chain slap, rocks and dirt clods
slamming into the plastic finders,
and the rear tire spinning, which
makes you think you have a flat.
Plus, normally, on gas bikes,
when things go silent over a big
double jump, that's usually a
sign that something bad is about
to happen, but not on the Alta.
It's totally normal. The bike isn't
completely silent, though, as
there is an audible gear whine
when you open up the throttle
and motor speed picks up; it's
not much different than what a
remote-controlled car toy makes.
But, overall, you pretty quickly
get used to the lack of sound.
The new WP shock and
AER48 fork and settings make
the MXR a very capable moto-
cross bike in stock form, even
for a fast-intermediate rider. The
overall handling of the bike is
very predictable and balanced.
Even with the weight loss for
the MXR, it is still 15-20 pounds
heavier than a 250F and you will
notice that when you lift the bike
onto a stand but we can't say
that we really noticed it on the
track. The lack of rotating mass
and well-centralized weight con-
tribute to great handling.
This was our first time on the
Alta with other Altas on the track
VOL. 55 ISSUE 10 MARCH 13, 2018 P81
