Racer X Films: Alta Motors Test Ride with Blake Wharton
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- We recently had the chance to test Alta Motors Redshift MX electric bike and enlisted the help of former 250SX race winner, Blake Wharton. The San Francisco-based company has quietly been working on this electric motocross concept for nine years. Now, the bikes are going into production and the company feels that it’s fully competitive with any modern 250F motocrosser. Former 450SX race winner Josh Hill raced the bike at Red Bull Straight Rhythm and was highly competitive. You can also watch this onboard video with Wharton here: • Racer X Films: Blake W...
Blake is the perfect guy for this. Very versatile and can provide heaps of feedback. The first video on electric mx bikes that is actually informative. Cheers racer x
All motocrossers lover the smell and sound of a two stroke running race gas. But the Alta sounds kinda sick -like a life-size RC car. And it's performance is pretty incredible for being such (relatively) new technology.
There's absolutely a future for the electric MX bikes. Simply being able to potentially have tracks in areas that would've never allowed them previously opens a lot of doors for the sport.
Bench Racer agree 100%
And once they gain traction, close the door on the existing sport as we know it
I think it sounds futuristic... my gf saw this and goes "they sound cooler" and shes not even into bikes
Electric motors are game changers. instant power. not sure if this will be the future of the sport or not, but possibly a separate class.
TV. RV no just no
TV. RV liberals ruin everything
This has absolutely nothing to do with politics.
Caelan Osman, the situation you're talking about with tires is 100% resolvable through programming of these motorcycles. The throttle isn't like an electric, lightswitch, it eases on and is 100% adjustable.
Honestly man you're spouting stuff that just isn't true. For their size and weight electric motors have more power and more torque than ICE over a greater rev range. period. the reason electric cars don't have such high top speeds is because of poor battery technology and lack of transmission, not because electric motors are inferior.
You have correctly identified some of the limitations of this technology and I'm glad you're open to it but you've got some facts wrong.
Caelan Osman it’s not like a bike without a power value it gives a good “power band” tires r so knobby that traction isn’t gonna be a worry
The motor reminds me of the late 60s, early 70s "breadbox" cases. I think as they figure out exactly where and how big the internals will be, the cases will be cast around the parts, instead of just using a case to haul the parts around in. The best thing about it is it's stealthness., that will open up a huge new world of urban riding/racing. Other than dust, the moto haters will no longer have as much to complain about. Who knows, maybe with Microsoft now in our sport they might help in their development. I think. most would want both, fuel and electric, but IMO Alta nailed it first time out.
I think you are talking about the battery, the motor is just the horizontal, transverse mounted cylinder next to the rear brake lever, pretty compact. There's not a lot to figure out in the internals, electric motor is what it is, rotor, stator, and the case. The battery in the other hand, theres a lot to think about, how to put the cells together, what type of cells use...etc but you will need a case like that anyways.
It sounded good when the two stroke was riding with him
and like SHIT when the four was
F Khan I wanna hear u say that when u blow ur bike up after putting it over 7500 rpm for 10 seconds
The best part about this video was that I could hear the two strokes more.
MelowTrapper of course u can because their loud and obnoxious
Sign me up ! Noise is currently our number one problem and severely hinders the sport and the places we can legally ride. ALTA deserves huge praise in their undertaking and I'm looking forward to the day I can afford one. Electric is the future if we want to continue riding outdoors.
Kelly Krall be ready to dish out 10k +
Kelly Krall noise really thats why people pack in to watch races and motocross not some humming toasters. For civilians its cool professional racing it will hurt the sport imo
Garrett, I think Kelly is talking about grass-roots, not professional AMA races. We've had several tracks either shut down, or had attempts by locals to shut down our MX tracks in NZ and Australia. These tracks start off in the sticks, but as cities grow, people move in near these tracks and complain. Man, I love the sound and feel of combustion engines, but I agree that there are times where quiet bikes would be great. Imagine having a bike like this to blast around your backyard (if it was big enough of course). No complaints by the neighbours.
dust will still be a big issue if your riding in the dry near houses. e-bikes dont belong in motocross.
Lewis, people like you will always find something to support their argument. But unlike noise, dust can be kept to a minimum through constant watering of the track. Yes, in the heat of summer, you won't be able to eliminate it completely, but this is not the main complaint for people moving close to MX tracks or airports... It's the noise. You may think that electric bikes don't belong in motocross, but you will eventually be proven wrong. Same was said about the introduction of 4 strokes. Until people realised that they were easier to ride, now they dominate MX (even where 2 strokes are allowed). I think they'd need seperate classes, but do I think there is a market for it...? Hell yes there is.
Blake Wharton What a great Person to test and ride one of these. he will tell us what he thinks of the bike. I may have to buy one for my Son to start racing.
I've always enjoyed watching Blake ride, I've never met him but I think he's a very well spoken person and seems to be an all round great guy
1:29 U're not the only rider on track Blake, he can't even hear u coming...
Kevin van Dooren he mentions that exact thing and apologized to the guy in the video
Than my impression of Blake being one of the nice guys has just been restored :D
Kevin van Dooren this does bring up the conversation of possible safety issues in the future with mixed powered bikes. Wouldn't be good if someone got cross jumped because they didn't know they had someone behind them.
Kevin van Dooren he can run some baseball cards on the forks to rub against the spokes.
I'm not sure this is a huge problem tbh. Yes, we do use sound as a point of knowing what's happening on the track, but you still need to use peripheral vision as well. Plus, you are meant to hold your line whenever racing anyhow. It would just be a case of adjusting the way people ride.
One of the best parts about riding is the beautiful smell of a 2 stroke and the beautiful rumble a 4 stroke...
Everyone needs to stop talking shit until they actually ride one lmao.
Exactly! I was gonna comment the same thing.
Blake doesn't look happy at all. Like he was forced to ride this crap.
I mean everyone has their own opinion but I think this would be sick. Maybe with a little cosmetic upgrades tho haha. It looks good it just doesn't compete in the cosmetics department with say the 17 crf
esner24
He also looks like shit riding it, looks like a squirrelly ass amateur.
Can we see your videos J A?
I like it. Innovation is a good thing. Otherwise, we'd still be riding Hodakas with no suspension travel and pull start Rokons. Electric motors have instant power, so I'd like to see one on a Supercross track against some of the current OEMs.
yeah me too! It did really well with big Josh on Red Bull Straight line
I want one. I hope they sell a ton of these and it enables more tracks being created close to cities and urban areas as there's no noise or pollution to complain about. And for balance, I'm still keeping my KTM 450 and its loud exhaust.
mattdedasc I second that totally agree
That is so rad! Love the white plastic!
This thing is so quiet you can hear the guy he cuts off @1:29 say "HEY". You could hear what people really thought of each other if the field was full of electric bikes...
I think everyone questions are how long you can hard ride- not coasting before battery runs out?
How long it takes to recharge?
How many times you can recharge?
Is that battery replaceable- if yes then how much it cost?
1) 2 hours of trail riding, probably quite a bit less than that on an mx track with a pro riding it
2) 4.5 hours on 110v, half that with 220v
3) Probably a long time, engineered to have 80% capacity after 1000 charge cycles
4) Yes but no info on price
Source: www.altamotors.co/faq/
good question..
i can see it now everyone at the track will have 2 generators running 1 for the trailer and now 1 for the bike
Thanks, an extraordinary experience.
What i like about a real dirt bike is the Sound!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Won’t beat the smell or sound of a classic
I think this is pretty cool to have this technology getting better and better. I do wonder how long the battery would last in a supercross race, could it last a main event. However Matthes seems to think the other manufacturers won't allow Alta to compete with them. hope that changes, because it would be very cool!
love that you used his music in the intro!
So, clothespins and playing cards in the spokes for authentic sounds? 😄
I like the way the sound is the only complication.
...because to me the fact that it has no sound is the strongest feature. I can ride that thing anywhere the hell I want, as close to neighbours as I want. In the middle of town, I can make a backyard moto track. That is hard for my brain to understand.
Smart guy.Good description of the experience.
I love everything about this bike and what Alta have done with it...but the only issue i have is the battery. Run time needs to be longer and weight just a little lower. Maybe a mobile fast charger or swapable battery pack would fix that issue. Keep up the good work guys its awesome!
motocarlo81 the battery is swappable (if u have an extra one) the run time is pretty far from a 4-stroke but a hell of a lot longer that a 2-stroke a lighter battery is gonna be damn near impossible maybe if they made a smaller one for sx/mx but at the time of me making this Alta has gone out of business and replacement parts r very expensive
Cool video!
You think the war between 2-stroke & 4-stroke was bad wait until the electric bikes take over the scene and they lose all those sponsors that make engine parts and exhaust parts and let's not forget the fuel sponsors let's face it it's going to happen you can't stop technology plus they're quiet that's the top reason for the change SX / MX will suck ass just like every other sport does after change!
You need to go watch Terminator 2 again and KNOW these machines will soon take over the world. Run while you can!
Suspension and tire companies are safe........motocross will be run by computer nerds.....you'll take your bike to a computer tech store instead of Pro Circuit
I didnt know Serj Tankian was such a good rider
Blake is passing a whole bunch of people and some people are pulled off to the side of the track probably thinking what the hell is going on here😂😂
You'll know when they are totally confident in the product when they start up an arena cross team. Those races are short enough so battery life won't be an issue, it'll just be down to overall bike performance.
We'll be able to build motocross tracks in the middle of residential areas now. No more noise complaints.
1:30 he must not have heard him coming lol
Vlog Epicness um ya? That’s why he said sorry to that guy because he hit him
Beautiful bike ! Performance to rival The top bikes Now ! Wont have to wait years... It is here now !
cool bike. Why did you guys speed up the footage of your riding???
seth clark they... didn’t? Y would they post a video that doesn’t show the real potential of the bike when u could go to another video that does?
I was going to say does it come with a playing card for the spokes?
Nathan Scott Shoemaker why would it that joke is so over used it’s not even funny
nice to see blake. been a long time
is this the same principal as electric RC cars like with the motors burning out under stress and being completely waterproof?
bradley morcom yes the bike that is 11000 dollars has a motor that gives out after u run it past 3 quarters
Can it handle a good all out 30minute moto for motocross.tracks such as hangtown etc
Derrick fish777 I’m a fan of the Alta myself but all out AND at hangtown... probably not
Interesting to try, wonder how much $$$ these would go for and how $$$ much parts would be though. Also the 'automatic transmission' just seems really bizarre to ride with...could be fun
Ha ha, I’m not so convinced after seeing his post-ride interview. His enthusiasm is nonexistent.
No sound is good for the sport as many European tracks close due to sound issues. Also, an idea would be to add a camera to the rear of the bike and have a screen on the handle bar pad so you can look down and see if anyone's behind.
I want one!!!
It's cool for certain applications but sound is a huge part of moto. These things becoming mainstream would kill tons of aftermarket companies.
Yeah there is nothing like the smell of race gas from a two stroke, or that growl of a four stroke, but I would definitely try this out! Immediate torque, its quiet which could be quite an advantage and somehow I think it would be a little less intimidating to ride. I bet you could fly with this thing dialed in!
Well folks another quiet day here at the races. Hope your enjoying this haha
LMAO. Yeah imagine being at a Supercross in the stands. Too weird! What a snoozer!
I could imagine Ricky Carmichael just going, oh shit the gate dropped?
the thing i don't like is there no shifting and clutch work witch shows a good rider from great rider
What’s the point in having the learning curve though? When u can just get on it and know how to ride like a pro
keep testing and development up on this bike, and get the price down, and i think it will sell, but at $14 grand it's out of reach for most peaple, but it's ferking cool .
Edward Cruz yup innovation is cool. It pushes everything in the industry. We need more of it
I honestly wish they had this when I got my kx250f. Imagine instead of pissing off neighbors 24/7 you're dead silent and no one can hear you. It's dead silent and so stealthy plus it's instant power. Gas bikes will always be best in my heart tho
I'm saying this because I currently have 14 tickets and a court case in a week from riding
Cool you guys used blakes music in the beginning
electric bikes have been around for years and theyre still gay. whys everyone getting excited about them now. The only people who will want these are kids who want to ride around their neighbourhood for fun.
Lewis MX I don’t think giving a kid a electric bike that has instant power and has the power of a 450 is such a good idea actually it’s more powerful than a 450
How long does the battery last
I would love to see a electric only class in racing.
I can't wait to see one actually line up at a pro Supercross or Motocross it's really going to change racing and very well for the better but there are still gas motor fans I don't think you'll ever get rid of the internal combustion motor cross bike and both are competitive and the battery bike is a welcome addition to Offroad of any kind
It's like watching mx on tv with earplugs on. =)
id love to see one of theses e bikes in a pro series with a good rider
Will it make it 30 min motos without charge
Alex B it will make 4.5 hour motos without charge
That is cool as anything! About time we have a good ele. motorcycle. MX Hopfully people can putt there superstitions away and embrace a cool bike!
It is a cool bike, and I am a guy saying that who builds 2-stroke engines for a living.
What I don't like is it is not really free market, but government intervention force trying to eliminate the internal combustion engine, that is creating a market for this company in electric bikes. It could happen in a real free market to though,----but we would have a choice of what we liked.
For government to force me to buy what it wants me to buy?,-- I am not ready to embrace that, are you?
EarthSurferUSA I think we need to leave politics out of this
How many pieces does it explode into when you come a gutsa?!
So what they may not be great for the track, but it will keep the neighborhood from noise complaints
Ahhh that great sound of a two stroke 1:42
Sirbignuts ya I love how it actually distracts me from the content! and how it makes me turn my volume down!
At least I won't have to jet for altitude lol!!
1:41-1:49 was my favorite part.
Jeff wacker *me thinking to myself* huh i wonder what this guy rides? So I went on ur channel and the first thing I see is u playing a video game ABOUT dirt bikes, ur a fucking wanna be dude
what is the power comparison to? 125,250,450?
It has 40 horsepower so the same as modern 250 4 strokes. But I am sure it feels a lot more because it is instantly on the powerband when you twist the throttle
I haven't rode a Freeride but I assume the reason why it feels so slow is that it weighs so much at 110kg and it only has 20hp which is even 5hp less than a 85 SX.
Comparing KTM Freeride to Altamotors bike is almost the same as comparing 85SX to a 250SX-F
The most powerful one is more powerful than a 450
350 lol
This guy is not what you call, a mental giant!
How fast are they in MPH?
Why the fuck would they put a foot operated rear brake on that? You have a free spot on the handlebar, put the brake there. You'll have waaaaaaaaay better control over the brake with your fingers than through a stiff boot and it takes about 2 minutes to get used to it being on the handlebar.
They said that you can chose that in a few time
seriously, I run two levers on the left on my enduro bike, rear brake and clutch. One of the best mods I've ever done.
jomuch 85rm Oh, I must have missed that. Thanks!
Cliff M Good to hear! I've been thinking of getting one for my mx bike, but I'm not sure if it will make the handle bars a bit too crowded for racing. A Clake lever would be the best option but that thing costs so damn much!
+TeKaMOTO what is a Clarke lever?
Exhaust noise is for people who cant ride for shit.
Soon as you get on an electric MX bike, you adapt straight away and forget everything you knew about shifting gears and pulling the clutch.
I want to see how it does on glen helen
That would be interesting
Love it. Can't wait for prices to go down. I would buy one in a heart beat. Also, was that Blake's band playing in the intro? Horrible.
Kevin Wallin let’s hear ur cord
can't wait tell my grandkids back in my day we rode gasoline dirt bikes.
Nice music, Blake.
If you thought the solo to Master of Puppets was fast you won't believe Kirk's pace on two wheels
this is kirk's alter ego lol he has secretly been living a separate life with a split personality disorder
Just gonna SEND IT!!! Silently..........
The graphics are cool as fuck, give me a combustion engine version with those graphics.
As soon it gets to be AMA legal its gonna rip big time.
Only downer as i see it would be the pricetag and the runningtime on the battery..
Maybe it would serve a purpose on practice, but a big factor why we love motor sport is because of the sound right?..
jonatle no it’s how people use the things that make those sounds
Motorsports are pretty fun to watch when u watch it and stop listening to the sound
that is just sad. i will stay old school on my 2stroke. its all about the smell and sound that gets my heart pumping.
SMadraat 161 ur really gonna be wanting to some sound when u blow the damn thing up, or have to rebuild it
i want this bike so bad
At the current stage in electric MX development it looks like MX will be 10 lap heats with a 10 lap final. No more World MX of 40 mins plus 2 laps for each moto. It will get better with evolution.
Seems it's very different/unusual compared to what we ride. It likely takes time for riders used to fuel powered bikes to accept this new technology. Of course I'm speculating, since a guy of Wharton's ability likely has a much, much shorter learning curve. I wonder how it is for the average rider? Thinking it'd be awesome in technical woods/rock sections. Curious how heavy it is.
jtomasik it’s a little heavier than a 250
Would be fucking epic to tear up a golf course finally! They would never hear you coming til you just hucked the beaver pond
Id like to know, how it is riding a bike without clutch
marek35 it’s like riding a pit bike
Those G forces on acceleration must excruciating
Sorry but i would need the exhaust sound...plus its safer to let people know your coming, especially trail riding in the woods...
lots of people are saying how theses bikes will stop noise complaints which is true but if your riding when its dry your gonna get complaints about the dust
Lewis MX not everyone lives in California bud
I think it's great no noise and that's a big problem is the bikes are to loud
Michael Nesbitt well when ur pipe is less than 1 and a half long and there’s no interruption between the 1000s of explosions a second, shit tends to get loud
I hope electric only becomes a backyard rider type thing and has a separate race class.
This bike is a game changer.
This must have been a little hard to adjust riding with all that power instantly on tap and not having to switch gears
Hey dad, can we go to the electriccross race? No son, who wants to go to the track of silence?
Yeah, maybe a baseball card in the spokes could help? Poor guys 🙁
I would have liked some comparison overall from Blake like Alta vs 250f ... man Iam definitely not interested in the suspension setting...
It’s not the same without the 2 smokers sound 😔 it takes away everything that signifies real Motocross which consists “Motorcycles” running on high octane fuel ⛽️ 2 smokers 4 ever ❤️💯
D K just so u know 2 strokes where not made for dirt bikes so don’t fan boy to hard
Warp9 elites. Good wheels
in italy?????
If only electric bikes are behind the starting gate, waiting for it to drop in about 3 seconds, they will no longer have to look at the gate mechanism for it's movement for the que to go,---- but just listen to the gate.
EarthSurferUSA holy shit, ur the only person that has a argument that I can’t argue against, some changes would have to be made ya
Looks fast
I love how they took the Honda Front number plate and front fender and couldn't make there own design and put it on this bike and made it white. I love my Hondas way more
HondaAllDay H.A.D what were they supposed to do reinvent the wheel? I could say that Honda took ktms style of body panels and it would make just the same amount of sense, u fan boy so hard that ur incorrect
wow i'm surprised not one kirk hammet mrtallica comment lol this guy could be his twin
BroToPro spoke to soon I’ve scrolled threw quite a few
The company needs to get this bike in the AMA motocross or supercross scene!!! in 10 years time E bikes will be quicker than todays combustion engines