Taddy Blazusiak jumps ship at Stark

Charper732
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Scottdale, GA, USA
1/15/2025 3:57pm Edited Date/Time 1/15/2025 4:00pm

Not gonna lie, I posted this expecting a plethora of shit posts about Stark being lame and gay as per the Vitard code.... but they let me down. 

 

But tbf, In every Stark FB group, people most the most generic complaints about the dumbest stuff. Like first bike, day 1 stuff. No one has ever posted about throttle malfunctions other than they dropped the bike and broke the throttle housing itself. 

 

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1/15/2025 4:42pm

Looks like a whiskey throttle. I think swapmoto complained about doing the same thing. He’s acting pretty childish if so.

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1/15/2025 5:17pm

Looks like a whiskey throttle. I think swapmoto complained about doing the same thing. He’s acting pretty childish if so.

Maybe KTM has offered him stock options!

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davis224
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Fantasy
1/15/2025 5:29pm
Charper732 wrote:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/158hSwW4Wf/ Im just here for the haters😂 The bike is still the GOAT
1000015292 0

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/158hSwW4Wf/

 

Im just here for the haters😂 The bike is still the GOAT

I get big "I do not give Facebook permission to reuse my photos!" vibes from that statement.

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The Shop

971_Fan
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1/15/2025 5:46pm
Rickyisms wrote:

I’m sure this will bring rational and thoughtful discussion. 

Until someone  mentions Haiden or Jett. 

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Robgvx
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1/15/2025 8:52pm

I rode a Stark. I liked it. 

It still needs a clutch, though. You can pull the clutch when you’re whiskey throttling into oblivion. You can’t so easily back off the throttle. 

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bigk218
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1/15/2025 10:32pm

His toxic masculinity wasn’t a fit for their brand…. 🍿 

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6
1/15/2025 11:20pm
Robgvx wrote:
I rode a Stark. I liked it. It still needs a clutch, though. You can pull the clutch when you’re whiskey throttling into oblivion. You can’t so...

I rode a Stark. I liked it. 

It still needs a clutch, though. You can pull the clutch when you’re whiskey throttling into oblivion. You can’t so easily back off the throttle. 

Taddy ran a hand brake, try full throttle while stomping on the rear brake, you won't get far!

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defeatist45
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Raleigh, NC, USA
1/16/2025 3:32am

Dude grabs a handful of throttle and launches his bike into the guy. Sure, it’s the e bikes fault. Love Taddy, but this is lame

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bens 152
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NZ
1/16/2025 3:52am

The way he stopped in the rocks was odd. Did anyone watch the event? Did these guys have some on-track issues leading up to this? Or any prior beef? 

The tone of his post reads like someone who was forced to leave. Shame is one of the most powerful emotions. Shame leads to blame. 

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Motofinne
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1/16/2025 4:44am

The respect for Blazusiak went out through the window. So obvious that he did that on purpose, and to then slander publically the company that has been employing him is just a very shitty thing to do.

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Crossup
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1/16/2025 5:03am Edited Date/Time 1/16/2025 5:06am
Overdrive wrote:

Throttle issue on the bike? I wouldn't want that much power if it was unpredictable, whats the story here?

Hard to say.  Whiskey throttle on a high-HP bike with no transmission was one of my two fears considering electric.  But looking at his approach to...

Hard to say.  Whiskey throttle on a high-HP bike with no transmission was one of my two fears considering electric.  But looking at his approach to the jump he was not out of control, but it almost looks like something went wrong on the face, and he was on the brakes after landing and it looked like it was not stopping.  It also kind of looked like he was trying to tap the rear brake in the air and that was not working (brakes work, motor on different agenda).  On landing, I can't tell if it was whiskey throttle or stuck throttle which we know there is not a real throttle on a Stark.

It would be interesting to see what he would say happened there, strange crash, glad his ankle survived.

Considering he's one of the most talented riders in the world coming from the trials side and then being a champion in hard enduro, I trust his opinion and ability to manage a bike. That said, when you don't have a clutch and you have all that power at the crack of a throttle, Shit's gonna happen. I can see e bikes working on tracks and in motocross. But when it comes to hard enduro or enduro cross, it's the wrong tool for the job Until they can develop a clutch to meter the power.

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sjodin73
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SE
1/16/2025 5:11am
Overdrive wrote:

Throttle issue on the bike? I wouldn't want that much power if it was unpredictable, whats the story here?

Hard to say.  Whiskey throttle on a high-HP bike with no transmission was one of my two fears considering electric.  But looking at his approach to...

Hard to say.  Whiskey throttle on a high-HP bike with no transmission was one of my two fears considering electric.  But looking at his approach to the jump he was not out of control, but it almost looks like something went wrong on the face, and he was on the brakes after landing and it looked like it was not stopping.  It also kind of looked like he was trying to tap the rear brake in the air and that was not working (brakes work, motor on different agenda).  On landing, I can't tell if it was whiskey throttle or stuck throttle which we know there is not a real throttle on a Stark.

It would be interesting to see what he would say happened there, strange crash, glad his ankle survived.

Crossup wrote:
Considering he's one of the most talented riders in the world coming from the trials side and then being a champion in hard enduro, I trust...

Considering he's one of the most talented riders in the world coming from the trials side and then being a champion in hard enduro, I trust his opinion and ability to manage a bike. That said, when you don't have a clutch and you have all that power at the crack of a throttle, Shit's gonna happen. I can see e bikes working on tracks and in motocross. But when it comes to hard enduro or enduro cross, it's the wrong tool for the job Until they can develop a clutch to meter the power.

You maybe should watch some videos from Eddie or i dont know try the bike before yelling and telling yourself and everyone else it needs a clutch

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Charper732
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1/16/2025 5:18am
Robgvx wrote:
I rode a Stark. I liked it. It still needs a clutch, though. You can pull the clutch when you’re whiskey throttling into oblivion. You can’t so...

I rode a Stark. I liked it. 

It still needs a clutch, though. You can pull the clutch when you’re whiskey throttling into oblivion. You can’t so easily back off the throttle. 

Taddy ran a hand brake, try full throttle while stomping on the rear brake, you won't get far!

its able to make over 600ftlbs of torque....no rear brake is holding that. 

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Justthefacts
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Bettendorf, IA, USA
1/16/2025 5:36am

It almost seems like, in the video, he's just trying to nudge that other rider. But on an ebike, it isn't a little power like you normally get.  It's full on 60hp or whatever.  So, although he may not have meant to rider over the other rider, I feel like he was trying to mess with him. Jmho. 

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Beagle
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1/16/2025 6:02am Edited Date/Time 1/16/2025 6:03am
sjodin73 wrote:
You maybe should watch some videos from Eddie or i dont know try the bike before yelling and telling yourself and everyone else it needs a...

You maybe should watch some videos from Eddie or i dont know try the bike before yelling and telling yourself and everyone else it needs a clutch

Agreed

Eddie Karlsson, you mean the guy who got on the podium in race 1? The one who has won various hard enduro races on the Varg? All this without a clutch? Man, how much better could he be if only he had a clutch 😆

All pro riders say it requires an adaptation in riding style, sure, wouldn't be a good fit for everyone, granted (that's great to see them riding 2T, 4T and electric in Superenduro). I honestly don't think Karlsson would be that much better with a clutch, he's already 5th in the standings after 2 rounds.

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RACING
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1/16/2025 6:43am

Now that's a great feelgood story. 

Huge grin on my face.

🤣

 

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wfopete
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Dover, AR, USA
1/16/2025 6:44am
It almost seems like, in the video, he's just trying to nudge that other rider. But on an ebike, it isn't a little power like you...

It almost seems like, in the video, he's just trying to nudge that other rider. But on an ebike, it isn't a little power like you normally get.  It's full on 60hp or whatever.  So, although he may not have meant to rider over the other rider, I feel like he was trying to mess with him. Jmho. 

 

How do you get the "nudge" when it clearly shows his wrist is going WFO?  🙄

BTW, are not these Varg limited to 48hp or is it all about the torque?   

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Beagle
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1/16/2025 7:21am Edited Date/Time 1/16/2025 7:22am
It almost seems like, in the video, he's just trying to nudge that other rider. But on an ebike, it isn't a little power like you...

It almost seems like, in the video, he's just trying to nudge that other rider. But on an ebike, it isn't a little power like you normally get.  It's full on 60hp or whatever.  So, although he may not have meant to rider over the other rider, I feel like he was trying to mess with him. Jmho. 

wfopete wrote:
 How do you get the "nudge" when it clearly shows his wrist is going WFO?  🙄BTW, are not these Varg limited to 48hp or is it...

 

How do you get the "nudge" when it clearly shows his wrist is going WFO?  🙄

BTW, are not these Varg limited to 48hp or is it all about the torque?   

48 hp, minimum weight 123 kg.

I think the way they restrict power will also restrict torque (though there's still plenty left).

These are not set in stone and the FIM can decide at anytime to add more restrictive rules, indeed there are provisions in the rules for future possible restrictions on torque.

JM485
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1/16/2025 7:31am
Crossup wrote:
Considering he's one of the most talented riders in the world coming from the trials side and then being a champion in hard enduro, I trust...

Considering he's one of the most talented riders in the world coming from the trials side and then being a champion in hard enduro, I trust his opinion and ability to manage a bike. That said, when you don't have a clutch and you have all that power at the crack of a throttle, Shit's gonna happen. I can see e bikes working on tracks and in motocross. But when it comes to hard enduro or enduro cross, it's the wrong tool for the job Until they can develop a clutch to meter the power.

As someone who's raced an e-bike in endurocross a few times (before the AMA decided to start blowing KTM and kicked us all out) I would highly disagree with that statement.  At no point did I wish I had a clutch, I simply metered the power with my right wrist and had one less lever to worry about.

 

I think people forget that having a clutch on electric is not like having a clutch on gas.  Without a heavy flywheel and crank providing a lot of inertia you really don't get the same effect as you're imagining.

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3
1/16/2025 7:56am
It almost seems like, in the video, he's just trying to nudge that other rider. But on an ebike, it isn't a little power like you...

It almost seems like, in the video, he's just trying to nudge that other rider. But on an ebike, it isn't a little power like you normally get.  It's full on 60hp or whatever.  So, although he may not have meant to rider over the other rider, I feel like he was trying to mess with him. Jmho. 

You understand the throttle isn't a light switch, right? You have more options than 0hp and 60hp. Just watch his right wrist.

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bturner26x
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Acworth, GA, USA
1/16/2025 8:17am
Kyle978 wrote:
I'm really curious to know more about a potential throttle issue. I love my Stark but have a little fear of a stuck throttle. Would be...

I'm really curious to know more about a potential throttle issue. I love my Stark but have a little fear of a stuck throttle. Would be devastating with all that power and no clutch. 

I thought maybe he was just trying to do a 360° pivot turn to get around the guy that was blocking him and maybe it got away from him? Did anybody else consider that being a possibility? Just a thought..

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SonofThor32
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1/16/2025 8:27am
Kyle978 wrote:
I'm really curious to know more about a potential throttle issue. I love my Stark but have a little fear of a stuck throttle. Would be...

I'm really curious to know more about a potential throttle issue. I love my Stark but have a little fear of a stuck throttle. Would be devastating with all that power and no clutch. 

bturner26x wrote:
I thought maybe he was just trying to do a 360° pivot turn to get around the guy that was blocking him and maybe it got...

I thought maybe he was just trying to do a 360° pivot turn to get around the guy that was blocking him and maybe it got away from him? Did anybody else consider that being a possibility? Just a thought..

That is nowhere near as fun as slandering the rider or blaming the bike.  Take your logic elsewhere, this is Vital 😀

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avidchimp
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1/16/2025 8:33am
Robgvx wrote:
I rode a Stark. I liked it. It still needs a clutch, though. You can pull the clutch when you’re whiskey throttling into oblivion. You can’t so...

I rode a Stark. I liked it. 

It still needs a clutch, though. You can pull the clutch when you’re whiskey throttling into oblivion. You can’t so easily back off the throttle. 

Taddy ran a hand brake, try full throttle while stomping on the rear brake, you won't get far!

Charper732 wrote:

its able to make over 600ftlbs of torque....no rear brake is holding that. 

You're telling us that a Stark has more ft lbs of torque than my Ram truck?

1
1/16/2025 8:39am
Crossup wrote:
Considering he's one of the most talented riders in the world coming from the trials side and then being a champion in hard enduro, I trust...

Considering he's one of the most talented riders in the world coming from the trials side and then being a champion in hard enduro, I trust his opinion and ability to manage a bike. That said, when you don't have a clutch and you have all that power at the crack of a throttle, Shit's gonna happen. I can see e bikes working on tracks and in motocross. But when it comes to hard enduro or enduro cross, it's the wrong tool for the job Until they can develop a clutch to meter the power.

JM485 wrote:
As someone who's raced an e-bike in endurocross a few times (before the AMA decided to start blowing KTM and kicked us all out) I would...

As someone who's raced an e-bike in endurocross a few times (before the AMA decided to start blowing KTM and kicked us all out) I would highly disagree with that statement.  At no point did I wish I had a clutch, I simply metered the power with my right wrist and had one less lever to worry about.

 

I think people forget that having a clutch on electric is not like having a clutch on gas.  Without a heavy flywheel and crank providing a lot of inertia you really don't get the same effect as you're imagining.

I couldn't imagine having (or trusting) having so much control with just the throttle, especially during the 'oh shit' moments. I ride a wide variety of disciplines (moto, off-road, trails) and can't how many times simply pulling the clutch in has saved my ass.

I know there are guys like Eddie making it look easy (and your experiences) but I don't believe that would be the norm with average riders in technical conditions.

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Kyle978
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Dirt, NM, USA
1/16/2025 8:41am
bturner26x wrote:
I thought maybe he was just trying to do a 360° pivot turn to get around the guy that was blocking him and maybe it got...

I thought maybe he was just trying to do a 360° pivot turn to get around the guy that was blocking him and maybe it got away from him? Did anybody else consider that being a possibility? Just a thought..

No idea. 

All I know is Mr. Turtleneck better get in front of this with some facts before the internet closes the case. In the meantime, I'm gonna keep twisting the grip on my Stark until it sticks and I meet Jesus. 

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1/16/2025 8:44am

Taddy ran a hand brake, try full throttle while stomping on the rear brake, you won't get far!

Charper732 wrote:

its able to make over 600ftlbs of torque....no rear brake is holding that. 

avidchimp wrote:

You're telling us that a Stark has more ft lbs of torque than my Ram truck?

I'm hoping he meant 60ft/lbs.

If not, I'm going to put a Stark motor on each axle of my truck and roll around town with 2400ft/lbs at the ready. 

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1/16/2025 8:49am
Crossup wrote:
Considering he's one of the most talented riders in the world coming from the trials side and then being a champion in hard enduro, I trust...

Considering he's one of the most talented riders in the world coming from the trials side and then being a champion in hard enduro, I trust his opinion and ability to manage a bike. That said, when you don't have a clutch and you have all that power at the crack of a throttle, Shit's gonna happen. I can see e bikes working on tracks and in motocross. But when it comes to hard enduro or enduro cross, it's the wrong tool for the job Until they can develop a clutch to meter the power.

JM485 wrote:
As someone who's raced an e-bike in endurocross a few times (before the AMA decided to start blowing KTM and kicked us all out) I would...

As someone who's raced an e-bike in endurocross a few times (before the AMA decided to start blowing KTM and kicked us all out) I would highly disagree with that statement.  At no point did I wish I had a clutch, I simply metered the power with my right wrist and had one less lever to worry about.

 

I think people forget that having a clutch on electric is not like having a clutch on gas.  Without a heavy flywheel and crank providing a lot of inertia you really don't get the same effect as you're imagining.

I have a lot of hours on an e-pure electric trials bike, which does have a clutch and totally agree even when you do use the clutch it feels nothing like it does on my gas bikes. However, I will say that I do have to remind my self to keep a finger on the clutch when getting over stuff with an extremely short landing area because it’s hard for me to get off the gas all the way as I land and need to stop right away.  Might be a product of going back and forth with gas bikes a lot and you could get used to it. 

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LungButter
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Yellow Pine, ID, USA
1/16/2025 8:49am

That is nowhere near as fun as slandering the rider or blaming the bike.  Take your logic elsewhere, this is Vital 😀

Slandering always seems like such a harsh word.

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