Button Unit get Stuck with dirt, Varg EX and MX

With mud or with fine dust/sand the buttons get stuck. is there any solution?

I think the old MX bike are directly hard wired and the people can build own buttons, right?
But the EX has a CAN Bus circuit board inside the button unit - thats not possible to replace or does someone know the CAN IDs?

Thanks

Have you seen any examples of anyone building their own switch, or substituting in a generic switch (on MX)?

No I didnt see it, but I woult like to do it. Currently I use a plastic bag with zip ties around the switches for mudraces

Only had it once and i do 99% mud and sand.
Closed handguards are a good protection since in a crash you don't dig in so deep.

Also be spray a lott of PTFE spray all over it, less sand sticking is less sand getting in.

Turned out my button set was just overpacked with grease wiped it out have not had a problem since.

Stark have sent me 3 new units under warranty each time with the promise there was a re design in the pipeline, then started saying you have to strip it down and clean it as part of the service, what use it that when it sticks in the middle of nowhere and leaves you stranded.
I was shocked to see they use the same buttons in the EX unit.

airmartl said:

With mud or with fine dust/sand the buttons get stuck. is there any solution?

I think the old MX bike are directly hard wired and the people can build own buttons, right?
But the EX has a CAN Bus circuit board inside the button unit - thats not possible to replace or does someone know the CAN IDs?

Thanks

Click to expand...

I have replaced many button units on the MX. I use my bike for enduro and have dropped the bars into deep mud and dirt and it has caused problems. Sometimes you can use a thin piece of wire to clean around the edges and free a stuck button other times I have been forced to push because a stuck button can leave you DOA...

If I had more time I would design a thin rubber boot to encase the button unit similar to what the Japanese bikes have. My WR450f button unit is 10 years old and I have never had a single problem and I have submerged that thing in muddy wet goop many times.

I agree with @UKLee I was surprised they used a similar unit on the EX. The Stark guys are Euro-geeks wanting uber clever. We know the buttons can do cool shit but you gotta remember to keep it functional. Ya a rubber boot would reduce the "geek cool" but you gotta remember the use case.

Chaconne said:

If I had more time I would design a thin rubber boot to encase the button unit similar to what the Japanese bikes have

Click to expand...

Believe it or not, Silicon Toe protectors do the trick. The Silicon is stretchy enough to become almost clear to see the buttons, but unfortunately the life span isn't great when stretched that much. But for power washing or a mud race this should be fine.


Michael

drehwurm68 said:

Believe it or not, Silicon Toe protectors do the trick. The Silicon is stretchy enough to become almost clear to see the buttons, but unfortunately the life span isn't great when stretched that much. But for power washing or a mud race this should be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Bukihome-Silicone-Toe-Protectors-Protection/dp/B0C5HQD2QZ?tag=sce0f-20

Michael

Click to expand...

did you put it over MX or big EX button unit?

drehwurm68 said:

Believe it or not, Silicon Toe protectors do the trick. The Silicon is stretchy enough to become almost clear to see the buttons, but unfortunately the life span isn't great when stretched that much. But for power washing or a mud race this should be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Bukihome-Silicone-Toe-Protectors-Protection/dp/B0C5HQD2QZ?tag=sce0f-20

Michael

Click to expand...

Haha you learn something new everyday. I never knew such things even existed. Will try it thanks!!

drehwurm68 said:

Believe it or not, Silicon Toe protectors do the trick. The Silicon is stretchy enough to become almost clear to see the buttons, but unfortunately the life span isn't great when stretched that much. But for power washing or a mud race this should be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Bukihome-Silicone-Toe-Protectors-Protection/dp/B0C5HQD2QZ?tag=sce0f-20

Michael

Click to expand...

Great idea, I assume you use the large size (I have an MX).
The link goes to "Multi-Size"

airmartl said:

did you put it over MX or big EX button unit?

Click to expand...

I used the "big toe" one on the EX unit, but as I said those are very stretchy so they will fit different diameters.

Michael