The smell of petrol and the noise of roaring engines are an integral part of motocross! With the VARG Alpha, Stark Future want to prove that that’s not necessarily true. Electric motocross bikes stir controversy among petrolheads but also open up new possibilities. As mountain bikers and motocross enthusiasts, we took it for a spin and ended up having quite a laugh.
The “VARG” name alone, which is Swedish for “wolf”, gives away Stark Future’s Swedish roots, although the company is now based in Barcelona. With the VARG, Stark have been pioneering performance in the electric motocross segment. But on the MX track, it’s a different story altogether. At the tracks, e-cross bikes are either ridiculed, admired, or envied. So, why does this bike polarise the MX community so much, and how advanced is the VARG really?
We took the plunge and put half the editorial team on the bike: we’re all MTB fansand well acquainted with ebikes, but hardly anyone has a serious motocross background – let alone experience on an e-motocross. How quickly can you adapt to electric power, or, better yet, how fast does the bike adapt to you? For comparison’s sake: the VARG has ten times the torque of the popular Bosch Performance Line CX ebike motor – that’s around 900 Nm. As for horsepower, the Stark VARG Alpha churns out a whopping 80 hp on the track. In the top-tier Motocross GP, 450cc four-stroke or 250cc two-stroke machines usually have about 60 hp. So, what could possibly go wrong?
The Stark VARG in detail – Is this the future of e-motocross?
At first glance, the Stark VARG Alpha is unmistakably a motocross machine. Upon closer inspection, however, you’ll realise that it’s an electric bike, which is quite different in many ways from its octane cousins. No exhaust, no pipes, no smell of petrol – and, of course, no fuel cap. And there’s no oil either, except on the chain. Instead, the VARG boasts a clean, futuristic design reminiscent of electric cars like the Kia EV6. The bodywork is reduced to the essentials, and even the rear grab handles, which are usually there to pull off crazy FMX stunts – or in our case, for manoeuvring the bike – blend seamlessly into the overall design.
At the heart of the machine lies a massive battery pack, which sits exactly where the engine would be on a conventional combustion bike. The battery is quite prominent, but the actual electric motor is hardly visible, discreetly tucked away behind the battery in the swingarm area.
A quick glance at the cockpit area reveals that the VARG was developed around modern technology, with a smartphone serving as the central dashboard. A pre-configured Android device with Stark’s app and an integrated SIM card is the bike’s head unit. Through this interface, you can adjust the five different riding modes, tweak the power output, throttle sensitivity, and strength of the virtual engine brake – aka regenerative braking. These features make the VARG particularly attractive to beginners. However, the smartphone isn’t essential for riding, and if you prefer not to use it, you can set up the bike using the app and leave the phone in your car. If you keep it on the bike, it shows you lap times, map data, air time, and G-forces. Thanks to the bike’s connectivity features, you can perform over-the-air updates using the smartphone or grant direct workshop access for troubleshooting. These updates can be particularly effective with an e-motocross bike: new engine characteristics, modified power delivery, or optimised battery management can all be managed through the software.
The rest of the cockpit is rather minimalist, and doesn’t have any superfluous switches or levers. You’ll find just two buttons on the left side to shift between riding modes, plus the power switch. There’s no clutch either, simply because electric motocross bikes don’t need one – and the throttle takes over that part. Instead, there’s a brake lever for the front and one for the rear. But take note: the brakes are moto style, meaning the left one is for the rear brake, while the right one controls the front. Alternatively, you can opt for a pedal brake for the rear, as is usual for motorcycles, which ensures even more streamlined handlebars.
Lighting system? Much like road legality, it’s non-existent on the Stark VARG. This e-motocross is a purebred sports machine, designed for use on dedicated motocross tracks, not for public roads.
Technical specs of the Stark VARG E-MX – power, charging time, and range
It’s now time to dive into the technical specs of the Stark VARG: this e-motorbike doesn’t just look fast, it can back up its appearance with real performance. The numbers alone make it look like a serious competitor for combustion motorcycles on the motocross track.
According to Stark, the VARG’s frame is the lightest ever developed for a motocross bike. It combines an ultralight tubular chromoly steel structure with a casted alloy swingarm and a carbon fibre front subframe. The result? The chassis weighs in at less than 6 kg. However, Stark claim that the frame’s low weight doesn’t affect its stiffness and durability.
Behind the battery sits the bike’s powerhouse. With up to 80 hp and a staggering 938 Nm of torque at the rear wheel, the VARG packs more than enough punch. The power can overwhelm even experienced motocross riders, which is why it can be reduced or adjusted depending on the ride mode. When needed, the electric motor spins up to 14,200 rpm, with power delivered via a traditional chain to the rear wheel.
With a capacity of 6 kWh, the VARG’s battery is about ten times the size of a typical e-mountainbike battery, allowing for up to six hours of riding in trail mode. Under full throttle, the battery lasts for a typical MX race distance of around 20 minutes. Charging times vary between one and two hours, depending on the charger and power supply – so there’s more than enough time for a breather between sessions. Conveniently, the charging station also serves as a bike stand.
The VARG’s suspension is equipped with components from Kayaba, or KYB for short, generating 310 mm of travel both at the front and rear, which is standard for motocross bikes. Both the fork and shock offer countless adjustment options, allowing you to fine tune the suspension to suit your riding style and desired terrain. The rear wheel is a standard 19-inch, but for those planning extended enduro adventures rather than MX laps, there’s the option to order an 18-inch rear wheel. Up front, a 21-inch wheel ensures stability.
When it comes to braking, Stark rely on proven motocross tech: a Brembo brake with a 260 mm rotor up front, while a 220 mm disc at the rear is managed by a FORMULA brake. As mentioned above, the rear brake can be configured as either a foot or hand brake, depending on your preferences.
And what about maintenance? For riders who value maximum track time and minimal workshop time, the VARG is a dream come true. Compared to a traditional competition MX bike, maintenance is minimal. Clean it, charge it, lube the chain, and you’re good to go. And speaking of cleaning – thanks to its construction and the sealed electric system, the VARG is much easier and quicker to wash down than your typical MX bike.
The Stark VARG Alpha on the track – How does Stark’s e-motocross bike perform for beginners and pros?
When you swing your leg over the 955 mm seat of the Stark VARG for the first time, your eyes are immediately drawn to the fancy display – that previously mentioned Android smartphone in landscape mode, which acts as a digital control centre. Alongside basic riding data, like speed and battery charge status, it also displays practical data like lap times, air time and G-force. Perfect for tech nerds who love more data than just rpm and engine temperature or those who like to analyse their runs in detail after a race.
But what really makes the Stark VARG special while riding are the programmable ride profiles. These allow you to adjust the VARG’s power characteristics to suit your preferences – a true game-changer, especially when different skill levels share the bike. For less experienced riders, the power can be limited to as little as 10 hp, so newbies can start off with lower performance. A simple button press is all it takes to change the profile – even on the go or when switching riders. For mountain bikers coming from the e-bike world, this feature is a godsend: the power doesn’t overwhelm, the rear wheel doesn’t spin out of control, and the bike’s front end won’t lift too easily off the ground and threaten to buck you off. Instead, the power is manageable, and even newbies can keep the bike under control.
Another advantage of the Stark VARG: no clutch, no gear changes – meaning fewer opportunities for mistakes. However, a word of caution: even at around 40 hp, the VARG can almost yank you out of the saddle with sprints. Mountain bikers will learn a new lesson here: alongside “hold onto the handlebars,” it’s also about “squeeze the seat like a cowboy on a bull.” For those with a particularly insensitive throttle hand, the throttle response can be softened via the app.
Once you get used to the acceleration and let the bike loose on the track, you’ll need equally reliable stopping power. The dual hand brakes are particularly user-friendly for mountain bikers: hard braking at the front with your right hand before a corner, and modulating the rear brake with your left hand through the corner – it’s easier than using a foot brake. Another plus: in true MX style, you can stretch your foot forward through the corner while still being able to brake with the rear hand brake.
There’s one more interesting aspect of braking that only an electric motorcycle can offer: energy regeneration. The regenerative braking system works like an engine brake when you release the throttle, and at the same time, it recharges the battery. How strong the effect is can be configured in the app’s menu. For those used to downshifting and engine braking on petrol bikes, it feels familiar. But for mountain bikers or two-stroke fans, you can just reduce the motor braking effect – very practical.
In tight berms and fast corners, the Stark VARG Alpha really shows off its strengths, providing top-notch traction. Sitting forward on the seat, you can load the front end to make the front tire dig into the ground – the long seat offers plenty of room to shift your weight. When cornering, the (quiet) engine sound helps you gauge the level of grip better: the rolling noise of the tires and braking are clearly audible, much like what we’re used to as mountain bikers in the woods. But beware: on a busy MX track, your fellow petrol-powered riders won’t hear you coming when you line up for an overtake.
Jumping with an electric motocross bike that weighs over 100 kg is fundamentally different from mountain biking – actively pulling the bike off the lip of a jump is tricky. Instead, you compress the suspension on take-off and use the rebound and throttle to get airborne. In the air, you still have plenty of control and can adjust your flight path. Accelerating brings up the front wheel, while braking dips the nose back down. Once again, the Stark responds more quickly than a combustion MX bike, making it easy to manoeuvre mid-air. Plus, you don’t have to worry about being in the right gear – your rear wheel will keep spinning for as long as you like. This gave us our first taste of e-cross airtime and helped seasoned MX pros throw down some seriously stable whips.
Is the Stark VARG a good choice for beginners and mountain bikers?
The Stark VARG Alpha is perfect for anyone looking to get into motocross without having to deal with gear shifting and clutch work. This makes it easier to focus on body position and technique, allowing riders to slowly ramp up the power. It’s a bit like go-karting before moving on to a bigger racing class – except the Stark can keep up with the big boys, too. For advanced riders, the VARG E-Cross offers more than enough power and fully adjustable suspension. The only potential drawback for those who want to ride flat out for more than 25 minutes is the battery life. But from a mountain biker’s perspective, 25 minutes on an MX track feels about as exhausting as a full day in the bike park.
One major advantage that everyone can appreciate: minimal maintenance. Apart from cleaning the chain and charging the battery, there’s almost nothing to worry about – no oil changes, no engine rebuilds, just tire swaps. That means more time on the track and less time in the workshop.
The Conclusion of the Stark VARG Alpha
The Stark VARG Alpha is a great match for both beginners and advanced riders. The ability to reduce the power and ride without worrying about clutch and gears makes it easier for newcomers to get into motocross. For mountain bikers who want to try motocross, the VARG is a (nearly) maintenance-free recommendation: just charge it and go. Whether E-motocross is the future of the sport remains to be seen, but in terms of performance, the Stark VARG is already more than capable of holding its own.
Tops
- Beginner-friendly thanks to customisable driving modes
- quiet
- clean look
- Very low maintenance requirements
Flops
- Battery life can be a limiting factor
For more info, visit starkfuture.com
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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Peter Walker
