018 2:13pm
I absolutely love my Alta. I have not ridden my YZ250 since I got it. Living at altitude it has a ton of power since you don’t lose any HP. I would buy it again without hesitation.
3
Alex.434
Posts
451
Joined
12/12/2016
Location
Warner Springs, CA US
8/22/2018 2:33pm
I pull the Alta out of the shop 9 out of 10 times I ride. As stated already, it's amazing not having to do any service work..

LOVE IT.
3
Titan1
Posts
9407
Joined
2/3/2010
Location
Lehi, UT US
8/22/2018 2:48pm
seth505 wrote:
No radiators to bend up!
Titan1 wrote:
Right...so is it air cooled or does it just not generate enough heat to worry about it?
seth505 wrote:
Internally liquid cooled, but no radiators/hoses to worry about
Right on! Thanks.
R.EX
Posts
85
Joined
7/23/2010
Location
CA
8/22/2018 2:50pm
Titan1 wrote:
Right...so is it air cooled or does it just not generate enough heat to worry about it?
seth505 wrote:
Internally liquid cooled, but no radiators/hoses to worry about
Titan1 wrote:
Right on! Thanks.
The battery isn't liquid cooled, only the motor and motor controller
2
azrider212
Posts
5
Joined
3/25/2018
Location
Phoenix, AZ US
8/22/2018 3:20pm
Has anyone ridden one in real hot conditions? Can it get hot and shut off? Being in AZ 100+ degree temps can give electronics issues so I would love to hear from someone who's ridden an Alta in these conditions.
wfopete
Posts
481
Joined
7/27/2015
Location
Dover, AR US
8/22/2018 5:04pm Edited Date/Time 8/22/2018 5:13pm
I understand they have some sort of a thermal limiter that reduces the juice when the battery gets hot.
Johnny Depp
Posts
6435
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
8/22/2018 5:23pm
rjw141 wrote:
For me, yes. Absolutely would do it again. It is very addicting to ride. The bike is a blast. It handles really well in my opinion...
For me, yes. Absolutely would do it again. It is very addicting to ride. The bike is a blast.

It handles really well in my opinion. It is very fast, especially on the bottom end. And I can’t tell you how much it takes off your mind when you don’t have to worry about what gear to be in or shifting or use the clutch. Frees up your mental energy for line selection and just going fast.

It is not with out drawbacks, though. The recharge time is a little bit of a downer when you are used to just adding some gas and you can keep riding. Also, you will probably go through chains and rear tires faster because of the torque. It also feels like it tops out quicker than my KTM 450 but I guess that is to be expected.

Short answer, yes, absolutely would do it again. It just puts a smile on your face and is a ton of fun. Have fun!
Great photos!
1
AB884
Posts
14
Joined
8/20/2015
Location
Peoria, AZ US
8/22/2018 5:29pm
azrider212 wrote:
Has anyone ridden one in real hot conditions? Can it get hot and shut off? Being in AZ 100+ degree temps can give electronics issues so...
Has anyone ridden one in real hot conditions? Can it get hot and shut off? Being in AZ 100+ degree temps can give electronics issues so I would love to hear from someone who's ridden an Alta in these conditions.
I haven't had any issues in AZ at all on the 2018 MXR, even last weekend when it was well over 100 degrees - the older MX had a thermal limit that it would reach if you were to put it through the paces, but still ahvent reached that point on the MXR. If you are ever interested, hit up AEO Powersports in Mesa to test their demo any time. They'll meet you mostly any weekend you want to test it out.
2
AB884
Posts
14
Joined
8/20/2015
Location
Peoria, AZ US
8/22/2018 6:10pm
100% happy with the MXR. No issues at all at the track at a local B level. Would definitely recommend to anyone riding mx or off road


7
mikec265
Posts
1668
Joined
10/19/2015
Location
Edinboro, PA US
8/22/2018 6:25pm
I love mine. My only real big dislike is the AER 48 air forks don't feel as planted as spring forks in the turns. Getting that fixed real soon. Built a track this year and the neighbors have yet to complain. Once the suspension is set correctly it will be my favorite bike in 21 years of riding.
2
rutsmash
Posts
526
Joined
3/1/2014
Location
Phoenix, AZ US
8/22/2018 6:32pm
rjw141 wrote:
Yeah I am not sure yet because I have not actually raced it. It will be interesting to see. The only way I have to compare...
Yeah I am not sure yet because I have not actually raced it. It will be interesting to see.

The only way I have to compare so far is when I went to an open practice at a track here locally I was passing people at the same rate as I was on my 450. (You scare the crap out of a lot of people when they can not hear you come up behind them haha)

If you are trying to be the next Ryan Dungey I would definitely get a regular bike. If you are past your prime and just trying to have fun riding a dirt bike, I would say the Alta is a solid option.
The part about coming up on people without them knowing it is somewhat a concern I would think. I guess you could yell at them if they move over for some reason but probably too late at that point anyway. You know to hold your line in traffic but if you think you are alone cause no sound behind you, moving over (for whatever reason) has really not been a concern. But now it could be. Anyone ever had any close calls because of that or how have you mitigated that?
1
rjw141
Posts
74
Joined
8/27/2015
Location
Raleigh, NC US
8/22/2018 6:44pm
rutsmash wrote:
The part about coming up on people without them knowing it is somewhat a concern I would think. I guess you could yell at them if...
The part about coming up on people without them knowing it is somewhat a concern I would think. I guess you could yell at them if they move over for some reason but probably too late at that point anyway. You know to hold your line in traffic but if you think you are alone cause no sound behind you, moving over (for whatever reason) has really not been a concern. But now it could be. Anyone ever had any close calls because of that or how have you mitigated that?
I have not had any close calls, maybe some one else on here has. Yelling definitely helps, just like any bike haha.

If you just keep in mind that they may not know you are there until you show a wheel, you should be fine. Pick a smart place to pass just like any other bike.

(Photo added just because I like the photo haha)

4
8/22/2018 7:13pm
Its so cool that you can take this thing where ever you want, whenever you want. Wake up early to ride before work? No problem. Wanna ride behind your house for a couple minutes? No problem. That’s pretty awesome
2
Fog 25
Posts
180
Joined
6/25/2016
Location
Castaic, CA US
Fantasy
8/22/2018 7:48pm
After five months I’m still happy with mine and still enjoying riding it. Raced it once at mammoth mx very competitive motorcycle. You have to watch when coming on to other riders on practice days so you do not startled them. Under race conditions you have to be aware of corners, it goes so fast through corners you have to be careful to not hit fellow rider as you’re leaving the corners.
You will also have to warn your buddies not to follow too closely Just last week I just had a kid get behind me in the roost broke his nose.


Overall it is a very fun motorcycle to ride and would buy another one .
rutsmash
Posts
526
Joined
3/1/2014
Location
Phoenix, AZ US
8/22/2018 7:54pm
rutsmash wrote:
The part about coming up on people without them knowing it is somewhat a concern I would think. I guess you could yell at them if...
The part about coming up on people without them knowing it is somewhat a concern I would think. I guess you could yell at them if they move over for some reason but probably too late at that point anyway. You know to hold your line in traffic but if you think you are alone cause no sound behind you, moving over (for whatever reason) has really not been a concern. But now it could be. Anyone ever had any close calls because of that or how have you mitigated that?
rjw141 wrote:
I have not had any close calls, maybe some one else on here has. Yelling definitely helps, just like any bike haha. If you just keep...
I have not had any close calls, maybe some one else on here has. Yelling definitely helps, just like any bike haha.

If you just keep in mind that they may not know you are there until you show a wheel, you should be fine. Pick a smart place to pass just like any other bike.

(Photo added just because I like the photo haha)

Glad no close calls for you. Not to piss anyone off, but I feel the future dictates my point is mute as someday we will all be on electric bikes and yelling at the rider in front of you will be effective.
1
8/22/2018 8:04pm
Fog 25 wrote:
After five months I’m still happy with mine and still enjoying riding it. Raced it once at mammoth mx very competitive motorcycle. You have to watch...
After five months I’m still happy with mine and still enjoying riding it. Raced it once at mammoth mx very competitive motorcycle. You have to watch when coming on to other riders on practice days so you do not startled them. Under race conditions you have to be aware of corners, it goes so fast through corners you have to be careful to not hit fellow rider as you’re leaving the corners.
You will also have to warn your buddies not to follow too closely Just last week I just had a kid get behind me in the roost broke his nose.


Overall it is a very fun motorcycle to ride and would buy another one .
Isn’t this the pic you wanted to post ?

8/22/2018 8:27pm
rutsmash wrote:
The part about coming up on people without them knowing it is somewhat a concern I would think. I guess you could yell at them if...
The part about coming up on people without them knowing it is somewhat a concern I would think. I guess you could yell at them if they move over for some reason but probably too late at that point anyway. You know to hold your line in traffic but if you think you are alone cause no sound behind you, moving over (for whatever reason) has really not been a concern. But now it could be. Anyone ever had any close calls because of that or how have you mitigated that?
rjw141 wrote:
I have not had any close calls, maybe some one else on here has. Yelling definitely helps, just like any bike haha. If you just keep...
I have not had any close calls, maybe some one else on here has. Yelling definitely helps, just like any bike haha.

If you just keep in mind that they may not know you are there until you show a wheel, you should be fine. Pick a smart place to pass just like any other bike.

(Photo added just because I like the photo haha)

rutsmash wrote:
Glad no close calls for you. Not to piss anyone off, but I feel the future dictates my point is mute as someday we will all...
Glad no close calls for you. Not to piss anyone off, but I feel the future dictates my point is mute as someday we will all be on electric bikes and yelling at the rider in front of you will be effective.
Or a horn button
8/22/2018 8:42pm Edited Date/Time 8/22/2018 8:46pm
Holigan wrote:
Yes, I would buy it again. Reasons: - Corners better than any bike I have ever ridden (including RMs), and feels like a 125 or 250...
Yes, I would buy it again.

Reasons:

- Corners better than any bike I have ever ridden (including RMs), and feels like a 125 or 250 2T
- Has the power of a 350, but no searching for the powerband, it is everywhere
- Built in the USA
- Never change the oil
- Never need to buy a pipe and silencer because I crushed mine
- Never replace a radiator or have one repaired
- Never bend a shift lever
- Never brake a clutch lever
- Never adjust the valves or do a top end job
- Never clean an air filter
- Never foul a plug or have problems starting
- I can ride on a track in my backyard near dense population
- The negative of recharging has not been a factor yet. I need to rest occasionally.

Is the Alta MXR the right bike for everyone, No. It is the right bike for tha majority of the offroad riding population, Yes. But the only way for someone to really know is to ride one. Hope you guys make it to a demo day or get to try a friends.
I really like what alta has done but disagree that it will work for the majority of offroad riders. Range is still nowhere near good enough. Get an honest 80 trail miles and it would work and I am talking 80 hard miles. If they get the range up and have a 60hp mode I would be all over one. I want 450 equivalent power for the hillclimbing we do.
8/22/2018 9:00pm
I'd love to have one. AB884's looks bitchin. I'll come say hi if I see you out at ACP sometime.
rutsmash
Posts
526
Joined
3/1/2014
Location
Phoenix, AZ US
8/22/2018 9:45pm
AB884 wrote:
100% happy with the MXR. No issues at all at the track at a local B level. Would definitely recommend to anyone riding mx or off...
100% happy with the MXR. No issues at all at the track at a local B level. Would definitely recommend to anyone riding mx or off road


Have you hit the uphill triple at ACP yet on it? I ask only because about a year ago I saw a fast kid (also saw him riding combustion engine) riding one at ACP and he put a video on YT but he didn't jump the triple. I asked why not and he said he just wasn't comfortable doing it (he caveated that with only had a couple laps on it) but he said he felt it could make it based on how it felt. Since i'm not Travis Pastrana, I need proof it can be done and the reason I ask.
1
Moto_Geek
Posts
1824
Joined
6/26/2007
Location
Golden, CO US
8/22/2018 9:56pm
Cool thread.. finally some valuable information on Vital.. definitely peaked my interest.
8/23/2018 1:17am
These bikes sound awesome. Good to hear what people who actually own them think. If they are this good now, I can't imagine how much better they will get. I also bet the higher price of them would even out over the long run since there are a lot less replacement parts.

Does anyone know the life expectancy of the battery?
Fog 25
Posts
180
Joined
6/25/2016
Location
Castaic, CA US
Fantasy
8/23/2018 1:26am Edited Date/Time 8/23/2018 1:29am
Fog 25 wrote:
After five months I’m still happy with mine and still enjoying riding it. Raced it once at mammoth mx very competitive motorcycle. You have to watch...
After five months I’m still happy with mine and still enjoying riding it. Raced it once at mammoth mx very competitive motorcycle. You have to watch when coming on to other riders on practice days so you do not startled them. Under race conditions you have to be aware of corners, it goes so fast through corners you have to be careful to not hit fellow rider as you’re leaving the corners.
You will also have to warn your buddies not to follow too closely Just last week I just had a kid get behind me in the roost broke his nose.


Overall it is a very fun motorcycle to ride and would buy another one .
Isn’t this the pic you wanted to post ? [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/08/22/282248/s1200_8652810F_EBBD_49D0_9D95_50D14BCAAE2E.jpg[/img]
Isn’t this the pic you wanted to post ?

@Langhammx I went with the second nose because I didn’t want to be so graphic and scare anyone. ⚡️⚡️⚡️
1
Indy mxer
Posts
1833
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
The Villages, FL US
8/23/2018 3:44am
AB884 wrote:
100% happy with the MXR. No issues at all at the track at a local B level. Would definitely recommend to anyone riding mx or off...
100% happy with the MXR. No issues at all at the track at a local B level. Would definitely recommend to anyone riding mx or off road


That looks badass! As more get out there it will be cool to see what people do with graphics.
2
azrider212
Posts
5
Joined
3/25/2018
Location
Phoenix, AZ US
8/23/2018 9:51am
azrider212 wrote:
Has anyone ridden one in real hot conditions? Can it get hot and shut off? Being in AZ 100+ degree temps can give electronics issues so...
Has anyone ridden one in real hot conditions? Can it get hot and shut off? Being in AZ 100+ degree temps can give electronics issues so I would love to hear from someone who's ridden an Alta in these conditions.
AB884 wrote:
I haven't had any issues in AZ at all on the 2018 MXR, even last weekend when it was well over 100 degrees - the older...
I haven't had any issues in AZ at all on the 2018 MXR, even last weekend when it was well over 100 degrees - the older MX had a thermal limit that it would reach if you were to put it through the paces, but still ahvent reached that point on the MXR. If you are ever interested, hit up AEO Powersports in Mesa to test their demo any time. They'll meet you mostly any weekend you want to test it out.
That's good to hear, I appreciate the input. Your bike looks great! I was actually speaking with AEO earlier this week about that haha, I'm seriously considering it because of the ability to take it up to our cabin and not have to re-jet for the elevation and not have pissed off neighbors because of the noise.

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