Who Killed Alta? The Tragedy of the Best Electric Motorcycle
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- Опубліковано 18 лют 2022
- Lauded as the best electric dirt bike, the Alta Redshift only lived four years before the company went bankrupt. Who killed this futuristic motocross bike? And why?
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Directed and Edited by Luke McAdam - Авто та транспорт
Ryan strikes again with another “here’s the best bike ever that you’ll never be able to find” tease video. Bravo.
He’s getting really good at these at the first minute he already convinced me to get an atla and then 4 minutes later tell me I’ll never have it :(
Best bike ever is the most laughable thing I’ll probably see all day
@@DStabs720 not as laughable as buying a HD
@@worstteammate4377 hey to each his own cant beat people finding happiness in different ways
Yes! I'm tryin to buy a used one now! -Ohio
I'm one of the EE's that put about a year of work into the battery in the company's early days. There was lots of problems with Alta.. Engineering management knew how to make an awesome race bike, but they didn't understand how to run an engineering team.
Funding was on ongoing issue.. Motorcycles just aren't all that popular in the US (as compared with Europe and South America), and that meant that most of our investment had to come from overseas. We ended up with an absurd number of small investors, which just complicated everything. We never had a VC firehose.
I still remember sitting at the conference room table when the 2012 release deadline was announced. At that time, our battery was still blowing bond wires regularly, and we still had a mountain of lessons to learn. Hell, we didn't even have any sort of formal requirements management. You should have seen the battery boards before I joined. They were designed by someone that came out of the maker community, but that didn't yet know how much he didn't know.
After I'd left the company (due to a toxic manager), I'd heard of an incident where a test rider ate shit hard on pavement. Despite being a pro racer, the telemetry showed he was putting a lot of front brake it while putting in a lot of power. Knocked him clean out. When the paramedics were lifting the bike off him, they grabbed it by the throttle grip, which was still active. Put power to the rear wheel and ran him over AGAIN. That's the story of how that bike got a tilt sensor.
Despite that, we actually did a ton of work on safety testing, and I do consider the redshift to be a safe product (aside from being a scary fast dirtbike.) Two memorable tests- Dropping it from the ceiling of the machine shop (it was an old brewery building 1398 Bryant St, San Francisco) to simulate missing a double. Shook the entire building. Bike didn't care. The other good one was PPR testing on the battery. The emergency exhaust vents were undersized, and when we intentionally cooked off a battery cell to trigger the failure, it ended up blasting one of the endcaps off the battery housing. It flew about 100 feet across the parking lot and left a corkscrew of smoke behind it in a ballistic arc.
The bike was actually made to compete against 250's, not 450s. We ended up making it way too good for 250's though, and it didn't quite have what was needed to race against 450's. (This is my understanding from a few years back.. I never actually followed how it did in the races.)
As far as a sellout to Harley- that would have been well after I had left the company. Most everyone at Alta thought that the Livewire was a bit of a UX trainwreck though, so it's possible that attitude could have contributed. Our approach was to make a dirt bike that looked and felt like a normal dirt bike. (As opposed to the trend of making EV's look dumb so that people know they're an EV.)
If you want to hear something amusing though- The inverter architecture and firmware was repurposed by a Croatian contractor from something else that was intended to be used on electric mine carts (IIRC). I never dug into that subsystem, but I later heard that the PWM signals to drive the inverter fets was bit-banged -_-
I have seen the battery teardown on UA-cam. The engineer effort was super cool.. I dont if i can reach out to you somehow it would interesting ..
Very interesting insight! It must have been extremely tough in the first years, you were making something completely out of the box at that time. I still think the Alta bike (and production) is a standard yet to be beaten in e-bikes and from what I know the new model would be 10 years ahead of anything else today. I'd love to know what mistakes the management was making.
As for the contractor, they are now supplying the new kids on the block.
What inverter tech? Did you not use BLDC motors?
I appreciate the info, good to hear from the inside.
@@randybobandy9828 BLDC motors still need an inverter. For ease of use often the inverter is built into the motor, like in computer fans and such. When it's built in like that you can treat it like a more delicate brushed DC motor, which is why people think brushless DC motors are a "real" thing, when it's just a packaging trick.
This utterly depressed me…It’s a shame when a fantastic piece of engineering is locked up because of some bureaucratic bs. Can we just have one nice thing that actually works for once in our lives. Honestly, screw Harley.
Harley -> can't innovate -> buys IP to innovate (see Buell/Alta) -> can't fit the IP into archaic business model -> kills IP. It's damn depressing. Fuck those guys.
Livewire "Do I not exist"?!
@@coyoteran can't just Altas ceo prevent buying their IP?
HD is the GM of motorcycles.
When innovation is impossible, sabotage the competition. A perversion of the free market that makes everyone hate the free market. Seriously screw HD.
Had a chance to ride one as one of my good friends was a dealer. Was an absolute blast to ride and I seriously considered purchasing one. I hope someone finds a way to purchases whats left of them and pick things up where they left off.
I never have and never will own a Harley. I hope they suffer a similar fate as Alta in some form of poetic justice.
blame harley with just one side of a three sided story!
@@andrewslagle1974 nah, Harley has been going down the drain for years. I have family that work for them and they know it too.
BRP purchased select portions of Faster Faster (Alta's) IP in 2019. Was a big deal within the brand network when it happened. Some of that is currently being used to further their current EV product development.
@@andrewslagle1974 Harley being 2 of the 3 sides, maybe??
@@andrewslagle1974 the victors write the history and it still looks bad for this 3rd party. Even in this video documenting Harley's plans to bleed them dry, Alta are still blamed for their own demise and you think that's Alta's side of the story? The closest we have to Alta's perspective is a comment from a previous engineer in here and quite frankly he wasn't too optimistic about the company's future either. (most aren't after leaving/ getting cut. Carlos Gohn (ex-CEO) prophecied Nissan's death by this year after he was ousted lol) Nobody thinks Alta was perfect, they know Harley is awful. Their side of the story speaks for itself.
edit: SP and context
Fortnine kills me with all this absolutely gorgeous shots of nature and motorcycles, combine that with good editing and good writing and this becomes easily one of my most high quality UA-cam channel I've ever found.
I only have a cursory interest in motor cycles with never having owned one, but that doesn't stop me from watching every video he releases because the quality and passion going into each video is so incredible.
They could be a little longer/or more frequent.
No doubt this is a top tier channel of the highest degree no matter, the settings, subjects, or script it's as remarkable as pissing in a hurricane ever could
@@gnutts I agree, but I don't want it to get watered down, or for there to be a disaster during the Arctic months. I live in Florida and I couldn't believe they had one up today I'd die out there in my thermal top
I don’t even own a bike…
I'm one of those 1000 customers. My Alta MXR is still, almost 4 years later, the best dirtbike i've ever owned. And it still performs as well as the day i bought it. Damn shame. Redshift 2.0 was going to be even better.
It’s not to hard to rebuild the battery if it eventually degrades. You could even upgrade it with better cells than it had originally.
Agreed. Gas bikes have been neglected since getting the Alta!
The Alta would have even looked cool except the battery was a huge cube and was all the same color.
@@ToyotaKTM -- Ohhhh nooooo, the humanity
@@blise518B have you seen inside an Alta battery? Unless you have a pulse arc welder you won’t be fixing it.
I have to write this. I’m 78 years old and have never owned a motorcycle and never had any real urge to do so. For transport I need a car; weekends, sailing was my schtick and exercise, a bike helped me stay fit.
So why do I watch every single one of your videos? Simple answer - you’re the best!
Thanks text for gift
Hey Ryan, I just wanted to say this here; the watch you used for most of your videos i think it was the FS4835, from Fossil. I noticed that it was fogged up which means heavy water damage. If it isn't too late you can pop the backing off the watch and glass down put it on a hair dryer to evaporate all water particles in the watch so it doesn't rust. If it's a goner I hope that the serial number FS4835 will help you with your search for a replacement. Good watch mate! I'm a watch fanatic and couldn't help but notice. You're not the only one who knows how to fix gear :D
The astonishing thing is that the Alta bikes were so far ahead of the competition back in 2018, that even now in 2022 there is NO production electric motocross bike available from anyone at any price that beats it. I can't help but think that all the established brands were quite relieved to see this little problem disappear before it could do much damage to their bottom lines.
Remember Betamax ?...
Ever heard of Stark Varg?
@@craigmiller6879 yes. Which is why I said "production motorcycle AVAILABLE". The Varg may finally be equal or better than the Alta was in 2018, but nobody knows, because you can't buy one yet.
@@dirkmohrmann8960 yes you can. I've seen a dozen videos on it in the last few weeks. Even if they only a few pre-sales it still should be a 2022 bike. The freeride is nice aswell but slower i believe
Got my stark varg reserved! Lets go!
Harley’s brutal murder of Alta was the absolute worst thing to happen to the evolution of the electric motorcycle. Their greed killed a shining star that could have advanced eMoto and all electrics ahead years. I lament that watching supercross without a half dozen Altas is still exciting but Alta could have taken electric racing years into the future by now. I knew Harley had killed Alta and I lost all (remaining) respect for them then but I will forever be a vocal opponent of their company and their absolute short sightedness for the future of electric motorcycles. Alta set the bar high and would have helped push other companies forward so much faster. (I’m a technician at one of the other electric motorcycle companies). Thanks to Ryan and co for yet another insightful and honest appraisal of our industry and its dark side.
Harley Boomerson working hard to kill more companies than just their own.
Never say the boomers don't at least have work ethic.
Wouldn't be nice if...Corporations stopped letting themselves be run by the finance department and bean counters...ditched the board of directors good ole boy system....and well....just focused on perfecting the product of service in which they originally intended....What a nice world it would be if companies just focused on making their widgets instead of trying to be an investment vehicle....
As a Buell owner, I second that 😓
Easy to blame Harley for the demise of Alta; however, Alta refused the offer from Harley and Harley does not have any obligation to Alta or anyone else for that matter. Harley has a obligation to its shareholders to make good acquisitions for as little money as possible.
Harley did that (maybe not in an ethical way) but Alta had the final decision, accept or decline, they declined and gambled on another acquisition which fell through and i the sole reason Alta is not here today.
Full agree. This has hurt the hole industry. On the long run I hope this will just be a bad start to a new area of off-road motorcycleling. I have tried it at it is really THAT Good!
fantastic piece here! As a Zero SR owner, it makes me sad to think we were so close to amazing electric dirt bikes... and now into the abyss.
Stark Varg
Dealership I worked for carried these, folks from MotoAmerica brought them in to us. I was allowed to escort test rides with the SuperMoto, that thing was wild and I remember trying to shift out of habit. Their goal of being able to compete straight up against the extremely competitive 250 class and not just against other electrics was astounding at the time. Wish I had one.
I wish I could give this video 1M 'likes'.... great info on what happened to Alta and motion picture quality as usual!
Great to see you here!
Should have gone diving with Alta!
These filthy bt beautyfull streets of Canada!
Make sure to make it an even number.
Alta employees would be proud of this info episode. Well done Ryan
Yep
What an amazing, well done, and informative video. I was hanging on for the next nugget of info through the entire video. It’s really sad what happened to Alta too. Seems to be a recurring theme throughout history.
Great videos just a shame there wasn't more of them ,always waiting for the next one ,keep up the great work
Imagine how Harley could have jumped light years ahead in the electric motorcycle market had they made an honest purchase of Alta! The combination of Alta's tech with Harley's name and resources could have moved them 20 years ahead of the competition.
They sure aren't very bright are they
This is why Harley Davidson won't be around anymore come next generation. You reap what you sow.
Haha--you used "honest" and "Harley-Davidson" in the same sentence. A hundred years ago, that would not have been funny--today, sadly, it is.
Harley guys are petrol heads, good luck winning converts.
Sadly Harley is a dog chasing it's own tail. The best way I can describe them.
All the opportunities to be several classes better than what it is and than just goes back to being less than mediocre.
I'm a Davidson rider, but I will not be purchasing another. Davidson has disappointed me for the last time. Hopefully Indian/ Polaris is a breath of fresh Air. Bringing new life to the Cruisers and the rest of the Moto industry.
Oh man, I remember a video of a pro on an Alta going to a random track and silently passing unsuspecting riders. I just love the idea of these for stealthily riding in places where you really shouldn't be riding. I guess this is another reason to hate on Harley.
Check out the Alta EXR - ultimate stealth machine! ~RF9
actually, the South African police were actually quite interested in electric dirtbikes precisely because of how quiet they were
so it'd be easier to sneak up on poachers
I had a Redshift EX. Absolutely phenomenal. All I ever had to do to it was clean the chain and check the tire pressure. If I had garage/budget for it, I’d never have sold it, but long desert trips demanded a gas bike so I regrettably sold it.
@@FortNine Yep, I've had a lot of fun on my Zero FX with dirt and SM setups. It's not as well designed/engineered as the Alta, but they've been slowly improving over the years.
@@FortNine one thing missed about this story is where the Ulta Executives took their technology next. Stark VARG is the new bike coming from the same ULTA brain tank...
I wish you had another 100 videos because I can't stop watching and I've seen almost all of them!
I waited a long time for this one. You did not disappoint. I bet lawyers spent a good amount of time vetting this one. You are not a vlogger. You are a journalist. 👏
The Bat Signal Torque Curve looks tough to control!
It's not just a curve ... it's a warning. ~RF9
@@FortNine because it’s the torque curve we deserve, just not the one we need right now.
I looked at that and thought "I wonder what it would be like to ride something with a power curve like that"
@@NinkeWestra intense 😳😂
@@NinkeWestra imagine the bat ears hit peak rpm tho 😂
Harley Davidson, the General Motors of the motorcycle industry. This is just one more reason to never support them and their horrible business practices.
At least GM has SOME redeeming qualities.
Lmao 🤣 seriously 33 likes? Since you threw in GM why is EVERYONE doing LS swaps from Honda,Fords to Tesla and everything in between.
@@filupondeznuts6732 GM has issues when it come to daily and luxury cars but they are the best for your buck in sport cars. It's just popular to hate them.
@@panagosbliat9112 I'll never forgive GM for crushing the EV1.
The art in your videos always blows me away, from the filming to the production to the story telling. Youre an inspiration 👍👍
I have watched you for years now and all the content I remember consuming has been phenomenal, educational, EASILY enjoyed, decision persuasive with gear reviews, fantastic bike reviews and a cinematic way to express yourself while relaying the information you have found on the subjects at hand. I always try to give it a watch! Great job again!
Everytime i learn something about Harleys it's always either more incompetence or more malice. To think so many people base their personality on this vile company.
And nothing better says "MERICA! Its how we run our entire economy, and why China builds all of our stuff.
@@twotone3471 The Chinese are better Americans than we are: They are not afraid to learn by making mistakes:
- making cheap junk
- learning, innovating
- making great stuff
The Chinese are where America was in the industrial revolution, Circa 1920.
Yeah harley is a garbage company for garbage buying assholes who think they are better than everyone else because they spent a ton of money on a brand that hides absolute trash under shiny paint! I am honestly just waiting for harley tractorson to shut down! The motorcycle industry will be better off for it!
@@crispindry2815 Call it a early version of Cash for Clunkers?
Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity. Hanlon Et al would likely approve a coda: Unless it's Harley Davidson, then it's definitely both.
This video was the bump I needed to get rid of my F9 withdrawals momentarily. Please do not leave me a shuddering, quaking mess for so long again ❤️
Agree!
I was going through withdrawal too.
Same here
FortNine productions are just mind blowing! And Ryan's delivery and content are absolutely top tier, as is his riding prowess! I can't get enough of his videos!
This video came up in my auto play and I have got to say this is such a well put together video. The way you explain things and then throw in the animations. Great video. Means I have to sub now huh.
This one was a masterpiece folks. Beautifully shot. High level 'investigative' reporting, visually and verbally communicated to perfection. A freakin' tragic and sad story.
The 'fly through' @ 02:12 of the cross member was really well done.
Ya, but the pan from under the jump @ 01:32 was amazing! I wish I could see the 'behind the scenes' on that one.
@@lightspeedguru just a 360 camera
Man you are never a disappointment. Your research people, wardrobe, lighting…. All of it, a fine team, congratulations and bravo. Don’t change a thing. ……If it’s all you sir… and there are no departments or some team of people…. then you are some kick ass piece of work …….. some network jerk is going to be stalking you with lots of money and an offer you can’t refuse. Im deep in the moto community and your name comes up consistently … no BS and interesting to watch, a little humor and a lot of facts, it’s good dude …don’t stop.
very well done. Very well researched and great story telling. Bravo!
Thanks for your work Ryan; the best two wheel vehicle channel out there! I'd love an electric sport bike for commuting and fun but prices and charging points are still slightly out of reach in my area. It will be an interesting decade as new tech, etc. transform our world.
Competitive motocross was a wise place to start! Motos only last 20 minutes so range is no problem. Also electric MX bikes could bring motocross tracks back into suburban areas without the noise complaints. Plus service intervals on petrol MX bikes are a pain in the ass, so electric is a potent proposition. It should have worked! ~RF9
@@FortNine Yes, I agree completely. I too am disappointed that we have not seen the kind of development in this and many other potentially awesome markets we could/should expect. So many great innovations go stagnant or are buried as "traditional market" players attempt to hold on to the status quo. I fear the country of my birth (US) is yet again falling behind other countries regarding the digital revolution and development opportunities (jobs) it will bring. Frustrating to say the least :-/ Have a good one!
@@CorwinUA-cam Have you heard of the Kolter ES1 electric motorcycle? Starting at 6k, highway capable, good suburb/city commuter (*per this review ua-cam.com/video/TJSpuz09sq0/v-deo.html ). If I had the money right now, it sounds like a good value.
Used Zeroes are pretty cheap last I checked.
@@FortNine Meanwhile, EUCs (electric unicycle) has taken some edges over bicycles and motorbikes and are expanding. Being small, simple and durable, you can go super lightweight to carry it in the public transport or car with you and go for last mile in the city, or with cross country models with over 100km per charge riding for the whole day or anything in between. For fun or for commuting, take it back home with you in the train if it's raining, endless options. When riding it, I feel like it's extension of my legs but when walking I feel like I am not moving at all ;-) And it's super fun, to learn new tricks on it. I have almost stopped riding motorbike (and I am in Vietnam!) for nearly 2 years as I was so captivated by it when I bought my EUC. Ryan, you have already produced one of the best videos about motorbikes and ebikes, how about loosing one wheel for some of the next videos to make the best one about EUCs? ;-) Just a warning, once you get to learn how to ride it, you will not be able to get rid of it ;-)
Well that's heartbreaking, I didn't even know alta had gone bankrupt. I'd been really excited to see where they were headed. Gotta say, I'm real fuckin displeased with Harley's business practices over this, what embarrassing behavior from a company that built their brand on patriotism.
somebody didn’t listen to the end
Check out the stark varg! Lighter and more powerful than the Alta, it’s spiritual successor I guess
@@heybruh3274 - I did...fucking. harley. fucking davidson- fuck those guys.
Just look how Harley killed Buell 12 years ago. Harley's management sucks.
**Buell enters the chat**
Awesome video....please make more videos like this one...very Entertaining and informing, learned a lot!
And Again: Good Job, as always! I see the comment regularly that this is the best Motorcycle related content on YT but after nearly exhausting your library I am convinced you have the best "Do-It-Yourself" content on the Inter-Web! I watch everything from Auto-Centric to Xylophone Repair and Race/All Terrain/Off Road/4X4 to DIY of every topic and I do not see the consistent high quality and creative thoughtfulness of F9. Nobody, Nowhere, Knowhow. I will shut up now and start at the top. Thanks for the great Videos and for sharing your talents.
Thank text for gift
This channel never disappoints, you damn genius
Great video. Production values are through the roof! I own two Altas, and hands down the best dirt bike (gas or electric) I have ever ridden. Really a shame that the big motorcycle companies have not even attempted to come out with anything comparable. Only thing on the horizon is the Stark Varg, which should take the Alta concept and bump it up a notch. I've let countless people ride my Alta, and every one of them has come away with a huge, silly grin on their face. I was tired of the constant maintenance on the internal combustion bikes, and the never-ending regulation that governments have put on them. For me, the Alta put the fun back in riding, and the government can't even complain about it (they even gave me a tax credit.)
I think you hit the nail on the head. Constant maintenance. Some people like to tinker....I just like to ride. Hopefully we get some more electric versions of motorcycles soon.
I said the same of my Tesla- brought the fun back to driving. I just took up moto 2 years ago and was bummed about Alta. Hoping the Stark I have on order will make it and the company will execute well.
Everyone could have made a track in their backyard and ridden all night without the neighbors complaining. MX tracks could have existed in the middle of town instead of 40 minutes away.
F Harley. This isn’t their first time.
@@travelingmike40 Hmm Stark is hot on the Paper but all this HIGH TECH for only 12k Euro Phone included 😂? Was also with the Storm BEE , first video on a MX track was cool looking ... then this crap came out 🤦♂️... Till now Alta is the Level to reach .
I will buy your Alta w/ one banana. 🍌
Amazing video (as always), wish we got more of them!
Good to see a new video from you! Love everything you do.
Yeah, You can 'blame' Alta for dealing in good faith with a shit company (HD) but let's put the blame squarely where it truly belongs. On Harley Davidson, an honest to god shitty company making shitty, over priced crap.
Yet another reason to never buy HD and to ridicule anyone who thinks they are an 'American' company (who builds their bikes in Mexico and Taiwan).
Yup. "Thanks" for ruining Alta for the rest of us, HD.
Harley Davidson has a long history of sucking the life out of innovative American motorcycle companies, while only delivering obsolescence themselves...
I knew HD was a shit company back in '02 when I walked off the production line and never looked back. They possessed a horrible management style all the way around, top to bottom. So, as a company, I hope HD suffers excruciatingly painful and torturous death. Do to their hubris ways, they deserve it.
Yeah, I also disagreed with that pivot in the narrative: Alta "only having themselves to blame." Okay, so what's the alternative history? Alta is certain HD is going to screw them, so they just keep raising their own money? Maybe that works, but it could just as easily have collapsed - for the same reason RF9 cites, that it's a company full of engineers, who probably don't know how to run an automotive company in a cutthroat market dominated by legacy brands with decades of experience.
You said it. HD ruins it for everybody.
Hadn't heard of Alta before this, now I miss them. Thanks, Ryan.
Great video journalism and editing. FortNine is so dope
Ryan it amazes me the number of places you will travel to in bc for one video. I've lived here all my life and half the fun of watching these videos is seeing you ride in places I've been and places I've yet to go. knowing how long it would take one to travel from Capilano to the mud flats with all the stops in between for a change in scenery always blows me away. I admire your dedication good sir.
I’d never heard of Alta. You had me ready to buy one in the first half. Now I’m just sad. Thank you?
Ya Ryan tends to do this. This Ryan is the most beautiful woman you've ever met, comes on strong to you, then proceeds to tell you that he has penis cancer. Bamboozled!
I didnt know the main guy at Damon motorcycles came from Alta. In fact I never even hear their name until this vid. Absolutely disgusting what Harley did, but hey, that is life. Whenever something new and great comes up, the big companies always try and squash it. Very few actually make it.
Great story. Absolutely tragic. The technology will rise again.
That shot passing through the hole in the bike is awesome
Camera on a selfie stick
Awesome video and research. Your production quality is amazing!
Started watching this channel a couple years ago, made me by my first street bike, now, that street bike has a few thousand miles on it and I have 0 regrets. Thank you for what you do!
I'd never heard of Alta before this video, but it seems there's yet another reason to never buy or support harley.... despicable company
I know.
I recently moved and my neighbor a few doors down had a few Harley’s and we talked bikes a few times and I referred him to F9 and a few articles about Harley and he legitimately changed his tune. He said he frequented Harley meet ups and events at the dealerships and clubs and they NEVER discussed any of that stuff.. they essentially gaslight their fans into believing “there is no war in Ba Sing Se” and discredit anyone who leaves the Harley bubble as “traitors buying Chinese trash!”
He’s since sold 2 Harley’s and bought a nice Goldwing and an Indian and he’s been trying to convince his friends that Harley isn’t a company worth saving and supporting.
I’d like to take credit and say I helped deprogram one, but I literally just told him to look for himself and Harley are so corrupt fake that it became very clear to him almost instantly… you don’t need to dig very deep to find skeletons in Harley’s back yard…
@@DanteYewToob The sad reality is this isn't limited just to Harley. Some of the most valuable companies on the planet do the same things and built their brands on perception and "lifestyle" rather than quality products or ethical practices.
@@DanteYewToob nice pun
@@DanteYewToob You can't convince someone of anything unless they're willing to look into it themselves. You did just fine, Uncle Iroh
@Nick Gur Good point. Any big corporation is basically a psychopath. If they have a chance to get something for nothing, they'll take it. ~RF9
Like a panicked drowning person, Harley Davidson is pulling down whoever chooses to attach themselves to that brand.
Harley is a Boomer Brand that needs to die.
@@listofromantics Yup!
Like crabs in a bucket.
This is a common business tactic that any corporation would have done. All they need is to smell a little blood in the water, Harley just happened to be who they went to first I believe. Do you think any of the other mc corporations would have done any different, its standard practice in the corporate world unfortunately. The fact that Harley is an outdated failing company, I dont think has anything to do with it.
I mean if you guys think that the other mc corps. have higher moral standards then why didn't brp offer to loan them some money, thats not illegal. And its not like they didn't have a sure thing, they were going to be successful, they just ran out of capital.
Absolutely amazing videos! Keep up the great work.
First time watching one of your videos, stunning. Love the way you present, edit etc. You deserve your 1.4M subscribers
This channel is not nearly as big as it deserves to be. It has MOVIE level production value, and is amazingly entertaining and educational at the SAME TIME!
Maybe it's because he didn't get to the point until 3/4 of the way through the video and most people don't like wasting their time watching somebody goon through a field of mud
This truly is a "classic" acquisition tactic.... One that is easily avoided by "not being greedy". Had they just kept doing what they were doing, until someone actually put money in the bank, we would all have access to, what I believe would have been, the best dirt bike ever produced.
Now we have to sit back and see if Stark Varg is a scam, or a legitimate offer.
Another issue with just electric motocross bikes in general, is they wont take off until you can convince the weekend warriors (which are the majority of mx bike sales) to buy an electric bike instead of a 450 since most guys cant afford two bikes, thats the boat im in, i'd love an electric bike, but wouldnt trade my 450 for one
@@pilsnerfamilymotorsports3275 all depends
if eletric would be cheaper then a les say new fuel bike yet
but as long as prices are high peoplle not gonna buy it...
i want a electric quad but that is nowhere to be seen... cyberquad yeah my ass that never gonna see the daylight... there is one eletric quad but it basically has the power of a 50cc 45kmh scooter/quad so useless its not that expensive but its still only 50cc power so you aint going fast...
The only thing electric isn't better at is sound but there are many many advantages to less volume. I bought a Sur Ron X e-motorcycle and though it's not a serious mx bike, it has changed my life and opened my eye's to electric greatness. A Alta mxr was like 3 times everything the SUR Ron is and the Sur Ron is amazing fun and very economical.
@@GettingthruLife they're worse at power modulation, electric bikes need gears and a clutch, and no, not having to shift isnt better, otherwise mx bikes now would have some sort of rekluse/cvt combo because the tech is there for it
They weren't being greedy... there's nothing wrong with selling your business, especially when you don't have the funds to continue it. The problem is they were to stupid and signed the exclusivity deal (assuming that was the real story)
Ryan (and your team) you make any subject interesting. It's fascinating and always interesting. Please never stop!!!
But it comes from an anti-free market premise, like communism taught for economics today.
The way this video was made is perfect. It really feels like a tragady. Like a movie ora documentary about something amazing that mysteriously vanished. Amazingly done👌🏻
I had to hold my tears at the end of this video. The combination of Alta’s tragedy and FortNine’s brilliant production is just 💯
Absolute GOAT of a team. I'm sitting here watching a video about an electric motorcycle and I'm like, 'why're my eyes sweaty?' They really are an impressive team.
Man, I remember reading about Alta from the moment they were founded. Very exciting and I waited patiently for them to start selling in Europe. Looks like that time will never come.
Never heard about them until now. And yes, I guess its a pitty not to have them in Europe
The Stark Varg is a silver lining. Just a shame we lost five years. ~RF9
@@FortNine as a swede I was confused reading this lol, stark varg means strong wolf
@@ImDino look it up on the Google machine. That's exactly where the name comes from !
Now you have the Stark varg up and comming. Might be of interest.
*Sry didnt read the other replys haha.
Yeah, Swedish guy producing it in Spain if im not misstaken?
you all are getting so good at this storytelling. Bravo
Amazing video as always!!
It honestly makes my day when I see a new F9 vid only complaint is not enough videos, though more would probably spoil the content quality.
This video made my day at first, then broke my heart.
That was worth the 57 days wait since last video. Hoping for more frequency going forward. Awesome job as always.
What, you want Snowmobile content ?
@@twotone3471 yes please
@@matthewrodda4462 Go figure, though I'd like to see Ryan try snowmobiles on a lake sometime. Canadians do love their snowmobiles!
@@twotone3471 I'm upstate ny so basically south Canada 🤣
Amazing video man! Thanks for taking the time to make it
Thanks Ryan for another awesome article
Superb writing, exquisite videography and brilliant editing . Ryan and his crew are hands down , by far, the best in the game .
Fortnine, the videos you can like before watching with confidence!
That RDR2 vibe with that scenery and music, Bravo my friend, Bravo. 👏👏👏👏
Another excellent video, thanks guys!
The production quality on these are absolutely incredible. Hands down the best UA-cam motorcycle channel.
Could remove "motorcycle" from your comment and it would still probably hold true.
Your production value is mesmerizing. Love your channel.
Fortnine - setting the standard for youtube videos. 100% better than television quality. Epic production, presentation and research.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoy your content. Sad topic this time around, but always super creative, solid production quality, and the sexual innuendo is never lost on this viewer. Cheers from another Canadian creator 🤙🏻
ps. new to the sport thanks to my wife (ironically). Just snagged a 2018 rc390 and already have my next 5 bikes planned out 🤣
Good to see you here! I expect to see you with an alta redshift soon!!
You just think you have your next 5 bikes planned out. :-)
Wait what? Arm&Gun here? 2 Canadian legends over here
innuendo? "going fully limp, and then getting hit by the whole dick"
Imagine for a moment, if all these great products wether it be E-bikes or LED lighting, just imagine…if all of these were kept out of the hands of the big corporations who’s only concern is profits or tax right-offs for acquisitions they buy only to bury….the world would be a much happier and fun filled place to be!
Thanks Ryan for yet another well made video!🍺🇨🇦
corporatism and oligopolies are killing the world
These products could not exist without the capital invested by large corporations, the problem is not that corporations exist but the way they behave!
That's why a part of me is against patents, they are holding back the development of technology.
@@RafaelMachadodeSouza There would be no motivation to innovate if your hard work will just be taken advantage of by others. It would stall growth.
@@phillipstoltzfus3014 Give it a time limit, five years should be enough to make money. But honestly if we want a better world we need to slow military spending because that is where civilisation is bleeding out these days.
I can’t wait to watch your first full-length feature film. Seriously, the quality of writing, videography and sound design are on par with anything Hollywood is sh!tting oot.
Your video quality is really amazing. Such great content.
Every video you make I go into it not think much of the title and then I quickly get heavily invested and think it’s your greatest video yet.
For a moment we had it all. The Best electric motorcycle! And in the next moment it was down to ashes.
Awesome video production, shoot locations and cinematic shots as always!
Yeah but "don't blame Harley". 🙄
Ryan got it wrong here.
It's 100% Harley being a scumbag american company.
I guess Ryan is scared of saying that.
So happy to see you again in 2022 Ryan! I have been checking for new videos nearly every single day with growing and trembling anticipation. You and your team have created another amazing work of art.
Powerfully Deep & Sad video..
Thanks for sharing this
Subbed, really well put together video👌👌.
I've been watching F9 for years and each video outdoes the last. Fantastic content and quality Ryan and crew - I've never wanted an electric dirt bike so badly in my life!
Another truly great video guys, amazing thought and quality in everything you guys do, keep it up.
Well put together. 🤜🤛
Man, I love your content, and the fact that you talk about E.V. blows my mind. You guys rock!
Thanks text for gift
Good to see you back; guys !
Once again, great content with amazing production quality !
Ryan, these are the best videos on UA-cam. I am always anxiously awaiting the next one. Thank you guys for all your hard work. You’re the best!
What a great video… gave me the chills half way through as I was watching this at 10:35PM. An immediate fan. Quality. Script. Everything in this video was, as my daughter would say, 11/10
Great storytelling. I really appreciate the Fargo-esc soundtrack at the beginning. Gave this video the perfect tone of melancholy.
Once again props to the whole team. Production is insane. Great job.
Well done as always. Informative, entertaining, so good.
After watching this video a couple of months ago, I started to search for one of these bike. I am so proud to say that I am now an Owner of a Alta Redshift MXR 2018. Thanks R9
I am never not blown away by how good FN videos are. I love this channel.
It is so good to have you guys back! Please, keep putting smiles in the faces and brilliant subjects in our minds! With Love from Toronto!
This is my absolute favorite Channel. Presentation and production are top notch. It's like a thoughtful segment of the cbs sunday morning show, but always about motorcycles.
Hey Ryan in all the videos you make with all hose physical concepts and graphs 📈. All those I easily understood . Apart from biking you are a really a good physics and maths teacher !!!!
The cinematography and script of an epic movie - well done team. Seriously.
I was interested in electric, not for the power or low maintenance but the lack of noise. Not because i don't love my 250 2T but because riding areas that are close keep getting shut down from noise complaints.
Here's hoping Stark builds on what Alta started.
2 strokes don't get areas shut down to noise.... 4 strokes are the root cause.
The envie of non mc riders is huge
@@mulisha0351 Reckless, inconsiderate riders get areas shut down.
@terrycoxusa not a such as 4 strokes. We started losing areas when 4 strokes came along, unlike a 2 stroke in which the sound doesn't carry, everyone and they're mother can hear a 4 stroke miles away inside the house..
You are all correct to an extent, 4T definitely didnt help. But suburbs spreading out to where tracks are is also an issue.
My main concern is I want a trackin my backyard but no way i can with an ICE bike :P haha
Thank you again Ryan, definitely my favorite all around motorcycle channel. My friend still has one of these, amazing bike, I still can't believe they went bankrupt. The world is not fair!
Another fabulously executed F9 video 💯👌
I was wondering about alta recently.. thanks fortnine keep up with the great work you are doing..btw the onle ev i would buy