Unless you’ve been kidnapped, been orbiting space, have had a Jason Bourne style amnesia episode or any other reason for not being on motocross websites or social media for the past few months you’ll have probably heard that there’s a new electric MX bike coming to join to the fossil burning motocross bikes we all know and love.
Yes, ladies and gentleman, the Stark Varg is here and if reports from initial tests are anything to go by it’s here to stay and will no doubt shape the future of the sport of motocross and other off road motorcycling disciplines.
There’s been a lot of hype about this project and we’re sure many of you are already up to speed on the technical elements of the motorcycle (if you’re not, you will be if you read this entire feature). The question on everyone’s lips concerning the Stark Varg is ‘what is it actually like to ride?’ Well, we sent our test pilot Dylan Woodcock out to Spain to shed some light on that burning question. Here’s what he had to say about it….
The handling
“It feels really light, and by that I mean, lighter than what the actual weight of it suggests. I think that’s probably because of the lower centre of gravity. It feels like the electric motor is balanced perfect in the chassis and the weight is more between your lower legs and ankles, and that makes it easy to throw around because the weight is noticeably at the bottom. I think everyone has been excited to know what the power is like but honestly, the handling is a big part of what makes it so good to ride. The KYB suspension that it comes with was awesome. I literally changed a couple of clickers and went out on the Supercross track and went at it and felt good on it straight away and that’s not always the case when you’re doing Supercross.”
“It’s so slim and easy to move around on it. In fact it takes a little while to get used to that and you almost have get used to gripping the bike a bit tighter than you normally would because it’s so slim and narrow at the knees. You have to squeeze your knees tighter together, but once you’ve sussed that it’s almost like throwing around a downhill mountain bike when you’re dong trail riding, or riding a BMX pump track. It’s easy to shift weight from side to side and front to back. Even the seat feels better because it’s feels a bit longer than most bikes. I guess because there’s no fuel cap you can get right up the front in the corners and also when you’re sat right at the back you’re still on the seat and haven’t got your arse on rear mudguard trying to get as much traction as possible.”
The power
“The power is not what you expect it be. I mean, we all came into riding it hearing about the power output and how it compares with more power than a petrol 450 but it’s deceptively fast because it’s much smoother than you think it’s going to be. I thought it was going to rip my arms off, shoot off and give me whip lash when I twisted the throttle but it’s not like that at all. It’s nothing like other electric bikes I’ve ridden, especially the ones you see bombing around race paddocks these days. There’s more control with it. Of course it’s stupidly responsive and the power is there the moment you twist the throttle but it doesn’t snap in like the other electric bikes I’ve ridden, they all seem to be all or nothing, but the Stark’s power delivery is a bit more like a petrol bike, just way more responsive, it’s super smooth and man, it’s quick! The torque is so good and it just makes it easy to carry momentum.”
The feel
“Obviously not having to worry about gears takes another element away and you can focus more on your lines and technique, it’s also nice to know you’re not going to miss a gear on take off! The other thing that was weird at first was not having a clutch lever. You kind of get used to not having a gear lever pretty quickly but it feels odd not having the clutch lever, especially for me because I cover the front brake and clutch lever with my fingers the majority of the time. Particularly in Supercross where you have to trigger off step on’s and step off’s and rhythm sections. I was riding around at first with my finger sticking out like a Champagne Charlie! But once I got used to that it wasn’t a problem, because the power is right there with a blip of the throttle it’s actually easier and of course less chance of getting it wrong by using a clutch to get the revs up. I was landing and then giving it a quick twist and ‘bang’ it just hooked up and sent me over the next section easily. At first too easily and I was over jumping stuff because it didn’t have that little bit clutch lag and drag. Honestly it was so much easier to do everything out on the Supercross track compared with petrol bike. Without the engine braking you kind of pay more attention to the brakes and they’re good, maybe more so because the minute you’re off throttle there’s less resistance so you almost get a better feel with them really.”
“It’s a real trick bit of kit no doubt. They’ve thought of so much stuff that makes it easier than a petrol bike too, like the wheel nuts on the axle for example. I’m not a mechanic but I know enough to prep my own bike, but you need all different type spanners or T bars to do anything. On the Stark it’s so easy to adjust the chain in comparison. On all other MX bikes you’ve got a big 32mm nut that sometimes get dug in the edge of ruts and filled up with mud and dirt but on the Stark there’s allen keys that are flush and they click so you know where you’re at with it and it keeps the wheel in line perfectly. So if you want to go three clicks but it’s too much, you just click back one or two and it’s done. The charging stand is easy and simple to use and the bike comes with a tool kit with about eight tools and you can check or replace every part with just that one tool kit. For someone like me who isn’t so into the mechanics and maintenance it’s bang on and simple, way less aggro and I love that.”
“Honestly, I do think this a game changer. I know there have been other electric bikes before over the past few years but this is next level stuff. I reckon if I had of been racing this against the petrol bikes in the AMA Supercross it would’ve made qualifying a lot easier and I would’ve got better results for sure, well, unless I balls’ed up myself! I’m looking forward to another rip on one soon that’s for sure. I loved it.”
So there’s Woody’s take on it. He’s smitten. Obviously there’s a serious amount of development gone into the Stark Varg project and it’s fair to say no stone has been left unturned. There’s so many questions and details about this groundbreaking bike that it’s best left to the guys at Stark to answer them, and that’s exactly what they’ve done in their press kit (told you they’ve thought of everything). So rather than us rehashing what they’ve said, here’s all the technical blurb on the bike. Some would say it’s lazy journalism on our behalf, we’d say like the Stark Varg, it’s just making the job easier and less complicated for us. Anyway, here’s everything you need to know on arguably the most influential off road motorcycle for decades.
The Stark VARG can be as responsive or as impulsive as a 125cc two-stroke or as torque heavy and as fast as a 650cc four-stroke. With Stark’s advanced VCU technology, the rider can define his own performance maps. The possibilities are as wide as the bike’s clear versatility. Fueling, injection, carburation, and expensive engine maintenance are forgotten worries. The Stark VARG is one bike but also the six, seven, eight different off-roaders that you always wanted to try. Clean, light, powerful, quiet and simple for upkeep.
Power
How much output does the engine make?
The Stark VARG has the most potent power-to-weight ratio of any serial production motocross bike. The carbon fiber sleeve motor – tipping the scales at just 9kg – runs on 360V nominal, churning out 80hp and 9hp/kg power to weight ratio. It also delivers an incredible 263 Nm of torque on the countershaft and 901 Nm on the rear wheel. It is designed and optimized to use more than 95% efficiency over the majority of the power range and benefits from a water-cooled aluminum casing that works as a structural part of the chassis. The inverter for 50-100kW power ranges is patented and is the smallest in the world within this power range. It is also integrated into the motor case in order to reduce mass and simplify the cooling process. The motor generates 9hp/kg. That is about 4 times more power-to-weight ratio on a typical 450cc four-stroke motor.
How do I change the characteristics of the Stark VARG?
The bike’s VCU (Vehicle control unit) can be easily and instantly set for any power curve, traction control, engine braking, and the patent-pending virtual flywheel depending on the terrain and conditions. The processor is highly advanced with algorithms to ensure reliability and safety for what is a 100% customizable product. Through the Stark App riders can create up to 100 ride mode settings and have five modes actively installed on the bike. The Stark App works on Android or iOS devices but principal control of the Stark VARG comes through the military-grade rugged smartphone that doubles-up as the motorcycle’s dash; held firmly in position by a custom-spec housing. The Stark VARG Phone and App is not only the ultimate ‘tool’ for the bike but allows the rider to chart lap times, map data, speed, G-force, airtime and power consumption. Stark Future will provide two subscription plans with the Stark VARG: Free and Premium. The Premium includes full ride modes, adjustability, GPS navigation and 24/7 internet connectivity through a SIM card that will work in 150 countries and allows the rider to keep the phone as a personal device. Both plans will have the latest over-air software updates when applicable.
How long does the Stark VARG battery last?
The Stark VARG has a 6kWh battery pack that lasts a similar range as a full tank of gas on a 450cc model. This means up to 6 hours of easy trail riding or a full 35-minute moto at ‘Grand Prix’ intensity. The battery has a patent-pending air-cooled honeycomb magnesium case. It is extremely light and effectively distributes heat thanks to every cell being connected directly to the air-cooled casing. The “Flying V” shape helps with the bike’s centralized weight and therefore handling and agility. More patents lie in the pressure relief system that permits a waterproof level of IP69K (the highest possible rating, meaning it is dust-tight and offers protection from close range pressure washers and high temperatures)
How long does it take to charge?
The battery will fully recharge between 1-2 hours depending on the charger and the outlet. The motorcycle includes a 3.3kW charger that will fit a normal national power socket and for certain markets, Stark Future will provide an adapter.
Poise
What material: steel or aluminum?
Both. The tubular chromoly steel frame weighs just 6kg and is the lightest motocross frame in the world. A mid-mount linkage bracket on the swingarm permits a boost of 60mm ground clearance compared to competitors. The swingarm itself is made from advanced aluminum manufacturing which means it is one of the lightest on the market. For the rear subframe most competitors use 6000 grade aluminum, we fabricate from 7000. We have used 7075 T6 forged and CNC machined material for the triple clamps and handlebars to again maximize weight savings and for the best strength and flex.
How does the subframe concept work?
We have a carbon fiber front subframe to contain the front spoiler assembly and seat unit, streamlining ergonomics without unnecessary or unwanted flex. This also serves as a funnel to direct airflow to the battery, motor, and radiator located under the seat.
Why are we using KYB suspension?
We wanted a renowned name for production suspension. After analyzing the merits of different suppliers, we found the quality and performance of Kayaba to be the ideal choice. The AOS damping system tech comes with 310mm of travel and the link progression curves accentuates comfort, stability, and traction. The units themselves have light Kashima coated outer-tubes and niCr coated inner-tubes for minimized friction and maximum wear resistance. The 50mm rear shock has 16mm niCr coated rod for the same low-friction efficiency and high durability. There is a triple adjuster for low compression and rebound.
What about the Stark VARG’s ergonomics?
Optimization. This was relatively easy to achieve because we did not have to worry about bulky components such as a radiator, fuel tank or an exhaust system. We were able to chisel a bike that can be manhandled aggressively but with also a comfortable position for longer rides. We have been able to lose weight with our plastics: a 3D pattern structure means we have saved 15% weight compared to rival manufacturers when it comes to bodywork. The sections can also be quickly removed as one unit including the seat thanks to a seven-bolt system that is clean, unfussy, and functional.
The bike looks sleek…
Well, talking about design, we applied a ‘performance, human art philosophy’ to the Stark VARG. We wanted a muscular shape but also something that was natural and organic. The bike oozes class and premium appeal. The Stark Future logo on the carbon fiber central section is made from 24 karat gold and symbolizes the full circle mentality of the company.
Parts
What tires does the Stark VARG use?
We’ve chosen for the most successful tire brand in FIM Motocross World Championship history: Pirelli. The option of many race teams in MXGP is also our preference and the Scorpion MX32’s carry 110/90-19 dimensions on the rear and 80/100-21 for the front wheel.
Are the wheels supplied by a third party?
Yes and no. We have created 6082 T6 aluminum CNC machined wheel hubs after expert consultation and again with priorities of weight and strength. 7050 T6 aluminum wheel rims while we have sourced the spokes from Italy in the search for the highest-grade steel.
How can I stop the Stark VARG?
Leading brakes manufacturer Galfer provide 260mm and 220mm front and rear discs with pressure applied by a Brembo hydraulic system. The rear brake is handlebar mounted – bicycle-style – for precise and easy operation. If you want a less accurate feeling, we also have a rear footbrake pedal as an optional.
What small innovations can I find on the Stark VARG?
Plenty! For example: our foot pegs have been casted and machined from a special stainless steel: a rust-free material that has 40% higher yield strength than chromoly steel or titanium. This has enabled us to fabricate a part that is lighter than the titanium units currently used on the market and in racing, and still stronger than any of the other OEM pegs. The foot peg design is a fine example of how we leave OEM rivals far behind in the dirt.
Our Skidplate is also different. It is made from low-density and light impact-absorbing foam in a patent-pending ‘floating’ construction. It will protect the bike and the power train but is also very compact and extremely light.
We’re using a RK MXU UW-ring Gold 520 chain with the highest tensile strength on the market. The fact that it is used by many teams in the Moto3™ of the MotoGP world championship tells you all you need to know about the performance potential. It has 5% less friction compared to a non-ring chain and therefore provides the bike with a longer range.
Can I easily acquire spares for the Stark VARG?
Yes, through our dealer network or website you can purchase a full catalogue of Stark VARG parts and future accessories. Once ordered the items will be sent via global express shipment.
Will a dealer be able to help me with my Stark VARG?
Yes, participating Stark Future dealers will have detailed information and knowledge of the Stark VARG. Please see our website for your nearest dealership.
Can I customize my Stark VARG further?
Sure! There are two power choices Alpha (80hp) and Standard (60hp). You can also opt for Enduro (18”) or Motocross rear wheel sizes (19”). A suspension preset depending on your weight with 5kg intervals between 65kg/143lbs to 100kg/220lbs. You can choose to have your rear brake hand or foot operated as well as add a side stand or not. The Stark VARG can arrive in Stark red, Forest grey or Snow White.
How much does it cost?
The price is dependent on your territory and currency. In Europe the cost is 12900 euros with deposits possible from 100 euros. The Stark VARG will start to ship in October 2022.
