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I hit the 110 out to milestone today to ride and stumbled upon a dealership set up with a test ride tent for the new Alta MX machine.
Upon throwing a leg over, I got the feeling that I was on one nimble, quick motorcycle. Not having to kickstart the bike in 95 degree heat was obviously a gift from God, and getting going was as easy as one, two, three (literally)
There were four map settings available, two trail settings and two MX settings. The standard moto setting was very comparable to what I'd say would be a mix between a 250 and 350 four stroke. The only other map I decided to try was the fastest setting, or "hooligan" setting as the lovely representative called it. The hooligan setting was gnarly my dudes. Ever want to feel the torque of Eli Tomac's KX450F? Sign up to ride the Alta and put it on into that fourth map. I was spinning the rear everywhere, these things are fast and I don't care what anyone else says, they can compete. With correct body positioning and weight transfer it plants the rear very well and takes off like a damn missile.
The suspension was not set up for a 250 novice rider so it was damn soft but with some tweaks it would have been perfect. Solid suspension given the circumstances. Braking was insane, definitely one of the hardest stopping bikes I've ridden.
Overall if you've never checked one out I would definitely suggest riding one if given the chance, a high price tag maybe true but for two laps to feel it out there's no reason not to!
Thank you to the people who were there at the stone today and thank you Alta for making moto great again!