If you’re on the hunt for a full-size electric dirt bike in 2024, you’re in luck with a range of options available. But which one is worth your time and money? Today, we’re diving into four leading contenders: the high-performance Stark Varg, the tried-and-true Alta Redshift, the Arctic Leopard EXE880, and the Yamaha YZ-EMX Electro & Co conversion. Our testing grounds? The trails of Eldorado National Forest and Riverfront MX track in California. Here’s what we discovered.
The Arctic Leopard EXE880: The Trail Bike
At first glance, the Arctic Leopard EXE880 stands out as the trail bike of the group, thanks to its wide midsection and overall feel. On the trails, it has a balanced power delivery and feels reasonably smooth. The bike’s regenerative brake lever, while a smart feature on paper, doesn’t quite hit the mark—it feels flimsy, almost like a placeholder that lacks resistance. And the rear brake pedal protrudes more than it should, almost begging to get caught on a rock. Ironically, when the pedal did snap off, the regen lever became the default rear brake and worked reasonably well.
- Trail Feel: It’s wide through the midsection and feels most like a trail bike. Power delivery is smooth and balanced for the terrain.
- Ride Quality: The bike has a bit of a “loose” feel, with some clunking from the battery and rear-end components that’s more noticeable on the MX track.
- Regen Lever: The rear brake’s regenerative lever has almost no resistance, which makes it less intuitive. On the plus side, it became a handy backup when the rear brake pedal broke off.
- Overall Ergonomics: The bike’s design feels somewhat boxy and the seat is firm. Not ideal for confidence on jumps, though it’s manageable on trails.
Verdict: A capable trail bike but a bit pricey at $10,999. It lacks refinement in build quality and components, especially considering its competition at the same price point.
YZ-EMX Conversion: Yamaha’s Electric Rebirth
For anyone familiar with Yamaha’s YZ250F, the YZ-EMX feels like coming home. Electro & Co’s YZ-EMX conversion kit turns this familiar machine into an electric powerhouse, bringing it to life with an impressive 48 horsepower and the handling characteristics you’d expect from a Yamaha. Right away, the EMX feels fast, nimble, and surprisingly aggressive.
What’s especially impressive about the EMX is its balance. Electro & Co managed to maintain the YZ’s 47% front and 53% rear weight bias, making it feel like the original bike in terms of stability. It’s light, responsive, and offers precise control on both trails and the MX track. The EMX’s conversion kit, starting at $4,999, combined with a Yamaha rolling chassis, brings the total cost to roughly $9,499 for the build we tested. It’s a price point that hits the sweet spot between power and affordability, and as a bonus, you can swap out batteries—a rarity in this lineup.
For those who haven’t seen it yet, we did a full review of the YZ-EMX that can be seen here.
- Instant Familiarity: Right off the bat, this bike feels like a Yamaha, which means stability and comfort.
- Power Delivery: Packing around 48 horsepower, the EMX has plenty of juice. Electro & Co’s battery options (76V 75Ah or 76V 60Ah) allow riders to pick the power setup that fits their needs.
- Chassis Balance: Electro & Co nailed the bike’s weight distribution, matching the original 47% front and 53% rear balance.
- Suspension and Handling: The YZ chassis is light, nimble, and retains the excellent suspension Yamaha is known for, though it’s not quite as sharp in turns as the Varg.
Verdict: This conversion kit really makes this bike a solid competitor to more expensive options. At around $9,499 fully built, it’s both affordable and powerful.
Stark Varg: The Premium Powerhouse
If the Varg’s reputation precedes it, there’s a reason: it’s widely hailed as the gold standard in electric motocross. Built with KYB SSS suspension, a meticulously crafted chassis, and up to 80 horsepower in the Alpha build, the Varg is designed to dominate the MX track. At $10,999, it’s in the same price range as the Arctic Leopard but offers a vastly different ride.
On the track, the Varg’s power and torque shine, making it the most formidable of the bunch. Its ergonomics are spacious, even for taller riders, and the bike’s torque is both an asset and a challenge—it requires a steady hand, especially when using throttle control mid-air. However, the Varg’s high-tech smartphone interface can be more of a nuisance than an asset, with frequent logins, software updates, and the occasional battery drain, a reminder that sometimes, simpler is better.
- High-End Build: The Varg feels premium, with KYB SSS suspension, a quick-turning yet stable chassis, and a powerful 6.5kWh battery.
- Power and Control: With up to 80hp in its Alpha build, the Varg’s performance is unmatched in this lineup. It’s a beast on the track, with power and torque that’s a step above.
- Cockpit and Handling: The bike is roomy, especially for taller riders, and incredibly responsive. However, the torque can feel abrupt, especially when making mid-air adjustments.
- User Experience: Stark’s smartphone-integrated interface has its quirks—frequent logins, software updates, and battery drain can be frustrating.
Verdict: If you’re after top performance and don’t mind the lack of swappable battery or the occasional smartphone frustration, the Varg is hard to beat. It’s designed for motocross and delivers an unmatched power-to-weight experience, but the quirks and high price may make you pause.
Alta Redshift: A Legend, but Showing Its Age
The Alta Redshift was groundbreaking when it debuted, and its legacy still holds up to a degree. The bike’s power remains impressive, and despite clocking over 400 hours, it runs reliably with minimal mechanical noise. Its wide frame and somewhat outdated ergonomics, however, are notable downsides, especially compared to the lighter, more nimble competition. While it’s still stable and dependable, it doesn’t quite offer the precision or modern feel of the YZ-EMX or the Varg.
The Redshift’s price, currently around $5,000 to $7,000 for a used model, makes it an enticing option for those willing to take the risk on limited parts availability. But it’s clear that while the Alta once set the benchmark, newer models have moved the bar.
- Durability: Even after 400 hours, this bike is still running strong with minimal clunking or signs of wear.
- Power and Ergonomics: It’s a solid performer in the power department, but the wide frame and dated ergonomics show its age compared to the Varg and EMX.
- Ride Quality: The bike feels heavy and isn’t as nimble as its competitors, though its power and stability are commendable for a bike of its age.
Verdict: The Alta remains a great choice if you’re able to find one and don’t mind the risk of finding replacement parts. At around $5,000-$7,000, it’s a bargain that still packs a punch.
Final Rankings
Price
- YZ-EMX Conversion: $9,499 for a new build
- Alta Redshift: $5,000-$7,000 used (if you can find one)
- Arctic Leopard EXE880: $10,999
- Stark Varg: $10,999 (previously $13,900)
Power
- Stark Varg: 80hp in Alpha
- Arctic Leopard EXE880: 51hp
- Alta Redshift: 50hp
- YZ-EMX: 48hp
Suspension
- Stark Varg and YZ-EMX: Tie
- Alta Redshift
- Arctic Leopard EXE880
Ergonomics
- Stark Varg
- YZ-EMX
- Arctic Leopard EXE880
- Alta Redshift
After putting these bikes through their paces, it’s clear they each have a unique appeal. The Arctic Leopard is decent for trails but lacks the refinement and power of the other bikes, especially given its price tag. The Alta Redshift is a sturdy, capable machine but feels outdated in key areas, especially in handling and weight. But the true contest lies between the Varg and the YZ-EMX.
The Varg is a performance powerhouse, especially on fast tracks where top speed is a must have. However, its weight can be noticeable in certain conditions, particularly on braking bumps or rough terrain. The YZ-EMX, by contrast, is lighter and more nimble, with a Yamaha chassis that feels quick and responsive. Plus, the YZ-EMX has the advantage of a swappable battery and straightforward tech—a welcome relief from the Varg’s smartphone interface.
Ultimately, both the Varg and YZ-EMX stand in a class of their own. For the ultimate high-performance eMoto experience, the Varg remains unmatched, but for budget-conscious riders or Yamaha fans with some time in the garage, the YZ-EMX delivers unbeatable value and performance.
