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Barcelona-based startup Stark Future became the overnight darling of the electric motorcycle industry when it debuted the VARG e-motocrosser in 2021. Ten thousand pre-orders and widespread critical acclaim followed soon after, solidifying the upstart’s position within a segment where others before it had not survived. Now, Stark Future hopes to expand upon that success by introducing its first road-legal enduro: the VARG EX.
Hit the road, Jack
Much of the EX is based on the off-road-only VARG MX model. That includes its tubular steel frame and carbon-fiber subframe, which the brand claims “doubles as a cooling funnel for the drivetrain.” While the EX still utilizes its battery as a stressed member of the frame, Stark outfits the electric dual-sport with a larger 7.2 kWh power pack (compared to the MX’s 6.5 kWh battery).
Those extra kilowatt-hours push the model’s range somewhere between 1.3 to 6 hours. According to Stark, that’s a 20% range increase over the MX (even though it reports up to 6 hours of riding time for the electric dirt bike, as well). The Spanish firm also lists a two-hour recharge interval when using the EX’s supplied 3.3 kW charging stand. However, that rating is based on 240-volt outlets commonly found in Europe. U.S. households are often equipped with 120-volt sockets. Stark does offer an adapter for such cases, but that method also extends charging times.
Whether purchased in the 60-horsepower Standard variant or the 80-horsepower Alpha package, the VARG EX offers customizable power delivery, engine braking, and regenerative curve settings via its handlebar switch (five available modes).
While the EX borrows heavily from the MX, pivotal changes prep it for the dual-sport life. First off, Stark Future recalibrated the KYB suspension for enduro duty. Meanwhile, a 4,000-lumen headlamp, sleek taillight, and integrated license plate holder come in handy when it’s time to jump back on the pavement. All U.S.-bound units will come stock with a foot-operated rear brake pedal, but Stark will also include a hand brake (not mounted) for off-road use only.
Each EX also includes Stark Arkenstone, a detachable Android-powered device that functions as the onboard system’s user interface. Arkenstone not only allows riders to adjust power settings on the go but also offers turn-by-turn navigation and GPS recording features.
Pre-orders for the VARG EX are currently open, with the 60-horsepower model starting at $12,900 and the 80-horsepower flagship going for $13,900. Both options are available in Stark Red, Snow White, and Forest Gray color schemes. Stark estimates that the first VARG EX shipments will arrive stateside in Q1 2025.
The game-changer?
The electric motorcycle market has been in the doldrums for much of 2024. With both CAKE and Energica declaring bankruptcy this year, a dark cloud was cast over the future of the industry. Along with new models from Royal Enfield, Zero, and Husqvarna, the VARG EX could breathe much-needed life back into the category. That doesn’t mean Stark Future won’t face new challenges with the road ahead.
Unlike the MX, which is meant for closed-course motocross tracks, the EX is built to explore trails and backroads. For that reason, its practical range is much more significant. The only way to attain that information is to ride the VARG EX, which we at Common Tread hope to do in the first half of 2025. Until then, let us know what you think of Stark’s first road-legal offering, and drop any questions you have in the comments.
| 2025 Stark VARG EX | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $12,900 (Standard), $13,900 (Alpha) |
| Drivetrain | 360V electric PMAC |
| Claimed horsepower | 60 (Standard)/80 (Alpha) |
| Frame | Tubular steel |
| Claimed range | 1.3-6 hours |
| Claimed battery capacity | 7.2 kWh |
| Claimed charge time | 2 hours @ Level 2 |
| Front suspension | KYB 48 mm fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping; 11.8 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | KYB shock, adjustable for spring preload and compression damping; 11.9 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Single Brembo two-piston caliper, 260 mm disc without ABS |
| Rear brake | Brembo single-piston caliper, 220 mm disc without ABS |
| Rake | 26.1 degrees |
| Wheelbase | 58.6 inches |
| Seat height | 38.9 inches |
| Tires | Metzeler 6 Days Extreme Medium, 90/90-21 front, 140/80-18 rear |
| Claimed weight | 264 pounds |
| Available | Q1 2025 |
| Warranty | 24 months |
| More info | starkfuture.com |
