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I got a Stark on order. Anyhow I think we're screwed for now on Loretta's. Same with Alta.
Thanks to money and politics they eliminated a 50 class and made a new electric 50 class for KTM.
Basically until a major manufacturing company releases an e bike, they won't be allowed.
Curious what you mean by thanks to money and politics?
KTM has the money and pull like lobbyist to get what they want. Alta didn't, and Stark probably doesn't either.
Haha - that's a funny joke! To be clear, my snarkyness isn't directed at you, but at MX Sports. They banned Altas from racing at Loretta's years ago. No chance they let electric bikes race in any adult/vet class until one of the major manufacturers release a production model and push MX Sports to allow them to race. I sincerely wish they would allow them, I'm not an e-bike hater and would love to try out a Stark, but until one of the major "partners" releases an electric model, I don't see any way they let it happen. The only electric bikes allowed there are the KTM e-bikes in the kids class.
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The Stark Varg is currently not eligible to compete in any AMA sanctioned event, it's 400V battery exceeds the 60V DC limit specified in rule 1.2.D.18.h.6
So I assume that means Mammoth the Stark is out as well?
I remember a few years ago a guy raced the 60+ class on an Alta and I think he pulled all 4 holeshots. The electric bike killed at altitude. And I would imagine the Stark would only be better....
Seperate question. Can you adjust the horsepower limit while riding? Use the 80hp mode to start and then dial it down to the 60hp mode so it will last the whole moto no problem?
I would ride one at Mammoth if they are allowed. Anyone wanna sponsor an old slow guy?
That's funny! You realize this is VitalMX, right?
You're not even allowed to race Loretta's so the bike is irrelevant.
What did MX Sports say when you asked them?
You can save 5 different power/engine braking settings and switch between them while riding.
80hp for start, less for most of the race and back to 80hp to overtake!
That is a pretty sweet feature. Pretty soon our handlebars will look like an F1 cars steering wheel!!!!
Like KERS and DRS in F1, you may need to be selective when using 80hp!
If you are fast enough to qualify for LL’s in any vet class it’s not going the sight lap and 20 min moto anyways.
Kevin, I race the Alta three years at Mammoth. Yes you can change the modes on the fly. Alta only has four set modes. Stark has five adjustable mode HP and Engine braking.
As far as AMA this is in their rules book
They should allow them to race but in their own class. It's an unfair advantage.
Vet classes are open classes so who cares? If they are an unfair advantage, everyone will buy one.
Exactly. I raced my Alta at AMA, CRA, and outlaw tracks. Legal or not, no one protested my slow ass in +30. Other than Loretta qualifiers, I can't see tracks refusing to take our money. As for protesters in vet classes, fuckem. You can run a YZ125, xr250, or 450 in vet classes, so to say it's unfair is just ridiculous cry baby bs. Run what you brung.
I called and email MX sports about Stark being allowed at Lorettas and associated Area Qualifiers and Regionals. My understanding is they haven't made a decision yet. This was about a week ago.
The Vet classes at LL are listed as 122cc-Open cc. So there is no limit on the size of the motor. If you could fit a 1000cc engine into a MX chassis it would be legal. IF they were to allow electric bikes it would fit in the Vet classes and all the 450 classes. All the 450 classes at LL are also 122cc-Open cc.
I worked at both Alta and Stark and have spoken to the powers at be at MX Sports. They are not ready to make electric bikes legal in ICE classes. Personally, I think eMX bikes will have their own class. Just like the 50cc size eMX bikes. Mainly because of liability. I raced my Alta 6 times and let a few pro's race my demo's. The liability comes from the riders on ICE bikes not able to hear the eMX bikes when they are even right behind them. Trust me, its an issue. When ever I came up on someone, whether in a race or practice, I always gave them lots of room, because in many cases they have no idea you are there.
I'm a HUGE fan of eMX bikes but I think AMA and MX Sports along with all the major sanctions and promoters will take their time and consider advice from their legal team. That being said, as more riders ride them and see how better their lap times are and more importantly how insanely fun they are along with almost zero maintence on them, the numbers will increase at tracks across the globe. As those numbers grow, classes will be added. Its going to take a while, but its coming.
Pit Row
I’ve sent 4 emails to MXSports and have gotten no response from the AMA. Not even a “We are working on it and will release an update when possible.” Nothing, it’s so screwed up.
(Lack of) Sound can't be used a reason because that would mean they'd have to stop deaf people from racing... And well...Ashley Fiolek managed just fine
They said I would find my answer on Vital.
Tell me how it’s unfair?
Riders will acclimate pretty quickly to the EMX bikes on the track. I’ve been planting those seeds every weekend. Guys come up and talk to me about it. It’s pretty cool.
I've not rode an Alta or Stark and I'm going to assume that they are a big advantage over a gas bike. More power, better handling and no gears to shift.
My opinion is that with gas bikes there is an advantage and disadvantage with every change in engine size or 4 stroke and 2 stroke. Generally when you gain power you lose handling with a gas bike so the "open" class rules work. With electric there really is no disadvantage or trade off. If they allow them to race it will force everyone in that class to be on one to be competitive.
How so? I raced a 144cc in the vet B classes for years against 450’s. And the engine isn’t what makes the bikes “handling” get worse. It’s mainly the effect of the power on rear suspension, from the torque on chassis, Swingarm and shock. Those effects will still be there on an e-bike.
Inmates running the Asylum...sounds like our present administration..
Before this thread goes fully off side (it will)
I'm a Vet - and i would say 95% could care less. The bikes are the least of our limits lol. Buy it - have fun. Are guys really racing for trophies and $$$$. Majority of Vet's have a masters degree in "how i lost the race" excuses. The Dark just gives us another lol.
The Stark will not be legal in any class at LLs this year.
I don't know why it matters in amateur racing, no one is using all the power they have now, having more don't make you faster.
So KTM just showed up, flashed some cash and boom, new class? My buddy rode a KTM 125 at the first LL in 82.
I think they put in the time.
the Varg is cool, maybe the next big thing but c’mon, have they even been out a year?
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