The Talaria Sting MX5 is a big step up from the older Sting R MX4: more power, a 72V system and a stiffer chassis. It's a good bike out of the box, but a few weak spots show up fast once you start riding it hard. Here's where we'd spend money first, in roughly the order we'd do it, using parts we've confirmed fit the MX5.
Fitment note: the MX5 shares very few chassis parts with the MX3 / Sting R MX4 or the XXX. Brakes, sprockets, wheels and forks are all different. Everything linked below is listed for the MX5. If a part only says "Talaria Sting," check the fitment list before ordering.
Start With Tires
The stock tires are narrow, especially the front. That's the cheapest way to make the bike feel more planted in dirt. The MX5 runs 19" wheels front and rear, so you have plenty of choices:
- Tusk Ground Wire E-Motorcycle Tire is made for stock 19" e-moto wheels and lists the MX5.
- Dunlop MX34 Geomax is a good pick for soft and intermediate dirt.
- Run a Tusk Heavy Duty 2mm Tube while you're in there. It cuts down on pinch flats compared to the thin stock tubes.
Cockpit: Grips, Bar Mount and Stem Lock
The MX5 already ships with about a 2" rise bar, so most riders don't need new bars right away. Taller riders can still go to the Warp 9 3in Rise Handlebars, which fit the MX5's 31.8 mm mount.
- Grips: stock grips are hard and get tiring on long rides. Our Talaria Sting MX5 Recommended First Upgrades bundle starts with softer Scott Mellow grips and donuts. Pro Taper Pillow Top grips are another good option.
- Bar mount: a direct-mount bar mount like the Warp 9 Bar Mount stiffens the front end and keeps the bars from twisting in a crash.
- Stem lock: if you switch to a direct-mount stem, add the Warp 9 Stem Lock. It keeps the head bearings tight once the stock stem isn't doing that job.
- Hand guards: the Warp 9 E-Moto Hand Guards fit the MX5 and save your levers and knuckles.
Brakes
The MX5 uses the larger caliper and pad family it shares with the E-Ride Pro SS 3.0 / SR. That makes pads and levers easy to find. Upgrade in this order:
- Pads: Project 9 Upgraded Brake Pads are the cheapest way to get more bite.
- Rotors: the Warp 9 Upgraded Brake Rotor for MX5 improves heat handling and fade resistance.
- Levers: breakaway levers like the ASV F3-E fold instead of snapping when you drop the bike.
- Full brake upgrade: for real moto stopping power, the Formula EB9 E-Moto Brakes bolt to the MX5's 95.5 mm brake mount. Another option is the EBIKE Garage "Ultra Bee Brakes" conversion kit for MX5.
Gearing and Chain
Gearing changes how the bike pulls more than any bolt-on short of a motor or controller swap.
- Rear sprocket: the Warp 9 MX5 Rear Sprocket comes in 50, 54 and 58 tooth. More teeth gives you more pull out of corners and less top speed.
- Front sprocket: the Warp 9 MX5 Front Sprocket comes in 13T (stock) or 14T. The 14T adds top speed and range but gives up some torque.
- Chain: the MX5 runs a 428 chain. The Tusk 428 Gold Plated Race Chain fits. Stock gearing with the 48T rear takes 108 links. If you change the rear sprocket, check the length again.
- Axle blocks: TB MX5 Upgraded Axle Blocks have machined marks, so chain alignment is quick and repeatable.
Protection Worth Doing Early
- Warp 9 MX5 Hall Sensor Wire Guard: the motor hall sensor wire is exposed to rocks. A cut wire can strand you, and this guard is cheap compared to replacing the motor.
- TB MX5 Rear Brake Rotor Guard keeps rocks and ruts away from the rear rotor.
Suspension
Do this once the basics are sorted. The biggest change comes from a better fork:
- RFloXa Hawk33 Max for Talaria Sting MX5 is built around MX5 dimensions with a widened triple clamp. The Hawk33 Max Plus steps up the damping and coatings.
- The TECH E39 fork works on the MX5 with the Tech E39 MX5 Front Brake Adapter.
Before you buy anything, set sag and clicker settings for your weight on the stock suspension. It's free and makes a real difference.
Lighting
The stock headlight is weak. The GritShift Blinder LED Light Bar Headlight is a cheap bolt-on that lights up the trail far better. It's included in our MX5 Tier 2 upgrade bundle along with a stem lock and a heavy-duty direct-mount stem.
Need Help Picking Parts?
Browse everything listed for the bike in our Talaria Sting MX5 parts collection. If you're unsure whether something fits, email support@tbelectricmoto.com. Our support team rides these bikes, and most orders ship within 24 hours.
