Enduro riders, we’re excited to announce the wait is over. Stark has officially unveiled the Varg EX, an electric enduro bike designed to take on the trails, the streets, and everything in between. Ever since the Varg MX made waves in the motocross scene, zipper-clad headlight riders have been asking the same question: When’s the enduro version coming? Now, Stark has answered, and they’ve gone all in on creating a bike that’s not just off-road capable but also street-legal in the United States.
The Varg EX is more than just a slight modification of its MX sibling. Stark has rebuilt this bike with enduro riders in mind, starting with its street-legal design. The EX comes equipped with a 4,000-lumen headlight that integrates seamlessly into the front number plate, along with turn indicators built into both the front and rear. This bike is ready to roll right out your garage door from the tarmac to the trails straight out of the box. To keep the EX street compliant in the USA, it needs to be equipped with a foot brake. However, Stark will include a rear hand brake for free, complementing the standard rear foot brake and offering an option for riders who plan to race or prefer their off-road setup to have both brakes up on the bars.
At the heart of the Varg EX is a completely redesigned frame. Stark focused on refining the bike’s flex characteristics to improve handling and comfort in rough, technical terrain. Increased vertical flex at the rear shock mount gives the bike a more planted, plush feel in corners, while optimized lateral flex in the front chassis makes steering more precise and predictable. These changes should make the EX feel distinctly different from the MX, especially in tricky off-road sections where grip is critical.
One of the most significant upgrades in the Varg EX is the battery. Stark has bumped the capacity to 7.2 kWh, a step up from the 6.5 kWh pack found in the MX. The result? A claimed 20% increase in range, which is a big bonus for enduro riders tackling long loops or bigger rides. Charging is straightforward, too, with the bike capable of going from empty to full in 3.5 hours on a 120V outlet—or just 2 hours if you’ve got access to a 240V setup.
Suspension has also been fine-tuned for the EX’s intended use. While it retains the high-quality KYB components from the MX, travel has been slightly reduced to 300mm in the front and 305mm in the rear, compared to the MX’s 310mm all around. This subtle tweak is aimed at improving traction in the slower, more technical terrain typically found in enduro riding, without sacrificing too much of the suspension’s ability to soak up big hits.
The EX comes spec’d standard with an 18-inch rear wheel – the choice you would expect for trail riding and tackling rocky terrain. Stark offers plenty of tire options, too, letting you choose between 5 different tire options and tube, tubeless, or mousse setups depending on your riding preference. This kind of flexibility is unheard of from a manufacturer, and a welcome feature that shows Stark understands the range of riders that will be purchasing this machine.
The Varg EX debuts the Arkenstone Stark Phone, a next-gen interface that lets riders completely customize the motor’s power delivery and character. Something that was promised in the MX but is now coming to fruition in the EX. In addition to tuning performance, the phone also tracks gyro data, G-forces, and even offers GPS navigation. If it works as promised, it could be a revolutionary tool for fine-tuning your ride and easily exploring new terrain with confidence. We’ve had our bouts with the original phone so we welcome the new option with open arms.
Weighing in at 264 pounds, the Varg EX is slightly heavier than the MX, gaining just 4.4 pounds despite its larger battery and additional features. Power output remains the same as the MX, with both a 60-horsepower standard version and an 80-horsepower Alpha option available. Pricing is competitive for a street legal bike in this class, starting at $12,900 for the 60-horsepower model and $13,900 for the Alpha.
On paper, the Varg EX looks like it’s got the potential to be the ultimate tool for enduro riders who want an electric bike that can link trails from the road. The increased range, refined frame, and thoughtful features like customizable brakes and wheel setups suggest Stark has put serious effort into making this bike a standout in the electric enduro category.
For years, capable electric dirt bikes that could legally sport a license plate have been few and far between. But with the arrival of the EX, along with the new KTM Freeride and Husqvarna Pioneer, we’re entering a new era where riding from home to the trails is finally within reach for electric riders.
We’re eager to see how the Varg EX performs in real-world conditions. As always, we’ll let you know what it’s really like once we’ve had the chance to test it ourselves. Stay tuned—this one’s going to be fun.
Stark Varg EX At-A-Glance
- Street-Legal Out of the Box
- Comes equipped with a 4,000-lumen headlight and integrated indicators in the front number plate and rear fender.
- Includes a free rear hand brake for racing or off-road scenarios, complementing the standard rear foot brake.
- New Frame Design for Enduro
- Increased Vertical Flex: Adds plushness and grip during cornering.
- Enhanced Lateral Flex: Optimized front-end control for improved handling in technical terrain.
- Bigger Battery, More Range
- Features a 7.2 kWh honeycomb magnesium battery, offering a 20% boost in range compared to the MX.
- Range: 1.3–7 hours of riding, depending on conditions.
- Charging Times: 1–2 hours on a 240V outlet.
- Motor and Power
- Motor type: Electric PMAC
- Gears: 1-speed transmission
- Maximum power: 80 hp
- Suspension Tweaks for Off-Road
- Features KYB suspension with slightly reduced travel to suit enduro riding:
- 300mm front travel
- 305mm rear travel
- Features KYB suspension with slightly reduced travel to suit enduro riding:
- Rear Wheel Ready for off road
- Standard 18-inch rear wheel.
- Tire options include tubed, tubeless, or mousse setups to suit rider preference.
- Braking System
- Front Brakes: 260 mm hydraulic disc Brembo.
- Rear Brakes: 220 mm hydraulic disc Brembo.
- Tech Highlights
- New Arkenstone Stark Phone, offering advanced customization:
- Tune motor power delivery.
- Track metrics like gyro data, G-forces, and GPS navigation.
- New Arkenstone Stark Phone, offering advanced customization:
Stark Varg EX Quick Specs
- Weight: 120 kg (264 lbs)
- Power: 80 hp maximum (Alpha)
- Battery: 7.2 kWh honeycomb magnesium
- Range: 1.3–7 hours of riding
- Charging Time: 1–2 hours (240V outlet)
- MSRP: $12,900 (60hp), $13,900 (80hp)
