2/16/2018 7:04 AM
Edited Date/Time: 2/16/2018 7:13 AM
What will the consumer acceptance be of such a radical departure from the MX mini norm of 2-strokes? Where will they fit in among the multitude of classes for mini's in the racing organization's? There is a real buzz in the MX side of the world about E-bikes now that the Alta has proven itself worthy of real competition and not just a play bike. Will the Beta do the same? There is a perception problem with the look of the open frame space and the current availability and identification with Chinese "Wal Mart" and "Pep Boys" bikes. Beta has added modern styling (except the big hole in the middle) and more sturdy suspension, and could be a legitimate option for young riders and their families. KTM has stated they are hot on the path to do the same thing.
At $1799 retail, with a spare battery, and no oil changes or air filter maintenance, if this bike performs (against 50's or 65's?) this could be a revolution in price, performance, maintenance, and ease of operation. No clutch to learn and easy to deliver power spread. That is about 1/2 the price of a KTM 50 and about the same as a Yamaha PW50 ($1499) which the Beta will likely destroy on the track. Performance of a racer at a lower price point than a Honda CRF 70 ($2249) or beginner bike. If I am a dealer I grab about 20 of these things so that there is inventory left for the Christmas season. Bikes in this category don't go obsolete every few years, but seem to be produced without changes for decades. Yamaha is just releasing their new 65 for $4599. The future looks bright for this model if it performs at all.
Is this the evidence of what could happen to e-bike prices in the future? Imagine $5k full size bikes that can go hard for 45 minutes with a changeable battery that are under 200 lbs. I'd miss my gas burner, but not for long.