Search for an electric dirt bike that can match a 450cc gas bike and one name comes up again and again: the Stark VARG ebike. In this guide we break down the 2026 range, the VARG MX, the VARG EX and the VARG SM, with specs, prices, charging times and street legality, so you can work out which model fits the way you ride.
We sell the VARG SM at our Middletown, NY showroom and talk to riders comparing these bikes every week. Specs below come from Stark’s published figures for the US market, and our store price updates automatically on this page.
The Stark VARG in one minute
Quick answer: the Stark VARG is a full-size electric motorcycle from Stark Future, with up to 80 hp and a 7.2 kWh battery in every 2026 model. The VARG MX is the motocross race bike, the VARG EX is the road-legal enduro and the VARG SM is the road-legal supermoto. US list prices run from about $12,490 to $13,490, and the VARG SM is currently $10,900 in our store.
What is the Stark VARG?
Stark Future is an electric motorcycle maker based in Barcelona, Spain. Its first bike, the VARG (the Swedish word for wolf), launched as a motocross bike designed to beat gas 450s on the track. It made headlines because it offered more peak power than a 450cc race bike, at a similar weight, with no clutch, no gears and almost no engine maintenance.
Many people search for the Stark VARG as an ebike, but it is not an electric bicycle. There are no pedals, and it is a full motorcycle with motocross-level suspension, brakes and power. That matters for licensing, insurance and where you can ride, which we cover below.
Since the first bike, Stark has grown the range. In 2026 you can choose between three versions of the same core platform, each tuned for a different kind of riding.
The Stark VARG range in 2026
Stark VARG MX 1.2: the motocross bike
The MX 1.2 is the latest version of the original track bike. It comes in a 60 hp standard version or an 80 hp Alpha version, both with a 7.2 kWh battery. Stark claims up to 20% more range than the previous MX, and Cycle News lists the weight at 260 lb with a 37.79 in seat height. It uses a KYB 48 mm closed-cartridge fork with 310 mm of travel and a KYB triple-adjuster shock. The MX is a competition bike, so it is not road legal.
Stark VARG EX: the enduro bike
The EX takes the same powertrain into the woods. Power can be tuned anywhere from 10 to 80 hp, and Stark quotes up to 6 hours of trail riding depending on pace and terrain. It weighs about 264 lb (120 kg), uses a 6 kg chromoly frame and adds road equipment. Stark lists it as fully street legal in the USA, Europe, Australia and Canada.
Stark VARG SM: the supermoto
The SM is Stark’s first street-focused model. It keeps the 60 hp or 80 hp options and the 7.2 kWh battery, but adds 17 in road wheels, a 4-piston radial front caliper on a 320 mm disc, and road equipment including LED indicators, a headlight, a plate holder and mirrors. Stark quotes 73 miles of mixed urban range and 49 miles on the highway, and the SM is homologated for road use in the United States.
Stark VARG specs compared
| Spec | VARG MX 1.2 | VARG EX | VARG SM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main use | Motocross | Enduro and trail | Street supermoto |
| Power | 60 hp or 80 hp | Adjustable, 10 to 80 hp | 60 hp or 80 hp |
| Rear-wheel torque | 721 lb-ft | 764 lb-ft | 674 lb-ft |
| Battery | 7.2 kWh, 420V | 7.2 kWh | 7.2 kWh, 420V |
| Charging | 2 h at 240V, 3.5 h at 120V | 2 h at 240V, 3.5 h at 120V | 2 h at 240V, 3.5 h at 120V |
| Weight | 260 lb | 264 lb | About 274 lb (124.5 kg) |
| Front suspension | KYB 48 mm, 310 mm travel | KYB 48 mm, 300 mm travel | KYB 48 mm, 11.4 in travel |
| Street legal (US) | No, off-road only | Yes | Yes |
| US list price | $12,490 (60 hp), $13,490 (80 hp) | $13,040 | $13,040 MSRP |
List prices are Stark’s published US figures at the time of writing and can change. Dealer pricing, including ours for the Stark VARG SM, may differ.
Power and tuning
Every Stark VARG uses the same core idea: a compact, water-cooled electric motor with a huge, instant torque curve, controlled through Stark’s Arkenstone smart display. Instead of changing gears or swapping engine maps, you choose how the bike delivers power. On the EX you can set power anywhere from 10 to 80 hp, which means the same bike can feel gentle on a slick root section and brutal on an open climb.
For riders coming from gas bikes, the lack of a clutch is the biggest change. There is no stalling and no shifting, so you can focus entirely on lines, braking and body position. Many riders find they ride smoother and get less tired, especially in technical terrain.
Eighty horsepower is still eighty horsepower, though. In the top settings, the Stark VARG is a serious machine for experienced riders, and new riders should start in the lowest power settings and work up slowly.
Battery, range and charging
All 2026 models use a 7.2 kWh battery. How long it lasts depends heavily on the model and how you ride. Stark quotes up to 6 hours of trail riding for the EX at an easy pace, and 73 miles of mixed urban riding or 49 miles of highway riding for the SM. On a motocross track at full race pace, runtime is much shorter, which is normal for any high-power electric bike.
Charging uses the included 3.3 kW charger. Stark lists about 2 hours on a 240V outlet and about 3.5 hours on a standard 120V household outlet. If you plan to ride often, a dedicated 240V circuit in your garage is worth installing, and it lets you top up between motos or sessions much faster.
Weight and handling
At 260 lb for the MX 1.2 and 264 lb for the EX, a Stark VARG is in the same weight range as a modern gas 450cc motocross or enduro bike. The weight sits low because of the battery placement, which helps the bike turn and feel stable in ruts.
Suspension is proper race-grade equipment, with KYB forks and shocks that are fully adjustable. That separates the VARG from lighter electric dirt bikes like the Surron Light Bee X or Talaria X3, which are great trail bikes but not built for big motocross jumps at race speed.
Stark VARG price: what each model costs
Stark’s US list prices at the time of writing are $12,490 for the 60 hp VARG MX 1.2, $13,490 for the 80 hp Alpha version, and $13,040 for both the VARG EX and the VARG SM. That puts the Stark VARG at the top of the electric dirt bike market, close to the price of a new gas 450 plus a few seasons of servicing.
The VARG SM is listed at $10,900 in our store. When comparing prices, check what is included: freight, setup, the charger, the road kit and any warranty support from the seller all affect the real cost.
Running costs compared with a gas 450
A full charge of a 7.2 kWh battery costs roughly a dollar or two at typical US electricity rates. A gas 450 burns several gallons of fuel per riding day and needs frequent oil changes, air filter cleaning and, for racers, regular top-end rebuilds that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per season.
The Stark VARG still needs normal motorcycle care: chain, sprockets, tires, brake pads and suspension servicing. But the motor itself has very few wearing parts, so most riders spend far less time in the garage and far more time riding.
Is the Stark VARG ebike street legal?
It depends on the model. The VARG MX is a motocross bike for closed courses and private land only. The VARG EX and VARG SM are sold with road equipment and, according to Stark, are homologated for road use in the United States. Stark’s US site lists a Class M motorcycle license for the EX, so you will need a motorcycle endorsement, registration and insurance like any other road motorcycle.
Registration rules vary by state, so check with your local DMV before you buy if road use matters to you.
Which Stark VARG should you buy?
- Choose the VARG MX 1.2 if you race or ride motocross tracks and want the lightest, most track-focused version.
- Choose the VARG EX if you ride enduro, hard enduro or long trail days and want the option to ride legally on the road between trails.
- Choose the VARG SM if you want a fast, quiet supermoto for streets, canyons and karting tracks, with a road-legal setup from the factory.
If you are new to dirt bikes, consider starting on a lighter bike first. The power and weight of any Stark VARG reward experience, and a lighter bike will help you build skills faster and more safely.
Stark VARG vs other electric dirt bikes
The Stark VARG sits above most other electric dirt bikes in power and price. If you want a capable full-size electric bike for less money, these are the alternatives riders compare most:
| Bike | Price (our store) | Why riders choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Stark VARG SM | $10,900 | Up to 80 hp, road-legal supermoto, 7.2 kWh battery |
| Talaria Komodo | $5,199 | Full-size Talaria with 32 kW peak power |
| Surron Storm Bee | $9,399 | Surron’s flagship with a liquid-cooled motor |
| AdmitJet Armor | $5,999 | 20,000W motor and a 4-speed gearbox with reverse |
| Surron Ultra Bee HP | $5,999 | 24.5 kW, wheelie and traction control, 195 lb |
None of these match the Stark VARG for peak power, but they cost much less and are easier to live with for trail riding. Our premium electric dirt bikes page lists the Stark, Stealth and AdmitJet models we stock.
Stark VARG pros and cons
Pros
- Up to 80 hp, more peak power than most gas 450s.
- Fully adjustable power delivery through the Arkenstone display.
- No clutch, no gears, no oil changes and very little engine maintenance.
- Race-grade KYB suspension and strong brakes.
- Road-legal EX and SM versions in the US.
- Quiet, which helps with neighbors, landowners and track noise limits.
Cons
- High purchase price compared with other electric dirt bikes.
- Runtime at full race pace is shorter than a tank of gas.
- Heavy compared with Light Bee class electric trail bikes.
- Far too much power for beginners in the higher settings.
Owning a Stark VARG: charging, transport and care
Plan your charging setup before the bike arrives. A 120V outlet works, but a 240V circuit cuts charging to about 2 hours. Keep the bike and charger somewhere dry, and avoid charging straight after a hard session while the battery is hot.
For transport, treat it like any full-size dirt bike: a pickup with a ramp, a trailer or a hitch carrier rated well above 260 lb. Tie it down by the triple clamps or handlebars and the rear frame, with soft loops to protect the finish.
Routine care covers the chain and sprockets, tire pressure, brake pads and fluid, and suspension servicing at the intervals in the owner’s manual. Do not pressure-wash the motor, battery or electrical connectors directly.
Gear and training
Ride a Stark VARG with the same gear you would wear on a gas 450: a certified full-face helmet, goggles, chest protector, knee braces or guards, elbow guards, gloves and motocross boots. Good gear usually costs $600 to $1,200 for a full set.
If you are stepping up from a lighter electric bike, take time to learn the power in the lowest settings. A day at a training school or with an experienced coach is money well spent on any bike with this much performance.
Riding electric at the track: what to expect
Most motocross tracks now welcome electric bikes, and many riders find them easier to fit into a busy day because there is no warm-up, no fuel to mix and no engine to rebuild between seasons. Check your local track’s rules first, since a few still have class or insurance restrictions.
Plan your charging. If the track has power, bring the charger and a heavy-duty extension cord. If not, some riders use a portable power station or a generator to top up between sessions. Ride a few laps at a steady pace first to learn how the battery level drops at your speed, then plan the rest of the day around it.
The quiet motor changes how you ride. You hear your tires, suspension and other riders much more clearly, which helps with traction and awareness. Remember that others may not hear you coming, so be extra careful when joining the track and passing.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Which version and power level is the price for, and is the charger included?
- Is freight to your door included, and is the bike set up before delivery?
- Who handles warranty claims, and how quickly can common parts be sourced?
- Does the road-legal version include everything your state needs for registration?
- What service intervals are recommended for the suspension, chain and brakes?
Clear answers to these questions protect you from surprise costs and show whether the seller will support you after the sale.
Who the VARG is not for
The VARG is a high-performance machine, and it is not the right first bike for everyone. If you are new to riding, ride mostly slow, tight trails, or need something light enough to lift into a truck on your own, a lighter electric dirt bike will be easier and more fun to learn on. You can always step up later once your skills and confidence grow.
Stark VARG FAQ
How much is a Stark VARG?
Stark’s US list prices at the time of writing are $12,490 (VARG MX 1.2, 60 hp), $13,490 (MX Alpha, 80 hp) and $13,040 for the VARG EX and VARG SM. The VARG SM is currently $10,900 in our store.
How fast is the Stark VARG?
Top speed depends on the model, gearing and setup. Stark does not market the MX on top speed; it is tuned for acceleration on the track. The SM, with road gearing, is built to cruise at highway speeds.
How long does the battery last?
Stark quotes up to 6 hours of trail riding for the EX and 73 miles of mixed urban riding for the SM. Hard motocross riding uses energy much faster.
Is the Stark VARG an ebike?
No. Despite the popular Stark VARG ebike search term, it is a full electric motorcycle with no pedals. It needs a motorcycle license for road use (EX and SM) and is treated like any other dirt bike off-road.
How long does it take to charge?
About 2 hours on a 240V outlet and about 3.5 hours on a 120V outlet, using the included 3.3 kW charger.
Which Stark VARG is best for trail riding?
The VARG EX. Its adjustable power from 10 to 80 hp, enduro setup and road legality make it the most versatile version for trails.
For full specs, see the official Stark Future website. Comparing lighter bikes as well? Read our Arctic Leopard XE Pro S review.
See the Stark VARG SM in person
Order online with secure checkout and shipping across the U.S. and worldwide, or visit our Middletown, NY showroom to see the bike and talk it through with our team. You can also browse every model in our electric dirt bike shop.
