Posts
10048
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4/1/2008
Location
Newark, OH
US
Edited Date/Time
12/13/2020 5:28pm
This was way back in 2009. Then, of course, the ALTA hits in 2017 and everybody is all “This is the future of Motocross”.... Are we awaiting battery development OR is the consumer market not there, or is it something we’ve never heard of...? * Yes, I do realize the EBikes (mtb) have been selling like hot cakes, love mine.... 
The other major hurdle? Your going to have 400 loud ass, gas powered generators at every race to charge these battery powered bikes. Does anyone for a second think these tracks in the middle of no where have the power supply readily available or the revenue necessary to put in 400 110 outlets? What about a regional of national race like Lorettas , the mini Os or the Daytona Amateur SX?
We are a long long ways away from battery powered bikes taking over motocross.
One other question. Doesn't battery powered bicycles defeat the whole purpose of mountain biking? I thought bicycles were about pedal power? Get yourself in shape, etc?
The Shop
Cost, weight, storage capacity. These are things we can't get around, and likely won't be getting around for a decade. There is an excellent YouTube channel called Engineering Explained that does a great deep dive into Tesla's current battery technology and compares it to gasoline. Its a worthwhile watch for anyone wondering how close we really are in terms of storage. Net takeaway, we're probably 1/4-1/2 where we need to be (skewing more toward the lower end)
When we do have a break through on the battery front, however, the entire industry will shift. To those that go "but I like the noise and smell". Cool. You know what we all like more than that? Performance.
For a myriad of reasons, an electric dirt bike that is of comparable weight, power and range will be great for the sport. From noise issues to ease of use, it'll put you, the rider, in a position to simply have more fun. To add, I sincerely believe it'll make maintaining your bike easier.
It is the future. But its also going to stay in the future for quiet some time...
EDIT: TO be clear, we need to get to the point you as a rider can do multiple motos on one battery with no performance loss. We also need cost to get to the point you could throw a few extra in your van and swap them out through the day. For the off road set, we need to get at least 50 miles out of one before its viable. I could see a "moto" battery and an "off road" battery. One obviously being heavier than the other. Regardless, this will be the only way we can expect this to replace what we have.
Why do so many tracks shut down? It’s always extremely far from where the majority of people live right? It’s very loud and they get noise complaints. Is it cooler to hear an engine roar like we’re 12 again, or to be able to hop in the truck take a 10 min drive to a local track. Not saying this is everyone’s case, but I’ve witnessed a lot of tracks be shut down due to noise. Generators are no where near as loud as 20 450s. They may not be needed if a track is near a populated city that can then afford to provide electric outlets. I’d pay a smidge more if it was a closer track.
You will be able to charge your alta off your pickup within 10 years.
Electric is the future man. You can disagree all you want, but look at the automotive industry. I’m not saying there won’t be motorized dirtbikes anymore, but why is everyone so against having electric dirtbikes? Everyone is all “grow the sport grow the sport” and then poops on something that could 100% grow our sport.
There was just one small manufacturer that made, by all accounts, a badass dirtbike, but they were probably over-reaching on their targets for what is essentially a new niche segment. That said, we are definitely still seeing an incremental movement up the foodchain from electric kids/playbikes/mtbikes from less ambitious manufacturers than Alta.
2) E-bikes are awesome. Every single person I've spoken to who rides one says:
a) "I still sweat and work out just as hard as I did on my pedal bike, but I go 40 miles instead of 10."
b) "Game changer."
Everyone wants a big ass 450 with Ti header and PC exhaust that comes with a very loud tone that pisses everyone off who lives near where they are ridden. Noise is #1 complaint in why many former metro tracks and practice areas get shut down. Behind that is environment. But people hear the loud as farts all day Sat and Sun and they take steps to eliminate the annoyance.
I want an electric motocross bike so I can build a small track in my backyard just 20 minutes from a major metro city. I can ride pretty much any time I want and nobody will know I'm doing what I love to do. Can't do that with my KTM EXC even with the stock, restrictive muffler, or my KX250 two stroke. Gotta haul those bikes at least an hour to ride hassle free.
I wish KTM hadn't bought Alta. Alta had something special going which is why I believe they were bought out. The major manufacturers are obviously behind the curve and they wanted to buy out their competition while they were still relatively small.
Pit Row
I think guys are saying something like 20 minutes fast riding on a charge. We still have a ways to go before they're a viable alternative, imo.
Noise can be an issue. But most of the tracks we ride here it isn't. But I think ebikes would open up lots of other options for private tracks especially.
https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/brp-buys-alta-motors/
“Who wants silent motorsports?”
Me. I won’t sell my RM250s, but can’t wait to get an electric bike so I can moto every single day of the week at home.
Can’t do that on any gas bike.
Post a reply to: The Electric Dirt-Bike Movement ? Still Going Strong Or Blown It’s Fuse.