Any recommended Lock on grips for the Varg?

[drehwurm68]

What made you open the housing and try it in the first place?
Is there any tool that will undo housing screws without drilling them out?

It was one of the first things I did to the Varg as I never rode with the stock grips - got some ODI universal lock ons. The housing screws on the Hirschmann throttle are pretty soft metal which is easy to drill. Instead of drilling out the head of the screws completely I used a 2mm drill bit to make a hole a few mm deep and used some screw extractor to get the bolt out. Basically you should do this to any Varg as this will enable you to remove and clean the throttle tube without unplugging the cables (which is a pain on the EX).

Yes, the "spring neck" in the picture above is what I was talking about. There is a pocket in the hosing where it seats into, but you can also use the pocket besides this one for less preload. I'll try to make some pictures.

Michael

 

[drehwurm68]

Stock spring position, high preload:



Modified position, less preload:



The aluminum lockring will secure the spring tab in place once installed.

Michael

 

[OpaTsupa]

Thanks for the pictures.
I must try it once the local monsoon passes.

Do you think Stark considered it as an option or it is just how it comes from the Hirschmann manufacturer?

 

[drehwurm68]

Do you think Stark considered it as an option or it is just how it comes from the Hirschmann manufacturer?

Of course not! Just think of it - with the power of the Varg and no clutch the only thing from keeping you being catapulted into the next dimension is a properly working throttle. So the last thing Hirschmann or Stark will want you to do, is to tinker with the throttle. The Hirschmann throttle is seriously overbuild and the strong return force most likely part of that strategy to avoid any liability issues. Could be the reason as well why we haven't seen Stark making their own throttle or the aftermarket offering stuff.

Michael

 

[rs911]

Honestly I was very tempted when I saw the owner of Berm teasing it on facebook.
Racetorx also has one

Racetorx ODI-Style Lock-On Grip Adapter – Stark VARG Throttle Tube Replacement (DIY Kit) - Racetorx

Upgrade your Stark VARG throttle system with the RaceTorx ODI-style lock-on grip adapter — a direct replacement for the OEM throttle tube.Manufactured from

racetorx.co.uk

But I've already had one very bad experience with the throttle, which led to another broken vertebra, so I won't try a DIY like this on this bike.
I mostly run 60 and 80hp on the street and I don't want to mess with the throttle.

I'm pretty sure Stark is working on a better and sturdier throttle design.
I already suggested a few features to Anton directly and he said it was good ideas so I'll wait, like for the portable charger.

 

[ReVolter]

Lock-on left and glue-on right.

Odi Universal Half-Waffle Lock-On Grips | Parts & Accessories | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Shop for Handlebars & Controls, like Odi Universal Half-Waffle Lock-On Grips at Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. We have the best prices on dirt bike, atv and motorcycle parts, apparel and accessories and offer excellent customer service.

www.rockymountainatvmc.com

Do these actually fit? It says 7/8" throttle tube but mine is 1".

 

[AL_V]

Do these actually fit? It says 7/8" throttle tube but mine is 1".

They are referring to 7/8 inch diameter handlebars. The throttle tube is always a little bit bigger, hence as you say 1 inch.

• Slip-On Throttle side fits onto any standard 7/8" model twist throttle tube.

It’s not really worded correctly, but there is no standard throttle tube at 7/8 inch OD.

 

[drehwurm68]

My Berm ODI lock-on adapter is working just fine, but I got a RaceTorx one as well mainly to compare both. The RaceTorx has some promising features over the Berm one, but the one I got is basically unusable as it has a loose fit on the ODI grip octagon receiver. I wrote to RaceTorx to see what they say, but for the moment I cannot recommend it!

RaceTorxOdiAdapter.mp4

drive.google.com

Michael

 

[BermCo]

My Berm ODI lock-on adapter is working just fine, but I got a RaceTorx one as well mainly to compare both. The RaceTorx has some promising features over the Berm one, but the one I got is basically unusable as it has a loose fit on the ODI grip octagon receiver. I wrote to RaceTorx to see what they say, but for the moment I cannot recommend it!

RaceTorxOdiAdapter.mp4

drive.google.com

Michael

Hi Michael,

What features are they that you mention about the racetorx one? And I'm glad our Berm Co one is working well for you. Just as an fyi it is just V1 - we only used this one for our internal testing for our V2 but so many people wanted us to release this one we thought why not to get users enjoying lock on grips

V2 will be alloy based so no fatigue even after millions of grip changes were also creating a full alloy throttle so keep your eyes peeled

Berm Co

 

[drehwurm68]

What features are they that you mention about the racetorx one?

As you probably read in my post about your adapter I was not happy with the magnet fitment and placement. Racetorx incorporated the 2 posts and latch of the stock Hirschmann grip to re-use the magnet cover and secure the magnet. Also the magnet compartment is a bit larger in length so you can actually adjust the position (if you know what you are doing) to adjust the virtual throttle play.

Your V1 is a really tight fit so I don't think fatigue will be an issue and the plastic ODI ones have been working just fine for years - not sure an alloy based cam will be necessary, but an all billet complete throttle would be something I'm interested in!

Michael

 

[OpaTsupa]

RACETORX

🛠️ RaceTorx Thumb Throttle – Technical Overview Introducing the first clamp-on thumb throttle conversion designed specifically to integrate with any generic twist throttle assembly. This system...

www.facebook.com

 

[drehwurm68]

My trust in RaceTorx is a little shaken at the moment - tried to contact them via their website about my issue with the lock-on adapter, product is gone from the website but they never got back to me. Unfortunately this just confirms my restrained attitude towards dealing with UK companies since the brexit - if something goes wrong you have basically no legal handle and even in best case if they refund some money you loose the taxes paid on import. What a shame.

Michael

 

[OpaTsupa]

Now with the expectedly ridiculous price. You also must destroy the existing throttle tube.

RaceTorx Thumb Throttle – Clamp-On Conversion System - Racetorx

Introducing a world first: the RaceTorx Thumb Throttle, a clamp-on, rotation-controlled thumb paddle system designed to integrate seamlessly with almost any

racetorx.co.uk

I asked a few question and was tersely directed to the website.
I always wanted to try a thumb throttle out of curiosity but it will not be this one.

Laugh at me if you want, but these throttle thingies help if you have accumulated wrist and arm injuries like I have.

 

[drehwurm68]

There's one additional thing to be aware of when dealing with RaceTorx. Usually UK companies should subtract VAT when shipping to customers out off country, but RaceTorx doesn't do that. Basically they charge you the same price as UK customers, keep the VAT as bonus and you have to pay your local VAT when importing. So when you buy from them, at least let them know so they might change that in the future. You can easily check for that if you give an UK address at checkout - all that changes is that it now says "includes £XX.XX VAT".

Michael

 

[Theo]

I've recently installed new OEM Ariete grips:

I left my bike in the Arizona sun for 20 minutes and the stock grips loosened up and came off with no tools.

I heated up the left grip with a heat gun and it slipped without much effort; I pulled it from the donut side and pushed it from the closed side. When it cooled down, it was stircking to the handlebar pretty well.

as states above Compressed air works great if you have access. I would avoid anything that lubricates or leaves residue because nothing is worse than a new grip that spins.....or more dangerous than a new grip that slips off...

If you dont have access to that then you can get some brake cleaner on get it in there. when i dont have access to air and i dont wanna cut my grips off that works great cause it dries with no residue. Just use the straw it comes with and peel the grip abck a little, and put the straw in. Dosnt take much once there is fluid in there.

On the throttle side, not only I'm worried about residues that can either make the grip slippery or the tube sticking to the handlebar, I'm also worried about the possibility to damage the throttle. That's why I don't use chemicals.
In the official troubleshooting guide downloadable at Stark's site, they say that compressed air can be used to clean the throttle, so it shouldn't hurt. Personally, I keep canned air dusters at home to clean electric components like the inside of my PC and I've used that on the throttle side. I started the grip by pulling and pushing and then I inserted the straw of the air duster between the plastic tube and the grip and I managed to quickly install the rest of it.

Maybe the following is overkill but I think that if you are replacing both the grips it's better to install the right one when the left side doesn't have agrip on it, so that the air pressure will be easily vented through the handlebar.

 

[Chaconne]

I've recently installed new OEM Ariete grips:


I heated up the left grip with a heat gun and it slipped without much effort; I pulled it from the donut side and pushed it from the closed side. When it cooled down, it was stircking to the handlebar pretty well.


On the throttle side, not only I'm worried about residues that can either make the grip slippery or the tube sticking to the handlebar, I'm also worried about the possibility to damage the throttle. That's why I don't use chemicals.
In the official troubleshooting guide downloadable at Stark's site, they say that compressed air can be used to clean the throttle, so it shouldn't hurt. Personally, I keep canned air dusters at home to clean electric components like the inside of my PC and I've used that on the throttle side. I started the grip by pulling and pushing and then I inserted the straw of the air duster between the plastic tube and the grip and I managed to quickly install the rest of it.

Maybe the following is overkill but I think that if you are replacing both the grips it's better to install the right one when the left side doesn't have agrip on it, so that the air pressure will be easily vented through the handlebar.

I have installed the OEM grips many times on my Starks including on new throttles. Since my use case is Enduro and my bikes take a lot of drops. The original stock install is usually a pretty easy removal since they are just force fit on the bars with no glue as far as I could tell.

I use renthal grip glue effectively and have for your years on all my bikes including the Stark, a very thin film is easy to apply should be more than safe and prevents slipping (I agree that overuse could cause problems a very light film should be safe though).

The Arietes have nice slots for grip wire and taking care especially on the throttle side is important. I have had no throttle problems in 2 years of use.

 

[drehwurm68]

Now with the expectedly ridiculous price. You also must destroy the existing throttle tube.

RaceTorx Thumb Throttle – Clamp-On Conversion System - Racetorx

Introducing a world first: the RaceTorx Thumb Throttle, a clamp-on, rotation-controlled thumb paddle system designed to integrate seamlessly with almost any

racetorx.co.uk

I asked a few question and was tersely directed to the website.
I always wanted to try a thumb throttle out of curiosity but it will not be this one.

Good decision, it is just another no so well thought out product by RaceTorx. Not only that the technical implementation with clamping on a plastic throttle tube is just sketchy, the ergonomic side is basically unusable as well. Yes, you'll be able to move the bike forward but that's basically it and don't even think of technical riding or having control over the front brake without removing your thumb from the throttle lever. There is a guy on YouTube that does some pretty technical riding with a thumb throttle from a sled fitted to his KTM, but the RaceTorx version is nowhere even near more being a quick hack rather than a well thought out solution. And as with my previous experience there is no support from RaceTorx as well.

@OpaTsupa: if you want to try it, send me a pm. I can send you the whole assembly mounted on a modified grip, you just have to swap your magnet over.

Michael