In the rapidly evolving world of electric motocross, the battery technology has been the crucial factor separating good bikes from game-changers. The latest offering from Stark Future, the Varg EX, represents a quantum leap forward in what riders can expect from electric motocross machines, particularly in terms of battery performance.
For those who have been following the electric motocross revolution, this new model builds significantly on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Stark Varg MX, with improvements that address the primary concerns that have held back wider adoption of electric bikes in competitive motocross.
The New Stark EX: A Brief Introduction
The Stark Varg EX isn’t just another incremental upgrade – it’s a complete reimagining of what an electric motocross bike can be. Designed from the ground up by Stark Future’s engineering team, the Varg EX maintains the distinctive aggressive styling and lightweight chassis that made the original MX model stand out, but with significant improvements to the powertrain, battery system, and overall riding experience.
The Bike features the next generation of Stark’s proprietary electric motor, producing a remarkable 80hp – comparable to a 450cc gas-powered motorcycle – while weighing in at just 110kg fully fuelled (or should I say, fully charged). This power-to-weight ratio puts it in an elite category, but it’s the revolutionary battery system that truly sets the Varg EX apart.
The Battery Life Revolution
The previous Stark MX model was no slouch in the battery department, offering approximately 40 minutes of aggressive riding on a single charge. While impressive for its time, this limited riders who wanted to spend a full day at the track without access to charging facilities. The Varg EX addresses this limitation head-on with its new high-density lithium-ion battery pack that increases capacity by 40% while maintaining nearly the same physical dimensions.
The numbers speak for themselves: the Varg EX delivers up to 6 hours of trail riding or 1.5 hours of intense motocross action on a single charge. This dramatic improvement means riders can now enjoy a full day’s session without the anxiety of constantly monitoring battery levels – a genuine breakthrough for electric motocross.
What’s even more impressive is how Stark achieved this without significantly increasing weight. Through advances in battery chemistry and thermal management, the new battery pack weighs only 3kg more than its predecessor while delivering substantially more range.
Performance Under Different Conditions – How Does It Stack Up?
Battery life is never a one-size fits-all metric – it varies dramatically depending on riding conditions, terrain, and riding style. Let’s break down how the Varg EX performs compared to the MX model across different scenarios:
Track Day Performance
During intense motocross sessions with jumps, hard acceleration, and constant power demands:
- Stark Varg EX: 1.5 hours (approximately 90 minutes)
- Stark Varg MX: 40 minutes
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Improvement: 125% increase in riding time
This dramatic improvement means riders can now complete multiple motos without needing to recharge – a first for electric motocross bikes in this performance category.
Trail Riding
On moderate trails with varied terrain but less aggressive riding:
- Stark Varg EX: 6 hours
- Stark Varg MX: 2.5 hours
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Improvement: 140% increase in riding time
This puts the Varg EX firmly in territory previously reserved for gas-powered bikes, allowing all-day adventures without range anxiety.
Cold Weather Performance
Electric batteries are notoriously susceptible to performance degradation in cold weather. Here is how they compare at 0°C (32°F):
- Stark Varg EX: 1 hour at race pace (70% of normal capacity)
- Stark Varg MX: 25 minutes at race pace (62% of normal capacity)
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Improvement: Not only longer absolute time, but better cold-weather efficiency.
The Varg EX’s new thermal management system maintains battery temperature more effectively, resulting in less degradation during cold weather operation.
Hot Weather Performance
All temperatures above 35°C (95°F):
- Stark Varg EX: 1.2 hours at race pace (80% of normal capacity)
- Stark Varg MX: 30 minutes at race pace (75% of normal capacity)
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Improvement: Superior heat dissipation and thermal stability
The advanced cooling system in the Varg EX prevents thermal throttling even during extended high-temperature operation, maintaining consistent power delivery throughout the battery discharge cycle.
Charging Speed: Another Leap Forward
Battery life isn’t just about capacity – it’s also about how quickly you can recharge. The Varg EX introduces fast-charging capabilities that weren’t available on the MX:
- Stark Varg EX: 0-80% in 45 minutes with fast charger (2 hours with standard charger)
- Stark Varg MX: 0-100% in 3 hours (standard charger only)
This means that even a quick lunch break can provide enough charge for another significant riding session – adding flexibility that was sorely missing from the previous generation.
Worth The Upgrade?
For those considering the switch from the Stark MX to the Varg EX, or those contemplating entering the electric motocross world for the first time, the question of value inevitably arises. The Varg EX carries a £1,500 premium over the outgoing MX model, but delivers several compelling advantages that justify the increased investment:
- Significantly longer riding times mean fewer interruptions and more enjoyment.
- Faster charging reduces downtime between sessions
- Better performance across extreme temperatures ensures consistent riding experiences year-round.
- Improved battery longevity with an estimated 1,000 charge cycles before noticeable degradation (compared to 800 for the MX)
For current MX owners, Stark has announced a trade-in program that reduces the upgrade cost by up to £1,000 depending on the condition and age of your current bike, making the switch even more attractive.
For new buyers, the Varg EX represents the most complete electric motocross package currently available, with battery performance that finally eliminates one of the last major obstacles to widespread adoption of electric bikes in competitive riding.
The Future Has Arrived
The Stark Varg EX represents a watershed moment for electric motocross. With its revolutionary battery system delivering 125-140% more riding time than its predecessor across all conditions, fast-charging capability, and improved thermal management, it has effectively eliminated the primary drawback that has held electric bikes back from mainstream acceptance in the motocross community.
What started with the promising but limited Stark MX has evolved into a machine that can genuinely compete with – and in many ways surpass – traditional gas-powered bikes. The ability to ride for up to 90 minutes at race pace or 6 hours on trails puts the Varg EX in a category of its own, making it not just a viable alternative to combustion engines, but potentially the superior choice for riders looking for consistent power delivery, minimal maintenance, and zero emissions.
For the serious motocross enthusiast or the environmentally conscious rider who refuses to compromise on performance, the Stark Varg EX demonstrates that the future of motocross is not just electric – it’s already here, and it’s spectacular.
