At ECR, these are our two favorite electric dirt bikes: the Stark Varg and the modded Surron Ultra Bee. Both are incredible machines, and every time we ride them, we find ourselves asking the same question: Which one is better? For us, it’s become an ongoing debate. The Varg’s raw power and motocross DNA are hard to ignore, but the Ultra Bee’s agility and customizability make it a serious contender. While the answer may depend on what you’re looking for in a bike, we think the comparison isn’t as one-sided as it might seem. Let’s dive into what makes these two bikes stand out.
Thunder Valley MX Test: Breaking Down the Bikes
To settle the debate, we brought both bikes to the Thunder Valley motocross track. Joining us was Jet Underwood, who had never ridden either bike before. His fresh perspective offered a great opportunity to see how these machines perform when tested back-to-back.
The Modded Surron Ultra Bee
First up was the Ultra Bee, but this wasn’t just any Ultra Bee. This bike is heavily modified, featuring upgrades like:
- Suspension: Sirris F43 Fork and Sirris R46 Shock with a motocross tune
- Controller: EBMX X-9000 running 17 kW on the stock motor and battery
- Wheels & Tires: 21/18 wheels wrapped in Dunlop MX34 tires
- Extras: Steering stabilizer, ODI Bars, Warp 9 Pegs, and an upgraded chain and sprocket
The result? A bike that feels completely transformed. Jet was initially hesitant, expecting the Ultra Bee to feel underpowered or overwhelmed by the track. But once he got rolling, his confidence grew.
“I thought it was going to Clank or bottom out, but the suspension just ate it up,” Jet remarked after hitting a few jumps.
Despite lacking the sheer power of the Varg, the modded Ultra Bee impressed with its suspension and ability to absorb big hits. It handled jumps, bumps, and turns like a much larger bike, making it feel closer to a traditional 250F than its smaller electric siblings.
The Stark Varg
Next, we unleashed the Stark Varg. Unlike the Ultra Bee, this bike was almost completely stock, with the only upgrade being a custom set of 21/19 gold Excel wheels from Woody’s Wheel Works. Straight out of the box, the Varg boasts massive power, precise handling, and top-tier suspension.
Jet’s reaction was instant and enthusiastic.
“This thing feels as light as a 250 but with more power than a 450,” he said, blown away by the Varg’s ability to effortlessly rip through the track.
The Varg’s direct drive system delivered smooth and abundant power. Whether blasting through whoops or carving up turns, it was clear that the Varg was designed for domination on a motocross track.
Head-to-Head on the MX Track
When it came to the MX track, the verdict was clear. The Ultra Bee was impressive, punching above its weight class, but the Varg was in a league of its own. Its size, power, and refined suspension made it the ideal choice for high-speed, pro-level tracks like Thunder Valley.
Where the Lines Blur: Woods and Technical Terrain
While the Varg dominates on the track, the comparison isn’t as one-sided in the mountains and woods. This is where the Ultra Bee starts to shine.
At 58 lbs lighter than the Varg, the Ultra Bee’s agility and lower seat height make it an excellent choice for technical terrain. Tight, off-camber sections, rocky climbs, and slower trails are where the Ultra Bee feels more natural. The suspension upgrades keep it planted, and its flickable nature reduces rider fatigue.
“When things slow down and get technical, I’m faster and more comfortable on the Ultra Bee,” Tucker explained, noting that it’s his go-to bike for this type of riding.
If the trail is fast and wide-open, the Varg’s power and speed win every time. But for more technical off-road terrain, the Ultra Bee is hard to beat.
Battery Range and Price
Battery Range
- Ultra Bee: Approximately 25 miles per charge in typical off-road conditions
- Stark Varg: Around 34 miles per charge in similar terrain
While the Varg has better range, the Ultra Bee’s removable battery allows you to extend ride times by swapping out packs—an essential feature for events like the San Isabel Enduro, a 60-mile off-road race that the Ultra Bee successfully completed in 2024.
Price
- Stark Varg: Originally $14,000, now available in the $10,000-$11,000 range
- Modded Ultra Bee: Around $12,500 with all upgrades
Although the Varg offers incredible performance right out of the box, building a competitive Ultra Bee requires significant investment. However, the modularity of the Ultra Bee’s design provides flexibility for future upgrades.
Pros & Cons
Stark Varg
- Pros: Unmatched power, stock suspension that’s race-ready, direct drive gearbox, robust swingarm, better battery range
- Cons: Heavier, more expensive upfront, battery is not swappable
Modded Ultra Bee
- Pros: Lightweight, nimble, removable battery, highly customizable, affordable
- Cons: Lacks power compared to the Varg, jackshaft design and swingarm flex can be issues under hard use
The Final Verdict
If you’re a serious motocross rider or a professional looking for the ultimate electric dirt bike, the Stark Varg is the answer. It’s fast, powerful, and ready to compete straight out of the box.
However, for those of us who aren’t pro riders, the modded Ultra Bee offers a compelling alternative. Its lighter weight and technical prowess make it the ideal bike for woods and trails, and with the right upgrades, it can still hold its own on an MX track.
So, which bike is better? It depends on your riding style, terrain and goals for a bike. Both bikes have their strengths, and for those lucky enough to ride both, there’s a time and place for each.
