new to the electric bike thing

[fe501tired]

I'm getting back into riding again after a couple of years off a bike last bikes were cr500 and several 450s and still have a 2019 fe 501 and now that there are grand kids starting to ride a few of my older buddies 60plus want to start riding again and what got my attention to the varg was the fact you can use a left hand rear brake and acts somewhat like a rekluse actually better not having to shift and if varg has a way to adjust the throttle response and maybe traction control I think it would be the bike for me, also is it really true that when riding it feels much lighter cuz im over my big heavy 500 and 450s thanks.

 

[hawk101]

Handling mostly feels like a 250 four stroke, with maybe the cornering of a 125 due to the small amount of motor inertia. Front wheel traction is amazing and planted due to the bike weight, which is good in more hard pack conditions but not as good in deep loam.

 

[Beagle]

14 Stark dealers in CA, hopefully there's one not too far from your place so you can go see the bike and book a test ride.

Stark Future Dealers | Stark Future

The powerful Stark VARG electric motocross bike is available to purchase from Stark Future dealers around the world.

starkfuture.com

 

[Chaconne]

I'm getting back into riding again after a couple of years off a bike last bikes were cr500 and several 450s and still have a 2019 fe 501 and now that there are grand kids starting to ride a few of my older buddies 60plus want to start riding again and what got my attention to the varg was the fact you can use a left hand rear brake and acts somewhat like a rekluse actually better not having to shift and if varg has a way to adjust the throttle response and maybe traction control I think it would be the bike for me, also is it really true that when riding it feels much lighter cuz im over my big heavy 500 and 450s thanks.

I am smaller and I can handle the Varg weight wise no problem. Just to be clear the left hand brake is braking not slipping like a rekluse. The throttle control on the Varg can only be described as awesome, it is fly by wire and gives you orders of magnitude more control than a clutching throttle system on most ICE bikes. When I first got it I was worried about not having a clutch. 15 minutes after riding I realized no clutch was really needed the pinpoint seemingly analogue delivery is excellent IMO.

I have compared my Varg to my 2020 KTM 300 2T and 2015 WR450F in multiple ways and the Varg wins in almost every aspect. My KTM has been a great bike too btw but I will ride the Varg 10 times out of 10 given the choice. There are others in the forum with similar thoughts in that comparison.

The main thing I would consider is range. If you are intending to hit the moto track hard WOT there will be limits or if you intend to ride many of miles like desert riding. For trail riding and enduro I absolutely love the Varg. In the slower gnarl I can ride comfortably range-wise for 4 hours with enough left to safely get to my vehicle.

 

[fe501tired]

Thanks guys another thing I am worried about is I heard the front brake lever hits the throttle grip and the chain guide rubs the chain and the chain does not have a link to open chain up, also most if not all my riding will be easy single track and climbing hill and then some wide-open stuff too I also hope they have a way to adjust the throttle response and traction control which from what I am hearing they do on the ex models which should be available I would think for the mx bikes as well I hope to get more feed back thanks.

 

[markhamr]

I have a 2017 501
great bike
The stark is the way to go
mx versions are being sold off cheap even new
or pay the extra for a EX for what that brings you
trade the 501 if you can i doubt youll ride it much after you get your stark anyway
unless your stuck with range anxiety and want to drag it along as a spare
This site pretty much has all the answers as far as setup and troubleshooting goes
have fun join the E volution
Maybe tell the dealer to install some decent tubes in it before you pick it up

 

[fe501tired]

Yes that was the other thing paper thin tubes and the charging cord from stand is way short my rides would be 20 min or so then rest and relax and then put on a generator so it can charge then ride some more . I just really like the idea of the bike being that im a huge rekluse fan .

 

[markhamr]

tubes definitely but nothing else needed tyres to suit your riding conditions obviously
if your fussy while you have them off putting tubes in.
get your head into that phone and from there
a clik here and there on the suspension
remember to stop now and then and let the others catch up
the spring rate is important when you buy one
trail enduro your weight ability mx id go with a harder spring but i like stiffer in general
I use a lift stand and have the charger next to it no extension chord honda generator
there is charging options posted on this site and u tube
range is only a problem if your riding 40 minute motos plus 2 laps and your fast
jeff emig nearly made it to the end of that race
although being told i have to push my bike 150 mtrs
and go charge it behind the toilet block didnt impress at my local track
trail ridings not usually a issue at all in fact this bike eats that
and when riding with young riders you couldn't ask for a better tool
remember most of the negative comments are more just reports on where improvements could be made
like the side stand which has now been dealt with
my 501 had clutch issues until the upgrade under warranty

 

[gspad]

I have a Gen 1 MX, I'm curious. You mentioned the side stand issue has been dealt with. Can you clarify. I had a back and forth with Stark and denied there was even an issue. I reminded them of the video where Anton proudly states that the side stand actually works on the EX. Seems I remember them saying there would be a fix, but now they're denying there is an issue. After going back and forth with Stark support via email, I received this response on March 20 of this year -

Hi Gary,

The side stand is functioning as intended. As long as it is positioned correctly, the bike will remain stable, and the bracket will not be compromised.

Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.

Best regards,

Stark Future Team

Does anyone remember Stark saying there would be a fix coming? Attaching pic of my fix, a 1/2 inch pvc and zip ties. Looks like hell but works.

 

[AL_V]

I have a Gen 1 MX, I'm curious. You mentioned the side stand issue has been dealt with. Can you clarify. I had a back and forth with Stark and denied there was even an issue. I reminded them of the video where Anton proudly states that the side stand actually works on the EX. Seems I remember them saying there would be a fix, but now they're denying there is an issue. After going back and forth with Stark support via email, I received this response on March 20 of this year -

Hi Gary,

The side stand is functioning as intended. As long as it is positioned correctly, the bike will remain stable, and the bracket will not be compromised.

Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.

Best regards,

Stark Future Team

Does anyone remember Stark saying there would be a fix coming? Attaching pic of my fix, a 1/2 inch pvc and zip ties. Looks like hell but works.

Yes, originally Stark admitted that the kick stand bracket was made wrong and everyone would get a free replacement once it becomes available.
I periodically asked support, and a few times they were still waiting, then after the EX release video, support forgot all about it, and would only send a replacement if yours broke.
But, I have done this modification (thanks @mike61) that stops the kickstand from swinging too far forward, which actually works very well:

 

[RCard42]

Thanks guys another thing I am worried about is I heard the front brake lever hits the throttle grip and the chain guide rubs the chain and the chain does not have a link to open chain up, also most if not all my riding will be easy single track and climbing hill and then some wide-open stuff too I also hope they have a way to adjust the throttle response and traction control which from what I am hearing they do on the ex models which should be available I would think for the mx bikes as well I hope to get more feed back thanks.

I haven't had those issues on mine.

I usually detest driver aids, but this bike might be the exception i.e. traction control. It loves to spin even in lower hp modes. I am beginning to get the hang of it, but climbing hills and riding really slick terrain I am still not dialed in with the rear traction. I have the Michelin enduro 2 tires and the mousse that came in it is extremely soft even with only 8 hours on it. Still spins all the time. I think I can get to within 80% of the ability of my 300 as far as riding steep slick terrain but not there yet. I had it spinning in crawl mode this morning.

 

[AL_V]

I haven't had those issues on mine.

I usually detest driver aids, but this bike might be the exception i.e. traction control. It loves to spin even in lower hp modes. I am beginning to get the hang of it, but climbing hills and riding really slick terrain I am still not dialed in with the rear traction. I have the Michelin enduro 2 tires and the mousse that came in it is extremely soft even with only 8 hours on it. Still spins all the time. I think I can get to within 80% of the ability of my 300 as far as riding steep slick terrain but not there yet. I had it spinning in crawl mode this morning.

Start by GENTLY ROLLING the throttle open, that's what I do, with my MX on 52hp and 80% regen, I only use a little bit of the throttle, no spinning problems, enduro type riding.
I run tubliss in the back with a VE33S tire, with about 3 psi.
I've had my 60hp MX for over a year, and I ride it within about 150% of the ability of my 300.
In fact, I have not started my 300 since getting the Stark.

 

[RCard42]

Start by GENTLY ROLLING the throttle open, that's what I do, with my MX on 52hp and 80% regen, I only use a little bit of the throttle, no spinning problems, enduro type riding.
I run tubliss in the back with a VE33S tire, with about 3 psi.
I've had my 60hp MX for over a year, and I ride it within about 150% of the ability of my 300.
In fact, I have not started my 300 since getting the Stark.

Well maybe I’ll get where you are eventually. Fun factor is way higher on the stark for sure. My 300 has been gathering dust as well.