this is too bad, I had hopes for these guys and thought that they were on to something I like new companies doing new things but with stuff like this and Motus, its difficult as a consumer to put down the cash when there is a good chance that the company won't be around in a few years
This subject would fit/is being discussed in the Alta thread: https://advrider.com/f/threads/the-alta-thread.1276720/page-14 Not cool news.
All the same issues still - the breakthrough will be battery technology. Once carbon nanotube battery technology takes off, everything will change. Until then it’s all half measures. Bummer.
Wow, I was not expecting this. It seemed like Alta was gaining steam and recent reviews were very favorable. Honestly they were the only electric bike I was even remotely interested in. I liked how they didn't try to reinvent chassis dimensions or suspension tech sticking with proven parts and geometry. .
Perhaps moreso "EBR-ed"; while HD is the villian in this situation, this move strikes me as "Hero-like": cheap initial buy-in, grab an eyeful of tech/engineering, then dump them in favor of an "in-house" program. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see Harley hire up all the furloughed Alta tech staff, given they plan to open their own R&D center in the same city: "we're not just going to sh*t-can your company, we're going to steal your people, too."
Damn, those really looked like a sweet ride. Hopefully an investor will come along and pick things back up.
Maybe, but I dont think there was really anything technologically groundbreaking under alta's skirt, they assembled fantastic dirt bikes using the best components, and arrainged a great battery pack. I don't think there was a whole lot of tech to grab, maybe why HD pulled the plug so quick.
This is by far the most realistic and depressing scenario. Undermine a legitimately cool and innovative outfit just to vampire some of their mojo.
I tried one once, the SM model, it was a blast but not very comfy as you got into the fuel range. That may have been by design though.
Take a look at the zero fxs - saw one yesterday and it's beautiful. it has a number of configurations - one is a 100 city mile range fixed battery, the other has one or two removable batteries that add up to 100 mile range. They can be charged in a number of ways and are compatible with some public chargers. The 50mile removable battery model is under $8k depending on state rebates. Alta was much more specialized - no ABS so no EU, no charger compatibility etc.. I hope there's room for both in the world, and much of ALTAs's filing has to do with restructuring. I think they'll be back. Beautiful machines. Get some ABS and LED lights / a charger port and sell them in France for god's sake.
Bummer, they were the only electric bikes I was interested in. IF they come back in some form it will be interesting to see what state or country they relocate to.