Varg EX has different sound to Varg MX. EX howls more and is significantly louder

[FYR]

Just ordered the oil. How are you getting the oil out, suction pump?

Besides frequently changing this gear oil and keeping the chain clean and lubed, anything else I need to worry about?

As others have mentioned, there's a small drain plug and it also has a copper crush washer. They recommend a new washer whenever replacing the plug, but I've re-used mine several times and have no leaking or seeping issue. Stark does a great job with their service videos, it's worth it to go into your account and search for the one that pertains to your particular need, or you can search YouTube -

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The oil change process is best done with removal of the skid pan and that's also a good opportunity to clean all the dirt and debris that's been trapped in it. Pay attention to the torque spec's and use the great tools that came with your bike. The whole process can be done in very little time if you have all the bits needed.

 

[WoodsWeapon]

You can anneal the copper washer by heating it with a torch and letting it cool to room temp. Probably overkill but that’s the correct process aside from replacing it.

 

[Theo]

You can anneal the copper washer by heating it with a torch and letting it cool to room temp. Probably overkill but that’s the correct process aside from replacing it.

I haven’t done it to the oil plug washer of the Varg, but when I did it to other washers, I hung them on a screwdriver and utilized a gas kitchen stove with the kitchen lights off, in order to notice their glow right away. As soon as they glew, I moved them away from the flame and put them back on the flame right away when they became dark again, keeping them hot for a couple of minutes. Then, I cleaned the washers with some sandpaper to remove the oxides.
They were noticeably more malleable.

 

[Erwin P]

Didn't the EX come with very short gearing?
I believe i heard as low as 12-50 stock although that might be off. That would add significant RPM's and thus sound.

I do hate they take speed from the motor itself. Changing the gearing or wheels would greatly affect ground speed. If only they put an option in the phone to add gearing and wheel dimensions that would be mostly solved.

 

[DaveAusNor]

12-48. Yes, I agree, being able to change how the bike measures speed is a no-brainer.

 

[Erwin P]

Yeah i believe the MX is 14-50. That would make an 11% gap in speed per rpm.

 

[AL_V]

Yeah i believe the MX is 14-50. That would make an 11% gap in speed per rpm.

I got my MX in May 2024, with an 18" rear tire.
It came with 13-47 sprockets and 114 link chain.

 

[Erwin P]

Checked it. 14-48 the MX later got. So an even bigger gap.

 

[FYR]

14/47 is what came stock on my 2024 Varg Alpha MX with 18" rear wheel.

 

[Theo]

I do hate they take speed from the motor itself.

In a review of the Ducati 450 MX by Motocross Action Magazine, they said that the AMA doesn't allow to have speed sensors on the rear wheel but they allow to have them on the countershaft and that's where the Ducatis have them.

Changing the gearing or wheels would greatly affect ground speed. If only they put an option in the phone to add gearing and wheel dimensions that would be mostly solved.

Nice idea!

 

[JJ2]

It is impossible that the gear ratio is the reason, because I have both Stark MX and EX geared with 13-47.
The MX is 14-47 original in Europe and the EX is 12-48. Even pitches with 114 chain links are not good for wear, so I always use odd pitches. And 12 teeth on the sprocket is not enough because of the polygon effect, 11 teeth is definitely not enough. Anything goes, but with this combination 13-47 or even 13-49 I find the Stark the best for my driving.
The whine and howling on the EX is strongest at constant speed around 6,000-8,000 rpm and during recuperation. Sometimes it also smells slightly burnt.
I have sent videos to Stark and am waiting for an answer.