I’m still writing up my review of the Can-Am Origin and Pulse but my time with those bikes has made me reflect on my (generally underwhelming) experience with electric motorcycles over the years. One of the few standouts was the Alta Redshift SM (supermoto), and this one’s worth a share as it’s been taken to another level thanks to a bunch of parts that you’d normally find on a KTM Super Duke R.
If you’re not familiar with the Redshift SM, it was Alta’s (RIP) take on a hoonigan supermoto and they avoided one of the main problems I had with electric bikes of the time – cheap components (especially suspension/brakes) that were likely implemented to counter the high cost of the batteries. Alta’s motor was good for 40 horsepower and 120(!) pound-feet of torque and it weighed 283 pounds, impressively light for an electric bike.
I test rode one at Beverly Hills Ducati and fell in love with the addictive acceleration and the excellent suspension. It was an electric bike built for fun as opposed to one built for the environment/fuel savings. Plus, the maintenance schedule was pretty nice! For more on the Redshift, check out this review from City Bike (also RIP).
“Alta not only has succeeded in making a damn fine motorcycle, regardless of power source—they have somehow manufactured confidence. With no shifting needed, I found myself focusing more on line choice, braking, and general hooliganism. In the words of Alta CEO Marc Fenigstein, “When you can take some stress away, what occupies that space? Joy. Suddenly you’re a badass.””
This example keeps all the great parts of what Alta built but adds some great upgrades which you’d normally find on a KTM Super Duke R: the single sided swing arm, wheels, WP suspension, and Brembo brakes. Most of the original parts are included.
Find this Alta for sale in Temecula, California for $8,500 here on Facebook Marketplace.