Post here your Stark Varg issues (or not!)

[Erwin P]

If battery and powertrain failures do happen very early, this could alleviate anxiety about "what happens after warranty expires".

Recent issues clearly points out persistent QC issues. It will be interesting to see if Stark has resolved battery issues for the Varg EX (unsure if inverter and motor will be identical or not).

Agreed without the 2 years warranty Stark would have a very different (horrible!) reputation, this and solid customer support really is essential for them.

PS: this narrows down Gen1-Gen2 update to late 4XXX - early 5XXX.

True, however everything that breaks down on my bike is replaced with better and more durable parts.
You can clearly see progres in the parts and that's a good thing.

 

[Beagle]

True, however everything that breaks down on my bike is replaced with better and more durable parts.
You can clearly see progres in the parts and that's a good thing.

The probability of having 2 duds in a row (as happened to Chris with batteries) should be extremely low unless there are significant quality control issues. Another question is how can a battery fail right away without being detected as faulty at the factory?

I should state I'm a big fan of what Stark is doing, this is not a "bashing Stark" thread, I also understand that battery manufacturing (and scaling up) is very tricky, I'm just really curious about the parts failures and trying to get a better picture of it (with VIN, hours...).

 

[Chaconne]

The probability of having 2 duds in a row should be extremely low unless there are significant quality control issues. Another question is how can a battery fail right away without being detected as faulty at the factory?

I am wondering if it is something in the connection process or initial loading that is causing some batteries to fail "right away". It is very unlikely that these batteries make it out of QC broken in advance. It is costly in many ways if that stuff slides through QC undetected.

 

[skomarmy]

UDUMX1AE3RA007??? is approx Vin .
I had an issue with bike turning off after about 4 hours total riding. They said it was a the powertrain and sent me a new Motor. I installed and it has been fine ever since. Also, the Charger/Stand was not working when I got it, but found a loose connection and it works now. Kickstand sucks balls so I put a little machine screw on the backing plate so it stands up better.

 

[UKLee]

UDUMX1AE3RA007??? is approx Vin .
I had an issue with bike turning off after about 4 hours total riding. They said it was a the powertrain and sent me a new Motor. I installed and it has been fine ever since. Also, the Charger/Stand was not working when I got it, but found a loose connection and it works now. Kickstand sucks balls so I put a little machine screw on the backing plate so it stands up better.

Sent you a new Just motor? or complete powertrain, Motor inverter and reduction gearbox?

 

[skomarmy]

Sorry, it was complete powertrain. No issues since then. Did a Full Day Supermoto Track Day a couple weeks ago and just did a 1.5 hour enduro ride yesterday

 

[UKLee]

Hi Guys, just to respond to UKlee and Chaconne in one reply.

So im not the guy who's on Facebook and i wouldn't take legal action on Stark, to be honest i am frustrated but not to the point i feel legal action needs to be taken, i also dont have the time or the patience to pursue legal action as I'm a business owner and have enough on my plate. I also support Stark in their mission. Im a bit of a hypocrite as i work in the oil and gas industry so fossil fuels are what i bleed but the bike and the attitude stark have is fantastic and i cannot complain about the aftersales support they have given me. I'm just very frustrated with all of the issues iv encountered and now have lost all faith in "My" varg.

I am lucky that iv raced MX from 9 years old, right the way to my mid 30s so iv been fortunate enough not to be in the position of being thrown from the bike and hurting myself when its cut out, its caused me to crash but i have been ok, i have a track at home and i dont race bikes anymore so its more of a "Fun" bike for me which doesn't annoy my neighbor's with noise. Im not under the Race pressure or commitment to jumps.

For the purpose of this forum and other stark owners. Stark have now replied to me yesterday and today and are currently solving my "cutting out" issue & "the battery not charging over 47%" they have said it is again another battery issue and are sending me a new battery to replace it. I have a Gen 1 charger port which is up towards the shock reservoir. I did ask Stark if this was contributing to the issue with my bike and they said the charger port and battery are not related in problems. Lets hope this fixes the issue. I am currently talking to the UK country manager about this, that is as much as im going to say publicly as i don't think its fair to tarnish every possible customer with the problems iv experienced. we have to all remember how difficult it must be to release a brand new bike, that is fully electric, that has to compete (and excel) better than a combustion powered bike, ship it world wide, supply worldwide support. Stark are doing their absolute best and i admire them for that.

The one thing that does boil my urine is that i was one of the first people to put a deposit down for my bike, pre covid (i think) the delivery of the bike was delayed and it took me nearly 3 years to get it, i put my faith + Money into stark. I understand that covid-19 played a huge part in the delay, Aside from the fantastic support and aftersales repairs i don't feel like stark are doing a great deal for people who were the first to be in the deposit scheme. It seemed that soon as i took delivary for my bike, everyone else around the world were able to just buy the bike with about 10 days delivery time - this to me didnt show any commitment to the people who put faith in Stark from the start. I am currently interested in a Varg enduro and i think the least they can do, considering all the problems iv had is discuss with me a option to change the bike out for a new varg E, i really haven't done many hours or miles on my current varg which is what is so frustrating. £11,000 i paid for this bike, we musnt forget that! Feels like every time i go i the garage, get all suited and booted, i go to turn it on and there is another issue. I end up spending more time in my digger and tractor prepping my track than i do riding the bike i purchased to ride it. Im getting good in a digger though .

Apologies for the Essay.

I am in much the same position as you we have a track in the field behind but we do use the bike at mx events and practices. It cutting out or locking up (no clutch to pull in and coast off the track) on the blind side of a jump could be a big problem.
I also run my own business and do not want to have to get involved in legal action but if done in a proper and correct manner by someone with knowlage of the legal system and with stark issues I think it would be a good idea to back him up. I got my bike in october 23, yes still 10 months left but that can go quickly and I think now is the time to get some questions answered. Don't particularly like doing it but giving bad publicity to stark is the only lever we have combined with possible legal action, stark tell me 2 years warranty from the bike being delivered no extra warranty period for replaced under warranty parts so they can just keep feeding us the same parts that are still failing on new bikes now

Maybe the ones who are moaning about what I am saying/doing will one day thank me, won't be a very happy place if everyone is moaning about the fact they have had to pay out for an out of warranty drive train or battery will it.

ChrisMX72 Do you by any chance have a contact telephone no for this UK stark rep/manager ? I am also sick of e mail tennis.

 

[Beagle]

I am in much the same position as you we have a track in the field behind but we do use the bike at mx events and practices. It cutting out or locking up (no clutch to pull in and coast off the track) on the blind side of a jump could be a big problem.
I also run my own business and do not want to have to get involved in legal action but if done in a proper and correct manner by someone with knowlage of the legal system and with stark issues I think it would be a good idea to back him up. I got my bike in october 23, yes still 10 months left but that can go quickly and I think now is the time to get some questions answered. Don't particularly like doing it but giving bad publicity to stark is the only lever we have combined with possible legal action, stark tell me 2 years warranty from the bike being delivered no extra warranty period for replaced under warranty parts so they can just keep feeding us the same parts that are still failing on new bikes now

Maybe the ones who are moaning about what I am saying/doing will one day thank me, won't be a very happy place if everyone is moaning about the fact they have had to pay out for an out of warranty drive train or battery will it.

ChrisMX72 Do you by any chance have a contact telephone no for this UK stark rep/manager ? I am also sick of e mail tennis.

Hey Lee, why don't you play and give us in this thread your VIN, issues and hours?

 

[UKLee]

October 23 Gen 1 vin high 700's but hardly used it very wet in the uk until april 24. Foot pegs I had to fall out with them over getting the new type eventully they backed down and sent them free.

Charger cable is much tighter that I would want it is pulling on the plug not good to be working on the bike whilst it is plugged in in case it does some damage sent a photo to stark but they say it is acceptable.

Phone fell out luckily eventully found it undamaged.

Water in gearbox oil.

June 24 Cutting out after 3 times put it away stark said not got the latest update, took it out again did it again, luckily the phone had not fell out and a warning/loud bleeping saying Insulation error electrical insulation fault please step away from the bike and contact support, not for the first time the power button stuck down so bike stuck in the middle of a field with a warning and can not turn it off.
contacted stark eventully got.....
Thank you for contacting Stark.
We've had some reports of this message showing after the update. We need to check if it's justified or not.
Other than the warning, is the bike operating as normal? Throttle engages? Is power cutting out? Is the warning permanent or it comes and goes?
Can you please inspect the inverter cover for any cracks? Specially around the bolts holes. If you find any cracks or fissure, please share some pictures.
Thank you for your colaboration.

found nothing got back to them

Thank you for the feedback.
We would like to have a remote session with you to be able to connect to the bike live and troubleshoot it together. Please click this link to book a time to connect:

Book a calendly session

We would appreciate if you join the call on a portable device equipped with a camera and you are next to the bike so we can see the bike's behavior as we provide instructions. Also, ensure you have strong 4G signal (note that wifi won't work) at your location and that you have the possibility to connect the charger to a suitable power supply, in case necessary.
Lastly, please remove the bodykit from the bike ahead of the call, in case we require to perform any testing or inspection.
Please let us know if you have any questions before booking the call.

Best regards,

Had a few goes at that but could not get it to work after leaving work early.
eventully after many e mails they sent a new powertrain another Gen 1 but supposedly with a thicker black cover and a new power switch.

Followed instructions took ages as the video says take frame plates off at the time I was not aware they were tapers took ages to get them out found out after no need to. at least it showed up what will become another issue which is rust it the the steel tapers.

Had a few times when we plugged it in to charge but nothing both at home and at the track with generator so not the supply.
seemed ok for a while.

Sept 24 Went to turn the power on nothing checked all connectors tried everything nothing again after many e mails and a few weeks and sending them a video of NOTHING!!!....
Hi Lee,

Thank youthe video,
so this problem comes from the VCU. We will send you a new switch and a new VCU as soon as possible. Please replace both.

Once replaced, please let us know when the defective unit is ready for pick up.

Best regards,

Stark Future Team

I sent this....




I have had a message from DHL I have a delivery from you Monday next week not sure if that is both the parts or just one? I yet again find myself without the use of the bike.

If I added up all the time I have spent trying to find what is wrong with the bike and replacing parts you have sent especially the drive train I must have done a few weeks work on it. Then there is entry fees I have paid for events that I cannot ride in because the bike is broken again. How about you reimburse me for this at the same rate a stark dealer would charge?



Also these parts you have replaced under warranty are they just the same again meaning one has failed so every chance the replacement will do the same but hopefully for you the other side of the end of the warranty?

As said you redesigned the power train with a metal cover I am sure you did not do that for the fun of it you clearly saw there was a problem and this is the fix but you send me the old type replacement you know will fail.



All this yet you keep sending me messages of payment if I talk someone in to buying a stark, sorry but not a chance, unlike so many I insist on being honest.



Oh and STILL no fix for the sticky power switch?????

Stark replied....
Hi Lee,

Thank you for your message. We completely understand your frustration with the ongoing issues you’ve been experiencing with the bike, and we are truly sorry that this has affected your ability to ride and participate in events.

Regarding the DHL delivery scheduled for Monday, it should include VCU and Switch.
About the powertrain, we had a problem with the lid of the inverter that we changed on the first version. You now have an improved version of this. Which no longer has the previous problems.

As for the reimbursement request, while we can’t guarantee compensation at the rate of a Stark dealer, we can offer you a goodwill gesture like a bodykit or something else?

Best regards,

Stark Future Team

I replied....
“As for the reimbursement request, while we can’t guarantee compensation at the rate of a Stark dealer, we can offer you a goodwill gesture like a bodykit or something else? “



Would you do 2 weeks worth of work for £120 the price of a body kit?



To be honest I would prefer to do the work myself that way I know it is done correctly I have had some very bad experience with motorcycle dealerships in the past but come on be fair!



A pair of 18 and 21 inch wheels complete with tyres, brake discs and sprocket ready to use sounds more like it.



Sun is shining this week the field/track behind our house is dry but the kids have to use our electric ktm freeride and a Surron whilst the £11,000 Stark Varg sits there broken again waiting for parts!

Stark replied...
Hi Lee,

Thank you for the feedback.
Precisely. We offer customers the possibility to work on their bikes themselves, for their convenience of not having to load the bike on a van or trailer, take it to the dealer, having to travel there, be subject to dealer work load availability, etc. We believe this is a good service and fair value for customers already.
Also please understand that owning a VARG is the same as to owning a piece of equipment or machinery from any other manufacturer. Though we strive to manufacture a highly reliable and quality product, you will experience problems at some point.
Though we continously work to improve the VARG, it's equally important to follow the recommendations in the VARG Owners Manual on how to operate and maintain the VARG.
The offer for the body kit is still valid. Unfortunately, we won't be able to meet your expectations about the remaining parts.
Please let us know once we can collect the parts replaced under warranty and if we should proceed in shipping you the body kit as goodwill.

Best regards,

In amongst all this had a few times the bike refused to charge or run but not in my e mails because stark are closed friday to monday when most ride there bikes. Also once went to put it on charge but the phone would not do anything, again stark closed eventully wiped the phone clean and start again... a few more hours of my life wasted, why cheap out on some crappy phone everything else uses a proper wired in display.
Also many e mails asking about phone falling out, side stand power switch all replied with yet another fob off, got no intension of fixing these issues.

Water in second drivetrain gearbox oil even though I make sure to blank off the breather pipe they said they were coming up with a one way valve for.... another fob off.

Charging problem will not charge at full speed chance will run of of battery at a days motocross practice, sessions.
Reply was some safety thing plugs getting hot, they shout about it when they increase the range but keep it quiet when they reduce it.

Motor/transmission noise getting louder and water in gearbox oil but stark are not very interested, have me taking the front sprocket off and sending a photo of the seal spacer shaft area, hardly anything on it but say seal and spacer need replacing but I have to pay for it, the transmission is 6 months old!!! My 17 wrf 450 still has the same one without a problem.... just another fob off but I told them if the transmission locks up and causes an accident I have raised it with them there call.

All that for 59 hours use!

 

[Beagle]

October 23 Gen 1 vin high 700's but hardly used it very wet in the uk until april 24. Foot pegs I had to fall out with them over getting the new type eventully they backed down and sent them free.

Charger cable is much tighter that I would want it is pulling on the plug not good to be working on the bike whilst it is plugged in in case it does some damage sent a photo to stark but they say it is acceptable.

Phone fell out luckily eventully found it undamaged.

Water in gearbox oil.

June 24 Cutting out after 3 times put it away stark said not got the latest update, took it out again did it again, luckily the phone had not fell out and a warning/loud bleeping saying Insulation error electrical insulation fault please step away from the bike and contact support, not for the first time the power button stuck down so bike stuck in the middle of a field with a warning and can not turn it off.
contacted stark eventully got.....
Thank you for contacting Stark.
We've had some reports of this message showing after the update. We need to check if it's justified or not.
Other than the warning, is the bike operating as normal? Throttle engages? Is power cutting out? Is the warning permanent or it comes and goes?
Can you please inspect the inverter cover for any cracks? Specially around the bolts holes. If you find any cracks or fissure, please share some pictures.
Thank you for your colaboration.

found nothing got back to them

Thank you for the feedback.
We would like to have a remote session with you to be able to connect to the bike live and troubleshoot it together. Please click this link to book a time to connect:

Book a calendly session

We would appreciate if you join the call on a portable device equipped with a camera and you are next to the bike so we can see the bike's behavior as we provide instructions. Also, ensure you have strong 4G signal (note that wifi won't work) at your location and that you have the possibility to connect the charger to a suitable power supply, in case necessary.
Lastly, please remove the bodykit from the bike ahead of the call, in case we require to perform any testing or inspection.
Please let us know if you have any questions before booking the call.

Best regards,

Had a few goes at that but could not get it to work after leaving work early.
eventully after many e mails they sent a new powertrain another Gen 1 but supposedly with a thicker black cover and a new power switch.

Followed instructions took ages as the video says take frame plates off at the time I was not aware they were tapers took ages to get them out found out after no need to. at least it showed up what will become another issue which is rust it the the steel tapers.

Had a few times when we plugged it in to charge but nothing both at home and at the track with generator so not the supply.
seemed ok for a while.

Sept 24 Went to turn the power on nothing checked all connectors tried everything nothing again after many e mails and a few weeks and sending them a video of NOTHING!!!....
Hi Lee,

Thank youthe video,
so this problem comes from the VCU. We will send you a new switch and a new VCU as soon as possible. Please replace both.

Once replaced, please let us know when the defective unit is ready for pick up.

Best regards,

Stark Future Team

I sent this....




I have had a message from DHL I have a delivery from you Monday next week not sure if that is both the parts or just one? I yet again find myself without the use of the bike.

If I added up all the time I have spent trying to find what is wrong with the bike and replacing parts you have sent especially the drive train I must have done a few weeks work on it. Then there is entry fees I have paid for events that I cannot ride in because the bike is broken again. How about you reimburse me for this at the same rate a stark dealer would charge?



Also these parts you have replaced under warranty are they just the same again meaning one has failed so every chance the replacement will do the same but hopefully for you the other side of the end of the warranty?

As said you redesigned the power train with a metal cover I am sure you did not do that for the fun of it you clearly saw there was a problem and this is the fix but you send me the old type replacement you know will fail.



All this yet you keep sending me messages of payment if I talk someone in to buying a stark, sorry but not a chance, unlike so many I insist on being honest.



Oh and STILL no fix for the sticky power switch?????

Stark replied....
Hi Lee,

Thank you for your message. We completely understand your frustration with the ongoing issues you’ve been experiencing with the bike, and we are truly sorry that this has affected your ability to ride and participate in events.

Regarding the DHL delivery scheduled for Monday, it should include VCU and Switch.
About the powertrain, we had a problem with the lid of the inverter that we changed on the first version. You now have an improved version of this. Which no longer has the previous problems.

As for the reimbursement request, while we can’t guarantee compensation at the rate of a Stark dealer, we can offer you a goodwill gesture like a bodykit or something else?

Best regards,

Stark Future Team

I replied....
“As for the reimbursement request, while we can’t guarantee compensation at the rate of a Stark dealer, we can offer you a goodwill gesture like a bodykit or something else? “



Would you do 2 weeks worth of work for £120 the price of a body kit?



To be honest I would prefer to do the work myself that way I know it is done correctly I have had some very bad experience with motorcycle dealerships in the past but come on be fair!



A pair of 18 and 21 inch wheels complete with tyres, brake discs and sprocket ready to use sounds more like it.



Sun is shining this week the field/track behind our house is dry but the kids have to use our electric ktm freeride and a Surron whilst the £11,000 Stark Varg sits there broken again waiting for parts!

Stark replied...
Hi Lee,

Thank you for the feedback.
Precisely. We offer customers the possibility to work on their bikes themselves, for their convenience of not having to load the bike on a van or trailer, take it to the dealer, having to travel there, be subject to dealer work load availability, etc. We believe this is a good service and fair value for customers already.
Also please understand that owning a VARG is the same as to owning a piece of equipment or machinery from any other manufacturer. Though we strive to manufacture a highly reliable and quality product, you will experience problems at some point.
Though we continously work to improve the VARG, it's equally important to follow the recommendations in the VARG Owners Manual on how to operate and maintain the VARG.
The offer for the body kit is still valid. Unfortunately, we won't be able to meet your expectations about the remaining parts.
Please let us know once we can collect the parts replaced under warranty and if we should proceed in shipping you the body kit as goodwill.

Best regards,

In amongst all this had a few times the bike refused to charge or run but not in my e mails because stark are closed friday to monday when most ride there bikes. Also once went to put it on charge but the phone would not do anything, again stark closed eventully wiped the phone clean and start again... a few more hours of my life wasted, why cheap out on some crappy phone everything else uses a proper wired in display.
Also many e mails asking about phone falling out, side stand power switch all replied with yet another fob off, got no intension of fixing these issues.

Water in second drivetrain gearbox oil even though I make sure to blank off the breather pipe they said they were coming up with a one way valve for.... another fob off.

Charging problem will not charge at full speed chance will run of of battery at a days motocross practice, sessions.
Reply was some safety thing plugs getting hot, they shout about it when they increase the range but keep it quiet when they reduce it.

Motor/transmission noise getting louder and water in gearbox oil but stark are not very interested, have me taking the front sprocket off and sending a photo of the seal spacer shaft area, hardly anything on it but say seal and spacer need replacing but I have to pay for it, the transmission is 6 months old!!! My 17 wrf 450 still has the same one without a problem.... just another fob off but I told them if the transmission locks up and causes an accident I have raised it with them there call.

All that for 59 hours use!

Quite the adventure indeed. I think that's the worst Varg experience I've ever read.
At least the first problem you've had, electric fault issue, seems to have been corrected after the early production runs?

 

[FYR]

Issues:
- MX Gen 1 / 7XX / under 58 h: warning about insulation error electrical insulation fault, powertrain and map switch changed, charging issues then would not turn on, VCU changed, all under warranty, ongoing issues of motor/transmission getting noisier and water in gearbox
- MX Gen1 / 11XX / multiple failures, all under warranty : map switch changed under a week, cracks on inverter cover so motor changed, battery failure after emptying it, exchanged under a day.
- MX Gen1 / 4XXX / powertrain failure out of the box, battery failure, both replaced under warranty, rear brake master cylinder blew a seal, 2nd battery failure with replacement under way (throttle cutting out and battery not charging over 47%)
- MX Gen2 / 62XX / 10 h / powertrain unit changed under warranty
- MX Gen2 / 7XXX / 4 h / powertrain unit changed under warranty (bike shut off)

All ok:
- MX Gen2 / 52XX / 225 h

Beagle, are you going to be documenting and keeping this attempt at what you have started alive? Seems like a living spreadsheet would be a good way to maintain a running list.

I almost feel silly adding my content as I've only had the bike for a month and the holidays have kept me from riding as much as I would like. But, here goes:
MX Gen 2 / #8036 (why should we worry about posting actual VINs?) / 4.5 hrs. / 64.2 miles
*Flat tubes
* No other serious issues (yet)

 

[UKLee]

Quite the adventure indeed. I think that's the worst Varg experience I've ever read.
At least the first problem you've had, electric fault issue, seems to have been corrected after the early production runs?

I must be not understanding you correctly because from what I read there have been loads of people had to change the drivetrain, that youtube channel who test bikes did it very early on there have been loads since including the thicker cover gen1 and the gen2 still to this day we read of others recently got there bikes and end up changing the drivetrain.

Batteries as well not been an issue for me but has been for lots, I noticed a picture of 2 stark batteries sitting on a bench one has some extra cooling fins low down I think they were so you would think the problems are related to heat. So this enduro will have 20% more range due to better cells, got to think these cells will get a bit hotter and clearly things are already borderline.

Don't see so much about replacing the VCU recently but I noticed the new one had some rubber mounts the old one did not have, who would have thought vibration would be an issue on an electric bike, maybe more a frequency thing. Good to see progress with the VCU but being totally honest I am not seeing much if any apart from that.

If you are trying to nail down production runs? gen1 v gen2 comparisons I really do not think you are going to get anything constructive out of it. From what I have seem my self on my bike and from what I read they started with loads of issues and still the bikes going out of the door have most of them.....then we see anton wass talking like it is near perfect We need to play him at his own game and make sure people are aware that there are still loads of problems.

 

[Beagle]

Beagle, are you going to be documenting and keeping this attempt at what you have started alive? Seems like a living spreadsheet would be a good way to maintain a running list.

I almost feel silly adding my content as I've only had the bike for a month and the holidays have kept me from riding as much as I would like. But, here goes:
MX Gen 2 / #8036 (why should we worry about posting actual VINs?) / 4.5 hrs. / 64.2 miles
*Flat tubes
* No other serious issues (yet)

Yes I'll try to summarize at the top of the thread and then people can go to the messages to get the full picture. Don't think we would get a ton of answers but maybe a table would be handy in this case, I have not really thought this through

I must be not understanding you correctly because from what I read there have been loads of people had to change the drivetrain, that youtube channel who test bikes did it very early on there have been loads since including the thicker cover gen1 and the gen2 still to this day we read of others recently got there bikes and end up changing the drivetrain.

Batteries as well not been an issue for me but has been for lots, I noticed a picture of 2 stark batteries sitting on a bench one has some extra cooling fins low down I think they were so you would think the problems are related to heat. So this enduro will have 20% more range due to better cells, got to think these cells will get a bit hotter and clearly things are already borderline.

Don't see so much about replacing the VCU recently but I noticed the new one had some rubber mounts the old one did not have, who would have thought vibration would be an issue on an electric bike, maybe more a frequency thing. Good to see progress with the VCU but being totally honest I am not seeing much if any apart from that.

If you are trying to nail down production runs? gen1 v gen2 comparisons I really do not think you are going to get anything constructive out of it. From what I have seem my self on my bike and from what I read they started with loads of issues and still the bikes going out of the door have most of them.....then we see anton wass talking like it is near perfect We need to play him at his own game and make sure people are aware that there are still loads of problems.

No I meant the warning of impeding doom and imminent death while riding due to insulation fault could be a thing of the past thanks to hardware changes?
This thread makes it clear they're still changing batteries and powertrains but it seems it's because of "new" issues
Same for Gen2 inverter, "Gen2 battery" with added fins in front, some hardware is still failing but it appears to be more right from the start or after a couple of rides. And one would hope less prevalent however it would be very hard to know.
Anyway our sample as of right now is way too small but that's the kind of stuff I'm hoping to understand a bit better.

 

[UKLee]

Yes I'll try to summarize at the top of the thread and then people can go to the messages to get the full picture. Don't think we would get a ton of answers but maybe a table would be handy in this case, I have not really thought this through


No I meant the warning of impeding doom and imminent death while riding due to insulation fault could be a thing of the past thanks to hardware changes?
This thread makes it clear they're still changing batteries and powertrains but it seems it's because of "new" issues
Same for Gen2 inverter, "Gen2 battery" with added fins in front, some hardware is still failing but it appears to be more right from the start or after a couple of rides. And one would hope less prevalent however it would be very hard to know.
Anyway our sample as of right now is way too small but that's the kind of stuff I'm hoping to understand a bit better.

Not at all. power is still cutting out and drivetrains are still locking up 2 massive problems if it happens in the wrong place.

Just the phone falling out thing, I see many are riding without the phone problem is how do you know if you are getting a warning telling you there is an insulation issue which is saying get off it or it might electrocute you? How do you know which mode you are in, when you next open the throttle there could be a lot more or a lot less power there that you were expecting. If the power in the battery drops below 18% I think it is it goes orange to warn you then goes in to limp mode you will not be aware of it again if that happens approaching that double you have been clearing you could come up short and smash in to the face of the second jump.

 

[FYR]

Beagle, speaking for myself, I really do appreciate your efforts of making this a positive endeavor. Identifying known issues so we can use that info constructively and analytically will be helpful. Most (or, at least many) of us love our Vargs and have accepted that it was created by a brand new company with passion and desire to break new ground in a sport/hobby that we love.

 

[Beagle]

Beagle, speaking for myself, I really do appreciate your efforts of making this a positive endeavor. Identifying known issues so we can use that info constructively and analytically will be helpful. Most (or, at least many) of us love our Vargs and have accepted that it was created by a brand new company with passion and desire to break new ground in a sport/hobby that we love.

Thanks for your kind words.

TBH I don't intend to put a positive nor negative spin on the stories collated here. Then as you say, hopefully identifying and analyzing issues could be interesting, and maybe even helpful to some. This will be more relevant if we can grow our sample of Varg owners answering here over time.

 

[Toom38]

I have 27.5 hours on R 3*** VIN. I purchased it April '24. Ride strictly moto. I'm reluctant to say but have had no issues with mine. It's never washed with a pressure washer. I replaced the inner tubes, tires and grips. I don't post much but i do lurk here just to gather info.

 

[UKLee]

You may notice I tell it like it is and make no apology for that, if you want to skip my posts when you see my name at the top of the post or put me on ignore that is up to you what I say is exactly what we have experienced, We also use our bikes quite hard and do not use them as some garage queen.

My twins who are full size and almost 17 ride the bikes more than me, not going to be world champions but ride quite well, dad can no longer keep up
they can jump on anything from a 125 to a 450 and a stark and make it go quite well.
A few years ago they both had 2021 yz 125's which were great bikes. One of the twins had a few offs he thought was due to the throttle sticking but was a bit unsure me and the other twin rode that bike and could not get it to do it, At the time I was trying to get the kids to do more work on there own bikes and had had them fit there own air filters so did wonder if dirt had got in around the slide but stripped the carb/intake and nothing, checked the cable routing adjusters everything.
We went a MX practice day and I was by chance following the twin with the bike issue, he landed off a jump then went off the track and looked out of control, he managed to get off the bike but the bike carried on clearly the throttle was stuck. the bike even went down on its side then got back up again and I chased it down the field eventully got to it still revving but foolishly hit the kill button, should of held the throttle to check if it was slack to tell me it the issue was throttle end or slide end. after killing the engine the throttle felt fine.

Again stripped the carb/throttle nothing, I took the bike out in the next session making sure I was away from other riders and ready with the clutch but again could not get the throttle to stick even trying full throttle, part throttle everything I could think of to make it stick again but nothing. At that point I had seen it with my own eyes the throttle had stuck and I was mad at myself for doubting my son luckily he was not badly injured but it did knock his confidence in a big way.
First thing monday morning I was on the phone to the yamaha dealer ordered everything to do with the system new complete carb complete throtthe cable adjusters even air intake I made sure every single little thing was replaced with new. The dealer said why replace it all it could just be the slide or the cable, I said NO I am not going to see my son in a hospital bed or worse because I cheaped out. The dealer then said well you can just sell the old carb on e bay and say nothing not the way I work at all !
It cost me the best part of £1000 but never had another problem, I want my bikes right.
Plenty of danger in the sport without bike issues adding danger.

 

[happyinmotion]

130 hours, 2xxx VIN, mostly riding hard enduro in dank NZ forest or shingle banks at the coast.

I thrash this bike - if I don't drop it five times in a ride then I feel like I'm not trying hard enough.

The bike's been entirely reliable.

I've cracked the gear cover by dropping it on a rock and cracked the side stand bracket by dropping it on a rock, but I think that would have happened to any bike - they were big rocks. I guess I have to restart the app occasionally.

 

[Erwin P]

You may notice I tell it like it is and make no apology for that, if you want to skip my posts when you see my name at the top of the post or put me on ignore that is up to you what I say is exactly what we have experienced, We also use our bikes quite hard and do not use them as some garage queen.

My twins who are full size and almost 17 ride the bikes more than me, not going to be world champions but ride quite well, dad can no longer keep up
they can jump on anything from a 125 to a 450 and a stark and make it go quite well.
A few years ago they both had 2021 yz 125's which were great bikes. One of the twins had a few offs he thought was due to the throttle sticking but was a bit unsure me and the other twin rode that bike and could not get it to do it, At the time I was trying to get the kids to do more work on there own bikes and had had them fit there own air filters so did wonder if dirt had got in around the slide but stripped the carb/intake and nothing, checked the cable routing adjusters everything.
We went a MX practice day and I was by chance following the twin with the bike issue, he landed off a jump then went off the track and looked out of control, he managed to get off the bike but the bike carried on clearly the throttle was stuck. the bike even went down on its side then got back up again and I chased it down the field eventully got to it still revving but foolishly hit the kill button, should of held the throttle to check if it was slack to tell me it the issue was throttle end or slide end. after killing the engine the throttle felt fine.

Again stripped the carb/throttle nothing, I took the bike out in the next session making sure I was away from other riders and ready with the clutch but again could not get the throttle to stick even trying full throttle, part throttle everything I could think of to make it stick again but nothing. At that point I had seen it with my own eyes the throttle had stuck and I was mad at myself for doubting my son luckily he was not badly injured but it did knock his confidence in a big way.
First thing monday morning I was on the phone to the yamaha dealer ordered everything to do with the system new complete carb complete throtthe cable adjusters even air intake I made sure every single little thing was replaced with new. The dealer said why replace it all it could just be the slide or the cable, I said NO I am not going to see my son in a hospital bed or worse because I cheaped out. The dealer then said well you can just sell the old carb on e bay and say nothing not the way I work at all !
It cost me the best part of £1000 but never had another problem, I want my bikes right.
Plenty of danger in the sport without bike issues adding danger.

I had such a problem with my Beta 300 2T. It was put so lean that everytime it really had to work hard and got hot it ran away from me. Replaced lots of parts but just 2 jets ended up being the trick. Nothing to do with Stark issues, but more knowledge is more.