Stark Varg vs KTM 450SXF: Gas vs Electric Back to Back Briarcliff MX

Stark Varg vs 2023 KTM 450SXF Back to Back at Briarcliff MX. Gas vs Electric! Back to back rides are a great way to understand the characteristics of different bikes.
KTM 450SXF
The '23 KTM 450SXF engine makes strong linear power (60HP at the rear wheel according to MXA) that is easy to ride. The chassis is a great combination of cornering and stability. The stock suspension and very adjustable and works well after 5~8 hours of break. I installed my favorite set of WP Cone Valve spring forks on this 450FE. I've owned these forks for many years and they work great. Brad at RideWorx just re-did the rear shock on this bike and it is dialed now - way more compliance and bump absorption compared to stock and the bike feels more planted over the chop (here is the first ride review of this RideWorx dialed rear shock... • 2023.5 KTM 450 Factory... )
Stark Varg
No clutch, no shifting, barely any noise, no heat, multiple maps from 10hp to 80hp...just throttle and brakes. The Stark Varg is very easy to ride and very easy to like! The chassis is firm and the KYB suspension has a lot of damping to keep the 260lb Varg under control. Cornering is impressive and the Varg changes direction so easily.
Gas or electric...each a very different experience yet both very fun to ride! Which would you choose?
More Varg review videos.....
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Varg 80hp is Fun! • Stark Varg Review: 80H...
Varg on Woods Loop: • Stark Varg Review on S...
Varg on slow tight trail: • Stark Varg Review on S...

[@mikehudgens7007]

Amazing video !!!! I am not an electric bike guy yet ( I have tried a Varg and it was interesting is what can be said but different ) like to see honda's effort on an e bike !!! The track looks like a hoot - and your voice comes in so clear lol on the e ride !!!! So , my question is which do you like better gas vs electric zero gas ??? We are headed back to Milville this weekend ( last one for the year ) as it is starting to get colder up here in North MN - 39 degrees this morning - no XR650 to work - brrr - thanks for all you share with us - very informative

[@MarkFries-o7n]

Nice video. I am waiting to see what the Dust Moto electric is going to weigh. At 67 the weight and hight of the new bikes doesn’t speak to me. The Beta Explorer works for the trails around the house without disturbing anyone and I don’t have to drive for an hour to ride. Always enjoy your content. Keep the rubber side down and be safe!

[@mxengineer1]

I am also curious how the Dust Moto turns out and yes weight is a big factor and lighter is better! I really enjoyed a quick ride on the Sur Ron Ultra Bee.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6aTlaKgn9icZpY

[@MarkFries-o7n]

@@mxengineer1 I know it doesn’t replace a good gas bike but my flexibility made me get rid of my KTM 250. I was using a small step to get on the bike LOL. I was looking into lower linkage to see if that would work. But I still couldn’t ride near the house without being noticed! Been riding dirt bikes since 1973 and just want something to have fun on that is lite and fits me. Thanks

[@yzf1992]

Hey man. I know its not the topic of the video, but what will be better for racing? The yz250f or sxf250? In future i will upgrade to 450 and next question. What will be better for racing? Yz450f or ktm sx250f? I know kyb suspension and ergonomy etc but i am asking about the engine, what will be better for track racing? I dont know what will be better. The bottom end power or top end?

[@mxengineer1]

Downdraft intake is a fundamental design advantage of the YZ250F and gives the bike very quick response and great partial throttle torque feel. The ergo's and cornering are improved on the updated 24 YZ250F chassis which is also a bit firmer along with the stock suspension setting. KTM has a tick less low to mid throttle initial response but more mid to top end power. Both are very good engines - really comes down to local dealer support and your preferences. Latest KTM chassis and suspension settings on the 25 models are much improved and tunable off the showroom floor. No wrong choice!

[@yzf1992]

@@mxengineer1 yeah, but what would you choose for racing? Low to mid or mid to high?

[@yzf1992]

@@mxengineer1 what of these have larger powerband? And what would you choose for racing if you had to choose one?

[@Wippit-vxr]

Will always be gas for me.. electric dosent interest me one bit.. no matter how fast how torquey how quick I just not bothered… nothing beats a good olde 2poke 🫡 each to there own I suppose

[@mxengineer1]

I enjoy 2 and 4-stroke gas bikes and now electric dirt bikes...nice to have choices! Just curious...have you ridden a Varg or any electric dirt bike?

[@Wippit-vxr]

@@mxengineer1 - to be honest not a electric dirt bike no.. but my mate has a tuned Suron & been on that a few times it’s quick as yes.. but it’s just not for me the noise is awful & like you said in this video there no sense of speed no gear change nothing I just find it boring personally.. I’m old school 2 stroke all way for me.. I bought a honda crf 250 twin pipe 4stroke bout 2 years ago & that didn’t really float my boat either great ride but just felt tame if that makes any senses so I sold it went straight back to a Yamaha yz250.. I just love 2 strokes.. it’s just each to there own.. some love 4 strokes & some now love the electric.. but for me was brought up on 2 strokes so can safely say an electric one will never be in my garage lol 😂