’ve spent a bit of time on Alta’s motocross model, and I was impressed by it. Their demise as a company was a bummer, because I really believe electric is where we’re headed. How soon? I’m not sure, but I want to have as much experience as I can with these machines so I have solid reference points when gas cans are only used to fuel your generator.

The Redshift SM has a very cool, sleek look at first glance. The battery is square and bulky, but they make up for it in the shapes and design elsewhere. This fully street-legal bike has four power settings, from very mellow to leave-a-stain-in-your-shorts acceleration. I went ahead and started at four, because why not? You know you’d do the same thing. As I twisted the throttle, I expected good acceleration; after all, I’d ridden the MX version plenty. But when traction is 100 percent and torque is at 100 percent right off the bat, things get exciting quickly. The front end wants to climb immediately, and I found myself having to chop the throttle to keep from looping out. Even at 40 to 50 mph, a quick twist to full throttle and the front end comes off the tarmac. I was smiling huge under my helmet.

The handling is nimble and predictable with no negative feedback whatsoever. The suspension is perfect for cruising around town, but I imagine you’d want it firmer if you went to a Supermoto track or road course. And trust me when I tell you, this bike would be amazing on either of those. The computer shuts the bike down at 80 mph, but you can buzz along the freeway at 75 all day—or until your battery dies, which is about an hour if you’re doing 75 on the freeway the whole time. Battery life really depends on the mode you’re in and how much you’re riding under heavy throttle. If you’re riding in tight areas or stop-and-go sections, you’ll be surprised by how long it will last. But if you’re holding the throttle open for long periods of time, you can almost watch the battery gauge drop.

This bike was perfect for this page because, although not in production anymore, this is a FUN BIKE! If you find one of these for sale at a good price, take a look at it. Not only will it be a collector’s item one day, you’ll have a blast on it right now.