Stark Varg EX: Blazing Fast but Needs Polish
▼ Summary
– Stark Future covered travel costs for Ars to test the Varg EX, though Ars maintains editorial independence.
– Off-roading harms nature through land damage, noise, and pollution, which EVs like the Varg EX partially mitigate.
– The Stark Varg EX is a high-performance electric motorcycle with 80 hp and 692 lb-ft of torque, blending off-road capability with street legality.
– Stark Future, founded in 2020, initially focused on off-road bikes like the Varg MX before introducing the more versatile Varg EX.
– The Varg EX is assembled in Barcelona, featuring innovative manufacturing techniques like titanium laser sintering for components like footpegs.
Exploring the Stark Varg EX: A High-Performance Electric Off-Roader with Room for Improvement
The growing popularity of electric vehicles has reached the off-road world, offering riders a cleaner, quieter alternative to traditional gas-powered bikes. The Stark Varg EX stands out as a formidable contender, blending raw power with eco-conscious engineering. While it delivers thrilling performance, this electric motorcycle still has a few rough edges to smooth out before it can dominate the market.
Off-roading presents an inherent contradiction, the thrill of exploring nature often comes at the cost of environmental damage, from soil erosion to noise and exhaust pollution. Electric bikes like the Varg EX address some of these concerns by eliminating emissions and reducing noise, though they don’t entirely solve the impact on terrain. Having tested numerous electric off-roaders, few match the sheer capability of the Varg EX. Weighing just 264 pounds (120 kg), it packs twice the torque of a Porsche 911 GT3, making it a beast on any trail while remaining street-legal.
A Fresh Contender in the Electric Motorcycle Arena
Stark Future, founded in 2020, made waves with its debut model, the Varg MX, an electric motocross bike that quickly proved its worth in competitive racing, including a British Arenacross Championship win. The newer Varg EX builds on that success, adding road-friendly features without sacrificing off-road prowess. Designed for both adventure and practicality, it incorporates several upgrades over its predecessor.
At its core, the Varg EX relies on a 7.2 kWh battery pack and a compact yet potent permanent-magnet motor. Despite its modest size, comparable to a soda can, the motor churns out 80 hp (60 kW) and a staggering 692 lb-ft (938 Nm) of torque, ensuring explosive acceleration and relentless trail performance.
Manufactured in Barcelona, Spain, the bike combines traditional assembly techniques with cutting-edge innovations like titanium laser sintering, a 3D printing method used to craft its rugged, precision-engineered footpegs. These components provide exceptional grip and durability, essential for tackling challenging terrain.None
While the Varg EX impresses with its power and agility, it’s not without flaws. Some aspects of its design and usability need refinement before it can truly compete with established off-road giants. Still, for riders seeking a high-performance electric alternative, this bike represents an exciting step forward.
(Source: Ars Technica)
