2018 ALTA REDSHIFT MXR
FIRST TEST
P78
Here we are just a year later,
and Alta has made some huge
gains on all those negatives.
To start, the 2018 Redshift MX,
which has just a few technical
updates now has a retail price
of just $10,495. That does not
include the battery charger,
which will cost $500 for the
basic charger or $750 for a new
version that will charge the Red-
shift MX a little quicker. (You'll be
glad you spent the extra $250
for the latest one.) But the big
news is the Redshift MXR, this
new model gets a new battery
and upgrades to the firmware
and software that increases the
horsepower from 40 to 50 at the
rear wheel, and that power now
holds steady even as the battery
discharges. It also gets the latest
generation WP Shock and WP
AER 48 forks, which are now
tuned for an aggressive interme-
diate-level motocross rider. Plus,
more aggressive footpegs, an
upgraded seat and dash mount-
ing that allows for easier handle-
bar adjustment. The battery and
air forks combine to shave eight
pounds off the bike getting it
down to 259 pounds. And that
new battery will charge in about
an hour and a half using the new
charger if you have access to a
220 plug or generator.
Even with all these improve-
ments, the Redshift MXR retail
price is $11,995, which is still
significantly less than the 2017
Redshift MX. Alta says that the
reduced cost is due mostly to
increased production volumes.
And you can still argue that the
reduced cost of maintenance
makes the total cost of ownership
very competitive with a traditional
gas-powered motorcycle.
Alta has proven their ability to
build extremely high-quality bikes
and those bikes are designed
and manufactured in Brisbane,
California, just south of San
Francisco. The CNC-machined
aluminum forged main frame
is constructed with the motor
and controller nicely integrated.
The Redshift MXR still uses a
(Above) The new Alta Redshift
MXR gets better performance
and longer battery life—not to
mention a substantially smaller
price tag. (Right) The rear
WP shock gets new settings
specifically designed for the
Alta. (Bottom) The MXR is fitted
with high-end WP AER 48 forks.
