Who Killed Alta? The Tragedy of the Best Electric Motorcycle 

Fortnine kills me with all this absolutely gorgeous shots of nature and motorcycles, combine that with good editing and good writing and this becomes easily one of my most high quality RU-vid channel I've ever found.

I'm one of those 1000 customers. My Alta MXR is still, almost 4 years later, the best dirtbike i've ever owned. And it still performs as well as the day i bought it. Damn shame. Redshift 2.0 was going to be even better.

This utterly depressed me…It’s a shame when a fantastic piece of engineering is locked up because of some bureaucratic bs. Can we just have one nice thing that actually works for once in our lives. Honestly, screw Harley.

Ryan strikes again with another “here’s the best bike ever that you’ll never be able to find” tease video. Bravo.

The astonishing thing is that the Alta bikes were so far ahead of the competition back in 2018, that even now in 2022 there is NO production electric motocross bike available from anyone at any price that beats it. I can't help but think that all the established brands were quite relieved to see this little problem disappear before it could do much damage to their bottom lines.

Alta employees would be proud of this info episode. Well done Ryan

Harley’s brutal murder of Alta was the absolute worst thing to happen to the evolution of the electric motorcycle. Their greed killed a shining star that could have advanced eMoto and all electrics ahead years. I lament that watching supercross without a half dozen Altas is still exciting but Alta could have taken electric racing years into the future by now. I knew Harley had killed Alta and I lost all (remaining) respect for them then but I will forever be a vocal opponent of their company and their absolute short sightedness for the future of electric motorcycles. Alta set the bar high and would have helped push other companies forward so much faster. (I’m a technician at one of the other electric motorcycle companies). Thanks to Ryan and co for yet another insightful and honest appraisal of our industry and its dark side.

I have to write this. I’m 78 years old and have never owned a motorcycle and never had any real urge to do so. For transport I need a car; weekends, sailing was my schtick and exercise, a bike helped me stay fit. So why do I watch every single one of your videos? Simple answer - you’re the best!

Oh man, I remember a video of a pro on an Alta going to a random track and silently passing unsuspecting riders. I just love the idea of these for stealthily riding in places where you really shouldn't be riding. I guess this is another reason to hate on Harley.

fantastic piece here! As a Zero SR owner, it makes me sad to think we were so close to amazing electric dirt bikes... and now into the abyss.

Everytime i learn something about Harleys it's always either more incompetence or more malice. To think so many people base their personality on this vile company.

Thanks for your work Ryan; the best two wheel vehicle channel out there! I'd love an electric sport bike for commuting and fun but prices and charging points are still slightly out of reach in my area. It will be an interesting decade as new tech, etc. transform our world.

Hey Ryan, I just wanted to say this here; the watch you used for most of your videos i think it was the FS4835, from Fossil. I noticed that it was fogged up which means heavy water damage. If it isn't too late you can pop the backing off the watch and glass down put it on a hair dryer to evaporate all water particles in the watch so it doesn't rust. If it's a goner I hope that the serial number FS4835 will help you with your search for a replacement. Good watch mate! I'm a watch fanatic and couldn't help but notice. You're not the only one who knows how to fix gear :D

This one was a masterpiece folks. Beautifully shot. High level 'investigative' reporting, visually and verbally communicated to perfection. A freakin' tragic and sad story.

Great video. Production values are through the roof! I own two Altas, and hands down the best dirt bike (gas or electric) I have ever ridden. Really a shame that the big motorcycle companies have not even attempted to come out with anything comparable. Only thing on the horizon is the Stark Varg, which should take the Alta concept and bump it up a notch. I've let countless people ride my Alta, and every one of them has come away with a huge, silly grin on their face. I was tired of the constant maintenance on the internal combustion bikes, and the never-ending regulation that governments have put on them. For me, the Alta put the fun back in riding, and the government can't even complain about it (they even gave me a tax credit.)

I waited a long time for this one. You did not disappoint. I bet lawyers spent a good amount of time vetting this one. You are not a vlogger. You are a journalist. 👏

Hadn't heard of Alta before this, now I miss them. Thanks, Ryan.

Harley Davidson, the General Motors of the motorcycle industry. This is just one more reason to never support them and their horrible business practices.

I wish you had another 100 videos because I can't stop watching and I've seen almost all of them!

Well that's heartbreaking, I didn't even know alta had gone bankrupt. I'd been really excited to see where they were headed. Gotta say, I'm real fuckin displeased with Harley's business practices over this, what embarrassing behavior from a company that built their brand on patriotism.

This channel never disappoints, you damn genius

Superb writing, exquisite videography and brilliant editing . Ryan and his crew are hands down , by far, the best in the game .

Great story. Absolutely tragic. The technology will rise again. That shot passing through the hole in the bike is awesome

The shot at 2:12 and it's transition to the following one should get an award. Or at least, someone should loop it into a gif

It honestly makes my day when I see a new F9 vid only complaint is not enough videos, though more would probably spoil the content quality. This video made my day at first, then broke my heart.

Your production value is mesmerizing. Love your channel.

Started watching this channel a couple years ago, made me by my first street bike, now, that street bike has a few thousand miles on it and I have 0 regrets. Thank you for what you do!

I'd never heard of Alta before this video, but it seems there's yet another reason to never buy or support harley.... despicable company

Great storytelling. I really appreciate the Fargo-esc soundtrack at the beginning. Gave this video the perfect tone of melancholy.

This truly is a "classic" acquisition tactic.... One that is easily avoided by "not being greedy". Had they just kept doing what they were doing, until someone actually put money in the bank, we would all have access to, what I believe would have been, the best dirt bike ever produced. Now we have to sit back and see if Stark Varg is a scam, or a legitimate offer.

After watching this video a couple of months ago, I started to search for one of these bike. I am so proud to say that I am now an Owner of a Alta Redshift MXR 2018. Thanks R9

Man, I remember reading about Alta from the moment they were founded. Very exciting and I waited patiently for them to start selling in Europe. Looks like that time will never come.

What an amazing, well done, and informative video. I was hanging on for the next nugget of info through the entire video. It’s really sad what happened to Alta too. Seems to be a recurring theme throughout history.

Like a panicked drowning person, Harley Davidson is pulling down whoever chooses to attach themselves to that brand.

Fortnine, the videos you can like before watching with confidence!

FortNine productions are just mind blowing! And Ryan's delivery and content are absolutely top tier, as is his riding prowess! I can't get enough of his videos!

I've been watching F9 for years and each video outdoes the last. Fantastic content and quality Ryan and crew - I've never wanted an electric dirt bike so badly in my life!

I can’t wait to watch your first full-length feature film. Seriously, the quality of writing, videography and sound design are on par with anything Hollywood is sh!tting oot.

Fortnine - setting the standard for youtube videos. 100% better than television quality. Epic production, presentation and research.

For a moment we had it all. The Best electric motorcycle! And in the next moment it was down to ashes. Awesome video production, shoot locations and cinematic shots as always!

Another beautifully crafted episode from the fort-nine team. I love watching these videos. Ryan’s in depth motorbiking knowledge and attention to engineering detail is obviously a joy to enjoy, noting the team careful cross referencing of public statements at the end to avoid litigation from big bad Harley. We’ll done.

And Again: Good Job, as always! I see the comment regularly that this is the best Motorcycle related content on YT but after nearly exhausting your library I am convinced you have the best "Do-It-Yourself" content on the Inter-Web! I watch everything from Auto-Centric to Xylophone Repair and Race/All Terrain/Off Road/4X4 to DIY of every topic and I do not see the consistent high quality and creative thoughtfulness of F9. Nobody, Nowhere, Knowhow. I will shut up now and start at the top. Thanks for the great Videos and for sharing your talents.

Imagine for a moment, if all these great products wether it be E-bikes or LED lighting, just imagine…if all of these were kept out of the hands of the big corporations who’s only concern is profits or tax right-offs for acquisitions they buy only to bury….the world would be a much happier and fun filled place to be! Thanks Ryan for yet another well made video!🍺🇨🇦

Yeah, You can 'blame' Alta for dealing in good faith with a shit company (HD) but let's put the blame squarely where it truly belongs. On Harley Davidson, an honest to god shitty company making shitty, over priced crap. Yet another reason to never buy HD and to ridicule anyone who thinks they are an 'American' company (who builds their bikes in Mexico and Taiwan).

The art in your videos always blows me away, from the filming to the production to the story telling. Youre an inspiration 👍👍

My favorite part of this channel is watching F9 document all the best spots of the Greater Vancouver Area

I was interested in electric, not for the power or low maintenance but the lack of noise. Not because i don't love my 250 2T but because riding areas that are close keep getting shut down from noise complaints. Here's hoping Stark builds on what Alta started.

I am once again in awe of your production standards and the wealth of in-depth information and insightful opinion you offer. You really do rival the content produced by the big guys at any cable show or video magazine.

Ryan it amazes me the number of places you will travel to in bc for one video. I've lived here all my life and half the fun of watching these videos is seeing you ride in places I've been and places I've yet to go. knowing how long it would take one to travel from Capilano to the mud flats with all the stops in between for a change in scenery always blows me away. I admire your dedication good sir.

Great short film. I can't even call your work videos, they are art. You, sir, are an impressively talented and intelligent individual. Thank you for all the great infotainment!

The way this video was made is perfect. It really feels like a tragady. Like a movie ora documentary about something amazing that mysteriously vanished. Amazingly done👌🏻

That was so beautifully shot! Thank you for telling this story. Altas are absolutely the most fun electric motorcycles out there.

Thank you again Ryan, definitely my favorite all around motorcycle channel. My friend still has one of these, amazing bike, I still can't believe they went bankrupt. The world is not fair!

Great video journalism and editing. FortNine is so dope

You know it’s going to be a good day when Fortnine uploads. Thanks Ryan

Good to see you back; guys ! Once again, great content with amazing production quality !

Amazing video man! Thanks for taking the time to make it

I am in love with the sense and humour Ryan brings into this dark story. Seriously so good.

Wow the cinematography just keeps getting better on this channel in addition to the script and host. Keep up the good work looking forward to more videos 👍

@2:13 had to watch this like 3 or 4 times at least just because it's awesome camera work.

Can we all appreciate how talented of a rider Ryan is?

What a sad but fantastic story. That was absolutely stunningly well done.

What a great video… gave me the chills half way through as I was watching this at 10:35PM. An immediate fan. Quality. Script. Everything in this video was, as my daughter would say, 11/10

Bringing a tear to my eye. Missing my Alta now.

Another truly great video guys, amazing thought and quality in everything you guys do, keep it up.

Well done as always. Informative, entertaining, so good.

Man, I love your content, and the fact that you talk about E.V. blows my mind. You guys rock!

Nice videos man as always, how the hell do you come up with a really good script, you are so creative man. Good job my guy.

Very sad episode, however I honestly hope those brilliant engineers get picked up into good companies. I hope we see their expertise carry on in the next generation ebikes, even if it is not an Alta. Welcome back Fort9

It sounds like the Alta was a Avro Arrow of electric bikes. Sad. Great video and a great reminder that we live in a really beautiful place.

Don't make us wait so long next time Ryan!

This was a sad loss to motorcycling. My favorite video of yours to date.

Production quality second to none.

I don't ride that much, just my shitty tiny benelli for commuting to work. But damn your content got me excited to ride that shitty little machine that went back to the dealership a week after purchase for repair. Keep up the great work! You're pretty much the only reason I wanna learn about bikes and consume bike-related contents.

Love y’all’s videos. Any plans for doing another jacket or helmet lineup soon?

ya its really unfortunate. i live on 4 acres, but have older neighbors surrounding us that complain if i even ride by dirtbike down the street once. it pisses me off because i moved out of the suburbs to get away from neighbors. i have a big pasture that i would love to build an mx track on, but i woulr never hear the end of it from my neighnors. if i had an alta, the sound wouldnt be a problem. as much as i love the sound of 2 stroke and 4 stroke dirtbikes, to me the lack of sound was the biggest selling point for the alta, because it would allow people to ride in places that people would normally throw a fit about

Always look forward to your vids compadre! Thanks for everything.

Solid video, actually learn so much from this guy! Legend

Powerfully Deep & Sad video.. Thanks for sharing this

Man this is so sad

First time watching one of your videos, stunning. Love the way you present, edit etc. You deserve your 1.4M subscribers

Great video. Some good points regarding electric dirt bikes,.Yes the torque is difficult to control in loose conditions but traction control should be easy to incorporate and would react quicker than the human brain. Secondly, rear break lever on the left bar is a game changer. Infinitely easier to modulate than a booted right foot and along with no gearbox, allows you to move freely around the bike without having to cover foot controls and also chuck either leg out while cornering (And, if you’re descending a very tight and steep wooded hill with your legs flailing around, you can still apply the back brake… apparently 🤐). And thanks for shining some light on the Alta mystery. Watching all the online videos of owners saying and showing how good their bikes are but the company going bump somehow didn’t add up.

"... why turn down Harley", sometimes there isn't enough lipstick to make a hog attractive.

3:20 this is sick cinema and editing 👌🍾🦭

Now i'm looking to the Stark Varg to see how that does, looks even better than the Alta on paper so lets see. Definitely needs a clutch for hard enduro riding though.

I got a chance to talk with their CTO for a while once. I was so optimistic about Alta and was super bummed when this happened. In a huge way though, they still impacted the industry by making an electric bike that held its own and continues to inspire other companies to follow suit

This man is a genius... I'm a Honda Click driver, and on occasion a manual. But I don't watch this for the motorcycles as much as the style of Mr. FortNine.

Hopefully the Stark Varg will succeed where Alta failed. Josh Hill seems to think it's better than the Alta and he's the one who raced the Alta in the Red Bulll Straight Rhythm.

Exactly news to hear you are coming to the ABR festival in the UK

What goes around comes around Harley Davidson... Nicely done Ryan: perfectly moderated and beautifully taped... my favorite channel...

Ryan, right on point but, I'll add a few things that sure didn't help Alta. 1. They were expensive, our local KTM dealer sold them and they were $15K when KTM's were $10K. Alta dropped the price to $13K but, that is still $3000 more than a comparable KTM. Who ate that $2000 discount? 2.Weight, they were heavy, 20-50 lbs more than a similar off-road bike. 3. Here's the big one, riding time vs charge time. Our local KTM dealer have ride days at a local off-road park. I sign up, Alta is one of the bikes you can ride, 20-40 minutes of ride time and it's dead. How long to recharge I ask, 12-14 hours on 110V generator. WHAT??? So everyone got 5 minutes max while the rest sat on chargers.

You should have series in netflix

Was fun working at Alta sad to seen it go under with so much potential

One more question… If someone bought one of the existing Alta bike, disassembled it and duplicated every physical part, the only thing you would need is to reverse engineer the code base running on whatever processor/DSP boards. I say that, but that’s not a trivia project. But, I bet a team of 2-3 mechanical engineers could do the hardware and 6-8 could do the software. You would still need 2-3 electronic engineers as the glue between the other team. Because the work example sits in front of all of them, you really could do this with a team of 20 people in 18 months or less for about $3-4 Million invested. They you apply all the technology updates available and what your team has though about along the way and for $5-6M you should be read to go to production. That includes about 1M in lawyer fees along the way to safeguard the work done. So simply put, the process is test and disassemble, assess and design, fix known issues and integrate tech updates, product testing and feedback, product adjustments… produce. They should then produce two bike, 1 for racing/ serious off road and 1 dual sport for commuters/ weekend players. Nothing else until these are established players in the market. FOCUS! Where are the intrepid investors that love motorcycles?

best moto channel on the net.

Fortnine uploading only once a month is so sad

It's like reading a 12 minute novel. Marvelous videos.

GREAT video (as always)... and an tragic object lesson in why every Woz needs a Jobs...

you all are getting so good at this storytelling. Bravo

RIP Alta...and interestingly I now hate Harley even more than before....wow.