The E-Bike Is Here and I’m Excited…but Will It Really Perform?

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Courtesy of Alta Motors

Without the constant push for enhanced performance in motorsports, we’d all be kicking around a soccer ball waiting for our opponents to stop crying about a non-existent injury.

Fortunately, we’re blessed with the souls of the world who crave speed and horsepower.  That hunger is transferred to the racers who need to be faster than the competition, and to the consumers that want the latest and greatest technology.

It was decided long ago that internal combustion was the way to go for motorcycle racing, and this has brought us amazing machinery throughout the years.  Original four-strokes were snuffed out by brappity-brap-brappin’ two-strokes, and two-strokes were eventually pushed aside by the roaring wave that is modern four-stroke technology.

Modern four-strokes have reigned over the racing circuits, and streets alike, for nearly two decades now.  But for the past several years, a new technology has been lurking in the shadows.  Waiting, increasing longevity, and most importantly…gaining power.

Electric motors are far from a new idea, but they have always lacked the ability to out-perform their petrol-burning counterparts.  Add several other negative factors (struggling battery-range, excess weight, and lack of horsepower) and the E-bike never stood a chance.

However, as the world is constantly improving modern technology, electric-powered motors have been able to obtain the shot of steroids it so desperately needed.  The pros are starting to heavily outweigh the cons, and we’re on the verge of a huge shift in interest.

If Elon Musk has taught us anything, it’s that electricity can be sexy.  Now, I’m not really attracted to Elon himself, but the sportiness of his sweet thing called Tesla gives me all kinds of warm feelings.

So, the auto-world gets fast, sporty, and successful E-motors…but what about us two-wheel lovers?

That’s where the fine folks at Alta Motors have stepped up to change the game.

They have been carefully perfecting their product for the past several years, and appear ready to start pumping out production units.

With two options, the Redshift MX and the Redshift SM, consumers will have their choice of off-road or street use.  I like this simplicity, as it allows the business to focus on a smaller target within a large market, and gives them the opportunity to gain confidence and reputation, without producing too many products at once and potentially failing overall.

Previously, I mentioned the advantages of E-motors and you might be pondering what these could possibly be?

For starters, how about the ability to ride silently in your own backyard or private trails without the constant complaint of neighbors?  I come from an area in which it has been nearly impossible for anyone to operate a public moto-park or even their own private track without surrounding residents’ eventually getting the place shut down.

This hurts the local motorsports industry, as well as the eventual trickle of reduced sales nationwide.  I truly believe that reducing the noise pollution for recreational use will allow for a positive swing in national off-road sales.

Throw in other advantages, like less overall maintenance when compared to a traditional bike, electronic power settings, and the continued push for “E” technology, and electric bikes will begin to catch on…and quick.

This past year, Alta has proven themselves as a serious contender by throwing former Yamaha Factory rider, Josh Hill, into the Red Bull Straight Rhythm contest.  Not only did Josh put on a great show by qualifying for the event, but he proved the Redshift’s rumored performance by finishing 4th overall in the Lites class.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9j5MQuaHnQ]

And can I quickly mention Alta’s awesome push on social media recently?  Andy DiBrino and Jimmy Hill have been set loose with a couple of Redshift MXs and have been blowing up Instagram with wild shots from motocross tracks as well as local skate spots.  My hat’s off to these guys.

With the anticipation of seeing some E-bikes in professional competition for the 2018 racing season, several questions still remain:  Will new rules be implemented, barring Electric motors?  Will teams really find an advantage in the technology?  Will fans lose interest due to quieter machines?

When it boils down to it, is noise really that pivotal in the success of future motorcycle racing?  I guess only time will tell.

But for myself, I like the options that companies like Alta are providing.  And I truly think this can only help the future of motorcycle sales in the U.S.

Cadbury Pringlebatch is the Lead Motorcycle Expert and Investment Analyst for The SoBros Network, but knows a little bit about everything. Known for frequenting Nashville YMCA steam rooms, he’s a firm believer that winning football is produced by moving the chains, and became a SoBro after mistaking the Power Hour Podcast for an AA meeting. Follow on Twitter:@SoBroCadbury

Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork

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