My Stark Varg MX1 will not switch to Run mode.

[John Lindemann]

My Stark Varg MX1 will not switch to Run mode.
I can select, Run/off(flashing green), standby (flashing red), charge (solid blue, charges fine) and Off (no lights).
I cannot switch to Run, walk forward or walk reverse. I have a spare switch and I’ve swapped out the switch and that didn’t solve the problem also the things I can select with the switch indicate that all 3 switch elements are working.
Once again the bike was working just fine until I carefully hosed the mud off with a garden hose. I then rode it onto my trailer and it took several attempts with the switch to get the bike into standby. The bike now refuses to switch to run/on (solid green) light.
Any help is greatly appreciated 🏍

 

[Chaconne]

That is weird. I wash my bike Varg MX1 with a powerwasher (my only choice) and have never had a problem with water invasion.

There were some reports of Starks being locked out by the factory for issues with titles/ownership. The do get locked if theft is reported. The bikes will power on like yours but are unusable.

Did you contact Stark?

 

[John Lindemann]

Yes I contacted Stark. Stark will respond eventually (it took 4 days last time). The bike is not stolen and is properly registered to me on the Stark app. This is the second malfunction after a light hose off. Something is getting wet. I am certain of this because after setting several hours several hours it is functioning properly again. The first time I had trouble it was the battery in the VCU that had discharged, I opened the VCU and recharged that battery. Stark thought that was caused by the switch sticking and draining the VCU battery. Stark sent a replacement switch and VCU. I tried swapping out the switch yesterday when the bike was malfunctioning and it made no difference. So at this point I’m thinking electrical connections somewhere are getting wet. I’ve greased and sealed the connections behind the number plate and if I have trouble again I’ll check the connections on the VCU again.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts

 

[DaveAusNor]

I was speaking to a guy at the track the other day with an earlier model MX. He mentioned he took the front sprocket guard off to clean some dirt from under there. then the bike wouldn't start. He found water had gotten into the motor there and laying the bike almost on its side got most the water out and it started again.
Worth a try.

 

[Chaconne]

I was speaking to a guy at the track the other day with an earlier model MX. He mentioned he took the front sprocket guard off to clean some dirt from under there. then the bike wouldn't start. He found water had gotten into the motor there and laying the bike almost on its side got most the water out and it started again.
Worth a try.

Interesting and good to know. That is a spot that collects load of dirt and mud too.