How would you know, as you don't know what changed? And for me it kind of made it worse or at least cost me some money as I had to go back to my subscription to adapt my advanced power mode. I know, not all are as sensible to the power delivery as I'm, but I can feel differences.
Just watch the video about the Jarv-E with Jarvis. He basically came to the same conclusion as I did after getting used to the electric bike that there is really no clutch needed per se, BUT utilizing the capabilities of the onboard electronics to simulate clutch-like features is key. Most importantly being adjustable or at least being able to choose from a number of settings as this is an extremely individual feature. Stark is totally lacking in that regard. The Rare clutch is interesting in its own way, but if you look at it closely it severely lacks in many regards as well - there is no integration into the bike electronics other than altering the throttle signal. It doesn't even take RPM/speed into account. And you loose the LHRB as well which has become one of the key features of the Varg for me. I'm would not criticize Stark if I had the impression they would try, but currently I have the impression they chose the minimal effort/maximum revenue route.
Michael
I know because i had the Stark MX 1.0 since the beginning.
We got:
- Reverse
- Crawl mode
- More clear kW charge rate over Amps.
- We got a more controlable power curve. In the beginning it was too snappy.
- I've seen range upgraded about 15%, probably due to more relaxed mapping.
- The phone connection has got up to the point where it was 90%+ reliable instead of single digits %. Hell it even became usefull. (Still sucks
).
The part of you having to spend money on your subscription is no concern to them. You ''shouldn't'' even have to pro features since your subscription ran out. I don't like the subscription bit either even though i would probably pay a one time sum of pretty much the same amount.
Jarvis would be able to ride a moped and make it look cool though.
Stark has made the decision they don't like a clutch on their bike. You may not like that decision, but as a brand they can choose things like that.
As you said, the LHRB is a strong feature of E bikes. If you want to add a clutch, concentional or E, you will need to remove that OR add 2 levers on one side of the handlebars.
That comes with a whole set of issues. You can ask yourself how usefull 2 levers on one side are. I've ridden the Arctic Leopard EXE 880 wich had it, and it kinda succed. I didn't saw any real need for the E clutch to exist and operating it was awkward.
On the more extreme end you could make the case for it being dangerous. Stark is not some aftermarket supplier, not even a tiny company anymore. There are roughly 1000 people a month buying such a bike. Many of whom are far less interested in riding E as the hardcore groups like this forum. People will grab a handfull of rear brake when reaching for the clutch. They will find the clutch when wanting to brake. This is where you get into lawsuit territory, that's something that can kill a brand like Stark.
Also don't forget they went from a mini start-up to a serious market share in just a few years. They don't have the huge R&D a big company like the big 4 or KTM has. Companies this size have to make compromises on every R&D resource they invest into any project. And as of now it seems like they are having a lott on their plate. Not only do you see little or bigger itterations on every few thousand bikes (i had EX number 6XX and 90XX next to one another in my garage at some point), but they are also increasing production (wich takes HUGE resourses) and developing street models.
To then have a team working on a part of your product (Clutch) that you as a company don't really believe in, could be seen as dangerous and takes up quite some resources (redesign in the software, LHRB, Clutch itself, connectors to wiring harnas etc etc) just to please a small part of your customers is a tough business case.
@fsfs
However there is a hard bit with E without a proper conventional clutch. If you let the motor do a big flywheel effect it will press onwards no matter what. Even after releasing the throttle. Maybe have a brakelight switch cutting off the flywheel effect until you hit the throttle once more.
I don't know if i would be happy so sell such a setup to regular customers. That's why i see very good reason for Stark not to hasten it.
