As battery technology catches up with the rest of the electric vehicle industry, electric motorcycles are increasingly replacing their gas counterparts. Recent offerings have been packing more energy and power into two-wheeled EVs, helping them better compete against combustion-engine alternatives.
Alta’s Redshift EXR multi-terrain electric motorcycle is a great example of an EV in the motorcycle industry that has made a strong showing against a traditionally loud and proud gas-fueled sport. And now Alta has announced the 2019 Redshift EXR, poised to help push gas bikes even further to the wayside.
You may remember Alta’s Redshift line of electric motorcycles stealing headlines last month when their Redshift EXR competed at the Erzberg Rodeo, arguably one of the toughest motorcycle enduro races in the world.
For the first time in the history of the Erzberg Rodeo, two electric motorcycles qualified for and competed in the endurance race. Alta’s factory team riders, Ty Tremaine and Lyndon Poskitt, competed on nearly stock Redshift EXR’s, modified with only slightly tuned suspension and some added pull straps.
Ty Tremaine finished in 43rd position on his EXR, beating 457 other bikes and demonstrating the EXR’s performance under the most extreme race conditions.
Tremaine commented on the electric motorbike:
The Redshift EXR climbs ridiculously well. Even on the most treacherous trails, like the Iron Mountain, it’s really intuitive and easy to control. Hands down, this is the best enduro bike on the market, and a lot of fun to ride.
And now Alta is ready put that level of electric power and intuitive control in the hands of the public with their 2019 Redshift EXR.
The 2019 EXR makes use of Alta’s R-pack battery technology. According to Alta:
Building off of Alta’s industry-leading A-pack technology, the highest-energy density battery ever put in a motorcycle, the new R-Pack represents the next evolution in battery performance. Alta’s new R-Pack utilizes state-of-the-art cell chemistry that delivers extended full-power range at cooler operating temperatures. The Redshift platform’s firmware and software upgrades result in more range, increased power and faster charge times.
The 2019 Alta Redshift EXR features a top speed of 71 mph (114 km/h) as well as a motor rated at 50 hp (37.2 kW) and 42 ft-lbs (57 Nm).
Its 5.8 kWh battery can be charged in just 1.5 hours from 240 VAC or in 3 hours from 120 VAC.
The EV specs are great, but the Redshift EXR is also a solid motorbike foundation as well. Brembo rotors and brake calipers (dual piston forward, single piston rear) ensure that the EXR has as much ‘stop’ as it does ‘go’. Front and rear Metzeler tires and WP fork and shocks round out the 273 lb (124 kg) bike.
The EXR is also street legal, and includes a full light package and license plate hanger. As a multi-terrain electric motorcycle – street legal status is critical and allows the bike to be used for more than just tearing up your back yard.
The California-built 2019 Alta Redshift EXR will set you back $12,495, and is available at over 60 Alta dealers across the US.
Electrek’s Take
In my opinion, multi-terrain electric motorcycles like these offer the best of both worlds, and give you more bang for your buck – which is important since they cost considerably more bucks than many gas alternatives.
Being street legal, you could register it legally and then ride it right up to your favorite trails and jumps, no towing-in required.
You could presumably ride to work, charge up, then hit the trails on the way home. With a change of clothes, of course.
Plus, being electric, you get the added benefits of an easier to ride bike (no stalling, limited maintenance, etc) plus perhaps the biggest benefit of all: silence. No more brap…BRAP…brap…brap…brap…BRAAAAAAAP!
You can cruise scenic trails as stealthily as you wish, with nothing but the sweet sound of wind in the air and dirt smacking the trees.
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