Alta Motors
A defunct American manufacturer of high-performance electric off-road, enduro, supermoto, and dual-sport motorcycles.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Alta Motors was an American electric motorcycle manufacturer based in Brisbane, California. The company began as BRD Motorcycles in 2010, founded by Derek Dorresteyn, industrial designer Jeff Sand, and entrepreneur Marc Fenigstein. Its origins were connected to Dorresteyn's earlier work on a bespoke electric motorcycle, which began in 2007. Rather than concentrating primarily on low-speed urban commuting, the company pursued lightweight, high-performance electric motorcycles for motocross, enduro, trail riding, supermoto, and related off-road applications. The company's principal product family was Redshift. It included the Redshift MX and MXR motocross models, the EX and EXR enduro models, and the SM supermoto model. These motorcycles used battery-electric powertrains and were marketed around immediate torque delivery, relatively simple mechanical architecture, low drivetrain maintenance, and the ability to ride without the noise and tailpipe emissions associated with gasoline-powered motorcycles. Alta attempted to make electric propulsion credible in demanding environments where weight, suspension performance, durability, and throttle response were central purchasing considerations. During its development, Alta recruited personnel with experience in the electric-vehicle and motorcycle sectors. Viktor Pritzker, formerly a sales director at Vectrix, joined the company in 2011, while Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard joined its advisory board in 2013. After additional investment, BRD Motorcycles adopted the Alta Motors name, reportedly drawing on the historical term Alta California and the company's Northern California location. Alta also sought visibility through competition and prototypes. Its motorcycles appeared in events including Red Bull Straight Rhythm, AMA EnduroCross, the Geneva Supercross Duel Cup, and the Erzberg Rodeo. The company unveiled the Redshift ST prototype in 2017 as a street-tracker concept combining urban and flat-track influences. The Redshift platform was also used as the basis for the SilentHawk stealth dirtbike developed by Logos Technologies for military applications. In March 2018, Alta announced a partnership with Harley-Davidson concerning future electric motorcycle development. Harley-Davidson withdrew from the arrangement approximately six months later and instead established its own Silicon Valley research and development operation. Alta was subsequently reported to be discussing a possible cash investment from Bombardier Recreational Products, but the proposed financing did not materialize. Alta Motors ceased operations in late 2018. BRP later acquired some of the company's technological assets from creditors. The company therefore remained commercially short-lived, but its Redshift motorcycles made Alta an important early American participant in high-performance electric off-road motorcycles.
History
Alta Motors grew out of an electric motorcycle project initiated by Derek Dorresteyn in 2007. Dorresteyn collaborated with industrial designer Jeff Sand and entrepreneur Marc Fenigstein, and together they established BRD Motorcycles in California in 2010. The founders did not publicly explain the meaning of the BRD acronym. Their objective was to apply battery-electric propulsion to serious off-road motorcycles rather than limiting the technology to lightweight commuter products. The company built its identity around performance, compact packaging, and off-road usability. Its electric powertrain offered immediate torque and eliminated many components associated with internal-combustion motorcycles, including a conventional engine, fuel system, clutch, and exhaust system. Alta promoted the resulting reduction in mechanical complexity and maintenance while attempting to preserve the handling and durability expected by motocross and enduro riders. Alta expanded its experience base during its early development. Viktor Pritzker, previously a sales director at Vectrix, joined in 2011. In 2013, Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard joined the advisory board. Following additional investment, BRD changed its name to Alta Motors. The new name referred to Alta California, a historical designation associated with Northern California, where the company was headquartered. The Redshift platform became the center of Alta's commercial range. The MX and MXR served motocross users, the EX and EXR targeted enduro and trail riding, and the SM adapted the platform for supermoto use. A proposed SMR variant was registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but there is no evidence in the supplied sources that it reached production or sale. In 2017, Alta also showed the Redshift ST prototype, a street-tracker concept intended to bridge urban riding and flat-track influences. Competition provided an important demonstration channel. The Redshift MX debuted in the Lites class at the 2016 Red Bull Straight Rhythm, where Josh Hill advanced to the second round. Alta also entered the 2016 AMA EnduroCross season with veteran rider Kurt Nicoll, who won his class at the company's debut event. In 2017, Hill returned to Straight Rhythm and competed for Alta at the Geneva Supercross Duel Cup after the company received a sanctioning exemption. Shipping difficulties prevented broader participation in the planned SX Tour appearances, but Hill won the second night of the Geneva side event. Alta motorcycles were also used at the 2018 Erzberg Rodeo. That year, Ty Tremaine's third-place Pro-class finish at AMA EnduroCross was credited as the first podium by an all-electric motorcycle in an AMA-sanctioned professional series. The Redshift architecture also supported projects beyond consumer motorcycles. Logos Technologies developed the SilentHawk stealth dirtbike using the platform, demonstrating a potential military application for quiet electric propulsion. Alta's financial position remained difficult. In March 2018, the company announced a partnership with Harley-Davidson to develop future electric motorcycles. Harley-Davidson withdrew from the arrangement roughly six months later and decided to create its own Silicon Valley research and development unit. Alta was then reported to be negotiating with Bombardier Recreational Products for an injection of cash, but the financing did not occur. Alta Motors ceased operations in late 2018. BRP subsequently acquired some of Alta's technological assets from creditors. The company did not become a large-scale manufacturer, but its Redshift motorcycles established an influential early example of performance-oriented electric off-road motorcycle engineering in the United States.
- 2018
Harley-Davidson partnership announced
[1]Alta announced a partnership with Harley-Davidson for future electric motorcycle development.
- 2018
Operations end
[1]Alta ceased business in late 2018 after financing efforts failed; BRP later acquired some technology assets from creditors.
- 2017
Redshift ST prototype unveiled
[1]Alta presented a street-tracker prototype aimed at combining urban and flat-track riding concepts.
- 2016
Professional competition debut
[1]The Redshift MX competed at Red Bull Straight Rhythm, while Alta also entered AMA EnduroCross.
- 2013
Martin Eberhard joins advisory board
[1]Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard joined Alta's advisory board.
- 2011
Viktor Pritzker joins the company
[1]Viktor Pritzker, formerly a sales director at Vectrix, joined the developing electric-motorcycle company.
- 2010
BRD Motorcycles founded
[1]Derek Dorresteyn, Jeff Sand, and Marc Fenigstein founded BRD Motorcycles in California.
- 2010
BRD adopts the Alta Motors name
[1]After securing additional investors, BRD Motorcycles changed its name to Alta Motors.
- 2007
Early electric motorcycle development
[1]Derek Dorresteyn began work on a bespoke electric motorcycle project that later provided the foundation for Alta Motors.
Products and positioning
High-performance electric motorcycles for motocross, enduro, trail, supermoto, and other demanding off-road uses.
Electric motocross motorcycle
Redshift MX
The Redshift MX was Alta's base motocross model and one of the company's principal production motorcycles. It used the Redshift electric platform to provide immediate torque, quiet operation, and a simplified powertrain for motocross tracks and off-road riding. The model also served as the company's main competition demonstrator, appearing at Red Bull Straight Rhythm and other racing events.
High-performance electric motocross motorcycle
Redshift MXR
The Redshift MXR was the premium motocross member of the Redshift family. It was positioned above the standard MX for riders seeking stronger competition performance and a higher specification within Alta's electric off-road range. Like the other Redshift motorcycles, it was built around a battery-electric drivetrain rather than a gasoline engine.
Electric enduro motorcycle
Redshift EX
The Redshift EX adapted Alta's electric platform for enduro, trail, and broader off-road use. Compared with a dedicated motocross application, the enduro model addressed longer and more varied routes, including unpaved trails and technical terrain. Its appeal centered on instant electric torque, quiet operation, and reduced conventional drivetrain maintenance.
High-performance electric enduro motorcycle
Redshift EXR
The Redshift EXR was the premium version of Alta's enduro motorcycle. It extended the EX concept toward demanding trail and competition-oriented use, offering a higher-performance variant within the Redshift range. The model did not develop into a continuing product line after Alta ceased operations.
Electric supermoto motorcycle
Redshift SM
The Redshift SM applied Alta's electric powertrain to a supermoto configuration intended for paved roads, urban riding, and mixed-surface use. It broadened the brand beyond motocross and enduro by presenting the Redshift system in a more street-oriented format while retaining the immediate response associated with electric propulsion.
Projected electric supermoto motorcycle
Redshift SMR
The Redshift SMR was a proposed supermoto variant registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The available material does not show that it reached the market, so it is best treated as a planned or documented variant rather than a confirmed production model.
Electric street-tracker prototype · 2017
Redshift ST
Unveiled in 2017, the Redshift ST was a prototype combining urban motorcycle styling with street-tracker and flat-track influences. It represented Alta's attempt to extend the Redshift platform toward a broader road-oriented audience. The concept did not become a documented production model before the company closed.
Military electric dirtbike platform
SilentHawk
SilentHawk was a stealth-oriented electric dirtbike developed by military contractor Logos Technologies using the Alta Redshift platform as its basis. The project illustrated how Alta's quiet electric propulsion and off-road chassis technology could be adapted for specialized military applications.
Brand decisions
2018
Partner with Harley-Davidson on future electric motorcyclesM&ABackground
Alta required capital and industrial support to continue developing and scaling performance electric motorcycles.
Action taken
Alta announced a partnership with Harley-Davidson for the development of future electric motorcycle models.
Aftermath
Harley-Davidson withdrew approximately six months later and pursued its own Silicon Valley research and development operation instead.
2018
Seek emergency financing after Harley-Davidson withdrawalStrategyBackground
The end of the Harley-Davidson relationship left Alta seeking another source of operating capital.
Action taken
Alta was reported to be negotiating with Bombardier Recreational Products for a cash investment.
Aftermath
The proposed financing did not occur, and Alta Motors ceased operations later in 2018.
2018
Cease operations and dispose of technology assetsOtherBackground
Alta was unable to secure sufficient continuing financing for production and development.
Action taken
The company went out of business in late 2018; some technological assets were later sold to Bombardier Recreational Products by creditors.
Aftermath
The Redshift product line and Alta's independent manufacturing operations ended, although parts of the technology continued under new ownership.
2010
Rebrand from BRD Motorcycles to Alta MotorsStrategyBackground
After attracting additional investors, the company sought a more distinctive public identity for its electric motorcycle business.
Action taken
BRD Motorcycles adopted the Alta Motors name, associated with Northern California and Alta California.
Aftermath
The Alta Motors name became the identity used for the Redshift product family and the company's subsequent commercial activities.
Sources1 sources
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