BAD NEWS

[Philip]

An anonymous source on this forum texted me that he heard that BRP (Can-Am) was going to purchase Alta but the deal fell apart in the 11th hour.

 

[Miles Prower]

This is a *classic* VC play, and the temporary wind-down is all part of the game. With that said, Marc & his team are smart, and this isn't their first hockey game. As an Alta owner who put down my deposit the day before the company started taking pre-orders publicly, I'm hoping for a winning slapshot in overtime.

 

[JethroTX]

MIles is correct. I'd point out that there's likewise little known about the HD split. Several talk about Marc & Co. ALTA had a new CEO and Executive Chair, Arno Harris since January. Any comment on his role in this?

 

[Philip]

So, for all we know, Alta might be in a 3-way negotiation battle, pinning buyers against one another. Sounds fun. I am rooting for Marc!

 

[Miles Prower]

MIles is correct. I'd point out that there's likewise little known about the HD split. Several talk about Marc & Co. ALTA had a new CEO and Executive Chair, Arno Harris since January. Any comment on his role in this?

Thanks JethroTX — I didn't realize that Arno Harris had taken on the CEO role. As we know, the #1 job of a CEO of a growth company is to raise capital, so it makes sense that someone of his stature in private-equity and alternative energy is doing exactly that. I met Arno Harris back in the '90s when he was doing biz dev for Red Envelope, and my software company at the time was courting strategic partners. Looking at his LinkedIn today — he's obviously a total badass. His wife is one too. In addition to having an impressive CV in solar, he's a partner in Better Ventures, which has a track record of supporting socially conscious tech startups.

 

[JethroTX]

He was a total badass. He missed the mark with HD and didn't secure needed funding.

 

[SuburbanDad]

Considering that «Redshift» is a subtle pun on moving a little left of Orange, and that KTM was ...

pretty sure redshift is a physics nerd joke. As in, moving so fast away from you its light wavelength is shifted towards red. Aka Redshift

 

[strider]

Hope they do not rebadge Altas as KTMs and paint them orange.

Why? I'm new to dirt riding so have no baggage with previous makers. But I don't care what the plastics look like as long as the bike lives on, continues development, and I can keep getting parts.

Also, that 10-year thing everyone keeps talking about ONLY applies to emissions equipment, which of course doesn't apply to us. There are ZERO legal requirements that a manufacturer support a product beyond the warranty period stated at purchase.

 

[Ultratoad]

Interested in reading lots of interesting comments on the ALTA situation ???? Check out vitalmx.com

 

[Philip]

Why? I'm new to dirt riding so have no baggage with previous makers. But I don't care what the plastics look like as long as the bike lives on, continues development, and I can keep getting parts.

Colors do matter. Denying this is like saying that you have no preference in the colors of your cars or clothing. Most people have one or more favorite color, it's just the way it is.

I used to have a strong preference for red and Honda bikes. I also liked the white/red Yamahas, and I liked the old white/blue KTMs of the 80"s and 90's. I didn't like the orange/black and especially gray KTMs of the recent past and present. The current TLD/GoPro KTM have much better color choices. But then, none of the factory KTM US riders have ever been my favorites. Also, I have spent too much time and money fixing KTMs' suspensions, so I do not want the orange color to remind me about all the wasted dollars and years.

The last half a year I really started liking green because most of my favorite riders have been riding green bikes. If I ever buy another gas bike it will most likely be a green Kawasaki.

I just want to be like Tomac and not like Musquin. Or at least like Anderson and Osborne.

 

[Philip]

Interested in reading lots of interesting comments on the ALTA situation ???? Check out vitalmx.com

Too much noise and electric hating there. Post a direct link if you want to share.

 

[snydes]

Yeah, there is enough rumors and speculation here to go around.

 

[Josh402]

Ok, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed big time that Alta can find a new investor, but should the company go under completely, does that mean we’ve ended up with bikes that are essentially paper weight? I can’t see myself holding on to something like this when it has no official support. And I’m worried about the value if I decide to sell it.

 

[WoodsWeapon]

Ive spent 30 years building and buying obscure bikes and brands. Purchasing an Alta is just another extension of that for me.
Im no financial genious, but this isnt a big surprise to me. Providing reps with vans, bikes, and paychecks adds up quick. I dont know how a dealer demo situation works, but thats gotta be a large overall expense too. Add in a powersports market that has all but dried up except for side by side sales, and I can see why Alta suffered this fate.

 

[strider]

Colors do matter. Denying this is like saying that you have no preference in the colors of your cars or clothing. Most people have one or more favorite color, it's just the way it is.

Thanks for the comments and I agree with you. To me it felt like your comments were complaining about the color of the sheets on the patient's deathbed when we should be focused on whatever gives us a chance to keep going. If the choice is Orange or dead; I choose Orange.

 

[Philip]

In case Stefan Pierer is reading this, I am going to say that I would be pretty happy with KTM, if the white plastic is standard or available. So there.

 

[Slayer]

GOOD NEWS. Going for a ride makes you feel great, and being able to share that here is pretty cool too. Hope everyone was out this weekend, or gets out soon! who will be the first to post an Alta making the snow fly?

 

[TCMB371]

I got out. I went to Pala yesterday afternoon and stayed after closing to make a little turn track in the parking lot to get some rut practice in.

 

[Slayer]

I got out. I went to Pala yesterday afternoon and stayed after closing to make a little turn track in the parking lot to get some rut practice in. View attachment 1301

Sometimes being in a rut can be a good thing

 

[Drtjumper]

Well since the bikes are now useless from what the internet tells me I decided to take out my anger and launch mine at a ktm rider this weekend! Lol Yes it landed on his rear wheel 20 yards away. Gotta love torque and a sticky rear tire!