Stark Varg sidestand bracket

[wfopete]

I just got that kit and it had the old style (weak) bracket

 

[Jasperfield]

According to my parts order history that is correct.

All versions of the side stand bracket have the same number, even after the new brackets were put into service.

 

[FreddyFugazi]

I just got that kit and it had the old style (weak) bracket

When did you order it? My order date for the warrantied part was July 17th.
I wonder if they are still selling the inventory of old ones unless the order goes through warranty. If you placed your order after mine I would complain to support.

 

[wfopete]

I put my order in last week and just got it today.

 

[wfopete]

I think Stark is just using up old stock and replacing broken brackets with the updated version.

I've been bugging SAM about it but to no avail.

I just sent a email to Stark requesting the upgraded side stand bracket. We'll see what happens.

 

[Djrevz]

Just keep in mind, the Chinese copies of the Racetorx products, the copies are cheap for a reason! expect them to snap as easily as the OEM ones.

 

[Erwin P]

So far mine didn't.

They are actually quite expensive. Those of Racetorx are just absurdly stupidly over the top expensive. For that kind of money for a sidestand bracket i would want to have that alchemist that made it out of stardust and grained unicorn horns to install it on my bike as well.

 

[Border Dave]

All versions of the side stand bracket have the same number, even after the new brackets were put into service.

My original bracket that broke said “SMX1-F-SS-13 B” on it. That was on my EX purchased in July of this year. The new, stronger one that Stark sent me last week says “SMX1-F-SS-13 E” on it.

 

[HITNRUN]

I’ve had a Stark gen2 MX that I purchased slightly used since this July. I originally did the stock kick stand mod along with other things to make this bike similar to my ICE bikes. I mainly wanted to get rid of the annoying auto retract plus added a SS screw tapped into the stand itself which solved the lean angle. It worked fine for a month or so until a friend who was trying to help (un solicited) lift the heavy bike up to slide a stand under it. Before I could catch him I heard a pop and knew right then that weak SS investment cast bracket had snapped. Yeah I could have welded it back up but decided to just get this. See first pic.

It’s a bit too chunky (over kill) imo but I reduced the foot by rounding off the outboard side of the support foot. I also had to use the original Stark bushing that I had previously cut back to solve the auto retract. It has the flattest face of the two plus the tapered attachment screw which allows the curved SS spring plate to pass by which fixes the auto return. I also decided to re-use the original springs and rubber hold up strap because they seem better quality than the ones that came with this new china kit.

If I did it again, I think I would just purchase the bracket only and then use the Starks original stand just to keep it more minimal looking, less work and cheaper. But now that it’s finished, I will admit it works perfectly, and is definitely very strong. I can now easily use it to lift the bike up or pivot it on this bracket/stand combo. Although if carful, I think you could do the same if just occasionally with the new bracket/original stand also. Cheers!


fff

 

[rafagas]

Aun no lo rompo, pero......
Fantastico el ASIENTO , quien lo preparo? cuanto costo? Gracias

 

[AL_V]

Before I could catch him I heard a pop and knew right then that weak SS investment cast bracket had snapped.

Yes, you could weld it, but you can also send a photo of the broken bracket to Stark support, and they will send you a new and improved one for free under warranty.
Takes about a week to receive it after emailing.
And as rafagas asked, what seat is that? link please!

 

[HITNRUN]

Good to know about Stark offering a stronger bracket I missed that option at this point however the one I now have is definitely very strong and also address the other issue that previously required me to add a screw to reduce forward kick stand angle which caused the bike to lean too much without that mod. Hopefully Stark resolved both with the new bracket.

The seat is a (Seat Concepts) comfort seat cover and new foam. I had to re use the stock plastic seat pan and install the new foam and cover myself. I have the same ones on my ICE bikes so they work well for me and I’m set up with a long reach air stapler and SS staples already so not too bad. Stark has a really tight stapling area along the mid section so be aware you need a long reach upholstery gun. At this time they do not (yet) offer complete new seats. I purchased mine from Slavens Racing. I also got most of my other parts from them as well. Molecule full wrap hand gaurds, skid plate, and chain guide. The guide is just a (KTM) guide but Bulletproof makes the billet adapter for Stark. This allows you to use a o-ring chain and master link going forward. I also did a Stark rear 18” wheel with Tubliss and gummy tire of choice. The skid plate helps protect the lower gear case, foot pegs and linkage but I also added a Enduro Hog case cover that just glues on with clear silicon. Works well and was cheap. I also added STR fork bleeders and ASV shorty levers. STR are the best IMO for not sucking in air/leaking and I really like the feel of the ASV vs stock. Especially for the LHRB. Again all from Slavens. Oh my graphics came from SKDA placed over new white plastics from Stark. The bike originally came red with 19” rear wheel.

All this has added some weight and I also understand the argument about the stock skid plate vs the one I’m choosing to use but for what I do, I need the protection and various parts more than just being as light as possible which is lipstick on a pig no matter what regardless. The only things I have left are lift straps front and rear, Mako 360 bar mounts combined with ditching the Stark phone mount. I’m fine with leaving that phone in the truck! Just keep the blue tooth behind the front plate.

Oh….
I probably will eventually get around to doing a re valve for the forks. My suspension actually works quite well as is for the aggressive east coast single track stuff we mostly do but I have yet to see the last 4” of travel except when hitting an occasional big impact type jumps. It’s definitely fully broken in now and I actually have the compression clickers fully out. Maybe try to remove 10-15 ml per side oil next. Cheers

 

[Julo EX]

Good to know about Stark offering a stronger bracket I missed that option at this point however the one I now have is definitely very strong and also address the other issue that previously required me to add a screw to reduce forward kick stand angle which caused the bike to lean too much without that mod. Hopefully Stark resolved both with the new bracket.

The seat is a (Seat Concepts) comfort seat cover and new foam. I had to re use the stock plastic seat pan and install the new foam and cover myself. I have the same ones on my ICE bikes so they work well for me and I’m set up with a long reach air stapler and SS staples already so not too bad. Stark has a really tight stapling area along the mid section so be aware you need a long reach upholstery gun. At this time they do not (yet) offer complete new seats. I purchased mine from Slavens Racing. I also got most of my other parts from them as well. Molecule full wrap hand gaurds, skid plate, and chain guide. The guide is just a (KTM) guide but Bulletproof makes the billet adapter for Stark. This allows you to use a o-ring chain and master link going forward. I also did a Stark rear 18” wheel with Tubliss and gummy tire of choice. The skid plate helps protect the lower gear case, foot pegs and linkage but I also added a Enduro Hog case cover that just glues on with clear silicon. Works well and was cheap. I also added STR fork bleeders and ASV shorty levers. STR are the best IMO for not sucking in air/leaking and I really like the feel of the ASV vs stock. Especially for the LHRB. Again all from Slavens. Oh my graphics came from SKDA placed over new white plastics from Stark. The bike originally came red with 19” rear wheel.

All this has added some weight and I also understand the argument about the stock skid plate vs the one I’m choosing to use but for what I do, I need the protection and various parts more than just being as light as possible which is lipstick on a pig no matter what regardless. The only things I have left are lift straps front and rear, Mako 360 bar mounts combined with ditching the Stark phone mount. I’m fine with leaving that phone in the truck! Just keep the blue tooth behind the front plate.

Oh….
I probably will eventually get around to doing a re valve for the forks. My suspension actually works quite well as is for the aggressive east coast single track stuff we mostly do but I have yet to see the last 4” of travel except when hitting an occasional big impact type jumps. It’s definitely fully broken in now and I actually have the compression clickers fully out. Maybe try to remove 10-15 ml per side oil next. Cheers

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Beautiful bike, SKDA makes the best graphics kit, where did you get the KYB stickers from ?

 

[HITNRUN]

Thanks. The fork stickers come from them also. It’s an add on to the kit before checking out.

 

[Chaconne]

Nice.

Did you get a recall on the Molecule bash plate? I got a recall today on the AXP I guess Stark didn't approve the fasteners. The Molecule looks just as protective.

 

[HITNRUN]

Nice.

Did you get a recall on the Molecule bash plate? I got a recall today on the AXP I guess Stark didn't approve the fasteners. The Molecule looks just as protective.

I have not heard from Molecule yet. I suppose I can understand their argument about concern that the fasteners don’t have enough built in give so a hard impact (could) break the case at those locations but the stock skid plate is borderline disposable at best so it’s just weak if you hit stuff hard.

I have noticed that my Molecule has about a 1” gap. I pre ordered it when still in developing stage. It took longer than expected for them to finally release/ship. AXP had already been out for a good while. When I finally received it I first thought,……

That gap is kinda odd and looks fugly but then I also thought of air cooling and possibly also offers a bit more give apon impact. The only down side so far besides extra weight which sucks is that mud can get trapped in there which adds potentially even more weight and less air cooling so I decided to put a small strip of foam with a sticky side attached to the skid plate side which has about completely solved that issue. I suppose you could also change the supplied SS fasteners to aluminum or brass as well.

We will see what Molecule says or comes up with. According to Stark, all aftermarket hard enduro skid plates void warranty period and they have concluded that their design is the end all best so heck with protection for your under carriage and linkage. Just let eat! Hum……..

I suppose I should send Molecule a email just to see their take on Starks latest ruling.

Personally I feel like Stark is pushing it with all these heavily handed types of controls over what we do with our bikes! Just the whole phone thing is ridiculous IMO. And what if someone wants to add a electronic clutch such as RARE or whatever more similar to what E-trials bikes are developing.

I mean they promised us a whole lot such as traction control etc but then are going with the easier approach of just saying we don’t need it. Learn how to ride.

So aftermarket try’s to step in but then they try and shut them all down one by one with all these void warranty bulletins. What if aftermarket comes out with a simple led mini dash of sorts to display basic rider modes, battery state etc in order to ditch the silly phone. Will they step in and shut that down also?
Amazingly great bikes overall but let us do what we want with them.

Ok rant over.
Sorry

 

[Chaconne]

I have not heard from Molecule yet. I suppose I can understand their argument about concern that the fasteners don’t have enough built in give so a hard impact (could) break the case at those locations but the stock skid plate is borderline disposable at best so it’s just weak if you hit stuff hard.

I have noticed that my Molecule has about a 1” gap. I pre ordered it when still in developing stage. It took longer than expected for them to finally release/ship. AXP had already been out for a good while. When I finally received it I first thought,……

That gap is kinda odd and looks fugly but then I also thought of air cooling and possibly also offers a bit more give apon impact. The only down side so far besides extra weight which sucks is that mud can get trapped in there which adds potentially even more weight and less air cooling so I decided to put a small strip of foam with a sticky side attached to the skid plate side which has about completely solved that issue. I suppose you could also change the supplied SS fasteners to aluminum or brass as well.

We will see what Molecule says or comes up with. According to Stark, all aftermarket hard enduro skid plates void warranty period and they have concluded that their design is the end all best so heck with protection for your under carriage and linkage. Just let eat! Hum……..

I suppose I should send Molecule a email just to see their take on Starks latest ruling.

Personally I feel like Stark is pushing it with all these heavily handed types of controls over what we do with our bikes! Just the whole phone thing is ridiculous IMO. And what if someone wants to add a electronic clutch such as RARE or whatever more similar to what E-trials bikes are developing.

I mean they promised us a whole lot such as traction control etc but then are going with the easier approach of just saying we don’t need it. Learn how to ride.

So aftermarket try’s to step in but then they try and shut them all down one by one with all these void warranty bulletins. What if aftermarket comes out with a simple led mini dash of sorts to display basic rider modes, battery state etc in order to ditch the silly phone. Will they step in and shut that down also?
Amazingly great bikes overall but let us do what we want with them.

Ok rant over.
Sorry

Agreed. It is the Microsoft model. I asked the company who I bought the AXP through if they could do an exchange for the Molecule or some other products and they said no, which struck me as odd. The recall seems to be following a specific track, they didn't say it but it seems like a legal thing as they were eager to have me return it for a refund.

I ride all summer long here and temps can go above 90F or higher (and this is true in many parts of the US) and wrapping an air cooled battery in insulating foam is not a good design for those conditions. I don't care what Stark says.

The AXP offered much better airflow/cooling. I don't see why AXP couldn't simply just have replaced the fasteners with properly designed shearables for next to nothing rather than eating the cost of the entire plate and then discarding the large chunk of plastic in a landfill. Doesn't make any sense unless there are lawyers involved.

Also just an FYI the dealer said that Molecule has discontinued their skidplate as well so I would also guess you will be receiving return instructions at some point soon.

 

[OpaTsupa]

.... unless there are lawyers involved. ...

 

[Erwin P]

I have not heard from Molecule yet. I suppose I can understand their argument about concern that the fasteners don’t have enough built in give so a hard impact (could) break the case at those locations but the stock skid plate is borderline disposable at best so it’s just weak if you hit stuff hard.

I have noticed that my Molecule has about a 1” gap. I pre ordered it when still in developing stage. It took longer than expected for them to finally release/ship. AXP had already been out for a good while. When I finally received it I first thought,……

That gap is kinda odd and looks fugly but then I also thought of air cooling and possibly also offers a bit more give apon impact. The only down side so far besides extra weight which sucks is that mud can get trapped in there which adds potentially even more weight and less air cooling so I decided to put a small strip of foam with a sticky side attached to the skid plate side which has about completely solved that issue. I suppose you could also change the supplied SS fasteners to aluminum or brass as well.

We will see what Molecule says or comes up with. According to Stark, all aftermarket hard enduro skid plates void warranty period and they have concluded that their design is the end all best so heck with protection for your under carriage and linkage. Just let eat! Hum……..

I suppose I should send Molecule a email just to see their take on Starks latest ruling.

Personally I feel like Stark is pushing it with all these heavily handed types of controls over what we do with our bikes! Just the whole phone thing is ridiculous IMO. And what if someone wants to add a electronic clutch such as RARE or whatever more similar to what E-trials bikes are developing.

I mean they promised us a whole lot such as traction control etc but then are going with the easier approach of just saying we don’t need it. Learn how to ride.

So aftermarket try’s to step in but then they try and shut them all down one by one with all these void warranty bulletins. What if aftermarket comes out with a simple led mini dash of sorts to display basic rider modes, battery state etc in order to ditch the silly phone. Will they step in and shut that down also?
Amazingly great bikes overall but let us do what we want with them.

Ok rant over.
Sorry

They don't say what you can and can't do with your bike. Just that it will void warranty (something you don't get with the competition anyways). And it's not voiding your warranty on the entire bike, just the part it is having an impact on.
You can simply treat it like any other Enduro/MX that has a month warranty at best (if any) and just do as you please.

I agree that the phone thing is stupid and they should just come with a regular setup. This has just to much odds and lag.

''stock skid plate is borderline disposable at best''. I strongly disagree. I have been bashing that thing over rocks, logs and all kind of nicetys. Never has it broke nor send enough force through to my battery to crack. So yeah it works pretty fine doesn't it?
The only thing it's really missing is covering the linkage, but frankly, i don't care that much. I have never on any bike done real significant damage to a linkage. And then the linkage parts are cheaper than most aftermarket skidplates covering it. On the Varg the linkage is placed that much higher it's hard to catch anything with it though and when you do the basplate has first slowed the bike down a lott.

I've mentioned it before, but the lust to add on overly strong protection is really strong and is something we see a lott of damage with in the ADV world. Bikes get Leopard II like protection. Bashplates that could stop a tank round and crashbars that can lift a lorry. However those things are attached to someting and force doesn't stop at the first component it encounters.
Seeing frames bent or engine cases cracked due to undamped forces being transmitted through the armor is not something uncommon on these bikes.

 

[HITNRUN]

Agree to disagree on the strength and coverage of the stock Stark skid plate. But yes I’m glad to hear it’s holding up considerably well for you and obviously most others as you don’t see that many complaints out there. I ride rocks but not every ride like the full time hard E guys do and I typically always choose my 2-t 300 for that stuff anyways so I can live with this.

I do slam over obstacles often so we will see and at less the stock skids are cheap. Maybe even warranty (free) lol.

Based on all of this coming to light for me, I just sent Seth at Molecule a email so we will see what he says. I really love the full wrap flags and chain guide he sold me regardless but sounds like the skid plate will have to be returned..

Thanks for the useful input