STARK VARG | 80HP Electric Off-Road Motorcycle

INSTAGRAM | @starkfutureofficial
www.starkfuture.com

Another OEM has entered the off-road motorcycle segment with an all-new electric-powered machine. STARK Future, an independent brand created by industry executives, has presented the VARG as its initial offering. It is a high-performance bike that produces up to 80hp, weighs 110kg, offers unparalleled adjustability to the power curve, and can run between one to six hours on a single charge.

STARK Future says it made several advancements in electric-powered technology with the VARG motorcycle, including creating what they say is the most energy-dense production system in the world with a honeycomb magnesium case-structure battery that produces 6kWh while weighing 32kg. A complete recharge cycle will take roughly an hour.

The pack powers the motor, which can produce up to 80hp when set to the most advanced program of the power curve. If that seems like a lot, it’s because it is, as the usual horsepower number for stock 450cc MX bikes is around 60hp. But adjustability is the most stand-out feature of the VARG’, with engine braking, traction control, and virtual flywheel weight options that can be fine-tuned through the Stark VARG App and programmed into the motor. As a result, the group says the motor can feel like a 125cc motocrosser one minute and then a 650cc trail bike the next, and that there are up to 100 power options. With this package and the bike set up like a 450, it can take up to six hours of conservating riding or one full hour at full-speed, such as a moto on a track.

The chassis and suspension of the VARG are also noteworthy. By using the motor as a structural component, the group could develop the rest of the frame to their wants, with a unit that is 50-percent lighter than the competition while retaining the vertical, lateral, and torsional flex characteristics. The final weight of the STARK VARG is 242 pounds, which puts it in the same range as the Japanese and European models while being considerably lighter than past electric bikes. Kayaba forks and shocks, with input from European tuners Technical Touch, are in-line with traditional off-road pieces and boast up to 310mm of travel on both ends.

Reduced maintenance schedules, virtually silent operation, and smartphone-pairing capabilities are among the bonus features of the STARK VARG, which is slated to be sold to the masses in September. MSRP for the all-new bike will be roughly $13,500, depending on the chosen options (there are two motor packages, one that offers 60hp and another with 80hp as mentioned earlier).

Check out the launch images and video by STARK Future, which feature Josh Hill and Sebastian Tortelli at the controls of the VARG at a track in Europe.

The Stark VARG is the first electric motorcycle to be the performance leader within its category. The new model will reorientate the industry with its patent-pending technology and design features, to inspire riders and racers towards sustainability. In order to outperform traditional technology, the Stark VARG has been developed from the ground-up, building the power train and chassis to work perfectly together and optimizing every component for its purpose. It is physical proof that an electric motocross bike can outperform combustion-engine equivalents in every single way.

How does the Stark VARG (Swedish for ‘strong wolf’) mark the difference?

Multiple bikes ‘in one’ with customizable power settings to ape a 125 two-stroke up to a 650 four-stroke

An innovative motor, cooling system and battery architecture for unparalleled performance

A class leading powertrain with 80hp at 9hp per kilogram meaning the Stark VARG is the fastest motocross bike on the market

An ultra small and light chassis concept with use of premium materials such as carbon fiber, magnesium, and aero grade aluminum

A Smartphone dash and motorcycle set-up App  

Revitalized bodywork that prioritizes ergonomics, comfort, and performance

Renowned suspension solutions from specialists KAYABA

A ‘ride anywhere, anytime’ concept thanks to low maintenance, zero emissions and no noise

Power | 80hp
Weight | 110kg fully charged
Wheel torque | 938 Nm
Range | Up to 6 hours
Charging time | 1 to 2 hours
Battery capacity | 6kWh
Suspension | 310 mm travel Front/Rear KYB
Ride modes | More than 100
Adjustability | Power curve, engine braking, flywheel effect & traction control

No detail has been left untouched or unexamined and no compromise has been taken: the Stark VARG has been in development for over two years and every single component has been carefully examined and cross-compared for utmost performance and potential. As well as the raw numbers and exceptional handling, the Stark VARG hits ownership targets thanks to its quick charging time and unbeatable durability (offering a full ‘moto’ at Grand Prix-like intensity or up to 6 hours of easy trail riding with a 1-2 hour recharge) and the absence of emissions and noise. The Stark VARG is also incredibly versatile. Through the brilliant Stark Future App – contained on the waterproof and shock resistant smartphone/dash, held in place by a new robust fixture – the bike’s power curve, engine-braking, traction control and virtual flywheel weight can be tuned in a few seconds and through as many as 100 ride ‘modes’. What kind of moto will you ride today?

The silent heart of the Stark VARG is the prized engine and powertrain, providing 80hp – 30% more than any 450 – and with double the amount of torque. The drivetrain is surrounded by Stark’s production battery system which is one of the most compact and ‘energy dense’ in the world, boasting 6kWh of capacity at less than 32kg. The powerplant has been forged with advanced tech and ideas, such as the patent-pending magnesium honeycomb casing, ‘slippery-fingers’ cell holders, a pressure relief system and a one-sided powerboard configuring the battery cells. The Stark VARG’s ‘flying V’ system connects every cell directly to the tough, waterproof casing. This brings high conductivity to the air-cooled structure. The result is a very even and regular battery temperature that removes unnecessary weight for water or vapor cooling. The range from a full charge is similar to a 450 with a full tank of gas.

Low weight is key to the Stark VARG’s vivid handling. At 110kg the bike sets the best power-to-weight ratio of any model in any dealership. The chassis architecture uses the engine as a structural component, allowing Stark Future to build the lightest motocross frame in the world. The composition of the frame (and carbon sub-section) brings the right blend of lateral, vertical and torsional flex and a lower center-of-gravity placement to optimize the Stark VARG’s output on the terrain. The bike sticks and turns unlike anything else and the rider’s sensations are helped by the slim, sporty ergonomics (goodbye to airboxes, radiators and fuel tanks) and redesigned plastics, enabling more weight-saving. Japanese suspension experts KAYABA and Technical Touch need no introduction and the 310mm travel set-up can be tweaked between seven different stock settings depending on the size and bulk of the rider.

Look around the Stark VARG and there are details that will catch the eye. How about the innovative smartphone and dash housing that allows full set-up preferences? What about the patent-pending super-robust ‘floating’ dual compound skid plate that removes the need for a lower section of the frame and provides supreme protection? Or the wheels with CNC-machined 6082 T6 aluminum hubs, 7050 T6 rims, spokes made in Italy from high-grade steel and Pirelli MX32 tires? Then there is also the innovative chain adjuster ‘click system’ (erasing the need for measurement) and the flush axle and bolt composition for yet more effective profiling and protection. Even the Stark VARG footpegs are special: the parts are cast from a special stainless steel alloy, 40% stronger than titanium or chromoly steel and are lighter than any motocross footpeg. The installation process is also simple as Stark have taken away the need for a lock pin.

The industry has set their benchmarks for combustion-engined motorcycles and it focuses on minor incremental steps each year. Stark Future has blown this outdated and environmentally ‘unfriendly’ standard away from the track. The company want to take motocross ‘out of the rut’ and have analyzed and beaten every yardstick there is.

The Stark VARG is competitively priced, costing €11,900. The motorcycle can be ordered through the Stark Future website www.starkfuture.com or through select, participating dealerships. 

“It is a very proud moment for us to finally start talking and showing the Stark VARG,” says Anton Wass, Stark Future CEO and Co-Founder. “As motocross riders and fans, we knew that the sport was in a chronic state, and we are losing tracks in Europe every week. It felt like motocross was going backwards while the potential for innovation with electric mobility is going quickly forwards. Our motivation was born out of frustration with the scene and the need to contribute something that would help our world and our surroundings. It’s been a fantastic journey so far and it’s exciting to see how the Stark VARG had exceeded our expectations. From a business perspective, we also wanted to set the bar in motocross because it is the toughest challenge for material and technical ideas before we move on to produce a full range of on-and-off-road motorcycles. Riders are going to love the full potential of the Stark VARG and the amount of ‘clean’ and easy fun it provides. We aimed to produce something greener and better, and we think anyone trying the bike will agree that we reached our vision.”   

“When I first jumped on the Stark VARG it was a step into the unknown. The very first impression was from the outright performance; it was much more than I expected,” commented Testing Director and former World Champion and AMA Supercross race winner Sébastien Tortelli. “Suspension-wise, chassis-wise I immediately felt at home. This is a real motocross bike. I had to learn about the electric power and I was surprised of how fast I adapted and how fun it is to ride. We have done quite a lot of development work already. The chassis is balanced as well as nimble. The light weight means you can really move around it with ease and attack those jumps and sections. I feel awesome on the track and I can race with this bike, and this is what we are aiming for. It’s an amazing experience to ride in silence! You can hear the way the bike picks up traction, the impact of the stones and the jumps. It’s an amazing sensation.”

“First off, the Stark VARG is one of the most beautiful bikes I’ve seen!” said Stark Future ambassador and former AMA Supercross race winner Josh Hill. “It is probably the most responsive power I’ve ever felt on a bike. The designers have done an amazing job with the chassis and the ergonomics right out of the gate. There was very little to adjust. I also love the ‘one size fits all’ idea: someone with very little experience of a dirtbike can feel safe and have fun – especially compared with trying to get their head around a new 250 or 450 – but then the serious racers or free-riders can make it as explosive as they want. The possibilities with the Stark VARG are endless. Once you’ve ridden an electric bike then its unlike anything else.”