QUANTUM LEAP! That’s what the Stark Varg is. In this machine the electric motorcycle – and specifically dirt motorcycle – has leapt massively forward. And if Stark’s claims are substantiated then not only can they now match the performance – and endurance – of the current conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) motocrossers (and enduros) they can better them!
And this is a production model, going on sale around Q3 of 2022. Oh, and at a price almost comparable to the latest dirt bikes: £9,900…
Here’s a quick runthrough of the key performance points:
- up to 80hp available (+30% on a standard 450MX)
- Range the same as a 450MX fuel tank (ie. a 45-minute moto – or apparently 6 hours trail riding)
- Ride modes and multiple performance adjusters all accessible through a smartphone interface – plus data logging
- Battery recharge in 1-2 hours
- Weight: 110kg
- Low centre of gravity for excellent handling and light feel
- KYB suspension
- No bottom frame rails, instead a ‘floating’ bash plate
- Neat super-accurate and super-simple chain adjuster using ‘clicker’ system
STARK FUTURE
So who are Stark? This is their own brief introduction:
‘Stark Future is a multi-national company, established in 2019 with Swedish roots but located on the fringes of
Barcelona. Stark Future has built a dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable team from the cream of both the
motorcycle and power electronics industries. The Stark VARG itself is a strong definition of the company’s
values.’
Their engineers have, we understand, backgrounds from R&D in KTM and Alta, while their chief test rider is none other than Sebastien Tortelli. And that’s AMA SX rider Josh Hill joining him in the video and photos – so we’re talking people with top reputations.
The Stark team are clearly keen to make this a clean green step into the future too, as they suggest:
‘We do not:
– Show negative content
– Show burnouts or other non-sustainable activity
– Exclude traditional technology, but our purpose is always to inspire towards sustainability’
STARK – THE TRAIL BIKE?
This could yet be a way down the line. This first machine is a motocrosser. For trail we’re talking homologation (although emissions is clearly a breeze!) and the addition of lights and other road legalities. But with that infinitely variable power unit it’ll be almost immediately possible to tune it to a say 40hp enduro-trail spec with decent range – enough for a full enduro or decent trail ride.
However, given that this team has gone from a standing start in 2019 to this position now, maybe it’s possible we’ll have such a bike ready for 2023?
Last comment for now: the name. Stark Varg – it’s Swedish for Strong Wolf.
