2025 KTM 350XCF vs Stark Varg: Gas vs Electric Back to Back on Woods Loop

[@tmlpony]

yep i'll take the 350

[@mxengineer1]

Austrian 350's are such a great combination of Power/Weight/Handling!👍👍

[@shawntblin5423]

I too prefer the previous power delivery. The power doesn’t ramp up as fast now.

[@mxengineer1]

I will post an overview video of the new Varg software soon. I am on the fence about the new software - I think I like the original software better! Wish Stark would let us tune the power character with the phone.

[@mxengineer1]

Here is my review video of the new Stark Varg software... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lV6uZoKthNeBfsk

[@RogerBartholomew-cz2cw]

Great video, what is the difference with the pro shock, is it worth the price? Different feel?

[@mxengineer1]

The WP Pro Component TRAXX rear shock does feel better than the stock shock (very plush at the top of the stroke and better hold up deeper in the stroke - that is noticeable in G-outs and jump faces). Also with the TRAXX feature the rear wheel traction is a little better (less braking chatter from the rear wheel and more plush on acceleration chop). The WP Pro shock is $2300...worth it or not is up to you! I think a good suspension tuner (like Brad at RideWorx) can make the stock shock work very well - a much better value for the money spent compared to the Pro shock.

[@RideFishHunt]

Do you notice a difference in the varg when the battery is at 95 percent and then at, lets say 20 percent or lower? Just thinking how my e bike feels slower when the battery gets low, i can definitely feel it has less power. Great comparison video!

[@mxengineer1]

Yes I have noticed below 20% seems like the power is a little softer and below 10% really dialed back - probably to make sure the bike can be ridden back to the truck!

[@Joe-pb3lx]

so you got the pro shock installed? nice

[@mxengineer1]

Yes and it works great!

[@Joe-pb3lx]

@@mxengineer1 .....so kewl......love good suspension

[@Joe-pb3lx]

still waiting for my air filter from ebay, but in the meantime i will drain the fork oil and add new......and rebuild the front brake caliper, or maybe buy a new hose for it.......not sure yet.....i just want to go riding already, its almost the middle of august.....next year ill redo the head casket......when i rebuilt it a few years back i didnt really know how to use that rubber gasket material you squeeze out of a tube and it has a slight oil leak and gets the fins oily and then dirt collects.......also the steering head bearings are a little rough even after greasing them up so new races and bearings

[@mxengineer1]

Cool you keep the XR200 running!

[@johnkling3537]

Nice EV launch wheelie⚡️hear the wind and bird and smell the trees🍀 OR four thumper and shift & clutch 🚜 if only I could ride all day on a charge 🚀

[@mxengineer1]

You and me both!

[@SteveHofsaess]

must be nice to ride new dirt bikes everyday.

[@mxengineer1]

Would be cool to ride everyday but work gets in the way!

[@ehess8845]

I enjoy your vids, but I took this one with a grain of salt in regards to the respective lap times...it was clearly evident that you were pushing significantly harder on the 350.

[@mxengineer1]

Yes easily the biggest difference I have seen on this short woods loop. I am not sure about the new Varg software update as the motor power character is different - need to ride it more. And yes my 350XCF is dialed in now and such a fun bike to ride - makes me want to go riding!

[@ehess8845]

@@mxengineer1 Appreciate the response...after I left the comment, I was thinking; well, maybe you are just that much more comfortable on the 350 which allowed you to push it? Keep the vids coming!

[@itsmers]

Gas only please.. lol that sounds like my kid's remote controlled rc car that was $25 at walmart.

[@phat-kw9ox]

I just can’t get in on the electric thing

[@mxengineer1]

Have you ridden a Varg? Electric is a different and unique riding experience. Instant torque, tunable power, low maintenance and also won't replace my gas bikes

[@Briank-ef5iq]

I’m with ya , I like mixing gas an oil ! Always will !

[@phat-kw9ox]

I did give the varg a shot and it felt so foreign

[@mxengineer1]

@@phat-kw9ox Yes it is a different feel. Glad you got to ride one.