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.
![Dust Alpha_1 testing - THE PACK - Electric Motorcycle News](https://thepack.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/test_dust_alpha_1_1-1024x1024.jpg)
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
![Dust Alpha_1 testing - THE PACK - Electric Motorcycle News](https://thepack.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/test_dust_alpha_1_2-1024x683.jpg)
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
![Dust Alpha_1 testing - THE PACK - Electric Motorcycle News](https://thepack.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/test_dust_alpha_1_3-1024x575.jpg)
“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.
![Dust Alpha_1 testing - THE PACK - Electric Motorcycle News](https://thepack.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/test_dust_alpha_1_4.jpg)
“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.