Stark's Traction Control & The Future of E-Bike Over-the-Air Software Updates
If you’re looking to get on a Stark Varg motorcycle here in Western New York, you’ve found the right place. We offer test rides and more here at Moto Z and are a certified Stark dealer. If you have questions, we have answers! Get in touch with Deanna & Jeff at the shop, and we can go over anything you need to know about purchasing one of these magic machines! We use this blog as a tool to help keep our fellow riders informed, and to talk about some of the many interesting aspects of what we do. Today on the blog, we wanted to talk a bit about this summer’s “Traction Control” update on Stark VARG’s, and what it means for motorcycle maintenance and buying a motorcycle in the future.
Installing Update…
If you’ve got an iPhone or modern smartphone, you’ve been forced to upgrade your software before. No matter what, eventually your device simply won’t “do what you need it to do” until that update is over. Obviously, for hundreds of years, things with motors didn’t have “software” or computers. Motors propelled the machine, and until you needed a mechanical intervention, you could know how the thing worked. As e-bikes, electronic motorcycles, or whatever you want to call them have slowly injected themselves into the motorcycle mainstream, we have seen how some changes have made bike ownership and maintenance much easier.
Why Are Electric Motorcycles So Reliable?
There are plenty of reasons why e-motorcycles are more reliable than traditional “internal combustion engines.” For one basic reason, there are simply fewer parts. Fewer parts mean fewer chances for a part to break or need repair or replacement.
An electric motorcycle or dirt bike typically has only one rotating part, whereas a gas engine has HUNDREDS of components. Pistons, valves, shafts, etc. This means constant friction and stress on the many moving parts.
These many moving parts in a traditional combustion motorcycle engine require fluids to keep things moving and healthy. Oil, oil filters, spark plugs, radiator coolant, and other fluids keep everything smooth, but electric motorcycles require no fluid or filter maintenance. Another factor is the gearbox. Because electric bikes have single-speed power delivery, there are no clutch plates or adjustments to the clutch.
One cool thing about electric motorcycles is that electric motors use regenerative braking to slow the bike down while feeding kinetic energy back into the battery. This can help to reduce wear and tear on the physical brake pads and rotors.
The downside?
If you know someone who drives a TESLA vehicle, you probably already know that when it comes to repair and maintenance, you aren’t going to be able to just pull up to the mechanic shop around the corner and tell Al, the guy you’ve been going to for years. Powertrains on electic machines are simpler and durable, but battery packs can require expensive damage control or replacement, and major proprietary system issues sometimes require you to bring the vehicle in for specialized dealership service. Still, electric is here to stay, especially for recreational and street motorcycles.
Upside Alert - Over-the-Air Software Upgrades
An over-the-air software update (OTA) is the wireless delivery and installation of new operating systems, firmware, or feature enhancements to connected devices. This is like your smartphone, smart home gadgets, or vehicle. You may have noticed newer cars performing updates over-the-air. Many brands like Ford, Kia, and Toyota push updates directly to cars to upgrade driver-assistance tech or resolve software-related recalls. Another feature that can be used over-the-air is software upgrades that can improve performance. This is something Stark has already proven to unveil this summer!!!
VARG owners wanted traction control, and thanks to the manufacturer, Alpha owners can have it.
Here is what Stark VARG offers for Alpha Models on the recent Dynamic Traction Control System
Stark VARG doesn’t require owners to get any new hardware or stop by the dealership. The system is completely delivered REMOTELY to motorcycles connected to the internet! According to Stark, the upgrade is designed to help riders improve traction and confidence while riding on low-grip conditions. This means wet pavement, gravel, mud, roots, and other technical terrain that challenges the bike’s factory settings.
Stark knows the future of electric motorcycles is customization, and it’s one reminder of why they are at the forefront of electric motorcycles. Riders can independently adjust their traction control settings within EACH power mode, providing them with varying levels of intervention based on the rider’s feel, experience, and preferences. This means no two Stark VARGs are the same. They truly can be tuned to your ride!
Key Features & Functions of the Dynamic Traction Control System:
Smart Throttle Filtering- Limits sudden wheel spin and maintains forward drive out of corners
Jump Bypass- Disables the system in the air, so your rear wheel spins and lands with full power
App Control- Allows you to adjust the intervention level from 0% to 100%, independently for each individual power mode
You’ll want to make sure what model you have before assuming it is included.
It’s important to note that purchasers of the 60hp VARG models will not get this update for FREE. ONLY those who purchased the Stark VARG Alpha models, including the full-power 80hp MX, EX, and SM Alpha variants, get this upgrade for free. Standard owners will need to pay for an upgrade. Get in touch with us to learn more!
Want to ride one of these bad boys?
Get in touch with us through our website or over the phone to set up a time to talk about one of our Stark VARG motorcycles. We offer custom parts and replacement parts for the bikes, and we can also set you up with a test drive! We are an authorized dealer here in WNY, so just get in touch with us, and we can start your Stark VARG journey today!