My Alta may have ruined ICE bikes for me

[F451]

Recently bought a really nice '16 Husqvarna FE 350 and after putting on my usual tall guy stuff (tall seat, bar risers, low pegs) I took it out for a 70 or so mile dual sport ride last night. It was a beautiful summer evening here in the PacNW, perfect for cruising along the forest roads. Rode paved back roads about 12 miles to the gravel/dirt FR 25 aka North Fork Rd, which runs about 25 miles into the western Cascade foothills.

I have to say, I really did not enjoy it all that much. I haven't been on an ICE bike in a while and I think I'm spoiled now. The noise, vibrations, and snatchiness of the driveline was kind of annoying. The whole time I was wishing I was on my Alta, but it just doesn't have the range for this type of ride.

The 4CS fork and shock were re-worked by Kreft by the previous owner and didn't feel that great. I'll have to look into the usual springs and settings. I also think the forks may be slightly twisted in the clamps, I noticed it before I left for the ride but decided I didn't want to screw around with it and took off for a short ride around the neighborhood that I then decided to extend because it was so nice out. The front end felt too soft initially, then too firm, the back end felt too stiff, just all out of balance. No bueno.

The FE 350 motor is a blast though and after a bit I was getting accustomed to the bike and the faster I went the happier it seemed to be. Took a short side jeep trail type spur uphill for a mile or so, the closest thing to legal single track up there. I am definitely rusty, just felt behind the bike the whole way. Planning on getting a Rekluse for it which I think will help a lot with transitioning between the Alta and the Husky.

I'm actually a little nervous about getting it out on real single track in the mountains. Last time I was on an ICE bike up in the mtns I was on my Beta 525, no Rekluse, and I did really well on it, so last night was strange. Maybe it just wasn't my night to be out riding. I will take the Husky up to my buddies place and hit the single track up there soon and see how it goes.

I hope it goes better because I loved my '16 KTM 350 XCF-W, no Rekluse, and this Husky is very similar to that bike so I'm a bit disappointed. And stumped.

But seriously, the whole time I was on the Husky I was wishing I was on the Alta. Can't wait for longer range, lighter e-dirt bikes, I will throw my money at one of the majors to get one. 75 miles single track range would work, 100 would be even better. -Eddie

 

[F451]

North Fork Rd always delivers on the scenery.



The end of the road, at the top of the jeep trail spur. Nice place for a quiet break before the mosquitoes start in on ya.



Back side of Mt. Si.




Mt Si, aka Twin Peaks.



Across the street, the horses were enjoying the evening too.



Back home looking east to the Cascades where I had just been riding around the foothills.

 

[snydes]

I know what you mean! I have a ICE bike I use for the off road riding we do in the Pennsylvania coal regions and I just flat out don’t enjoy riding this bike like I had prior to the Alta.

 

[Mikec265]

I honestly don't care my 2005 RM250 anymore.
I also have a KX500 engine stuffed into a 2001 RM250 chassis that I rode for the 1st time this year just yesterday. It was fun, and the suspension is better than the Alta's mainly because of the spring forks.
The 500 stays as a garage queen, but really the Alta has me spoiled. I barely ride my pitbike because it's just easier to hop on the Alta and go.

If I could only have one bike it'd be my MXR.
It is by far the best bike I've ever owned. I was sick to my stomach when the news of Alta shutting down came out. Almost sold the bike, but I just can't part with it. Until an equivalent, or better replacement is available I'm keeping it.

 

[Philip]

After having bought the Alta, I sold all my recently purchased gas bikes.

Then I bought a 2017 CRF450R because I liked the suspension that this bike once had. I didn't like the engine. Being unable to re-create the same suspension feel, I promptly sold it as well. I am not planning on buying any gas bikes anytime soon.

And now I am a Tesla Model Y owner. I guess, it writing has been on the wall for the last two years. I do not think I will be buying a gasoline powered car ever again. Maybe only a van... unless Ford, Fiat Chrysler, or Tesla come up with a good EV motovan platform.

 

[F451]

This is really a conundrum for me (how often do you get to use that word, Lol). My Alta doesn't have the range for the types of rides I like to do, and ICE bikes aren't enjoyable now for the types of rides I like to do.

I waited a long time before buying the Husky and was really fired up to get it. Now I'm confused. If I can't get my ICE bike mojo back I'm going to be one unhappy camper. I guess I'll have to wait until I can afford the Rekluse setup and try it out before I make my final decision, but I'm already thinking I'm going to be selling the Husky. I can't believe I'm saying that.

Additionally, as if 2020 wasn't bad enough, my riding club property cut the available trails in half, its kind of a bummer. It was supposed to be a temporary thing, but now it looks like what we currently have is it. I heard talk of creating some new trail in a previously off limits area, but haven't heard anything lately about that. I'll be attending our monthly club meeting tonight to find out what the story is, but if we can't build new trails I'm thinking I'm out (we've already lost a bunch of long time members when the trails got cut). And I'm not optimistic as I recently sent out an email to the entire club membership to discuss new trail building and didn't hear back from anyone, not a single reply. Crickets = not good.

The club property was perfect for the Alta, a maze of single track in a small area, not too far from home, could get a good half day's riding in, it was a serious workout. If I'm not going to be riding up there, it makes owning the Alta less attractive as riding the Alta in the mtns out here doesn't work that well. The limited range means a lot of prior planning, you can't do many of the usual killer loops, the mtns are only open from July - Oct, etc.

Anyway, I guess I'll be dropping the big coin on the Rekluse and seeing how it goes. Have to wait a few weeks before I can do that, meanwhile I'll fiddle with the Husky suspension and ride it a bit more and see if I'm enjoying it more. I sure hope I do.

 

[privateer703]

Rivian has orders for 100,000 amazon delivery vans and should be releasing their pickup truck before anyone else. Philip, you can complete your electric vehicle set..all with different manufacturers. Man, times have changed.

 

[C5tor]

 

[flintpunk]

Recently bought a really nice '16 Husqvarna FE 350 and after putting on my usual tall guy stuff (tall seat, bar risers, low pegs) I took it out for a 70 or so mile dual sport ride last night. It was a beautiful summer evening here in the PacNW, perfect for cruising along the forest roads. Rode paved back roads about 12 miles to the gravel/dirt FR 25 aka North Fork Rd, which runs about 25 miles into the western Cascade foothills.

I have to say, I really did not enjoy it all that much. I haven't been on an ICE bike in a while and I think I'm spoiled now. The noise, vibrations, and snatchiness of the driveline was kind of annoying. The whole time I was wishing I was on my Alta, but it just doesn't have the range for this type of ride.

The 4CS fork and shock were re-worked by Kreft by the previous owner and didn't feel that great. I'll have to look into the usual springs and settings. I also think the forks may be slightly twisted in the clamps, I noticed it before I left for the ride but decided I didn't want to screw around with it and took off for a short ride around the neighborhood that I then decided to extend because it was so nice out. The front end felt too soft initially, then too firm, the back end felt too stiff, just all out of balance. No bueno.

The FE 350 motor is a blast though and after a bit I was getting accustomed to the bike and the faster I went the happier it seemed to be. Took a short side jeep trail type spur uphill for a mile or so, the closest thing to legal single track up there. I am definitely rusty, just felt behind the bike the whole way. Planning on getting a Rekluse for it which I think will help a lot with transitioning between the Alta and the Husky.

I'm actually a little nervous about getting it out on real single track in the mountains. Last time I was on an ICE bike up in the mtns I was on my Beta 525, no Rekluse, and I did really well on it, so last night was strange. Maybe it just wasn't my night to be out riding. I will take the Husky up to my buddies place and hit the single track up there soon and see how it goes.

I hope it goes better because I loved my '16 KTM 350 XCF-W, no Rekluse, and this Husky is very similar to that bike so I'm a bit disappointed. And stumped.

But seriously, the whole time I was on the Husky I was wishing I was on the Alta. Can't wait for longer range, lighter e-dirt bikes, I will throw my money at one of the majors to get one. 75 miles single track range would work, 100 would be even better. -Eddie

I’m anxiously awaiting the Honda. Even if the batteries won’t go 75 miles, I’d appreciate a quick change option. You could always send extra batteries out on the gas truck if you were racing an enduro or have them ready in the pits for a hare scramble. Sur Ron definitely got their battery situation figured out!

 

[Philip]

View attachment 5595

RIDE ALTA YOU MUST.

 

[flintpunk]

RIDE ALTA YOU MUST.

I have one! Love it!!!

 

[F451]

Stupid Alta test ride...I knew better, Lol. 10 minute ride and I'm ruined. First world problems for sure, its all good, etc, etc, etc (I keep telling myself).

 

[C5tor]

Stole this from the Alta Facebook group.

looks like you can buy it.

Special Shirt - If You've Never Owned One