New VARG Software Update.

[brongle]

Well, I'm no longer one of Lord Wass' favourites then...

Seems like me either, and it's not like I've done anything to deserve it...

Thinking about it, it's taken them 8 months to update the smoothness of crawl mode and reverse crawl mode... quite slow, to be honest

I think they've been basically spending 100% of their effort aligning everything to the new VCU and firmware so that the MX/EX/SM can all share the same work and benefits. Now that they've finished that work with 1.2.8 we finally get to see some actual improvements to the core experience. Truthfully I almost never use crawl or reverse because they feel so jank, but maybe now it'll be usable.

 

[Lost]

Seems like me either, and it's not like I've done anything to deserve it...

Oh, I have!

 

[OpaTsupa]

Thinking about it, it's taken them 8 months to update the smoothness of crawl mode and reverse crawl mode... quite slow, to be honest

I think I read here that crawl/reverse was developed by a different company and gifted to Stark. Not sure who is developing it now.

I only use the crawl to load the bike in the van when it's on an incline and I'm too tired to push. It is not practical as a low-gear and I look forward to try the new version.
Reverse is useful for three-point turns in awkward terrain. I can't lift and carry the Varg like I can the 2T.

 

[Karinshi]

Seems like me either, and it's not like I've done anything to deserve it...


I think they've been basically spending 100% of their effort aligning everything to the new VCU and firmware so that the MX/EX/SM can all share the same work and benefits. Now that they've finished that work with 1.2.8 we finally get to see some actual improvements to the core experience. Truthfully I almost never use crawl or reverse because they feel so jank, but maybe now it'll be usable.

i almost never use crawl, but i use reverse crawl mode all the time, very handy in a lot of situations, will test it when when they return the motorcycle to me. its currently waiting on parts for replacement (Drivetrain is done, waiting for wiring harness and dock station)

 

[Chaconne]

I use crawl and reverse crawl a ton. It is a little jerky but in tough get offs on steep inclines it has saved me, especially the locking.

I have noticed that if there is an obstacle like a log or rock it can sometime need human assist which I hope is improved in the next drop. And loading a bike has never been easier with crawl, whether onto a trailer, carrier, or truck ramp IMHO.

 

[drehwurm68]

I use crawl and reverse crawl a ton. It is a little jerky but in tough get offs on steep inclines it has saved me, especially the locking.

Same here. It took me some time but now I almost automatically do it when having a get off on an incline - not doing it previously cost me 300€ for a new Arkenstone. While you can hold the bike with the throttle in gear, the moment you slip or loose your secure stand throttle control is compromised and then having it in crawl mode is key. It is just one of the things you need to re-learn when adapting to the Varg, but once you embrace it, it actually turns into an advantage.

Michael

 

[OpaTsupa]

Same here. It took me some time but now I almost automatically do it when having a get off on an incline - not doing it previously cost me 300€ for a new Arkenstone. While you can hold the bike with the throttle in gear, the moment you slip or loose your secure stand throttle control is compromised and then having it in crawl mode is key. It is just one of the things you need to re-learn when adapting to the Varg, but once you embrace it, it actually turns into an advantage.

Michael

I agree with this, but in my experience engaging the 'crawl' inside that half a second before the bike starts to roll back downhill takes too much time.
I suppose with practice one could learn to anticipate the moment and hopefully this new update refined it a bit.
It's been mentioned before that a separate low-down switch for 'crawl' and 'reverse' would be really nice to have.

I can guarantee that the [old] 'crawl' doesn't have enough strength to push the bike with or without a rider up a steep hill on loose surface.

 

[drehwurm68]

Had my first real ride with the 1.5.0 firmware on my EX today and it was way more exciting than anticipated.

First the easy part - forward crawl mode is a whole different ballgame now. It will climb until you start spinning the wheel as traction runs out or, which is a bit more delicate, the front wheel starts to lift because it is so steep. Having no clutch to bring the front down you better be prepared Interestingly it always seemed like the power would just get you to the edge of disaster and then stop - so either they just got it perfectly right or actually use some sensor input to avoid flipping over backwards. Nevertheless actually "riding" in forward crawl mode takes some getting used to: no brakes necessary and with basically no accelerating nor freewheeling possible to stabilize the bike, balance can be tricky. Once you get your head around that it is actually quite fun to tackle climbs in slow motion like you never did before - you crawl things up like a tractor

Riding in normal power modes was a bit different though. I knew right away that something in power delivery was different, but had a real hard time figuring out what. As in my initial impression the bike felt lighter in the front, easier to lift the wheel but at the same time very controlled; still playfull. Not a night a day difference, but enough to throw my timing off and get my body sensors recalibrated. It almost feels like they increased throttle resolution in the first 10-20% range having the power come on even more immediate yet being able to ramp it up more linear, more effective - immediate acceleration, hookup instead of wheelspin. Something I could more objectively point it down was on inclines with low traction (sandy soil) where you'd stop and try to get going again. The previous firmware versions would always tend to break traction and start digging in with the initial burst of torque, but now I basically can control the wheel to creep forward knobby-row by knobby-row. Good stuff. As I said it took me a while to get used to it, but by now I'm pretty damn impressed what a seemingly subtle change can accomplish

Looking forward what others will have to say and until then I'm enjoying the unexpected privilege of being part of the initial batch - hope it stays like that in the future!

Michael

 

[OpaTsupa]

The previous firmware versions would always tend to break traction and start digging in with the initial burst of torque, but now I basically can control the wheel to creep forward knobby-row by knobby-row. Good stuff. As I said it took me a while to get used to it, but by now I'm pretty damn impressed what a seemingly subtle change can accomplish

You've just earned what Turks call mustuluk. A small gift for the bearer of good news.

What you describe above is for me the only weak point of the Varg EX. I had a couple of really bad instances that made me I worry Varg will be dangerous to take on some difficult climbs where stopping is not an option.

I look forward to testing it except that I picked up an injury so Varg and I are in hard shutdown for a few weeks.

 

[Lost]

I'll be honest, I felt no real difference in anything other than regen.

Previously coming off throttle, you'd feel the regen kick in immediately, now it ramps up. Also, regen used to be a little stuttery (could just be mine as I've not seen reports on this elsewhere), this has smoothed out. Currently I have mine set at 25%.

Can't comment on the crawl modes as I never use them.

Slightly more annoying was all my timers reset to factory...

 

[Karinshi]

I'll be honest, I felt no real difference in anything other than regen.

Previously coming off throttle, you'd feel the regen kick in immediately, now it ramps up. Also, regen used to be a little stuttery (could just be mine as I've not seen reports on this elsewhere), this has smoothed out. Currently I have mine set at 25%.

Can't comment on the crawl modes as I never use them.

Slightly more annoying was all my timers reset to factory...

it ramps up? really? first user that said that... maybe it does that at "lows" regen? maybe with a stronger regen doesnt... seems that i will have a different bike when my dealer give it back

 

[drehwurm68]

Slightly more annoying was all my timers reset to factory...

Yes, same here but at least they didn't touch the power modes this time.

Michael

 

[drehwurm68]

I'll be honest, I felt no real difference in anything other than regen.

What kind of riding do you do?

Michael

 

[Lost]

it ramps up? really? first user that said that... maybe it does that at "lows" regen? maybe with a stronger regen doesnt... seems that i will have a different bike when my dealer give it back

Don't really know how else to describe it... progressive maybe?

I've had my regen set at 25% for a few months now. I wanted more of an engine brake feel (I don't actually care about charging the battery for how I ride).

But it was still very on/off. Since the update, it feels more natural.

 

[Lost]

What kind of riding do you do?

Michael

Today's was 100% mountain roads. (I live in the mountains on the outskirts of Barcelona) Tight switch backs etc. Think hill climbs with big elevations.

Tomorrow will be the real test. Going with a few friends up the mountain trails. Very tight technical and extremely steep in places. Hard ground with alot of rocks.

 

[Karinshi]

Today's was 100% mountain roads. (I live in the mountains on the outskirts of Barcelona) Tight switch backs etc. Think hill climbs with big elevations.

Tomorrow will be the real test. Going with a few friends up the mountain trails. Very tight technical and extremely steep in places. Hard ground with alot of rocks.

lets see what you feel... that stuttery on your regen doesnt seem normal to me, mine is very smooth. Have fun tomorrow