Installation only on a Stark Varg EX or Stark Varg SM with original lights and original wiring harness
RARE Lightswitch V1 and V2: installation guide
Installation, operation and safety information for the Stark Varg EX and Stark Varg SM. Off-road use only.
1. Product identification
Product: RARE Lightswitch V1 and RARE Lightswitch V2, the light switch for the Stark Varg
Intended vehicles: Designed exclusively for the Stark Varg EX and Stark Varg SM with original headlight and taillight. Not suitable for any other vehicle.
Intended use: Off-road use only. Not approved for use on public roads.
Product type: Aftermarket accessory by RARE GmbH, not an original part of Stark Future.
Manufacturer: RARE GmbH, Wengerstraße 10, 5621 St. Veit im Pongau, Austria
Model and type: RARE Lightswitch V1, type R-SVEX-LS. RARE Lightswitch V2, type R-SVEX-LSV2. Both are printed on the card in the box.
This installation guide applies to all models and versions in chapter 1.1.
1.1 Models and versions
RARE Lightswitch V1 switches the light mask at the front. RARE Lightswitch V2 also switches the integrated taillight. Each model is available with or without a 12 V output.
| Model | Version | SKU |
|---|---|---|
| RARE Lightswitch V1 | Without 12 V output | R-SVEX-LS-LS/1I-2 |
| RARE Lightswitch V1 | 12 V output at the front | R-SVEX-LS-LS/1I-1 |
| RARE Lightswitch V2 | Without 12 V output | R-SVEX-LSV2 |
| RARE Lightswitch V2 | 12 V output at the front | R-SVEX-LSV2-12V-F |
| RARE Lightswitch V2 | 12 V output at the rear | R-SVEX-LSV2-12V-R |
| RARE Lightswitch V2 | 12 V outputs at the front and rear | R-SVEX-LSV2-12V-F&R |
1.2 Compatible vehicles
Only the Varg EX and Varg SM have original lights and light connectors. Both share the EU type approval e9*168/2013*16436. RARE Lightswitch V1 needs the original headlight connector. RARE Lightswitch V2 needs the original headlight and taillight connectors.
| Model | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Varg EX (Standard, Alpha, EX Factory Edition) | Compatible |
| Varg SM (Standard, Alpha, SM SKÖLL) | Compatible |
| Varg MX (MX 1.0, MX 1.2, MX Factory Edition) | Not compatible: no lights and no light connectors |
| Any other vehicle | Not suitable |
2. Intended use
With the light switch, you switch the lights of the Varg off and on at the handlebar. It is intended for off-road use. It connects inline at the original connectors of the lights. Depending on the version, it also has a 12 V output for accessories.
Designed exclusively for the Stark Varg EX and Stark Varg SM with original headlight and taillight. Not suitable for any other vehicle.
Not approved for use on public roads. With the light switch installed, your motorcycle is no longer approved for use on public roads. Before riding on public roads, remove the light switch and reconnect the original connectors (chapter 12).
2.1 Permitted use
2.2 Foreseeable misuse
Do not use the light switch in the following ways:
Riding on public roads with the light switch installed
Riding with the lights switched off where you need them to see or to be seen
Installation on a Stark Varg MX or on any other vehicle
Cutting, splicing or modifying wiring, or connecting the light switch anywhere other than the original connectors of the lights
Opening or modifying the switch unit, the cables or the connectors
Using the 12 V output with the lights switched on, or above its maximum load
Connecting accessories that are not designed for 12 V DC, or feeding power into the 12 V output
Riding with a damaged light switch or after a failed function test
WARNING
Misuse. Misuse can cause lights or turn signals to fail. Others may then not see you. This can cause a collision with serious injury or death.
Use the light switch only as described in this installation guide.
3. Safety information
Read this installation guide before installation and use. Keep it for later reference. Pass it on if you sell the light switch or the motorcycle with the light switch installed.
3.1 Signal words
| Signal word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DANGER | A hazard that will result in death or serious injury if not avoided. |
| WARNING | A hazard that can result in death or serious injury. |
| CAUTION | A hazard that can result in minor or moderate injury. |
| NOTICE | Possible property damage. No risk of injury. |
Boxes marked TIP contain useful information. They do not warn of a hazard.
3.2 Symbols used
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Safety warning. Follow the instructions next to this symbol. |
 | Electrical connection: connectors, cables and the 12 V output. |
 | Installation step. Carry out the steps in the given order. |
3.3 General warnings
DANGER
High voltage. The Varg has a high-voltage battery. It stays charged even when the motorcycle is switched off completely. Contact with high-voltage parts can cause death or serious injury.
Never open or work on the high-voltage battery or high-voltage cables. Never touch the orange high-voltage cables or connectors. Switch the motorcycle off completely before installation (chapter 7.2).
WARNING
Riding on public roads with the light switch installed. The light switch can switch off the lights at the front, including the front turn signals. The RARE Lightswitch V2 also switches off the taillight, the brake light and the integrated rear turn signals. Other road users may then not see you. This can cause a collision with serious injury or death.
Not approved for use on public roads. Before riding on public roads, remove the light switch and reconnect the original connectors (chapter 12).
WARNING
Riding with the lights switched off. With the light switch off, the light mask is off, including the front turn signals. On the RARE Lightswitch V2, the taillight, the brake light and the integrated rear turn signals are off too. Others cannot see you, your braking or your turning. This can cause a collision with serious injury or death.
Switch the lights on whenever you need them to see or to be seen. Check the switch before you ride off.
WARNING
Lights or turn signals not working after installation. A connector that is not fully engaged can cause a light or the turn signals to fail. Others may then not see you.
After installation and before every ride, switch the lights on. Then test the headlight, taillight, brake light and all turn signals. If a light fails, remove the light switch (chapter 12) and contact RARE. Do not open or modify the switch unit, the cables or the connectors.
WARNING
Pinched or chafed cable. A damaged cable can cause a short circuit. The lights can fail while you ride.
Route the cable along the wiring harness. Keep it away from moving and hot parts. Secure the cable with cable ties. Make sure that the cable is not pinched or pulled tight. The handlebar must turn freely from lock to lock.
WARNING
Obstructed throttle or levers. The switch unit can block the throttle or a lever if it touches them. This can cause loss of control.
Mount the switch unit so that it touches neither the throttle, the levers nor the control switch. Check that the throttle closes by itself at every handlebar position.
WARNING
Overload of the 12 V output. The light switch is designed for the load of the light mask. With the lights switched on, any extra load is too much. Overload or a short circuit can switch off vehicle lights, including the brake light.
Use accessories only while the lights are switched off. Never exceed the maximum load (chapter 9.1). Never bridge or bypass a fuse.
CAUTION
Falling motorcycle. A motorcycle that falls off its stand can cause injuries.
Place the motorcycle on a stable stand on level ground before you start.
NOTICE
Damage to connectors. Pulling on the cable, force or a high-pressure washer can damage the connectors.
Pull on the connector, never on the cable. Never force a connector. Do not direct a high-pressure washer or steam cleaner at the switch unit, the cables or the connectors.
4. Liability & responsibility
The light switch changes how the lights of your motorcycle are operated. As owner and rider, you are responsible for:
Road use: Not approved for use on public roads. With the light switch installed, your motorcycle is no longer approved for use on public roads.
Warranty of your motorcycle: see chapter 14.2.
Statutory liability, including product liability, remains unaffected.
5. In the box
5.1 Contents per version
| No. | Part | RARE Lightswitch V1 | RARE Lightswitch V2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switch unit with handlebar clamp and circuit board | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Headlight adapter cable with 2 HIGO connectors | 1 | 1 |
| 3 | Taillight adapter cable with 2 HIGO connectors, 1.22 m long | None | 1 |
| 4 | Female connector with bare cable ends, for the 12 V output | 1 (version with 12 V output) | 1 per 12 V output (versions with 12 V output) |
The adapter cables are part of the switch unit. The HIGO connectors are of the same type as the original connectors of the Varg.
Not in the box: accessories for the 12 V output. Tools and material are listed in chapter 7.1.
5.2 Part overview
6. Technical description
6.1 Function
The light switch connects inline between the wiring harness and the lights, at the original connectors. Nothing is cut or spliced. It switches the power supply of the light mask. The RARE Lightswitch V2 also switches the power supply of the integrated taillight.
The headlight of the Varg EX and Varg SM is a separate control unit. It drives the low beam, high beam, position light and front turn signals. This is why the front turn signals go off together with the light mask.
TIP
You can remove the light switch at any time. Your motorcycle is then back to original condition (chapter 12).
6.2 Versions
| Feature | RARE Lightswitch V1 | RARE Lightswitch V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Switches | Light mask: headlight, position light, front turn signals | Light mask and integrated taillight, including brake light and integrated rear turn signals |
| Lights on the license plate holder | Not switched | Not switched (chapter 6.3) |
| Connection | Inline at the headlight connector | Inline at the headlight and taillight connectors |
| 12 V output | Optional: at the front | Optional: at the front, at the rear or both |
| Status | Switch glows white while the lights are on | Switch glows white while the lights are on |
6.3 Lights on the license plate holder (RARE Lightswitch V2)
The Varg EX and Varg SM have a taillight integrated in the rear section. Turn signals and lights can also be mounted on the license plate holder. When these are connected, the motorcycle disables the integrated taillight automatically. On EU vehicles, the lights on the license plate holder then provide taillight, brake light and turn signals.
The RARE Lightswitch V2 switches only the integrated taillight. The lights on the license plate holder stay on when you switch the lights off.
6.4 12 V output
Versions with 12 V output have an additional connector for accessories, for example a GPS or a phone charger. The 12 V output is supplied from the motorcycle side. It has power regardless of the switch position. Use it only while the lights are switched off (chapter 9).
6.5 Technical data
| Electrical | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating voltage | 12 V DC |
| Switching | Electronic, with microcontroller, current limitation and overtemperature protection |
| Fuse | 5 A slow-blow fuse on the circuit board |
| Protection | Reverse polarity protection, overvoltage protection |
| CAN bus lines | Passed through |
| Design load | Light mask with high beam: about 2.7 A (32 W) |
| 12 V output | Value |
|---|---|
| Front, maximum load | 2.7 A (32 W), only with the lights switched off |
| Rear, maximum load (RARE Lightswitch V2) | 2.7 A (32 W), only with the lights switched off |
| With the lights switched on | No additional load allowed |
| Power supply | From the motorcycle side, regardless of the switch position |
| Mating connector | Female connector with bare cable ends, in the box |
| Wire colors | Red: +12 V. Black: ground. |
| Mechanical | Value |
|---|---|
| Switch housing | Black plastic with integrated handlebar clamp, one half folds open |
| Switch | Square push switch with power symbol, glows white while the lights are on |
| Handlebar diameter | From 21 mm |
| Clamp screw | Plastic screw, Phillips PH1, maximum 0.5 Nm |
| Connectors | HIGO, same type as the original connectors |
| Taillight adapter cable (RARE Lightswitch V2) | 1.22 m |
7. Installation
Skill level: basic mechanical skills. If in doubt, have a qualified mechanic install the light switch.
7.1 Requirements
CAUTION
Falling motorcycle. A motorcycle that falls off its stand can cause injuries.
Place the motorcycle on a stable stand on level ground before you start.
7.2 Switching the motorcycle off completely
Switch the motorcycle off completely before you work on it. Standby is not enough, because parts of the electronics stay active.
1. Switch the motorcycle off. It goes into standby.
2. Disconnect the charger.
3. Hard shutdown: in standby, press and hold the UP and DOWN buttons (+ and -) on the control switch. Hold them until the LED flashes white. The LED then goes completely off.
7.3 Light mask: removing and mounting
The headlight connector is behind the light mask. The light mask is held by one screw. In the torque table of the Stark owner's manual, this is the "Front number plate bolt".
NOTICE
Loose small parts. Spacers at the front fender and at the side panels can fall out. The push-on clip nuts on the rear panels can come off as well.
Collect all small parts. Put them back in the same place during mounting.
NOTICE
Self-tapping screws in plastic. The headlight and the taillight are held by self-tapping screws in plastic. Over-tightening strips the thread in the plastic.
If you remove the headlight or the taillight, tighten their screws to 2 Nm only.
Removing
1. Undo the screw of the light mask (Torx T30).
2. Pull the light mask upward and forward out of its holders on the front fender.
3. Release the brake line from the holders on the light mask.
4. Let the light mask hang on its cable. Do not pull on the headlight cable.
Mounting
5. Put the brake line back into the holders on the light mask.
6. Push the light mask into its holders on the front fender. Make sure that no cable is pinched.
7. Tighten the screw of the light mask to 5 Nm.
7.4 Reaching the taillight connector (RARE Lightswitch V2)
The taillight connector sits just in front of the taillight. You can reach it from below, under the rear fender. You do not need to remove the seat or the side panels.
7.5 Installation procedure
DANGER
High voltage. The Varg has a high-voltage battery. It stays charged even when the motorcycle is switched off completely. Contact with high-voltage parts can cause death or serious injury.
Never open or work on the high-voltage battery or high-voltage cables. Work only on the connectors of the lights described here.
Preparation
1. Place the motorcycle on a stable stand on level ground.
2. Switch the motorcycle off completely (chapter 7.2).
Headlight
3. Remove the light mask (chapter 7.3).
4. Unplug the headlight connector from the wiring harness.
NOTICE
Damage to connectors. Pulling on the cable or forcing a connector can damage it.
Pull on the connector, never on the cable. Never force a connector.
5. Connect the headlight adapter cable inline between the headlight and the wiring harness. Push the connectors together until they are fully engaged.
Taillight (RARE Lightswitch V2 only)
6. Reach the taillight connector from below (chapter 7.4).
7. Unplug the taillight connector from the wiring harness.
8. Connect the taillight adapter cable inline between the taillight and the wiring harness. Push the connectors together until they are fully engaged.
Switch unit
9. Open the handlebar clamp of the switch unit. One half folds open, so the grip stays on the handlebar.
10. Place the switch unit around the handlebar, on the left or the right side, as you prefer. Close the clamp.
11. Position the switch unit so that it touches neither the throttle, the levers nor the control switch.
12. Tighten the clamp screw with a Phillips PH1 screwdriver until the switch unit no longer turns on the handlebar. Do not overtighten. The screw is made of plastic: maximum 0.5 Nm.
WARNING
Obstructed throttle or levers. The switch unit can block the throttle or a lever if it touches them. This can cause loss of control.
Mount the switch unit so that it touches neither the throttle, the levers nor the control switch. Check that the throttle closes by itself at every handlebar position.
Cable routing
13. Route the cables along the existing wiring harness. Keep them away from moving and hot parts, the rear suspension and the swingarm.
14. Leave enough slack at the connectors and at the steering head for full steering lock.
15. Secure the cables with cable ties every 15 to 20 cm.
WARNING
Pinched or chafed cable. A damaged cable can cause a short circuit. The lights can fail while you ride.
Route the cable along the wiring harness. Keep it away from moving and hot parts. Secure the cable with cable ties. Make sure that the cable is not pinched or pulled tight. The handlebar must turn freely from lock to lock.
Reassembly
16. Mount the light mask (chapter 7.3).
17. Check that no cable or connector is pinched or pulled tight.
18. Carry out the function test (chapter 7.6).
7.6 Function test
WARNING
Unexpected movement. An electric motorcycle can move off immediately and silently when the throttle is turned.
Keep the motorcycle on the stand. Keep your hand off the throttle during the function test.
The installation is complete only when all checks are passed.
WARNING
Failed function test. A light or turn signal that does not work can cause a collision with serious injury or death.
With the lights switched on, every light and turn signal must work. If not, remove the light switch (chapter 12) and contact RARE. For other problems, see chapter 10.
8. Operation
8.1 Switching the lights on and off
Press the switch. The lights switch on or off, and the switch shows the status.
| Switch | RARE Lightswitch V1 | RARE Lightswitch V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Glows white | Light mask on | Light mask and integrated taillight on |
| Dark, motorcycle switched on | Light mask off, including the front turn signals | Light mask and integrated taillight off, including brake light and integrated rear turn signals |
When you switch the motorcycle on, the lights come back in the state they were in before. Check the switch before you ride off.
Press the switch only when it is safe to do so.
Switch the lights on whenever you need them to see or to be seen. This applies at dusk, in the dark and in poor visibility.
WARNING
Riding with the lights switched off. With the light switch off, the light mask is off, including the front turn signals. On the RARE Lightswitch V2, the taillight, the brake light and the integrated rear turn signals are off too. Others cannot see you, your braking or your turning. This can cause a collision with serious injury or death.
Switch the lights on whenever you need them to see or to be seen. Check the switch before you ride off.
WARNING
Riding on public roads with the light switch installed. The light switch can switch off the lights at the front, including the front turn signals. The RARE Lightswitch V2 also switches off the taillight, the brake light and the integrated rear turn signals. Other road users may then not see you. This can cause a collision with serious injury or death.
Not approved for use on public roads. Before riding on public roads, remove the light switch and reconnect the original connectors (chapter 12).
8.2 Function test before every ride
If a check fails, see chapter 10. Before riding on public roads, remove the light switch (chapter 12).
9. Using the 12 V output
This chapter applies only to versions with 12 V output (chapter 1.1).
9.1 Rules for the 12 V output
WARNING
Overload of the 12 V output. The light switch is designed for the load of the light mask. With the lights switched on, any extra load is too much. Overload or a short circuit can switch off vehicle lights, including the brake light.
Use accessories only while the lights are switched off. Never exceed the maximum load. Never bridge or bypass a fuse.
Maximum load: 2.7 A (32 W) per output, at the front and at the rear. This applies only with the lights switched off.
Lights on: switch the accessory off or disconnect it before you switch the lights on.
Power at the output: the 12 V output is supplied from the motorcycle side. It has power regardless of the switch position.
Connector: use the female connector with bare cable ends from the box. Wire colors: red is +12 V, black is ground.
Never feed power into the 12 V output, for example from a battery or a charger.
9.2 Connecting an accessory
1. Switch the motorcycle off completely (chapter 7.2).
2. Check that the accessory is designed for 12 V DC and stays within the maximum load (chapter 9.1).
3. Connect the cable ends of the female connector to the cable of your accessory. Observe the wire colors (chapter 9.1).
4. Solder each joint or use suitable connectors. Insulate each joint, for example with heat-shrink tubing.
5. Connect the female connector to the 12 V output until it is fully engaged.
6. Route the accessory cable along the wiring harness and secure it with cable ties.
7. Switch the motorcycle on. Make sure that the lights are switched off.
8. Test the accessory.
9. Switch the accessory off. Then carry out the function test before every ride (chapter 8.2).
10. Troubleshooting
10.1 Lights and turn signals
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Front turn signals, position light and headlight are off | Light switch off. This is normal: the light switch cuts the power supply of the light mask (chapter 6.1). | Press the switch. The switch glows white. |
| Turn signals flash slightly faster than normal | High beam switched on. This is normal (chapter 6.1). | No action needed. |
| Turn signals do not work, or flash faster with the low beam, although the switch glows white | Connector not fully engaged. Interaction with the electronics of the motorcycle. | Check the connectors (chapter 7.5). If the problem remains, remove the light switch (chapter 12) and contact RARE. |
| Lights stay off although the switch glows white | Connector at the headlight or taillight not fully engaged | Switch the motorcycle off completely (chapter 7.2). Check the connectors at the headlight and, for V2, at the taillight. |
| Headlight or taillight is dimmer, flickers or behaves differently than before installation | Loose connector or damaged cable. Interaction with the electronics of the motorcycle. | Check connectors and cables. If the problem remains, remove the light switch (chapter 12) and contact RARE. |
| Taillight stays on when the light switch is off | RARE Lightswitch V1: normal, it switches only the light mask. V2 with lights on the license plate holder: normal (chapter 6.3). Otherwise: taillight adapter cable not connected correctly. | V1 and V2 with lights on the license plate holder: no action needed. Otherwise check the taillight connection (chapter 7.5). |
10.2 Stark phone, mounting and 12 V output
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Stark phone shows a fault message for the lights | The motorcycle monitors its lights. With the light switch off, it can report the missing power supply as a fault. | Switch the lights on and carry out the function test (chapter 7.6). If a light fails with the lights on, remove the light switch (chapter 12) and contact RARE. Tell RARE the exact message. |
| Switch unit moves or turns on the handlebar | Clamp screw not tight enough | Tighten the clamp screw until the switch unit no longer turns. Do not overtighten: maximum 0.5 Nm. |
| Cable is pinched, pulled tight or chafed | Not enough slack, or cable not secured | Route the cable with enough slack and secure it with cable ties (chapter 7.5). |
| Accessory gets no power | Version without 12 V output. Connector not fully engaged. Wires mixed up. Motorcycle switched off. | Check the version (chapter 1.1), the connector and the wire colors (chapter 9.1). Switch the motorcycle on. |
| Lights or the brake light go off while an accessory is connected | Overload: accessory used with the lights switched on, or load above the maximum | Disconnect the accessory. Use accessories only with the lights switched off. Check the maximum load (chapter 9.1). |
TIP
If a problem remains, contact RARE (chapter 15). You can restore the original condition of your motorcycle at any time by removing the light switch (chapter 12).
11. Maintenance & care
11.1 Regular checks
11.2 Cleaning
NOTICE
Water in the connectors. A high-pressure washer or steam cleaner can force water into the connectors and damage them.
Do not direct a high-pressure washer or steam cleaner at the switch unit, the cables or the connectors.
11.3 After a crash or fall
WARNING
Damaged light switch. A damaged switch unit, cable or connector can cause lights or turn signals to fail.
After any crash or fall, check the light switch for damage. Carry out the function test (chapter 7.6) before you ride again. Do not repair cables or connectors yourself. If a part is damaged, remove the light switch (chapter 12) and contact RARE.
12. Removal
Remove the light switch before you ride on public roads. After removal, your motorcycle is back to original condition.
1. Place the motorcycle on a stable stand on level ground.
2. Switch the motorcycle off completely (chapter 7.2).
3. Disconnect all accessories from the 12 V output.
4. Remove the light mask (chapter 7.3).
5. RARE Lightswitch V2 only: reach the taillight connector from below (chapter 7.4).
6. Cut the cable ties that hold the cables of the light switch. Take care not to damage the wiring harness.
7. Loosen the clamp screw, open the clamp and remove the switch unit from the handlebar.
8. Unplug the headlight adapter cable from the headlight and from the wiring harness.
9. Connect the headlight connector directly to the wiring harness. Push until it is fully engaged.
10. RARE Lightswitch V2 only: unplug the taillight adapter cable from the taillight and from the wiring harness.
11. RARE Lightswitch V2 only: connect the taillight connector directly to the wiring harness. Push until it is fully engaged.
12. Mount the light mask (chapter 7.3).
13. Switch the motorcycle on.
14. Check on the Stark phone that the motorcycle operates normally.
15. Check the low beam, high beam, taillight, license plate light, brake light and all turn signals.
TIP
If a light or turn signal still fails after removal, have the motorcycle checked by a qualified mechanic. Inform RARE as well (chapter 15).
13. Disposal
Do not dispose of the light switch with household waste. Take it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. Dispose of the packaging according to the rules in your country.
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol means: collect electrical and electronic equipment separately from household waste.
14. Legal & warranty
14.1 RARE warranty
The terms of the RARE warranty, including how to make a claim, are published at shop-rare.com/pages/warranty. Your rights under the legal guarantee of conformity remain unaffected.
14.2 Warranty of your motorcycle
Installing non-original parts can affect the warranty of your motorcycle. Check the warranty terms of Stark Future.
15. Contact
Manufacturer: RARE GmbH
Wengerstraße 10, 5621 St. Veit im Pongau, Austria
Email: office@rare-gmbh.com
Website: shop-rare.com
Report every malfunction or safety problem to RARE, even if you solved it yourself. Include your order number.
© RARE GmbH. Installation guide version 1.0, October 23, 2026. The current version is in the documentation at shop-rare.com/pages/docs.
