Source: website DUST | During the past ninety days, the Alpha Dust Model_1 prototype motorbike has undergone rigorous testing by riders of different builds, experience, and sizes on various terrains along the entire West Coast. Despite encountering a variety of weather conditions during this winter season, ranging from dusty high desert landscapes to muddy and snowy surroundings.
Tests have included:
- MX track at Perris Raceway
- Up horse power hill at Washougal moto park
- Indoor arenacross track in Salt Lake, UT.
- Across Bend, OR. including a couple backyard tracks, our local OHV play zone, and some single track in the snow
- MX training compounds with pro riders
- Southern Utah free ride zones
CEO, Colin Godby: “Our goal in creating Alpha_1 was to prove our primary theory: that together, we could design a top-of-the-line mid-weight electric dirt bike. One that would satisfy the needs of experienced riders while also serving as a stepping stone for beginners. After conducting extensive tests over the course of 3 months, we can confidently say that our concept has been proven successful. No matter what challenges we put it through, one thing remains consistent – every rider returns with a smile on their face.”
Some riders first reactions:
- “Best cornering bike I’ve ever ridden”
- “Funnest bike ever”
- “This feels like a real dirt bike”
- “Doesn’t feel like a toy”
- “I’ve never ridden a full size bike, and I instantly felt comfortable”
- “I want one”
Initial rider feedback we have been working on:
- Power and tuning
- Favorable and familiar throttle response
- Seat material is not grippy enough
- Riders are occasionally bumping from the mode button on the handle bars
- Suspension settings and tuning
- Environmental settings (cold and hot)
To address the first thee issues:
- Power – controller tuning has unlocked a significant jump in power from the factory settings, achieving higher top end speed at 65MPH
- Throttle – there was a relatively slow roll into the throttle, so we have made tip in more aggressive
- Seat material – we are exploring different seat materials and designs that will allow for better rider stability and feedback
“In addition to receiving feedback from riders and making overall observations, the Alpha prototype is also used as a foundation for thorough design and stress analysis. We have partnered with Fort Lewis College to gather data on the bike while being ridden in real-world conditions, which will then be converted into simulation load data. Using this information, the students at Fort Lewis will conduct tests on the frame’s strength and endurance in a laboratory setting.”, says Colin.
“In the next stage, Beta, our focus will be on reviewing and validating a production-ready design. We are currently working towards finalizing the battery pack design, integrating the powertrain, developing the suspension package, designing the user interface system, and making decisions on production wheel/tire options. The Beta testing phase will be more rigorous, involving putting bikes in the hands of riders for an extended period of time. This will pave the way for a final prototype build, which will then lead to a pilot production build later this year. We are excited to collaborate with our Founders50 and First100 group in making these important decisions.”, concluded Colin.
