10 Things We Learned About Our Stark Varg

There are two types of motocross riders when it comes to the Stark Future Varg: those who are intrigued by its technology and may even have one on order, and haters who say they'd quit before riding one. We're always open to expanding our horizons and appreciate an extra option when it comes to enjoying time at the track and have been thoroughly enjoying ourselves on the Varg. It's been a month since we took delivery of our bike and we've learned a lot about the electric motocross bike, both good and bad. If you have one on order or are thinking about ordering one, here are some tips you might enjoy.

[@tajjson]

I love mine. It’s a beast. And Starks customer service and support is unbelievable. I have never experienced anything better in any area. Buy one, you will never regret it.

[@TrickRacing]

Did it come with a discount on your gender affirming care

[@tajjson]

@@TrickRacing looking at your other comments on yt, you seem to be much more interested and obsessed about tg stuff than most people. Maybe you should get some counseling and come out of the closet ;-)

[@richarddaddio360]

Ya I got mine and it is better than my KTM 300 2T hands down with no mods. You do have to re-learn throttle control like he said.

[@stephenadams5223]

@@TrickRacingmann 😂

[@ENDfalse-tine]

I dunno I'd rather upgrade my ultra bee. But I'm happy for you and anyone with a stark varg.

[@Amateur2k]

the 2 clips stacked on top of each other ~ 3:00 are insanely satisfying to watch. great content idea! (this is coming from a youtube addict)

[@sirktm]

Thanks Dude , great summary … Be getting mine soon 🙏🏼

[@moifreestylelyfe]

Cant wait till i get mine !!! Its a game changer !

[@user-glennbob]

That was great knowledge before before buying one thanks 👍🏼🔥

[@blbills]

Great honest review, thanks! Can't wait until mine shows up!

[@motron3453]

This is my summary after 2 rides on my Stark: Motor A, Handling B+, Rear Shock B, Front Fork Setting D- (way too harsh on big bumps and when landing. Feel like you bottom out, even though youre far away rom bottoming out), Battery Life B, Red Plastics D (scratch too easy from sand/gavel), Brakes B- (front brake lever is too thick, front brake is good but doesnt give enough feedback how hard you actually brake. Feels like youre braking heavy, but you don't), Charging B+ at 220V in Europe, Overall bike experience: B+

[@Crypto_Brandon]

Thanks for ur review. Can you do a rating on ur average 450 dirt bike for a comparison, say Yamaha or Honda or whatever.

[@chadpunte1731]

@@Crypto_Brandon I was wondering that exact thing. 🤣

[@Crypto_Brandon]

@chadpunte1731 I can't wait to try one out one day the thing is you can't expect them to be perfect they just started where is companies like Honda and Yamaha have been doing it for decades especially when it comes to things like handling breaking shocks overall ride quality I wouldn't expect those things to be better but I think that's not the point of it at the moment it's more so to introduce people to the Electric Feel / drivetrain. He said the Plastics scratched too easy and the fork settings are harsh. I wouldn't say those things are a deal-breaker. Lots of people talk trash about the electric dirt bike and Dirt bike enthusiast love their gasoline powered spark plug ignited rocket ship and wouldn't trade it for the world but also dirt bike enthusiasts are very curious and like to try new things.. now if it's worth the price tag might be a different story I myself might wait about another 3 years until they improve a lot slash bigger brand slash more parts available / expanding customer service / Parts support even though it's mostly maintenance-free. The big question is. Is our curiosity worth the 3 to 4,000 price difference from a regular 450f. I would say it depends on the environment if you need a quiet bike like we do in California then probably so but I would probably wait until they improve a little bit more

[@johndepperschmidt8984]

First, those WHEELS! TIS nice. Split screen HP setting? Nice riding. Fantastic commitment to purchase the bike and be a real consumer. Glad to see you changing tires, it needs a scoop! Great discovery about the chain adjusters. Love the 47t, plenty of torque, I think you could go lower, a lot. Great charging info with no gennie! Wow phone popped out! Removing it is what lots will do. Lots of bolts on that shroud! Did it finish the GP? You did a good job yelling directions. I think that is how you do it. Great follow up video.

[@deanfloyd8931]

"Real Bike Sound"....says it all

[@wawaron1407]

Hi mate ! Vey nice feedback of dat bike and funny to watch too... I like the electric stand and it is a good news from customers support Stark "Bravo"! * Main problem with electric road vehicles is the speed combined to the silence (also absence of rules, plate nº ect) It is some sad drama in urban environment where peatons was injured (and more...) * Main advantage you can ride offroad almost everywhere incognito without disturbing anybody Dat Stark boike is growing in me, how much $ in USA ? Keep going with your "intermediate" level, just love it

[@h20mxracer222]

I absolutely love it. I know other people don't but it's where our sport is heading. Really hope I get the chance to ride one someday. There was one at a small local track I ride in S Carolina. Very impressive

[@bluerider0988]

Great review. I'm thinking about getting one. Another small bonus is the reduced maintenance. No cleaning air filters out changing crankcase oil. Good to hear on the charging because the reviews on battery life seem to be mixed. I know that when we did track days it was usually 20 to 30 months of riding with 30 to 60 minute breaks. I think if you were always charging on the breaks you might make it last. Personally i like the fact that it's quiet. The noise of a bike just draws unwanted attention anywhere other than the track, at least that's my experience.

[@JFK-ic6vp]

The silence is so nice cause it allows you to drive it so many more places without pissing off people 😂

[@alincdhr]

Good info Donn. I think you're gonna be faster on this bike. Also, I commented on your 1st stark video about the dangers of a quiet bike. Nevertheless, I would love to have a electric mx bike.

[@Crypto_Brandon]

I can't wait to try one out one day the thing is you can't expect them to be perfect they just started where is companies like Honda and Yamaha have been doing it for decades especially when it comes to things like handling breaking shocks overall ride quality I wouldn't expect those things to be better but I think that's not the point of it at the moment it's more so to introduce people to the Electric Feel / drivetrain. He said the Plastics scratched too easy and the fork settings are harsh. I wouldn't say those things are a deal-breaker. Lots of people talk trash about the electric dirt bike and Dirt bike enthusiast love their gasoline powered spark plug ignited rocket ship and wouldn't trade it for the world but also dirt bike enthusiasts are very curious and like to try new things.. now if it's worth the price tag might be a different story I myself might wait about another 3 years until they improve a lot slash bigger brand slash more parts available / expanding customer service / Parts support even though it's mostly maintenance-free. The big question is. Is our curiosity worth the 3 to 4,000 price difference from a regular 450f. I would say it depends on the environment. If you need a quiet bike like we do in California, then probably so, but I would probably wait until they improve a little bit more

[@JeffreyWilder-bj4dw]

Great review Don. In this video I couldn’t make out the part number on the 47t rear Protaper sprocket that you’re using. Plz help. Thxs Jeff

[@MVPever]

I still have to try that with my Varg, but I think that you can use any Android smartphone or tablet with the Stark app installed, just being careful not to use two devices simultaneously in order to avoid conflicts. EDIT: I've found out that the app only works with the OEM phone.

[@RobNaughton54]

With advice from Doug Dubach many years ago, I spent a lot of days practicing my turn track on my 450 without touching the clutch. Basically to be better at the exact same thing you said you suck at. Lol. Therefore, when I ride my stark, I don’t feel like I have the same issues you do. Practice riding without your clutch kids it’ll make you a better rider. Just ask Doug. 😂

[@lachlanhorne8664]

How long does the battery last is my biggest concern

[@DualEnduro]

A replacement battery is 7k for a Stark?

[@beesboys]

i hope my paddle fits on my bike now im worried ill find out when the tire gets here

[@jjsroofing860]

According to reviews the Stark sounds really good but I’d rather have the sound , clutch and shifting any day.

[@wednesdar452]

Rad! Thank you.

[@RIPPERTON]

O G Old Guy

[@nathanmistler1186]

Ill stick with the four strokes. Where i know i can use my thumb throttles. Bike seems decent but not for my use. I ride to much to rely on batteries. I see how long my phone lasts and how often i have to charge it. I cant imagine the inconveniences i would have going electric. Before anyone says anything i own land and i ride a lot. Averaging 2-3hrs a day, even more on the weekends. It may not be moto level riding but i have many fast lanes that allow us to open up the 450s and let em eat. So far the fastest to pull the straight is a KFX450R @ 78MPH, follwed by an RMZ @ 75MPH, and a LTR450 @ 70MPH.

[@scott_p_havens5188]

How was the battery life after the gp race?

[@swapmotolive.]

Working on that video now…

[@AlphaOffroad859]

How much faster is it than a 450

[@trailpimp6369]

Yeah Don this thing is sick❤

[@z50king29]

I don't think many people understand what 80hp means on a 400 pound system....

[@Scudmugs503]

My suggestion on the last point about being too quiet, maybe eventually it'll go the route of commercial electric cars where fake engine noise is piped out of it. Queue the memes here.

[@matthewboshoff5455]

Sounds weird,but performance looks tops 🤔

[@chestercalloway3812]

I was excited to see a Stark at my local track until I realized the owner was slow af.

[@SLAYJUCE]

1. Stark 2. Is 3. A 4. Joke 5. Go 6. Buy 7. A 8. Two 9. Stroke 10. 👊😎

[@anthonycavalliotis8736]

Don ain't no Surgeon.

[@randallmorgan7658]

Dylan Mulvaney rides Stark…

[@russasher6962]

Through the Apex and Exit of the Turn. Your Head is Outside the Bike and Your Body. LEAN Into the Fing TURN All them DOLLARS and NO SENSE

[@kensthorne7060]

Stark is the name of the manufacturer and Varg is the name of the bike which is interpreted as Masculine, ain't that the truth

[@keithtarrier4558]

Cool!

[@chrisbeerad8835]

i dont have a phone

[@kdeupser]

I want one! You can have my CR250!

[@keithalexander36]

Notice everyone has a Stark video and saying the same thing..."Had the bike a month now blah blah blah". Well a nation wide known local pro/trainer here in Florida also got sponsored with a Stark bike last month and is now making videos too. Funny thing is the Stark rep shows up at the track with him to make sure it all goes well. What I'm saying is your being sold a promotion in the form of a honest reviews. Not saying its good or bad just saying they are getting paid to sell you a bike in the form of a so called honest review. Not hating just pointing it out if its not obvious to some to read between the lines.

[@swapmotolive.]

We bought this bike, Keith. 13k otd

[@RichardsCranium]

You almost need a horn on the bike.

[@kochj0713]

Definitely can’t use a professionally at. Can you even finish a 30 minute Moto

[@chetmanley7209]

I'll stick with my two strokes thanks.

[@shane_ohara51]

You do that

[@chetmanley7209]

@@shane_ohara51 I'll do your mom

[@dg1019]

I'll alert the media.

[@lawrencefranck9417]

You will be last place

[@chetmanley7209]

@@lawrencefranck9417 I'm first place with your mom.

[@danielguillen3949]

No hate coms but, the electric movement as a whole is pretty lame.

[@donaldolin7219]

I’ll stick to my 1982 Honda XR200R. Let’s see if this POS lasts 42 years.

[@deanwaring6100]

They are boring and have no soul 😊

[@cyuiyuwyguiyui]

No english speaking person can say the name right.. 😂

[@Scrubdaddy135]

That’s just ridiculous 😞 all that yelling 😂😂😂 that’s more than a workout

[@jjjjrrr678]

Train horn 🤣

[@mouthofpower8492]

Lmao making it “quiet” will not produce moto tracks in cities. If you’ve lived in SoCal, you know that claim is hilarious

[@swapmotolive.]

Did we claim that?

[@danblekeberg2470]

Rotten graphics ? They are stickers, who cares. The power and handling are what matter.

[@ButtSnorkler9000]

As an xr rider I already pretty much don’t use the clutch and I’ve always dreamt of a bike that you don’t have to shift ever since I outgrew my pw50 😂

[@richarddaddio360]

That is a great point. My xr400 was a tractor in the slow gnarl -- never stalled hardly ever used the clutch. The seat was to die for on XRs too. Modern bikes you might as well always stand the seats are like a 2'x4' and 40" to get your leg over.😂

[@torinesetorinese4551]

Bla bla bla.... useless video

[@dropbear9526]

Did ya learn that over in the UK they're banning the sales of ICE motorcycles over the next couple of yrs? Nah, didn't think so.

[@jimtitt3571]

Well in 2035 to be accurate and this will almost certainly be pushed back to 2040 and changed to allow e-fuel ICE's as in the EU.

[@dropbear9526]

@@jimtitt3571 No. Over the next couple of yrs is accurate.

[@jimtitt3571]

@@dropbear9526 Mopeds/scooters/learner bikes 2030, larger 2035 and since the car/van ban has moved from 2030 to 2035 then it's expected motorcycles will be 2040. Nothing is set in stone though, expect to see e-fuel ICE forever.

[@SB-wu9mk]

9 bolts to get the seat off.... What a pain when you need to clean the air filter!!

[@mxriderdakar]

Lol no air filter on this bike, and he made a mistake it’s seven bolt. 4 on the front, 2 on the side, and only the midle on the rear. The other one the rear don’t need to be removed.

[@SB-wu9mk]

@@mxriderdakar hehe 🎣

[@daneg]

not sure if the air filter comment was a joke or not, but it was entertaining to read. 😆

[@stevesmith756]

He was joking 🤦‍♂️

[@mikesmith1690]

I love my Stark, however, the spokes are almost worse than new KTMs for coming loose. They need to be checked every single ride until the wheel tightens up. Stark needs to warn people about this, especially riders coming from Japanese bikes, as the spokes don't loosen as much on those bikes.

[@RichardsCranium]

they need a smaller model. something with maybe 50-55hp max and around 200lbs. I ride a KTM 125 and have ridden 125's and 250 2t/f my whole life. I don't like super heavy bikes and too much power. And yeah I already heard the "It feels light when you ride it" it may feel that way to some but I feel it being 160lbs.

[@michaeldill7620]

Curious, could you machine new wheel blocks to give you the room needed for larger rear tire/ sprocket?

[@mudpro200]

Perfect!

[@bikesbeersbeats]

Amazing they cared that much about the spokes. My '22 KTM XCF needed spoke tightening after every ride! I lost a bunch on a trail ride as we discovered how loose they were. I already shout to the rider in front on my gas bike so being silent isnt an issue. I think most people do this in cross country racing already.

[@edwinlomonaco6754]

I think they should add an electronic clutch. Use the software to add a clutch like ability for the motor to freewheel. Then add the mechanical clutch to the bars. But make it essentially a potentiometer that sees clutch position. And translates that position into power application. This way you have a simulated clutch. I know this can be done.

[@Shredgnarok]

It certainly can be and other companies are already doing this. Arctic Leopard has this type of clutch in production already and Flux will have a variation of the same thing that will actually revert from a regen brake when throttle position is zero to acting as a clutch when throttle is engaged.

[@EricCogburn]

You need the left hand rear brake. You can run it dual and have both foot and lever. It’s great, it’s like a clutch in some ways, you can use it to pull the back down in rutted corners. And it gives you a place to put your finger.

[@vtr996xx]

Where'd you find a kit to make it dual

[@EricCogburn]

@@vtr996xx clake makes the adapter. I added a bled bolt from a Ktm to help bleed.

[@vtr996xx]

@@EricCogburn sweet just ordered one

[@tommybenson3541]

i have an extra p34 from my r7 build. beginning to think it's a sign to order the stark with the the left hand brake and put the brembo on the rear wheel.

[@michaelenglund]

Great vid. I love the settings on the Surron Ultra that you can separade motor regen from all the time/no time to only when you brake. We set it to zero when riding that gives us better control over the rear wheel when jumping and then we get help with braking before corners.

[@abpob6052]

Yes, you need a simple horn that you can use to let riders know you are there.

[@BERZERKERSV4]

Stop with the BS hype on "80hp" .. in the real world it's unusable... After spending 1 week int Stark Varq, it's a novelty loaded with KTM sourced parts ... The kick stand is a POS.. the rear brake lever( clutch) is very intuitive. kYB suspension is harsh but very good. The weight iyf the bike is a non issue ... The Stark is very narrow and has very good fit/finish. BUT spare battery is $8k, cannot be easily swapped out, charge time is excessive. The over all feel of the bike is that it's a electric mountain bike on steroids.. the real deal killer is $15k OTD ! No sale

[@ledfoot666]

The price tag is going to hurt these things big time. especially with absolutely no proven track record.

[@daneg]

@@ledfoot666 they're sold out and back ordered for ~2 years last time I checked. and they aren't THAT much more expensive than 450s from europe. put another way, if you are in the market for this bike, you aren't going to balk at a couple thousand more than the latest KTM. the higher price is in line with the extra cost on EVs. they're definitely not for everyone though. that's for sure.

[@ledfoot666]

@daneg Sweet!!! Alot of test DUMMIES

[@jonathanthorngate5214]

@@danegthey aren’t sold out for 2 years, all the 20000 preorders are bullshit, plenty of dealers have unsold stock sitting around even though stark have only made 2000 or so bikes. Once all the tech bros have taken delivery there is no market left and they will go the same way as ALTA

[@daneg]

@@jonathanthorngate5214 ok. Well some guy on KZbin said the preorders are bullshit and dealers cannot move them. So I suppose the information I get from actual media/news outlets is a fabrication. Whatever, man. Good luck with that.

[@craigmccall7450]

See you at SRA this weekend for round 2.

[@BryanStatham]

Baseball cards in the spokes!

[@Evo836]

That's funny we used to do that as a kid.

[@yuriabmxr]

Informative vid. Thanks!

[@Ozfreerider_adventures]

If you had one with a hand rear brake you could use that as a clutch . I can’t believe anyone gets these with a foot rear brake it seems crazy to me

[@daneg]

habit...resistance to change. and I agree, learning to use the hand lever may make you slower to start, but it's clearly an advantage for standing longer and turning left.

[@swapmotolive.]

Went with the foot brake for two reasons. 1. I have to test ride over 12 new bikes a year. Didn’t wanna get accustomed to something that different that could be dangerous in a panic situation. 2. It would be opposite of my mountain bikes and I would likely end up eating shit on one or the other. 😂

[@Ozfreerider_adventures]

@@swapmotolive. so your mountain bike has front brake on left ? That seems like it’s a bigger problem to get used to between bikes than adding a rear on left for varg . I think we adapt to things quick. I jump off my 450 and onto track road bike which has reverse shifting and after 2 laps it feels normal . I just feel like the hand brake taps into the vargs full potential . Mine is about to arrive in next week or so and I went hand . Great feel coming into hard pack corners for mx but then on a trails can use it as a safety hoping over logs so I don’t grab a handful of throttle . When I’m tired hopping a log I always have finger on clutch and pull it in if I feel whiskey coming on , this will work the same .

[@MattH-l3i]

Yea, i’m not really a fan of all the EV cars and all that crap. But this bike is actually pretty good.

[@BenjaminLeSueur-y4g]

Great Video

[@milesholland6826]

I like your graphics. Clean and simple (would have never noticed the razor error if you hadn’t mentioned it)

[@lway8545]

A good play bike for the neighborhood but still cant and wont win races yet. They cant even win the local races yet, especially not a hare scramble. The batteries dont last long enough

[@cvdavis]

Good stuff.

[@kensthorne7060]

There are other companies that are adding clutches to their electric dirt bikes now, it amazes me how 1 company initiates one invention as others come along and modify theirs

[@ottokirk2325]

I think Stark is coming out with a clutch. Don't racers practice like a day without a clutch and they're all good? I'm trying to come to terms with ruts in turns, as Don mentioned.

[@Marleysdad808]

Why would they add a crutch? Especially on a mx bike? I have never wanted one on my stark.

[@bebble985]

@@Marleysdad808​​⁠​⁠then lucky you; you’ve never needed one. Some people (not you) do need one, wether it’s for ease of use, comfort or prevention of over-gripping the bars.

[@Marleysdad808]

@@bebble985 Seems like you haven't ridden one yet. Once you have, you'll know that you or anybody else doesn't need it. Nothing a clutch can do to make it easier to use, make it more comfortable. As for over gripping, I assume you're wanting to rest a finger or 2 on the lever? Get it with LHRB if that's the case.

[@daneg]

@@Marleysdad808while I agree that it is not necessary, a pro rider who tested it (nick wey) also commented that he would like to have one for safety reasons. the basic argument is that the bike has serious power and pick-up, and if the throttle gets stuck or your wrist locks up, you're absolutely fuct w/o the clutch. personally, I think the kill switch does the trick in that situation, but I'm in a wheelchair and he actually rode the thing, so I'll concede that it's at least something to consider.

[@jjjjrrr678]

A clutch for this thing is not going to be easy to design/add given the torque these things put out.

[@colefredericks2869]

A few of these things seem weird to me, like the phone falling out, when all these Stark videos were coming out, I was like that phone just pops in there and doesn't fall out? But I figured, oh no way they'd put that there like that if there's a chance it'd pop out.... but apparently it will pop out. And the chain adjustment, seems weird they'd put a fixed chain on, make the blocks so there's not enough adjustment and put a small tire on a big with that much power. That whole thing seems odd. And lastly, I've seen the butter pos DID rims on the Hondas that bend like nothing, but that was seriously out of whack, even with loose spokes there's no way it should be that out of whack.

[@swapmotolive.]

I’m pretty sure my buddy didn’t “click” the phone holder shut 😂 and agreed - that wheel was bad. I was the king of case that first day, though. Stark seemed it defective - that’s why they replaced so quickly.

[@Joemama-crzy]

Clutch is a tool not a crutch, 😉👍🏽

[@straightnobraker4677]

Id be afraid to loop out without a clutch

[@Marleysdad808]

Blame your right hand not your left hand. 😂

[@chillon2922X]

I was too. So I told the guy to put it lowest power. I returned after 5 meters to turn it to 40ps. So no worries. Its pretty awesome to feel the seamless power. Before i tried (and i was forced to try) i thought it would be shit.. But no... Try it too ;-)

[@highoncash]

I'd get one of those classic bicycle handlebar bell ringers they had on old bikes. That would be hilarious when flying by dudes on the track.😂 🤘

[@hunterdelgado2402]

I had a Surron and the stock horn is hilarious sounding, I'd 'MEEP MEEP' people on the trail all the time haha. Bike bell is a great idea

[@Erick-di9gm]

What about battery, power fade? I hear they only hit hard when battery above half. Be a major buzz kill.

[@Marleysdad808]

You heard wrong.

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

Lots of thermal cutting for fast guys aswell. Just like any lipo rc truck or car, they thermal cut and you'll be rolling jumps even with a ton of battery left

[@EricCogburn]

There is no fade until you get below 10% or so.

[@daneg]

haskel reports noticeable power deliver loss at about 25% with 15%-10% being borderline unrideable (for charging hard). however, he was the first person to own a varg in the us, and that was certainly before the firmware fix that supposedly lengthened battery life by 10%. so it's possible that it has changed. that was also based on mx track with dry conditions. I think he's a B or vet-ish rider. so he's putting about as much stress on the bike as 90% of ppl would who ride it. I'm sure josh hill would feel the impact sooner.

[@EricCogburn]

Yeah it used to lose power at around 20%, but after the update it doesn’t seem to fade until below 10%.