Talk me into buying an Alta. Talk me out of buying an Alta.

[thsm007]

New plan and I am excited! Some times insomnia is a good thing!

Realized last night that instead of temporarily dipping into the family savings to make an Alta purchase which I always try to avoid at all costs, and instead of waiting months to finish the work on my 928 so I can sell it to fund an Alta purchase (which I REALLY don't want to do), I think I will instead sell, or trade my KTM 350. I will have no problem selling the KTM quickly for a good price, and if I'm lucky I may be able to work a trade with someone. I know Skagit Powersports has their demo '17 MX (the one I rode) for sale, perhaps I can work a trade with them for that bike.

Additionally, I am in the process of finishing up a refresh on my '05 Beta 525, should be done in a few weeks, so I won't be without an ICE bike for long, or at all. Once I see how things go with the Alta, I can then sell the Beta as planned to fund parts for my 928.

Finish up the 928, drive it around this summer, decide what to do with it in the fall. If I am missing an ICE bike terribly, I can sell the 928 at any time, or even the Alta if I don't like it and pick up another ICE bike.

Bottom line, I get an Alta sooner, rather then later. I get my 928 finished up, and I have all kinds of options going forward, and I don't dip into the family savings.

Why didn't I come up with this plan first? I still have EV bike paranoia, especially range anxiety and I didn't want to be without my KTM ICE bike. But I really don't ride up in the mountains and back country that much and I have access to my buddies place right down the road where the Alta would be perfect, so I think I've decided I can give the KTM up for now.

Boom. Done.

What kind of range in terms of miles and hours are you hoping to get?

 

[F451]

The reason why you started this thread was to get some ideas, and because of the input you received, you came up with a solution that works. Like Redwolf said in the voice of Hannibal Smith, your plan is coming together nicely.

Yes! Absolutely, thank you for mentioning, and forgive me for not mentioning, Lol.

You guys helped me decide that an Alta purchase is workable given my pros/cons, then last night I was just doing some mental gymnastics about the best way to get this done as quickly as possible without impacting the family savings.

Again, thanks for the all the input and encouragement everyone. -Eddie

 

[F451]

What kind of range in terms of miles and hours are you hoping to get?

I'm hoping to get about 20 miles single track, not sure what that will work out to hours wise. From what I'm reading here that should be no problem.

 

[thsm007]

I'm hoping to get about 20 miles single track, not sure what that will work out to hours wise. From what I'm reading here that should be no problem.

Yah, should be more than enough. I ride mine at a race pace and get more than that. The terrain matters a lot. I ride technical single track. Basically mtb trail. But I do have wide open dirt road transfers where I’m wide open and get 35ish miles and usually have about a bit less than a quarter tank at the end. If the trail was flowy single track or wide open I’d think closer to 20mi if you’re twisting it.

 

[F451]

Yah, should be more than enough. I ride mine at a race pace and get more than that. The terrain matters a lot. I ride technical single track. Basically mtb trail. But I do have wide open dirt road transfers where I’m wide open and get 35ish miles and usually have about a bit less than a quarter tank at the end. If the trail was flowy single track or wide open I’d think closer to 20mi if you’re twisting it.

Right on, thanks for the input!

 

[Rix]

I'm hoping to get about 20 miles single track, not sure what that will work out to hours wise. From what I'm reading here that should be no problem.

You are more than covered. I could easily get 38-40 miles of single track at a body weight of 280 with lots of elevation change. Now that I lost 49 pounds since TKR surgery, I imagine It will be more like 42 miles now.

 

[Fod]

For Sale - 2018 Alta redshift MXR - $7500 (North spokane)
The dude is right down the street from you!!!!

 

[Redwolf]

And there is another MXR in Olympia, with plates. So many choices right now!

 

[Butch]

Carpe diem

 

[F451]

I'm trying to carpe my diem!

But getting my funds together is taking time, so I'm not ready to pull the trigger today unfortunately.

And the two dudes that I spoke directly to about buying their Alta's recently, both told me that they are nervous about parts and tech support since Alta went belly up. One guy actually said he didn't want a $8000 paperweight.

Hmm, interesting sales tactics there.

I did get my Beta 525 running today, I was having problems getting it started and I was quietly freaking out about it since I'd done all the usual troubleshooting and it still wouldn't start. Today I re-did everything, busted my stones on it. Checked jets, float level, squirt, spark plug, dumped the fuel, put in fresh fuel, double checked a bunch other things. Crossed my fingers and it started right up!

I suspect the start jet circuit was plugged since the jet itself looked fine, just like the idle and main, but who knows. I don't really care at this point, Lol.

Still need to do some final tuning, got some back firing from the exhaust, I think its leaking at the head pipe to muffler joint, also need to adjust the fuel screw, or air screw, can't remember what these complicated four strokes call it, and set the idle.

But anyway, yeah me! Having the Beta running means if I have to sell the KTM to fund the Alta purchase I still have an ICE bike for backup and longer rides.

THANKS for the leads on the bikes and the encouragement guys! I'll keep you all posted. -Eddie

 

[F451]

Ps: you know you've been wrenching hard when you hack up black crap in your hack at the end of the day. I really need an Alta, Lol.

 

[Philip]

Checked jets, float level, squirt, spark plug, dumped the fuel, put in fresh fuel, double checked a bunch other things. Crossed my fingers and it started right up!

I suspect the start jet circuit was plugged since the jet itself looked fine, just like the idle and main, but who knows. I don't really care at this point, Lol.

Still need to do some final tuning, got some back firing from the exhaust, I think its leaking at the head pipe to muffler joint, also need to adjust the fuel screw, or air screw, can't remember what these complicated four strokes call it, and set the idle.

 

[F451]

Interesting isn't it? Dealing with fueling issues all day, chemicals, exhaust pipes, air fuel mixture adjustments. Too bad there isn't a bike that doesn't have all that crap, Lol.

 

[F451]

Anyone have any input re '17 MX vs '18 MXR long term reliability or potential problems?

I've heard some suggest getting a MX instead of any MXR because they are not having the same issues like the Code 36 problem, anyone know if that is correct?

I thought these two threads did a fair job of describing the differences between the models with the MXR, more hp, better suspension, otherwise they are very similar but I couldn't find a thread comparing reliability and long term potential problems.

2017 vs. 2018/2019

Used or New? 2017, 2018, or 2019?

From what I am reading it sounds like I would be fine with either an MX or MXR, but of course I'd like as much performance as I can get, especially the suspension.

On the other hand, if the MX is experiencing less issues I might lean towards one of those, its not like I'm racing and am going to miss the upgraded suspension and additional hp.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys! -Eddie

 

[Mikec265]

That also makes me wonder, were the code 36 bikes mainly ridden in map 4? Typically I ride my MXR in map 3 because I can't hold onto map 4 very long. If I get into better shape, would it be wise to still stay out of map 4 to preserve the battery a few more years?

 

[Philip]

Code 36 is when a tiny wire is not connected to one of the 504 battery cells. Riding in maps, or riding more, or riding less won't un-weld a wire. If it was welded well in the first place, then it will stay welded.

If a used MXR had the latest firmware installed for a while, and it still doesn't show Code 36, then it never will.

The problem with poorly welded wires was (apparently, and mostly) limited to a few early MXR bikes. That's it. If an early MXR has a few hours on it after the firmware was updated, and it is still good, then it will stay that way for a long-long time.

The reason why an MX was recommended to the OP is because he said he is not very fast and likes slow trail rides. The MX bikes are usually cheaper, have a slightly longer range, and you do not have to check for or worry about Code 36. They are not inherently any more reliable.

 

[F451]

Code 36 is when a tiny wire is not connected to one of the 504 battery cells. Riding in maps, or riding more, or riding less won't un-weld a wire. If it was welded well in the first place, then it will stay welded.

If a used MXR had the latest firmware installed for a while, and it still doesn't show Code 36, then it never will.

The problem with poorly welded wires was (apparently, and mostly) limited to a few early MXR bikes. That's it. If that early MXR has a few hours on it after the firmware was updated, and it is still good, then it will stay that way for a long-long time.

The reason why an MX was recommended to the OP is because he said he is not very fast and likes slow trail rides. The MX bikes are usually cheaper, have a slightly longer range, and you do not have to check for or worry about Code 36. They are not inherently any more reliable.

Thank you for the detailed explanation Phillip!

My KTM 350 is officially for sale as of today, already have a nibble on it. Hoping to sell it asap and start seriously talking to Alta sellers.

 

[F451]

Sold the KTM, then this happened:



2018 MXR. Drove 800 miles, 13 hrs, one way to get it. Drove home the next day, another 800 miles, 13 hrs. With God as my, err...wait, with our pug Mojie as my co-pilot.

PSA side note: If you want to travel under the radar, like for example you're like me and very shy and not overly friendly to strangers, not a nasty person, just not very outgoing until I get to know people, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT travel anywhere with an Alta dirt bike in the bed of your truck and a pug on a perch riding shotgun. It's a formula for LOTS of attention, ha ha. We actually had a good time meeting some really nice peeps on the trip, but holy cow its like being a minor celebrity, Lol.



Exhausted, kind of poor health, but HAD to ride it the next day, almost did not go, but I had to see if I made the right call here having only ridden a MX once for about 10-15 mins.

Oh my freaking dog! I love this bike! Lol.



I'll do a separate ride review thread later, but suffice to say, I'm beside myself, so excited. I was absolutely ripping on this thing, riding way over my head in no time. Fastest, best handling, easiest to ride 270 lb porker dirt bike I've ever ridden, ha ha. Only did 14 miles yesterday, but every muscle in my body is sore and the blisters are ready to go full blown, especially if I get out on it again today (can't remember the last time I rode back to back days).

THANK YOU everyone for helping me learn more about these amazing bikes and for encouraging me to jump in the deep end, even if there is no lifeguard on duty (Alta Corp)!!! -Ed aka Fast Eddie, Lol

 

[Philip]

Congrats!

Good job, everyone. It took only 37 posts in this thread to get Ed aka Fast Eddie on board, haha. Well done!

 

[Redwolf]

Well hot damn, welcome to the club!

I think I'll celebrate your purchase by taking mine for a victory lap.