Enduro Set up?


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skomarmy

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My bike is on order... A few Questions about Enduro Set up?

1. Are stock tubes useable or should I swap to Mousse/Tubliss?
2. Best Handguards/Brushguards? or will anything fit?
3. I hear some people say stock springs are too stiff (made for pro level MX) should I plan on swapping springs or will rebound/compression adjustments be good?
4. Best Generator for Campsite recharge? (or best specs to look for)


Thanks!
 
S

skuikka

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Finland
I have a mousse in front and a Nomousse (quite much like tubiliss) at the rear. Linkage protection, little extra skidpplate to keep the peg mounts away from rocks, battery protection. Handguards and a extra kill switch so I can disable the throttle if the bike is about to fall down a hill or something. I'm about 100kg and the suspension is for 80-85 kg rider, don't know what I would change. I ride mostly hard enduro so softer would do but it's nice to be able to flat land two meter drops and hop logs at speed.
 
H

happyinmotion

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New Zealand
Depends what terrain you are riding.

Round here (Akatarawara, NZ) it's dark and dank forest with wet clay and tree roots so slippery as hell. The stock tyres just clog up with the clay. We all run Tubliss at 3 psi and Mitas XT754 rear tyres.

I'm always punching trees. Lots of people around here run BarkBusters. I prefer the Acerbis Rally Brush handguards. These are wrap-around but all plastic, not metal. They break, but if I hit so hard that something is going to break then I'd rather it's the cheap and optional plastic bit, rather than the handlebar itself. Fitting them is tight given the stock levers but with some rotation of the banjo bolts on the levers the handguards will fit.

Also haul straps a must for riding here, coz riding here involves lots of not riding.
 
C

Chaconne

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Location
Massachusetts
Stock tubes are not usable for enduro in my experience. They suffer with log, root, and rock crossings (hard front wheel taps for example) plus, once mud and water invaded they were shot --they are plastic. I got like 5 rides out of them in mud season in New England. They might hold up better for moto I don't know. I ordered HRC heavy duty tubes from ERC they are sized for the Stark and they have been great.

BTW I continue to use the stock Pirelli tires, I thought I would be swapping them out right away but they are surprisingly good IMHO and I will use them until they are worn out. Maybe switch to Metzlers or something later on.

I too use the Acerbis Plastic brush guards. I used to use heavy duty bark busters but my past few ICE bikes I have used plastic brush guards and the Acerbis are nice sized to the Stark.

As far as generators go I haven't lugged my EcoFlow Delta pro camping yet but I have used it from the back of my car and it works good. I bet a power station would make fellow campers happy but they do have limitations.

BTW You'll likely need an alternate bike charge system for camping unless you want to lug the stand with you. Some of the folks around here have some alternatives, the stand isn't so good even the shop/garage since the cable is pretty short as it is.

HTH,
Chaconne
 
J

jcozine

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Los Angeles
I'm only 3 rides in and I've already gotten 3 flats with the red tubes, even running them at 16+psi on a motocross track. Both the front&rear factory tubes and now the thicker replacement front tube they sent me. Needless to say they're all going in the trash.
 
A

AL_V

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Canton, Ohio
skomarmy said:
My bike is on order... A few Questions about Enduro Set up?

1. Are stock tubes useable or should I swap to Mousse/Tubliss?
2. Best Handguards/Brushguards? or will anything fit?
3. I hear some people say stock springs are too stiff (made for pro level MX) should I plan on swapping springs or will rebound/compression adjustments be good?
4. Best Generator for Campsite recharge? (or best specs to look for)


Thanks!
Click to expand...
1) Replace front tube. I use tubliss on the back with aa VE33S.
2) I am using Cycra pro-bend, I shortened the handlebars about 1/2" on each end and tapped them 5/8-11 for inserts.
3) I weigh about 175 in street clothes, I ordered my bike for the lightest rider, and backed all the clickers out all the way, and I also turned the shock spring nuts 2 turns looser.
I am very happy with this suspension setup.
4) I have what I think is the best generator: a Ford F150 Lightning with a 240v outlet in the bed.

AND I agree with @Chaconne, this is the best enduro bike I have ever had.
I wish it was lighter, but it works so good, I rarely have to pick it up, I was picking up my KTM 300XCW a lot more, and haven't ridden it since I got my Varg.
Also the Varg has plenty of range for hard/technical enduro riding which is inherently a slow pace.

​

 
S

skomarmy

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Chaconne said:
@skomarmy BTW all that said this is the best enduro/trailbike I have ever owned. My last ICE bike was a 2020 KTM 300 XC-W and the Stark is not just better but it is way better.
Click to expand...
Awesome! Thanks. I rode the KTM Freeride and loved it so I am sure this is going to be better (full size, faster, power, etc) I am coming off a Husky TPI300 so my only nagging worry is battery longevity. By Camping, I just mean Car camping near OHV or BLM riding so I could leave the generator in truck.. Probably go Mousse in the front and Tubliss in rear and use stock tires until cooked.
 
Number Six

Number Six

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Midwest
Chaconne said:
@skomarmy BTW all that said this is the best enduro/trailbike I have ever owned. My last ICE bike was a 2020 KTM 300 XC-W and the Stark is not just better but it is way better.
Click to expand...

How so ?. What attributes do you think elevates it above a 250/300 xcw ?

I had a Varg on order from day one & was able to test ride it prior to delivery, I felt that there were two characteristics of the machine that for me at least were deal breakers for the type of slow-ish single track we ride most often ; it felt just a bit too front end heavy & the overall 260lb gross weight was pretty evident when off the throttle & especially when going downhill.
The power & handling were very good & I can see how it would be terrific as a vet moto bike or on faster, flowier ( is that a word ? ) single track trails.
 
A

AL_V

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Canton, Ohio
Number Six said:
How so ?. What attributes do you think elevates it above a 250/300 xcw ?

I had a Varg on order from day one & was able to test ride it prior to delivery, I felt that there were two characteristics of the machine that for me at least were deal breakers for the type of slow-ish single track we ride most often ; it felt just a bit too front end heavy & the overall 260lb gross weight was pretty evident when off the throttle & especially when going downhill.
The power & handling were very good & I can see how it would be terrific as a vet moto bike or on faster, flowier ( is that a word ? ) single track trails.
Click to expand...
You didn't ask me, but I will answer anyway :).
260 sounds like a lot, but have you ever weighed your xcw?
I have a KTM 300xcw, and with oil, 3 gallons of gas, skid plate, hand guards, tubliss in the back, etc, it weighs 259.
The power delivery on the stark is incredible for hill climbs, and really for everything.
The torque and power are, well, also incredible.
The throttle rolls on so slow and predictable, it's also incredible.
I also test rode one, and the suspension was very bouncy, and I wasn't all that sure, I was worried about the weight.
Even after I got my own, I wasn't really sure I liked it, because of the bouncy suspension.
Then I backed all the clickers all the way out, and fell in love with the bike, and all I ride is slow technical single track.
I like it more every time I ride it, and now it has REVERSE, which is so nice when you need it.
I will admit, it's not a wheelie machine, at least not for me, because the power rolls on slow, you really have to twist the throttle to do a big wheelie.
But to lighten/lift the front end over logs and other stuff is not a problem at all.
And it's incredibly fast when you have an open section, or a jog down a road to the next trail.
About a week and a half ago I rode with a group of about 9 riders, we started at 8am, took a lunch break, and some trail breaks, but rode until 4pm and I had 35% battery left.
I got my Varg at the beginning of May, and I haven't rode my KTM since, and I'm not planning on it.
I am going to bring both bikes for our annual ride at Hatfield, but not sure if I will need the KTM, we'll see...
This is my experience, and as they say, YMMV...
 
C

Chaconne

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Location
Massachusetts
Number Six said:
How so ?. What attributes do you think elevates it above a 250/300 xcw ?

I had a Varg on order from day one & was able to test ride it prior to delivery, I felt that there were two characteristics of the machine that for me at least were deal breakers for the type of slow-ish single track we ride most often ; it felt just a bit too front end heavy & the overall 260lb gross weight was pretty evident when off the throttle & especially when going downhill.
The power & handling were very good & I can see how it would be terrific as a vet moto bike or on faster, flowier ( is that a word ? ) single track trails.
Click to expand...
I agree with most of what @AL_V said. The only real difference is he is bigger than me so the suspension wasn't too bouncy for me when I got it.

Beyond that, in the slow gnarl the power delivery and control are just superb. And I am a smaller guy and have done almost no mods yet. It does take some getting used to but throttle control alone in the tough tight stuff just rocks over my ICE bikes. I love my KTM but the Stark is my go to now. My brother is using my KTM mostly now. You might want to give it another try, not sure what that test ride setup was but when I first got my Stark in March I did some static testing and was a little concerned but once I rode it I never looked back. Hands down awesome.

Also a pleasant surprise is battery life in the slow gnarl with a good amount of regen. I would almost argue at this point the Stark is a better trail and enduro bike than moto bike due to the longer battery life you can get in the slow stuff. Most of my terrain consists of muddy swamp land, rooty New England stuff with slippery rock gardens and single track that is barely visible. Some good hills but no hills like out West.

I also got the more standard DB setup with a foot brake and single lever on the handlebars and 18" rear. Once I adjusted to no clutch the throttle and electric power delivery turned out to be better than a clutch since I like the added control grip on bars especially in the slippery slimy uneven rock gardens we have here in New England. Like all new tech there are some things they could have done better but the great thing is they are improving we already see things addressed in Gen2 and even though there are occasional hiccups you won't ever see customer service like this on a dirtbike maybe ever again. It is remarkable.
 
rayivers

rayivers

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CT, USA
AL_V said:
I will admit, it's not a wheelie machine, at least not for me, because the power rolls on slow, you really have to twist the throttle to do a big wheelie.
Click to expand...

The one I rode (80hp, pavement only) was exactly the opposite - in mode 3, anything above 1/4 throttle below 60?mph and I would've looped right out. This was a very early bike though, from what I'm reading online it seems the newer bikes aren't like this.
 
S

skuikka

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Location
Finland
For hard enduro I've found the Alpha power levels usefull. The lack of clutch does not allow using the flywheel and a clutch pop to propel the bike up on obstacles and steps. A full throttle movement is difficult when you are moving your body forward as the bike goes. I ride mine normally at 55hp, just seems to be the nice smooth setting for me. Enough to blip the the front over small stuff but I have 60, 70 and 80 hp on preselection for bigger stuff. I am not going full throttle usually but to make a quick and accurate burst of power, that seems to work for me. On hillclimbs in soft sand, at least with enduro tires the 60hp setting seems to be all I can use on full chat. It doesnt feel like it climbs any better on 70 or 80, the tyre just makes a funny noise.
 
C

Chaconne

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skuikka said:
For hard enduro I've found the Alpha power levels usefull. The lack of clutch does not allow using the flywheel and a clutch pop to propel the bike up on obstacles and steps. A full throttle movement is difficult when you are moving your body forward as the bike goes. I ride mine normally at 55hp, just seems to be the nice smooth setting for me. Enough to blip the the front over small stuff but I have 60, 70 and 80 hp on preselection for bigger stuff. I am not going full throttle usually but to make a quick and accurate burst of power, that seems to work for me. On hillclimbs in soft sand, at least with enduro tires the 60hp setting seems to be all I can use on full chat. It doesnt feel like it climbs any better on 70 or 80, the tyre just makes a funny noise.
Click to expand...
💯👍
 
T

timothyrgriffe

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salt lake city, ut
I have 21 ktm 300xcw and a stark varg, had a modded sur ron ultra bee but sold it after I realized how capable the varg was.

The suspension is way more plush on the KTM. I can’t believe anyone is saying other wise.

I went one weight grouping below the stark recommendation for my weight(but after delivery I found out that thats still the same spring in the fork). I have adjusted the clickers and it is definitely fine for trail riding backed almost the whole way out, it is definitely not a hard enduro suspension. Thinking of having the suspension modified take some shims out revalve etc. But it does handle high speed desert single track quite well with the factory suspension. The mountain rocky single track I ride is just not quite where it needs to be.

The power delivery in the varg rolls on way to slow for my liking. I hope they at some point stark allow this to be modified like every modded sur ron.

I would really like to ride in 40-45 on tight technical single track, but the throttle just rolls on to slow to really get over big obstacles or do pivot turns. So I find myself riding at 55hp which is fine but also more juice then I need for most of the ride. I do bounce around in maps quite a bit for that precise reason.

I run mousses front and back and looking forward to changing the tires when they are worn out to something more trail oriented(couldn’t bring myself to waste new tires)

Rear brake hand brake is awesome and really great for trail riding.

Acerbis x-factory handguard fits well

Genmax 5500 has everything you need to take advantage of 220v charging





Just some of my thoughts. 55 hours on my stark
 
C

Chaconne

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Location
Massachusetts
timothyrgriffe said:
I have 21 ktm 300xcw and a stark varg, had a modded sur ron ultra bee but sold it after I realized how capable the varg was.

The suspension is way more plush on the KTM. I can’t believe anyone is saying other wise.

I went one weight grouping below the stark recommendation for my weight(but after delivery I found out that thats still the same spring in the fork). I have adjusted the clickers and it is definitely fine for trail riding backed almost the whole way out, it is definitely not a hard enduro suspension. Thinking of having the suspension modified take some shims out revalve etc. But it does handle high speed desert single track quite well with the factory suspension. The mountain rocky single track I ride is just not quite where it needs to be.

The power delivery in the varg rolls on way to slow for my liking. I hope they at some point stark allow this to be modified like every modded sur ron.

I would really like to ride in 40-45 on tight technical single track, but the throttle just rolls on to slow to really get over big obstacles or do pivot turns. So I find myself riding at 55hp which is fine but also more juice then I need for most of the ride. I do bounce around in maps quite a bit for that precise reason.

I run mousses front and back and looking forward to changing the tires when they are worn out to something more trail oriented(couldn’t bring myself to waste new tires)

Rear brake hand brake is awesome and really great for trail riding.

Acerbis x-factory handguard fits well

Genmax 5500 has everything you need to take advantage of 220v charging





Just some of my thoughts. 55 hours on my stark
Click to expand...
What is your weight?
 
S

skomarmy

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NorCal
timothyrgriffe said:
I have 21 ktm 300xcw and a stark varg, had a modded sur ron ultra bee but sold it after I realized how capable the varg was.

The suspension is way more plush on the KTM. I can’t believe anyone is saying other wise.

I went one weight grouping below the stark recommendation for my weight(but after delivery I found out that thats still the same spring in the fork). I have adjusted the clickers and it is definitely fine for trail riding backed almost the whole way out, it is definitely not a hard enduro suspension. Thinking of having the suspension modified take some shims out revalve etc. But it does handle high speed desert single track quite well with the factory suspension. The mountain rocky single track I ride is just not quite where it needs to be.

The power delivery in the varg rolls on way to slow for my liking. I hope they at some point stark allow this to be modified like every modded sur ron.

I would really like to ride in 40-45 on tight technical single track, but the throttle just rolls on to slow to really get over big obstacles or do pivot turns. So I find myself riding at 55hp which is fine but also more juice then I need for most of the ride. I do bounce around in maps quite a bit for that precise reason.

I run mousses front and back and looking forward to changing the tires when they are worn out to something more trail oriented(couldn’t bring myself to waste new tires)

Rear brake hand brake is awesome and really great for trail riding.

Acerbis x-factory handguard fits well

Genmax 5500 has everything you need to take advantage of 220v charging





Just some of my thoughts. 55 hours on my stark
Click to expand...
Awesome- Thanks!
 
mbw479

mbw479

Active member
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Australia
1. Are stock tubes useable or should I swap to Mousse/Tubliss? Throw the stock tubes away they are useless, run whatever you have on other bikes in the past and are happy with.
2. Best Handguards/Brushguards? or will anything fit? Any
3. I hear some people say stock springs are too stiff (made for pro level MX) should I plan on swapping springs or will rebound/compression adjustments be good? I had the heaviest springs and thought I would need lighter springs and a revalve, I had a revalve only and they are fine now, I was surprised how much valving would soften them up.
4. Best Generator for Campsite recharge? (or best specs to look for) Anything that runs a pure sine wave output at 3.5kw continuous supply.
 
Trialsman

Trialsman

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Pittsburgh
I ride eastern single track and have owned a SWM440, TE300, Freeride 250, and now two Altas. When I test rode the Alta, it was so good for woods, I bought it on the spot and trailered it home. That was five years ago. I use the CR-Hi bars, lowered pegs, Acerbis guards, 21"/18" excel rims with Pirelli tires with Tubliss system, carbon skid plate, and tuned suspension. Weight is about 258lbs. for the street legal bike, my weight is 155lbs, and range is about 40mi. My question is; For anybody that put a lot of time on the Alta EXR in the woods, how would the Varge compare to this set up? There is no question the electric is vastly superior to the gas machines.
 
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