Stark Future announce the much-anticipated Stark Varg EX enduro model with greater battery life, lights, handguards, street legal, enduro chassis set-up – it’s the bike we’ve been asking for from the start.

Three years after introducing the Varg motocross model, Stark Future has taken the next step with the bike many of us in enduro have been asking for: not a skinny, beefed-up E-MTB or something which is not really a full-size dirt bike but something designed and built for enduro.

There’s plenty to get your teeth into here but an electric dirt bike with lights, the hard parts, enduro specific chassis and suspension all add up to a proper enduro bike and not something owners have to adapt for purpose.

This is a big deal because Varg EX takes the move from the closed-course bike the original Varg MX model was/is to a street legal bike – a crucial draw for trail riders and average Joe riders.

Factor in here also the ability to make one bike into any bike you want, anything from a soft-250 four-stroke to a ripping 500 two-stroke, the plug and play bike which Stark claim has the running costs of an E-MTB. Isn’t this all the bike you need in your garage?

Need to know Varg EX key technical highlights

• 20% more battery than the previous Varg MX model
• Adjustable power settings via a waterproof and impact-resistant aluminium handlebar switch
• New suspension settings and chassis set-up with increased chassis flex
• Arkenstone Stark Phone allows fingertip control of the motor character with Gyro, G-force and GPS turn-by-turn navigation all standard
• Skid pate, handguards, disc and chain guards as standard
• Lights as standard
• Selectable options for tyres and mousses for enduro/off-road at point of order
• Two models available: 60hp standard 80hp Alpha model
• 2-year warranty

Street legal

Yep, we know people are already using the Varg MX model in enduro and on the trails, adapting and even road registering their bikes where local regulations allow.

What the EX does it remove all that extra work people have been doing to their Varg up until now – hopefully not many people are too bummed at the idea they have done all that when they could have bought one.

Riders can legally take it on the streets in countries across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the United States. With A1 license compatibility and even car-license accessibility in Southern Europe.

This opens the bike up for existing trail and enduro riders but also to new customers, those who are put off dirt bikes because of the noise and the hassle.

Adjustable performance 

Like the Varg MX, the EX can be adjusted from zero to hero. From a docile, low capacity four-stroke, through everything up to a bike which is too much for off-road – adaptability to meet the demands of any rider they say.

That means riders can customise the bike’s performance adjusting power delivery, engine braking, and regenerative curves using the bar-mounted device (details below). You then have the handlebar control switch with five modes available at the touch of the button as you ride.

What’s new with the EX is the adjustable power curve, which you will be able to customise to really suit your preference and the type of enduro riding you do.

For our money that’s an awesome tool to have, and honestly, a great toy to play with adding to the riding experience.

That’s something Enduro21 tested thoroughly here: “There will be an enduro version of the Varg” Secret testing Stark’s Enduro model

New chassis details:

The Varg EX’s chassis is a redesign of the MX version. Its heart is high-strength steel main frame, with the battery and motor integral to the design, strength and balance plus a carbon-fibre subframe which doubles as a cooling funnel for the drivetrain.

The KYB suspension is also, obviously, a different spec to the MX Varg, adapted and adjustable for traditional enduro and extreme.

The EX also comes with bolt-on components specific for enduro including skid plate and chain guide both adding to the long list of parts designed by Stark.

• A patented skid plate reinforced with impact-absorbing foam, offering unparalleled durability.

• A chain guide with 266% increased lateral stiffness for unmatched reliability.

• KYB suspension: Closed cartridge forks and triple-adjustable shocks tuned specifically for Enduro, offering 300mm of travel.

• CNC-machined 6082 T6 aluminium hubs, Italian-crafted high-grade steel spokes, and Japanese alloy rims for customizable wheel configurations, including tube or mousse options.

Military-grade smart phone with sat-nav as standard

The Varg EX features the Stark Arkenstone device which is easily detachable but equally robust in its housing, and certainly one of the elements thoroughly tested by the Stark team including Taddy Blazusiak and Eddie Karlsson.

It’s a military-grade Android smart device integrated into the bike with Gyro, G-force and GPS turn-by-turn navigation all standard and your link to the Stark factory for support. It’s your visual display unit for the power, engine braking, and regeneration settings and battery status.

A navigation system developed with a leading map provider, Stark say, is a neat OEM touch which’ll allow riders to use GPS on the trail, recording and sharing their routes.

Map switch bike control

The fact they take customer feedback seriously was high on the agenda when Enduro21 visited the Stark Future factory earlier in ‘24. One illustration of that, and their own experience riding the bike, is a redesigned map switch with a waterproof and impact-resistant aluminium housing, routing cables internally for protection against wear.

We’ve tested this and it really is like having a different bike for different conditions at the touch of a button. Hard enduro on maps one and two, backed-up by more useable power on a trail and full power (if you want) all clickable.

It was intuitive and easy to personalise which for our money is what makes this one bike just as valid an option if you’re just starting out in enduro or are experienced.

“The VARG EX embodies everything we stand for at Stark Future,” said Anton Wass, CEO and Founder of Stark Future. “With the VARG EX, we’re creating a bike that opens up new possibilities for riders, whether it’s conquering trails, commuting through the city, or simply riding anywhere, anytime.”

Watch the video

Prices and costs

Stark say the Varg EX “reinforces their commitment to sustainability”. By eliminating the need for traditional components like pistons, clutches, and oil changes, the reality is it reduces maintenance costs “to levels comparable to a mountain bike”, Stark claim.

Noise-free and emissions-free is obviously a big plus for many as well with impact on the environment so much of an issue in terms of noise. 

The standard (60hp) model will retail at €12,900 / GBP 12,900 / USD 12,900 / AUS 17,900 which is a favourable price for those in North America for sure! 

Enduro21 verdict:

Less of a verdict, more of a statement about our position on electric bikes. We think we’ve been clear from the start but it’s worth saying again how we feel. 

We know and understand some of you are going to say what the hell is this or I don’t care or whatever, but the Enduro21 position is electrification is here whether we like it or not. We can’t fight against technology and where things are going, that’s clear.

We can all agree that but exactly how much impact it has depends on you and your individual situation, your geographic location and all that kind of stuff.

Ultimately anything that allows us to continue enjoying riding bikes off road is a good thing and therefore we are for it.

Prices, pre-orders and customer options

• Titanium upgrades for footpegs, bolts, and shafts to further reduce weight

• A choice of five different tyre options, available with tubes, tubeless, or mousses

• Personalisable Brembo brakes, with flexible placement on the handlebar or footpeg (handlebar fitment included free for U.S. customers)

The bike will be available in two configurations:

• Standard (60hp): €12,900 / GBP 12,900 / USD 12,900 / AUS 17,900

• Alpha (80hp): €13,900 / GBP 13,900 / USD 13,900 / AUS 18,900

Pre-orders are open now, with worldwide shipping beginning in Q1 (first quarter of the year). Riders can order directly through the Stark Future website or via associated dealers. 

More information: www.starkfuture.com  

Technical specifications Varg EX

• Motor type Electric PMAC
• Gears 1 Speed
• Weight 120 kg (264lbs)
• Maximum power 80 hp
• Battery capacity 7.2 kWh Honeycomb magnesium
• Range 1.3-6 Hours riding
• Charging time 1-2 hours (240V outlet)
• Brakes: front 260 mm hydraulic disc Brembo, 220 mm hydraulic disc Brembo rear
• Suspension: Kayaba closed cartridge forks, 300 mm travel, linkage-type Kayaba rear shock absorber with 310 mm travel
• Frame: High-strength steel
• Tyres: 5 options available for Tailored preferences.
• Handlebar Aluminium 7075 T6 28,6mm Fatbar
• Lighting: Powerful headlamp with patent pending integrated indicators with over moulded optical silicon.
• License plate holder moulded into rear fender with integrated indicators.
• Walk mode + Reverse Walking/crawl mode and reverse gear.
• Engine brake Adaptable 0 – 100%
• Customisable power options from 0 to 80 hp, controllable for power output and engine braking
• Adjustable on the trail via handlebar-mounted buttons
• Structural skid plate as standard constructed from Bio PU with double-density impact-absorbing foam, replaces lower frame rails to protect under the motor and battery
• A1 license compliant (and car license holders depending on country)
• Handguards and (flexible) license plate holder as standard
• Lights as standard with 4000 lumen headlight
• Customisable with parts including titanium pegs
• Selectable options for tyres and mousses at point of order
• Flexible silicone turn indicators
• Enduro/off-road-specific design (evolution from the MX model) with “significantly increased vertical frame flex” in the shock area and “improved lateral flex in the front of the chassis”
• KYB closed cartridge forks and shock – fully adjustable and with a linkage design claiming 60mm more ground clearance than KTM
• Brembo brakes with bar or foot rear brake option
• User-friendly footpeg and chain adjustor designs