i have been saying for a few years that i was considering an Alta. after seeing the new MXR, now i am seriously considering it. i live on 600 acres and would probably have a very expensive day when i buy one because i'll have to purchase a skidsteer on the way home.... i would instantly start work on a moto and an endurocross tracks. :^)
the one thing that is holding me back is the lack of a clutch... i realize that it doesn't have multiple gears but i have grown up on ICE bikes and now in my early 40s, the clutch is just second nature to me.... in the case of the Alta, i wouldn't need it for shifting gears but for modulating power... especially under very technical conditions such as mountain single track or endurocross. not only that but when i am tired in a race and have an "oh chit" moment, the clutch is a sure fire way to arrest a whiskey throttle.
my question is what is the probability that the Alta's would ever be equipped with a clutch lever that could modulate the electronic speed control to give the feel of a mechanical clutch? something like that would add minimal weight but give much greater control and with as much power as this bike sounds like it has, i have to imagine that there will be a lot of "larry loop-out" moments if something resembling a clutch is not added.