Exploring Alta Motors’ Redshift Lineup: The Electric Motorcycles That Pushed the Limits

Redshift MX: The Base Motocross Model

The Redshift MX was Alta Motors’ entry-level motocross bike, designed to compete with traditional gas-powered dirt bikes. It featured a lightweight frame and an electric motor delivering 42 horsepower, with instant torque for off-road racing. Priced at around $10,495, the Redshift MX was marketed as a low-maintenance alternative to traditional combustion bikes, with fewer moving parts and no need for gas or oil changes. Its electric powertrain made it ideal for motocross enthusiasts seeking performance with reduced noise and emissions

Redshift MXR: The Premium Motocross Model

The Redshift MXR was the premium version of Alta’s motocross lineup, featuring an upgraded R-Pack battery for extended range and a more powerful 50-horsepower motor. Designed for professional motocross racers, the MXR also came with a WP AER 48 fork and other high-end suspension components for superior performance. The selling price for the MXR was higher than the base model, around $11,995, making it a top-tier electric motocross bike.

Redshift EX: The Dual-Sport Enduro Model

Alta Motors introduced the Redshift EX as an enduro bike suited for both trail and street riding. It shared much of its technology with the MX, but added street-legal features like lights, mirrors, and turn signals. The Redshift EX was equipped with a slightly less powerful motor than the MXR but was versatile enough for riders who wanted to commute and hit off-road trails. The EX had a retail price of about $12,495.

Redshift EXR: The Premium Dual-Sport

The Redshift EXR was the premium version of Alta’s enduro lineup, offering the same 50-horsepower motor found in the MXR along with extended range and rapid charging capabilities. Designed to handle both rugged off-road conditions and city streets, the EXR had upgraded suspension and components for enhanced durability and performance. This model was priced at $12,495, making it a flagship offering in Alta’s portfolio.

Redshift EXR: The Premium Dual-Sport

The Redshift EXR was the premium version of Alta’s enduro lineup, offering the same 50-horsepower motor found in the MXR along with extended range and rapid charging capabilities. Designed to handle both rugged off-road conditions and city streets, the EXR had upgraded suspension and components for enhanced durability and performance. This model was priced at $12,495, making it a flagship offering in Alta’s portfolio.

Redshift SM: The Supermoto Model

The Redshift SM was Alta’s supermoto bike, designed for urban environments and twisty roads. With similar technology to the EX and MX models, the SM offered agility and speed, thanks to its lightweight design and electric motor. The supermoto model catered to riders looking for an electric alternative in the street-legal racing bike category. The price for the Redshift SM was set at around $13,495.

Redshift SMR: The Unreleased Supermoto Model

While the Redshift SMR was registered with the NHTSA, there is no evidence that this model reached the market. It was expected to be an upgraded, premium supermoto variant of the Redshift SM, but financial challenges prevented it from ever being mass-produced.

SilentHawk: Military Collaboration

The SilentHawk was not a consumer product but an offshoot of the Redshift platform developed in collaboration with Logos Technologies for military purposes. Designed as a stealth dirtbike, the SilentHawk offered near-silent operation, making it ideal for special operations in rough terrain. While it didn’t enter the civilian market, it demonstrated the versatility of Alta’s electric platform.

Redshift ST: The Prototype Urban Machine

In 2017, Alta Motors unveiled the Redshift ST, a prototype that blended flat-track racing performance with urban commuting capabilities. Although it never made it to full production, the Redshift ST was pitched as a hybrid urban and flat-track speedway machine, showcasing Alta’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric motorcycle applications. The price was never officially released, as it remained a prototype.

Alta Motors’ product lineup demonstrated the company’s ambition to disrupt multiple motorcycle categories with electric alternatives. Despite the company’s eventual closure in 2018, its innovative approach to motorcycle design left a lasting impact on the electric vehicle industry.