Stark Orders and Payments

10/16/2023 10:10am
MaxPower wrote:
I think the big manufacturers are still waiting on E bikes to see if people are still going to still be on board with the whole...

I think the big manufacturers are still waiting on E bikes to see if people are still going to still be on board with the whole misgendering thing or if that trend will die and they will be left with warehouses full of bikes. Honda should have hired Dylan Mullvane to ride instead of Trey. 

Mx is an inclusive sport,I'm all for it. Trophies for everybody! I just hope oil protesters won't block me and my Ford Diesel and KX125 from entering the track

Hopefully that KX125 is a dual shock, drum brake, air cooler, and has 4 inches of travel. Otherwise it might be too advanced and take away from the core of the sport.......  And I'm sure that the Ford has manual locks, roll up windows, vinyl bench seat, manual trans, no turbo, no power steering or power brakes. 

Where  should  MX bike evolution stop ???   

I say go out and try riding one. I think its great that there is another option . And like most people that like the EMX bikes, I think that You should ride whatever bike is most fun for you.  

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JK BRO
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10/16/2023 10:32am

So, I went by my local dealer and had a look at one today. While they look decent that battery pack is HUGE! Slimmer than a 450 for sure but not really my cup of tea. They have a demo day coming up at the beginning of next month and I might attend just to give some feedback.

I don't like the sales tactic. My dealer was saying they have to buy the bikes from stark before they can get them on the floor. Reiterates the "pay in full" before you get your bike trend.

thumbnail IMG 4085.jpg?VersionId=zETyfSVu6mUyouGe7kFAcjRI.WF

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10/16/2023 11:01am
JK BRO wrote:
So, I went by my local dealer and had a look at one today. While they look decent that battery pack is HUGE! Slimmer than a...

So, I went by my local dealer and had a look at one today. While they look decent that battery pack is HUGE! Slimmer than a 450 for sure but not really my cup of tea. They have a demo day coming up at the beginning of next month and I might attend just to give some feedback.

I don't like the sales tactic. My dealer was saying they have to buy the bikes from stark before they can get them on the floor. Reiterates the "pay in full" before you get your bike trend.

thumbnail IMG 4085.jpg?VersionId=zETyfSVu6mUyouGe7kFAcjRI.WF

Well that is a good thing that the Dealers have to pay in full like the direct to customer , customers have to. I would bet that this will change to be more inline with the way it works with other manufactures in the future.  I'm sure that when dealers are selling Vargs, and all of the pre ordered direct to consumer orders are taken care of. You will be able to walk into a shop and buy a bike like any other brand. 

How do the other manufacturers do it when You order a bike with custom sprung and valved suspension directly from the factory to be shipped to Your house? 

It makes sense to me to pay before the bike gets shipped to me. They have such a demand right now they might as well do whatever they feel is going to help them achieve their goals. 

 

The delays in shipping after the bike was paid in full, and lack of communication.  That was not good, it looks like they have fixed that issue.   

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soggy
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10/16/2023 11:07am
JK BRO wrote:
So, I went by my local dealer and had a look at one today. While they look decent that battery pack is HUGE! Slimmer than a...

So, I went by my local dealer and had a look at one today. While they look decent that battery pack is HUGE! Slimmer than a 450 for sure but not really my cup of tea. They have a demo day coming up at the beginning of next month and I might attend just to give some feedback.

I don't like the sales tactic. My dealer was saying they have to buy the bikes from stark before they can get them on the floor. Reiterates the "pay in full" before you get your bike trend.

thumbnail IMG 4085.jpg?VersionId=zETyfSVu6mUyouGe7kFAcjRI.WF

Well that is a good thing that the Dealers have to pay in full like the direct to customer , customers have to. I would bet...

Well that is a good thing that the Dealers have to pay in full like the direct to customer , customers have to. I would bet that this will change to be more inline with the way it works with other manufactures in the future.  I'm sure that when dealers are selling Vargs, and all of the pre ordered direct to consumer orders are taken care of. You will be able to walk into a shop and buy a bike like any other brand. 

How do the other manufacturers do it when You order a bike with custom sprung and valved suspension directly from the factory to be shipped to Your house? 

It makes sense to me to pay before the bike gets shipped to me. They have such a demand right now they might as well do whatever they feel is going to help them achieve their goals. 

 

The delays in shipping after the bike was paid in full, and lack of communication.  That was not good, it looks like they have fixed that issue.   

Can anyone confirm the suspension is actually valved for your weight skill and not just sprung?

The Shop

JK BRO
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10/16/2023 11:21am
Well that is a good thing that the Dealers have to pay in full like the direct to customer , customers have to. I would bet...

Well that is a good thing that the Dealers have to pay in full like the direct to customer , customers have to. I would bet that this will change to be more inline with the way it works with other manufactures in the future.  I'm sure that when dealers are selling Vargs, and all of the pre ordered direct to consumer orders are taken care of. You will be able to walk into a shop and buy a bike like any other brand. 

How do the other manufacturers do it when You order a bike with custom sprung and valved suspension directly from the factory to be shipped to Your house? 

It makes sense to me to pay before the bike gets shipped to me. They have such a demand right now they might as well do whatever they feel is going to help them achieve their goals. 

 

The delays in shipping after the bike was paid in full, and lack of communication.  That was not good, it looks like they have fixed that issue.   

I'm on the other side of the fence. I want the immediate gratification of taking my bike home the same day I buy it. If this becomes the new trend then I would imagine a lot of sales would revert to online only as there is no reason to walk into a dealership at that point.

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JK BRO
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10/16/2023 11:22am
JK BRO wrote:
So, I went by my local dealer and had a look at one today. While they look decent that battery pack is HUGE! Slimmer than a...

So, I went by my local dealer and had a look at one today. While they look decent that battery pack is HUGE! Slimmer than a 450 for sure but not really my cup of tea. They have a demo day coming up at the beginning of next month and I might attend just to give some feedback.

I don't like the sales tactic. My dealer was saying they have to buy the bikes from stark before they can get them on the floor. Reiterates the "pay in full" before you get your bike trend.

thumbnail IMG 4085.jpg?VersionId=zETyfSVu6mUyouGe7kFAcjRI.WF

Well that is a good thing that the Dealers have to pay in full like the direct to customer , customers have to. I would bet...

Well that is a good thing that the Dealers have to pay in full like the direct to customer , customers have to. I would bet that this will change to be more inline with the way it works with other manufactures in the future.  I'm sure that when dealers are selling Vargs, and all of the pre ordered direct to consumer orders are taken care of. You will be able to walk into a shop and buy a bike like any other brand. 

How do the other manufacturers do it when You order a bike with custom sprung and valved suspension directly from the factory to be shipped to Your house? 

It makes sense to me to pay before the bike gets shipped to me. They have such a demand right now they might as well do whatever they feel is going to help them achieve their goals. 

 

The delays in shipping after the bike was paid in full, and lack of communication.  That was not good, it looks like they have fixed that issue.   

soggy wrote:

Can anyone confirm the suspension is actually valved for your weight skill and not just sprung?

Sprung

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10/16/2023 11:25am
JK BRO wrote:
So, I went by my local dealer and had a look at one today. While they look decent that battery pack is HUGE! Slimmer than a...

So, I went by my local dealer and had a look at one today. While they look decent that battery pack is HUGE! Slimmer than a 450 for sure but not really my cup of tea. They have a demo day coming up at the beginning of next month and I might attend just to give some feedback.

I don't like the sales tactic. My dealer was saying they have to buy the bikes from stark before they can get them on the floor. Reiterates the "pay in full" before you get your bike trend.

thumbnail IMG 4085.jpg?VersionId=zETyfSVu6mUyouGe7kFAcjRI.WF

this hits my handguard fetish in that special spot. I get it on the looks. i love it, my brother is a pass. 

10/16/2023 12:13pm
Well that is a good thing that the Dealers have to pay in full like the direct to customer , customers have to. I would bet...

Well that is a good thing that the Dealers have to pay in full like the direct to customer , customers have to. I would bet that this will change to be more inline with the way it works with other manufactures in the future.  I'm sure that when dealers are selling Vargs, and all of the pre ordered direct to consumer orders are taken care of. You will be able to walk into a shop and buy a bike like any other brand. 

How do the other manufacturers do it when You order a bike with custom sprung and valved suspension directly from the factory to be shipped to Your house? 

It makes sense to me to pay before the bike gets shipped to me. They have such a demand right now they might as well do whatever they feel is going to help them achieve their goals. 

 

The delays in shipping after the bike was paid in full, and lack of communication.  That was not good, it looks like they have fixed that issue.   

JK BRO wrote:
I'm on the other side of the fence. I want the immediate gratification of taking my bike home the same day I buy it. If this...

I'm on the other side of the fence. I want the immediate gratification of taking my bike home the same day I buy it. If this becomes the new trend then I would imagine a lot of sales would revert to online only as there is no reason to walk into a dealership at that point.

I was saying it is a good thing the dealer had to pay in full like the retail customers. Not that people had to wait.  

 

And that at some point  the way You buy a Varg will be like how it is with other brands. Meaning that You will be able to go buy a Varg off the showroom floor and walk out with it.  Not that other brands would go customer direct. Stark themselves seems to be wanting to go more towards the regular dealer bought way of sales . And get away from customer direct.

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MxAddic
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10/16/2023 1:39pm

Forgive me if I am wrong but wasn't the customer direct model a key selling point when the bike was introduced?

Now you no longer should embrace the suck?

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Beagle
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10/16/2023 3:07pm

Hey Sasquatch, don't waste your time, it's just not worth it.

When this thread started only a handful of Vargs had been delivered, there were Stark customers rightfully angered by extended delays and abysmal lack of communication. There were here maybe half a dozen customers (including OP) who had paid in full and had been waiting for their delivery over more than a couple of months.

Now, two months later :

production has been ramping up like crazy, 500 bikes/month is 6000 bikes/year, but it's likely to increase again to fulfill the 18 000 preorders under a year from now (if you pass an order today, estimated delivery in Europe is mid-september 2024),

hundreds of customers around the world got their Vargs, including OP (probably over 1 000 happy customers at the end of the month),

anyone can now book a Varg demo ride with hundreds of dealers who got the bike,

rave reviews keep pouring left, right and center by journos, customers, pros and amateurs alike (latest is Travis Pastrana, his 2nd most viewed YT video, over 300 k views in 5 days showing there is absolutely no interest for electric dirt bikes),

the Varg is already very competitive in various pro national championships (Arenacross UK, France SX tour, Austria super Enduro...)

This thread (and most other threads about EMX) are officially turning for some into a moving-the-goal-posts-marathon, they are asking questions with zero interest for an honest answer, it's a difficult time for them.

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10/16/2023 4:10pm
wfopete wrote:

Now that Honda has it's hat in the electric MX world things WILL change! 

Don't hold your breath, Honda is years away from a production model.

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yota
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Crystal River, FL, USA
10/16/2023 4:50pm
yota wrote:
varg lol.  who names a motocross bike.  can you imagine another company naming their bike wolf, or bear?  maybe rabbit or cheetah.  not saying it's not...

varg lol.  who names a motocross bike.  can you imagine another company naming their bike wolf, or bear?  maybe rabbit or cheetah.  not saying it's not a good bike but the freakin name thing.

vdrsnk04 wrote:

Kinda like some company naming one Elsinore in 1974 lol 🤷‍♂️ 

Elsinore is a place and was a significant racing event.  like naming a Ferrari "Daytona".  a varg is an animal.  I get it, cars have long been named after animals.  having trouble thinking of a motocross bike named after an animal.

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yota
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10/16/2023 4:52pm
yota wrote:
varg lol.  who names a motocross bike.  can you imagine another company naming their bike wolf, or bear?  maybe rabbit or cheetah.  not saying it's not...

varg lol.  who names a motocross bike.  can you imagine another company naming their bike wolf, or bear?  maybe rabbit or cheetah.  not saying it's not a good bike but the freakin name thing.

ksithumper wrote:

Guess you are too young to know about Combat Wombats then....

good point.  still, varg sucks.   not against the bike, just the name.

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10/16/2023 5:04pm
wfopete wrote:

Now that Honda has it's hat in the electric MX world things WILL change! 

Don't hold your breath, Honda is years away from a production model.

I took that comment as that rules that will allow electric into AMA pro and Am racing might move forward quicker or other brands  getting involved.  Just the general EMX movement being taken a little more seriously. 

Even if bikes from Honda,Yamaha, etc. might be years away. 

But I don't know if that was how the poster intended it to be taken.

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10/16/2023 5:13pm
wfopete wrote:

Now that Honda has it's hat in the electric MX world things WILL change! 

Don't hold your breath, Honda is years away from a production model.

I took that comment as that rules that will allow electric into AMA pro and Am racing might move forward quicker or other brands  getting involved. ...

I took that comment as that rules that will allow electric into AMA pro and Am racing might move forward quicker or other brands  getting involved.  Just the general EMX movement being taken a little more seriously. 

Even if bikes from Honda,Yamaha, etc. might be years away. 

But I don't know if that was how the poster intended it to be taken.

I doubt AMA Pro racing will allow electric in, not until the other brands have electric motocross bikes to market.

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10/16/2023 5:19pm
MxAddic wrote:
Forgive me if I am wrong but wasn't the customer direct model a key selling point when the bike was introduced? Now you no longer should...

Forgive me if I am wrong but wasn't the customer direct model a key selling point when the bike was introduced?

Now you no longer should embrace the suck?

I'm not sure that they ever said that was how they planned on doing things forever.  Of course they will learn what their customers want, like other companies do. And perhaps change how they do things. I don't see that as any type of issue .

They can do both as long as their dealers and customers are OK with it. It would be a nice option to be able to order a Varg online. And then that order goes to the closest Stark dealer. They prep Your bike with whatever options You get. And then You can either pick it up at the dealer, or have it delivered to Your door. That way the dealer still sells the bike and gets their $$. And the customer has a dealer that can help them if they have an issue.  I have no idea if they will do this. So do not take this as anything more than something I think would be possible.  

2
prozach
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10/16/2023 7:49pm

Anyone figure out if you get a green sucker in California yet?  

2
10/16/2023 8:13pm Edited Date/Time 10/16/2023 9:43pm
yota wrote:
varg lol.  who names a motocross bike.  can you imagine another company naming their bike wolf, or bear?  maybe rabbit or cheetah.  not saying it's not...

varg lol.  who names a motocross bike.  can you imagine another company naming their bike wolf, or bear?  maybe rabbit or cheetah.  not saying it's not a good bike but the freakin name thing.

vdrsnk04 wrote:

Kinda like some company naming one Elsinore in 1974 lol 🤷‍♂️ 

yota wrote:
Elsinore is a place and was a significant racing event.  like naming a Ferrari "Daytona".  a varg is an animal.  I get it, cars have long...

Elsinore is a place and was a significant racing event.  like naming a Ferrari "Daytona".  a varg is an animal.  I get it, cars have long been named after animals.  having trouble thinking of a motocross bike named after an animal.

There's been several already named in this thread. I'll throw a few more on the pile: Pursang (thoroughbred horse), Cappra (goat), Black Widow, Cobra.

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davis224
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10/17/2023 6:15am
vdrsnk04 wrote:

Kinda like some company naming one Elsinore in 1974 lol 🤷‍♂️ 

yota wrote:
Elsinore is a place and was a significant racing event.  like naming a Ferrari "Daytona".  a varg is an animal.  I get it, cars have long...

Elsinore is a place and was a significant racing event.  like naming a Ferrari "Daytona".  a varg is an animal.  I get it, cars have long been named after animals.  having trouble thinking of a motocross bike named after an animal.

There's been several already named in this thread. I'll throw a few more on the pile: Pursang (thoroughbred horse), Cappra (goat), Black Widow, Cobra.

Not a bike itself but probably the most prominent moto company of all, Fox.

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Beagle
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10/18/2023 3:23pm

There is a lot to unpack from this long interview with Seb Tortelli :

https://dailymotocross.fr/sebastien-tortelli-lidee-etait-de-redonner-un…

Some highlights for me are Stark continuous efforts in improving the software, with updates over the air you'll get the same product wether it's a 1st year or 3rd year bike. Now they're ironing all the bugs, following everything that can go wrong on any bike and correcting it in almost real time for all their customers.

Regarding the range he can ride a fast 30 min moto but obviously he's not at world championship level anymore. Still that should be plenty enough for the vast majority of customers (probably not as fast as old Seb) then chilling and charging the bike between motos.

Laptime wise, improvement going from ICE to the Varg will be significant for amateur riders because it's just easier to ride, to focus on your riding. On the contrary, for pros where everything is already wired and automatic, the lack of shifting does not really change anything.

Stark's goal is not to replace ICE but to grow the sport, to open it to more people with a bike easier to ride and more accessible tracks closer to towns.

They are preparing an official Stark team in which Seb will be involved. Right now he's with Thomas Do (SX2 wildcard, not ranked) at every round of the SX tour. They are waiting for FFM green light to go on as regular competitors for 2024 french championships. Following Do's great success (2 podiums) at the first 2024 round of Arenacross UK they will race the whole season (next round Manchester January 6th). After some successful testing with the Australian federation, Stark will compete in AusProMX and AuSX in 2024.

"You got to try the bike and make up your mind. That's the best way to judge this machine. There lots of rumors but until you hop on one you just don't know what it's like. And it doesn't have to please everyone."

True words.

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10/18/2023 3:29pm
prozach wrote:

Anyone figure out if you get a green sucker in California yet?  

Curious to find out as well. Patiently waiting for JM485 since he just got his.

1
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jameslowry
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pearl, MS, USA
10/18/2023 4:40pm

just say NO to this e-bike business If you people remember what 4-strokes did to motocross this is maybe worse the cost will drive people out of our sport please don't be a sheep & follow the BS e-bike thing for the love of OUR sport.

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JM485
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10/18/2023 5:57pm
prozach wrote:

Anyone figure out if you get a green sucker in California yet?  

mattyhamz2 wrote:

Curious to find out as well. Patiently waiting for JM485 since he just got his.

As far as I’m aware it’s a little bit of a grey area, I don’t think DMV knows what to do with these bikes yet.  Some state parks it’s not a problem because they recognize it’s an E-bike, but others will be a pain in the ass about it.  If I find out more I’ll keep people updated but I haven’t tried to register mine yet.

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zehn
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10/18/2023 5:59pm
jameslowry wrote:
just say NO to this e-bike business If you people remember what 4-strokes did to motocross this is maybe worse the cost will drive people out...

just say NO to this e-bike business If you people remember what 4-strokes did to motocross this is maybe worse the cost will drive people out of our sport please don't be a sheep & follow the BS e-bike thing for the love of OUR sport.

“Don’t be a sheep just keep buy the same thing I’ve been buying for the last 30 years” 

Great take bro

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10/18/2023 6:14pm Edited Date/Time 10/18/2023 6:15pm
prozach wrote:

Anyone figure out if you get a green sucker in California yet?  

mattyhamz2 wrote:

Curious to find out as well. Patiently waiting for JM485 since he just got his.

JM485 wrote:
As far as I’m aware it’s a little bit of a grey area, I don’t think DMV knows what to do with these bikes yet.  Some...

As far as I’m aware it’s a little bit of a grey area, I don’t think DMV knows what to do with these bikes yet.  Some state parks it’s not a problem because they recognize it’s an E-bike, but others will be a pain in the ass about it.  If I find out more I’ll keep people updated but I haven’t tried to register mine yet.

The importer needs to apply for green sticker accreditation for the bike, if you buy direct from Stark, that would be you!

Stark needs to setup a US company, so all bikes can be accredited by them, that company could also apply for AMA business membership, then they may have a say in AMA rules.

2
crt32
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Oklahoma City, OK, USA
10/18/2023 7:16pm

How many have actually been sold (money changing hands) do we know that number yet? I know alot of demos flying around, but dealers/influencers didnt pay for those Im assuming. How many true customers. Also wonder if any have backed out when time came to collect. 

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10/18/2023 7:27pm
crt32 wrote:
How many have actually been sold (money changing hands) do we know that number yet? I know alot of demos flying around, but dealers/influencers didnt pay...

How many have actually been sold (money changing hands) do we know that number yet? I know alot of demos flying around, but dealers/influencers didnt pay for those Im assuming. How many true customers. Also wonder if any have backed out when time came to collect. 

Less than 1,000 out of the 18,000 pre-ordered, how many less than 1,000 is unclear.

Stark is claiming a recent production rate of 500 per month, that production rate will need to increase to meet demand.

KurtJ99
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10/18/2023 7:45pm
prozach wrote:

Anyone figure out if you get a green sucker in California yet?  

mattyhamz2 wrote:

Curious to find out as well. Patiently waiting for JM485 since he just got his.

JM485 wrote:
As far as I’m aware it’s a little bit of a grey area, I don’t think DMV knows what to do with these bikes yet.  Some...

As far as I’m aware it’s a little bit of a grey area, I don’t think DMV knows what to do with these bikes yet.  Some state parks it’s not a problem because they recognize it’s an E-bike, but others will be a pain in the ass about it.  If I find out more I’ll keep people updated but I haven’t tried to register mine yet.

You are close to Prairie City OHV, let us know if you go to Hangtown and find out from the rangers if it is OK in the park. I'm betting they will tell you that you need a sticker, like an e- streetbike needs a license plate. 

10/18/2023 8:03pm
prozach wrote:

Anyone figure out if you get a green sucker in California yet?  

mattyhamz2 wrote:

Curious to find out as well. Patiently waiting for JM485 since he just got his.

JM485 wrote:
As far as I’m aware it’s a little bit of a grey area, I don’t think DMV knows what to do with these bikes yet.  Some...

As far as I’m aware it’s a little bit of a grey area, I don’t think DMV knows what to do with these bikes yet.  Some state parks it’s not a problem because they recognize it’s an E-bike, but others will be a pain in the ass about it.  If I find out more I’ll keep people updated but I haven’t tried to register mine yet.

I know that when Honda came out with those little e-mini bikes they couldn’t be registered but that was more because the company making them for Honda didn’t do what they needed to in order to be approved by California. Not sure if they ever fixed that or not 

AgileMike
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Fruitland, ID, USA
10/18/2023 8:17pm

Received mine today in Idaho.  Shipment email was dated October 3rd.  Assembly took about 2.5 hours.  I would prefer to always buy crated bikes from now on.  Was able to put orange Lock-Tite on everything as I assembled it.  Serial number was NA00083X.

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