In a world where the sounds and smell of gas-powered engines have long dominated trails and streets, Stark Future is poised to take on the street-legal enduro market with the new Varg EX electric dual sport.

At the heart of the new model is a 7.2 kWh air-cooled, magnesium-cased battery, boasting 20 percent more range over the 6.5 kWh battery used in Stark’s previously-released Varg MX powerhouse e-machine, which is described by the manufacturer as “an electric motocross bike built to outperform all other combustion-engined MX motorcycles on the market.”

The Barcelona-based company says the new EX package provides a claimed range between 1.3 to 6 hours, and it’s safe to assume results will vary significantly between on-road riding, fast fire roads and slower, more technical off-road rides. Although, Stark claims range is similar to a full tank of gas on a 450cc enduro and enough to finish a full MXGP heat depending on track conditions. Regardless, a longer-range, well-equipped electric enduro is something to get excited about, so let’s dive into the details.

Like the MX, Stark’s trademark power-to-weight giggle factor will undoubtedly be one of the EX’s strongest selling points. The new model will be offered in two versions: a “Standard” 60 HP model and an “Alpha” 80 HP model with power adjustable from 10 to 80 horsepower. As for torque, Stark claims both the Standard and Alpha will dish out a mind-bending 764 ft-lbs at the rear wheel. Yes, you read that number correctly. That’s twice the torque of a Chevy Silverado full-size truck. Impressive power to dish out for a 264 lb machine.

Both variants will also allow riders to adjust power delivery, engine braking, and regenerative curves through five programmable modes, a super-cool feature that can change the motorcycle’s personality from an easy-going beginner bike to a desert-skimming rocketship. 

According to Stark, charging the EX battery from zero to 100 percent using the supplied 3.3 kW charging stand and a 220V outlet will take two hours. Of course, US homes mainly provide 110V sockets, and while Stark provides an adapter for an extra price, using 110V will increase zero to 100 percent charge time to 3.5 hours.

One would expect such a commanding battery to be heavy, though Stark literature says the design sheds weight by using a patented “Flying V” honeycomb magnesium battery case design, which connects the shell directly to each cell to achieve better cooling while offering higher rigidity and reduced weight.

Electric bikes naturally benefit from shedding the weight of traditional components like fuel, conventional exhaust, oil, and cooling systems, transmission and clutch, ignition, air intake, and emission controls such as catalytic converters. 

This benefit is evident in the Varg EX’s claimed weight of just 264 pounds (120 kg). Notably, the Standard and Alpha models share the same weight, likely because the power differences are governed electronically. This positions the EX competitively alongside other lightweight 450cc enduros, such as the KTM 450 EXC-F, which weighs in at 249 pounds sans fuel. 

The Stark Varg EX utilizes a tubular steel frame and carbon-fiber subframe, the latter of which is said to double as a cooling funnel for the integrated battery. The bike’s suspension setup, said to be tuned for enduro riding, is comprised of 48 mm KYB fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping, offering 300mm (11.81 inches) of travel, while the rear shock, adjustable for spring preload, high/low speed compression damping and rebound damping will provide 303mm (11.93 inches) of dynamic cush. 

High-performance Brembos — a 260mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc, provide powerful stopping forces for this nimble e-machine.

Stark says the Varg EX is fully homologated for road use in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada. Road legal equipment includes a 4,000-lumen headlamp and front indicators, which have all been seamlessly integrated into the front number plate for a cool effect. In the rear, the indicator lights are worked into the rear fender, which ends with a minimalist license plate holder and brake light. All US bikes will be equipped with a foot lever for the rear brake, which is required for on-road legality, though a rear hand brake will also be included in case the owner intends to use the machine exclusively off-road.  

The sleek EX forgoes a traditional TFT display, relying instead on Stark’s detachable, military-grade Arkenstone Android device, which serves as the bike’s central interface. In what the company says is an industry-first, the shock- and waterproof Arkenstone touchscreen allows riders to adjust power, brake regen settings, access GPS navigation, and record trail data through the Varg app. The Arkenstone device also doubles as an Android-operated phone. 

Stark wants potential Varg owners to know there is 24/7 technical support for the Varg app, and the bike itself comes with a 2-year warranty. Additionally, the Spanish innovator is pushing the message that with no filters to replace, no valves to adjust, pistons to replace and or other complex maintenance will make maintaining a VARG “as effortless as servicing a bicycle.”

Highlights

• World’s smallest inverter for 50-100kW power ranges with patent-pending technology.
• Water cooled motor case that forms part of the structural chassis to minimize weight and volume.
• Advanced processor power for algorithms to ensure reliability and safety.
• 30% more peak power than a 450cc. 80hp and 938 Nm of torque on the rear wheel.
• Highest power-to-weight ratio in the motorcycle industry.
• Motor weighs only 9 kg.
• Air cooled magnesium case.
• Patented honeycomb-structure.
• Patented “Slippery Fingers” cell holders.
• Flying V layout to optimize the center of gravity and enhance agility. 
• Range similar to a full tank of gas on a 450cc MX or up to 6 hours of trail riding.
• Full recharge in 1-2 hours depending on the charger and outlet.
• Stark VARG has the world’s lightest motocross frame.
• The aluminum subframe uses straight tubular pipes and forged connections for the best compromise between weight, strength and resistance.
• Integrated forged and machined lift handles, to reinforce the construction and provide a very comfortable and practical handle for lifting and positioning the bike.
• Mid-mount linkage bracket on the swingarm permits a boost of 60mm ground clearance compared to competitors.
• Forged and CNC-machined 6082 T6 hubs.
• Highest-grade steel spokes.
• 7050 T6 aluminum aero-grade rims.
• Light skid plate featuring a low-density foam for high impact absorption. 
• KYB/Technical Touch closed cartridge 300 mm travel front forks with an AOS damping system.
• Triple adjuster with low compression and rebound system. 303 mm of suspension travel in the rear.

Stark says deliveries are expected to begin in March 2025. So just how much will it cost to step into the “future of motorcycling”? While it won’t be cheap (prices start at $12,900 for the 60 HP Standard model and $13,900 for the 80 HP Alpha), the Varg EX is definitely pushing boundaries in a way that demands attention.

Stark Varg EX Specs

Author: Jamie Elvidge

Jamie has been a motorcycle journalist for more than 30 years, testing the entire range of bikes for the major print magazines and specializing in adventure-travel related stories. To date she’s written and supplied photography for articles describing what it’s like to ride in all 50 states and 43 foreign countries, receiving two Lowell Thomas Society of American Travel Writer’s Awards along the way. Her most-challenging adventure yet has been riding in the 2018 GS Trophy in Mongolia as Team AusAmerica’s embedded journalist.