Not a big deal for me either if operating this bike is a gasoline free scenario. But V2L (Veichle to load) is here and coming on strong with 240 outlets in the Ford F150 Lightning Pickup Truck, The Rivian R1T Pickup Truck and the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck. If you have solar on your roof at home you have days of charging this thing running on solar energy from your roof! 🙂
@@DirtBikeMagazinethis really dates but I remember as a teen getting Dirt Bike Magazine in the early 70s and your bike tests were the best and well written. I enjoyed the humor and wit when you discussed a bike's flaws.
We have seen a lot of rider reviews on the Stark now and I haven’t seen one yet where the riders weren’t impressed. I think it’s safe to say we will be seeing a lot of starks at mx tracks all over the world soon
You are absolutely correct. The technical term for them to be allowed is escaping me at the moment but it simply boils down to selling enough to reach the AMA's qualifications. I'm from the old school and was part of the defiance when the 4 stroke revolution was upon us. In the end, 2 strokes simply lost their edge to the newer "better" technology of the revamped 4 stroke versions. We are about to see it happen again...
I think you gave it a good try to make it an objective review but it still felt a little biased. Don't wanna criticize you too hard because this whole thing with the electric motorcycles polarizes so much that you'll either hear "it's the best thing I've ever ridden" or "it's the worst thing, I wouldn't take it as a gift". I think this this could save a lot of tracks from closure. And for people like me who also like enduro riding this could be a game changer, since people won't call the cops immediately..
AGREE.he was very critical..... I am getting one for WOODS riding............ QUIET...........woods riding......and I will immediately go TUBELESS.......tubes are a joke.... I kinda want gears.....and a clutch.........but.............. it does not have them SO....I will get used to it.........I just did a killer ride on my BETA 430 RR.......actually stalled it........that will never happen on the Stark.....
@@robvange Getting to shift gears will probably never happen but there is a german company who sell electric dirtbikes and separately also engines, controllers and batteries. They made a bike called the "Pohlbock ebock" for which you could purchase a clutch lever. Actually it was only a switch that caused the bike to act as if you pulled the clutch but it seemed to work.. If you want to shift gears you should probably buy their motor, batteries and controller and build your own bike with a chassis and transmission from a 450. Don't think anyone has ever done that. Probably because it takes a lot of machining and engineering in general
As an old (70's) flat track rider, that thing looks like it would be a hoot on a short track! Dial it in as a single 2 stroke, single 4 stroke or Yam/BSA twin! What fun! :-)
It would be really interesting to see what kind of advanced software changes could be made to improve the bike in areas where a standard 450 is better. Because you can’t clutch up to get lift the front wheel over an obstacle, what if they made software changes where a rapid opening of the throttle gives an overboost in power to bring the front wheel up and eliminate lag. More could be done with power curves to make it easier to handle at higher power settings or a boost button would be extremely useful when you want 60+ hp for the straight and smooth sections but is too much to handle in more technical parts of the track. They have so many opportunities with this bike to tune the characteristics more than a conventional bike and I hope to see them try add these kind of settings in rather than just different levels of power
Don’t need a clutch to get lift when you have 930Nm in torque right from start. Since electric bikes has max torque constantly it doesn’t need a clutch to buff up the torque.
I’m also going to add that they need us to be able to know where the engine is at while riding. We can tell on gas bikes due to the sound of the engine but with this I don’t know if you hear anything. I would say attach a sound to the bike and the sound goes from low to high depending on where your at on the throttle. Make it sound like a 2 stroke of course. The sound of motocross is very important and what attracts people to the sport. Many have tried to describe the sound of a 2 stroke but all I can say is it’s magical to the fans and bike owners
@@stevezack6077 Steve, Tracks are usually far away from any houses. If there are people that have built tracks like that I would say that’s a bad business plan. I think a mile away from housing is more than enough because the bikes aren’t that loud compared to a concert and we have the biggest loudest bands play at a pavilion inside of a very large community. Bands like Judas Priest, KISS and more. Serious decibels
With the little noise it makes , it would be totally stealthy . That i like i love the sound of a 2 stroke butthe neighbors wouldn't have anything to complain about.
The handbreak option would be better. Get with it. You don't have a clutch anyway, it would be easier just using the left handle for rear brake. Better motor control.
Correction. The Stark Varg does NOT need gas to replenish the battery at a race. You simply bring a quality battery generator or Battery power bank. You do NOT need gasoline to own and race an E motorcycle. You're welcome.
@@DirtBikeMagazine This comment disappoints me. I race. I started in the powersports industry back in 1990's and now race motorsports. I am no rookie when it comes to pits and setting up a race team area. Our gas-powered generators are gone. We now have battery backup units that have replaced gas generators. Easier, quieter and more efficient! We now race electric vehicles, currently a Rivian R1T. Now, as far as your statement on electricity coming from "fossil fuels" that is silly at best. BTW, fossil fuels is not even accurate when talking about petroleum, look it up. Yes, some areas of the country use coal, but most of the country is either Nuclear, Hydro or solar/wind. I am trying to help correct your false statements, not argue, but I refuse to watch respected UA-cam channels spew false info about Electric anything. Be safe and power on!
They didn’t respond a second time so I’m happy to correct your lies and falsehoods in your attempt to fact check. You state “Yes, SOME areas of the country use coal, but MOST of the country is either Nuclear, Hydro or solar/wind” In 2023 in the United States 60 percent of electricity production was from fossil fuels . I’d say that qualifies as most , not some , as you say 21 percent nuclear which has its own toxic waste byproduct environmental issues and only 19 percent renewables. Might want to get your own facts right before spewing a paragraph on your soapbox.
Just another complete worthless pushover American or wherever you're from... You're called a sheep or lemming.... You don't buy it they don't make it real simple
We need like switchable back up batteries for this for long moto days or trail riders can switch out from a backpack to get in those long trail ride days. Imagine those hot days out in Ocotillo or glamis with just a camelback. If you could get a replacement/switchable battery would be awesome! 👏🏻
I think this is going to be" the wave of the future. " This is a great first attempt but as we all know its lacking in range. Most dirt bikes see more offroad time than track time so range (miles ridden) and time are the most important factors. The next important thing will be is it reliable. All this electronic gadget, trickery, wizardry works well on paper, but when put in production electronic parts fail and there is no telling when a sensor or controller or circuit board will let go . Can these electrical components handle the pounding and vibrations a dirtbike is subject to? What about being water proof? We've all seen videos of electric vehicles catching fire. What about the motor? Is it prone to overheating, can it sustain continuous operation (think baja 500 or 1000 which would be a great test if the battery was easy to remove.) There is already a youtube video of a bike that the controller failed. Time will tell. I believe the biggest mistake Stark Varg made is that the battery is not easily changeable. Think power tools, I can change the battery on my Dewalt tools in seconds. I'm interested but the bike needs more refinement, and honestly being that this is a new manufacturer, I'll wait and see if they survive. I' m probably more likely to buy an electric dirtbike from the legacy manufacturers Yamaha, Honda, KTM ect... due to their history, engineering and financial strength. I'm a 60yo guy that thinks he's still fast. I ride out in the desert with my friends who are all about the same age. We do 30-60 mile loops 3-4 hours at a time. The Stark Varg at the moment wont work for me. In closing I want to suggest a few suggestions. 1. It needs a quick change battery. 2. It needs more range. 3. It needs to weigh less than the current 4 strokes. 4. It should cost less than a current 4 stroke.
My 4th year riding electric as a camp host at Rampart Range. Both my van and trailer have solar systems that charge my Lite Bee and now my Ultra Bee. My work provides a generator/gas for me but I hate listening to it. Can't understand why these "reviews" never talk to actual owners, just whiney speculations. Is this a powderpuff channel?
It may already have it available but you could map the track and set up your power maps for different sections of the track it and would instantly change it per location on the track.
And if we are going that far with technology in racing have your suspension be electronically actuated and change your suspension for differing track conditions and situations.
You say you still need gas to run the Stark Varg, for now that is true, you need gas to run a generator. But I could see one day in the future places where you race, or ride, having chargers at the track, like a Tesla supercharger, and they would charge you a fee to charge your Stark Varg. If that happens you would not need gas to run the Stark Varg.
So that if you are buying this as an addition to your stable of conventional gas bikes your brain doesn’t have to reacclimate every time you switch between bikes.
Having had all the kinds of bikes im stoked for my stark to be here in January. My storm bee and highly modded talaria are so fun. If the old guys would actually ride them they would think quietly to them selves "i like this better". No clutch no gears no starter no warming it up no pipes to buy no suspension springs to buy no noise no heat.
@easternyellowjacket276 well think of it this way my grandpa rode a horse and it's range pretty much indefinite as long as there is grass and water by the trail. Then those new fangled gas dirt bikes came out and they can only go 50 miles. So the next tech will be even worse range but more fun than an e bike haha.
What loads the suspension in the way you're referring to is from all the intetnal rotating mass, that's what makes a 450 a lot more unstable and more likely to swap while charging, there is no rotating mass so there is no chassis binding. That's also why a 450 feels so much heavier even though on the scale it's a few pounds more than a 250...this bike feels nimble like a 125, I don't understand why they think it feels heavier, it doesn't, you only feel it when tossing it on the stand. I run mine with the hand brake, took me a few laps but it's a lot better. It allows me to maintain proper technique in corners and I can remain on the balls of my feet gripping the bike, it also gives me a place to put my finger since I always run a finger on both the clutch and front brake. It's also a lot easier to modulate the braking power, just like it is with the front, the majority of braking comes from the front anyways. It's a lot more stable at speed, the traction to both the rear and front wheel is better and I can trust the lean angle more. I don't run much engine braking at all, slightly more than a 2 stroke. I just do all my braking early and let it roll through the corner and unlike a 2 stroke, it's instantaneous torque anywhere at any speed to pull you out. Just like braking in a corner, engine braking likes to try to stand the bike up when you're trying to lay it over, or pull the front wheel out of the rut, depending on the setting of course. We've just gotten so used to engine braking on a 450/4 strokes in general, we don't realize how much engine braking effects cornering until we get on something that doesn't have it, and better yet, doesn't ever stall either. The rear shock has 3 clicker adjustments, it's more like an 'A' Kit shock and the bike comes sprung and even has the sag set for your exact weight and height...and you can have it come with motocross valving, enduro, or a blend of the two if you ride both. I race AA in the woods and a fast B rider on motocross, but i've always ran a motocross set up even on tight single track since i grew up riding both a lot and couldn't have two bikes or two totally different forks and shocks. i just turn the clickers out a couple clicks on compression dampening, along with rebound. In general the SSS forks are good everywhere. I'm sure they even have supercross or freestyle valving to choose from. You can always send your stuff off if you want, but for 90% or more of people, they won't need to do anything to it besides play with clickers for different tracks, if they even wanna do that, most don't regardless of their setup. I only do if I go to a real hard glue grooved track, I'll soften it and let some air out of the tires for traction. I think you can also get on the fly clicker adjusters like on the KTM for KYB suspension. It doesn't come on the Stark, but it is available. Bogle did a full moto on one in the morning in Cali with it freshly watered and ripped, he didn't even hit 20%. So if he can get through 30min+2 without losing battery, anyone else can too. There's also enough time inbetween motos to get enough charge for moto 2 and in the woods can last for several hours, so it's better than people think. I'm not sure what HP Bogle was on, but I'm assuming between 55-65. 55 is the sweet spot for me on a track, it has all the power i need while letting me charge harder and be more agressive without getting a lot of wheel spin... Honestly, to me, 55HP on an electric bike feels like more than 55 produced by a combustion engine. Probably because it's instantaneous torque and never stops pulling until you've reached max speed.
@@yamahakid450f I agree about the weight. It feels even more manageable than my Sherco 300 2 stroke in the woods, as long as I have a little speed. The rear hand brake is a game changer for me. I've never used the rear brake as much as I do now, with much better feeling. I couldn't get 2 hours out of it in an enduro, though
Great review. Sounds like the battery is holding it back from dominating, need to lose 25lbs and get 25 more minutes range. That could take a decade, by which time the gas motors will have advanced too. Hoping for a breakthrough in technology!
Exactly what I was thinking. But then again I've been riding electric off-road since the 90s. I was doing conversions back then. I bought my first brand new factory electric dirt bike in 2009
Weight , cost , unknown longevity, needing a generator (or high priced additional batteries) out in the field are all major considerations - I’m on the fence on ordering one or getting a 250/450 “traditional” bike. I’m torn. Also - as little as one hour riding time is a huge factor, even up to 2.5 hours on “light trails” is very limiting when you’re out trying to enjoy a day or weekend. Tough call. Maybe when batteries are easily swappable and you can bring extra (like you would with an extra fuel tank), we’ll have the versatility and longevity we want.
Yes. I’ve always said that electrics are not a “replacement bike,” but rather and additional bike. Every bike is a different tool for a different job. This one has its place.
How much does a new battery cost? How would you replace or repair all that electronics after a big wipeout? How is this bike green other than almost no emissions? How much does it weigh?
How can this have a 6.5KW BATTERY? I came from a gas motocross bike background, but i did a few Mid Drive E-bike conversions for fun. Controlling of the power delivery and characteristics of the electric motor is superior. However, having an equivalent battery to match the energy stored in gasoline is problematic and I don’t see a solution (even in theory). Knowing this, I am still interested in purchasing the Stark E MX bike. Possibly charging a battery could last an aggressive race moto. Then recharge between motos. Before I invest in a Stark MX bike, I have a serious question about the battery that their website does not explain. Stark says that their bike has a 6.5KW battery and 80 HP motor. To achieve 80HP, it will require 60KW of power delivery. The 6.5KW battery is not even close (8.7HP). Equivalent power must be available. How does the Stark MX bike generate more power than the battery can deliver?
I think E bikes and the Stark have a place in moto now. Nothing will replace gas moto, and I’m not looking for a replacement but this opens a lot of doors. I’m not buying into the corrupt green energy mafia, in its current form but I’m ok with an E bike class.
All you need to do is use a Ford F-150 Lightning or the new Electric Silverado to haul that around, as the truck can be used as a charging station. Easy peasy for the future when non-synthetic gasoline is outlawed... time to prepare! Electrify now, and be on the leading edge.
It's awesome to have new electric mx bikes hitting market. I think they should have electric race class and not race against petrol bikes, it would ruin sport like when 4strokes with twice capacity where allowed to race 2bangas. Avagud1
It would rob HP. They're direct drive to maximize HP to the wheel and weight reduction. They could come out with one in the future however. It wouldn't have 80hp and be a bit heavier. You do get used to it though. The throttle control is near instant so it becomes all about what that right hand can do.
I see a big problem with adding a clutch. if you disengage an electric motor and rev it up, it will soon rev to the moon so when you do engage, it will hit like a truck. And since the sound is so muted you won't know how high you revved it. This can be adressed with a kind of "rev limiter" for when the clutch is dissingaged, or adding some kind of sound or vibration (like video game controler haptic feed back) to let you know it has reved up.
I have an EM Escape with a clutch. I don't ever use the clutch. You don't need one on an electric. Not sure why there is this pressure for a clutch. If you want to get the front wheel up, you whack the throttle and the front end comes up every time and you control it with the throttle. It's simple.
Do you twist the throttle without the clutch to Zap or splat? To clear large obstacles? Because it sounds like your just talking about a wheelie.@@easternyellowjacket276
I still say it would be great to still have a clutch just to get those clutch ups when you need them like a log hop in the woods pivot turns things like that.
@thisismyhandlename184 no where near the same as a clutch up no matter how much instant tourqe it is. Clutch up is releasing stored energy that can be applied as you need it by the clutch handle do no matter what that motor can do it's no the same. Maybe in 80hp mode ot comes close but you're still not gonna have that pop you need. I've watched several pro riders ride this bike and they all say the same thing that they miss that clutch dump out of the burms
@thisismyhandlename184 I mean even if you could tube that in I personally wouldn't want it to be able to pop up instantly like a clutch dump cause then we would have to rename wisky throttle to death I broke my spine in half throttle lol
@@WickedWaysfpv7087 I'm sorry to say, but you are wrong. I have an EM Escape with the clutch, and I never use it because I've never needed it. As the other guy said, instant torque with the throttle.
@easternyellowjacket276 I'm sorry to say that you are wrong cause if the throttle did instant torque the same way a clutch dump does then it would do a back flip everytime you hit the throttle hard
@@WickedWaysfpv7087 Oh, am I? I own an electric bike as stated. Which one do you own that doesn't flip on full throttle? Because mine does, has and will.
Just like anything electric you’re trading control and weight for power. People that don’t know anything about riding (stupid people) will buy this and that’s OK. 👍
I think this bike is going to be a great option for the weekend guy that just wants to ride a few laps at a time then go sit down and talk shit with his buddies and not having to change the oil every ride, or more likely never change the oil, or check the valves, etc. etc. and end up with a clapped out bike at the end of the season. I think local races will create a class for these, or otherwise will run fine in shorter 15-20min moto races, but it's going to be a stretch to get these running with the current class for 450's in pro MX unless they make a lot of concessions and change the format. Maybe SX picks these up and moves to 3 10min triple crown races as the greenies complain about the exhaust in indoor stadiums.
Bogle did a a full moto on it while in California during the morning after being ripped and watered, it didn't even reach 20% where there's a loss in power, and that loss is minimal...Unless you're faster than Bogle, you'll do a full moto, and you'll have the time inbetween to charge enough to get through moto2. Plus, amateur/local races are usually 5 laps.
I need help. I don't know what dirtbike to buy. 125 2 stroke, 150 2 stroke, 200 2 stroke or 250 2 stroke. I want to ride on streets, woods, basically EVERYWHERE. I wanna do wheelies, hill climbs, fast rides and all that. What should i buy? I would be greatfull if you tell me in order from worst to best of these for and reasons for your opinion.
There's no one perfect bike for street and woods. You make compromises. Get a used dual sport like a CRF450RL or DRZ400 then be happy with that or sell it and have your next bike be more focused on the type of riding that you enjoy.
@@farbrornilsson9709 I'm skeptical on that claim. I have an EM Escape (basically a trials bike), which is smaller than the Stark with less power and less suspension, and even riding it slow, I can go maybe three hours in the woods. It is a blast to ride in technical stuff, though.
@@easternyellowjacket276 Stark has a completly different battery, it's their own patent. It is actually true that you can get 5-6 hours enduro/trails. Normal riding with wheelies etc jumps you're looking at atleast 2 hours of riding. Its a sick bike.
Lol this guy knit picked the thing to death and was wrong about a lot of it. He assumed the battery would last 20 minutes and that's not true at all. He said the seat was too round lol. He said it was 20 pounds heavier and you could feel it on the track and that couldn't be more wrong. Look at every other review they say how light it feels on the track because it has no rotating mass like a crank or camshaft or timing chain.
12 k for 20 minutes of riding….. not worth the price point yet….. by the time they get it to be able to keep up with modern day combustion engine bikes hopefully the price is competitive and not through the roof.
It’s is cool and I think it’s good for people trying to learn. People don’t have to worry about it taking over such as 4 strokes did because people aren’t going to listen to a silent race and what’s most important is motocross is about the skill of the rider so that includes shifting, braking, clutch work etc. I think instead of spending so much time on this they should also figure out how to stop arm pump on the clutch side of bikes. We have the technology to make a clutch pull in with only a few lbs of pressure yet they are still hard to pull in even the hydraulics. They will have to figure out something electronic
Awesome machine. MX tracks in the future will need decent on site power or maybe charge from your EV car. Extra batteries need to come down in $$ and future generations of battery tech will make huge differences in every respect.
Bike looked a little squirrely and turned into too much oversteer. Rear tire spins up every time he touches the throttle. Needs a sand scoop tire and stretch the wheelbase and drop the forks.
Let’s do the math…. Stark Farse :$14k, Track day fee $50.00.. ride time on the Stark Farse at race pace : 35 minutes, recharge time : 5 hours, spare battery : $7k , time to swap out battery at the track :you can’t. Value of bragging at the local pub about your 80 completely useless horsepower: priceless…
Varg , probably 500 hours use with 80% battery capacity left . Combustion engine bike , first rebuild at 80 hours and completely fucked at 200 without spending big 💰 oh and resale value of that bike is fucked along with it
Just depends how you charge it. No reason you can't charge your e-truck on solar then charge from the truck at the track. Lots of tracks have 30A RV hook ups too that'll work
When will see a pro rider ride this bike at the races? Patiently waiting for one of the guys to get picked up from the stark team… anyone got any idea?
This guy kept talking about power in percent.....not hp.....which is incorrect. He said 80 percent, when he should have said hp. How is this guy even a magazine tester?🤦♂️
@@DirtBikeMagazine stated at 0:52 "You need gas to run this thing", "This has to have a generator" is not really true. Not saying it's not convenient, but its a choice nonetheless. And "green energy" doesn't referred to EVs in general, so I don't se how the question is relevant.
Not a big deal for me either if operating this bike is a gasoline free scenario. But V2L (Veichle to load) is here and coming on strong with 240 outlets in the Ford F150 Lightning Pickup Truck, The Rivian R1T Pickup Truck and the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck. If you have solar on your roof at home you have days of charging this thing running on solar energy from your roof! 🙂
Oh snap, the chain tensioner with clicks is so nice
That is the best and most honest review I've seen to date on the Stark Varg.
Really appreciate it. Trying to give REAL world reviews. No sugar coating
@@DirtBikeMagazinethis really dates but I remember as a teen getting Dirt Bike Magazine in the early 70s and your bike tests were the best and well written. I enjoyed the humor and wit when you discussed a bike's flaws.
We have seen a lot of rider reviews on the Stark now and I haven’t seen one yet where the riders weren’t impressed. I think it’s safe to say we will be seeing a lot of starks at mx tracks all over the world soon
You are absolutely correct. The technical term for them to be allowed is escaping me at the moment but it simply boils down to selling enough to reach the AMA's qualifications. I'm from the old school and was part of the defiance when the 4 stroke revolution was upon us. In the end, 2 strokes simply lost their edge to the newer "better" technology of the revamped 4 stroke versions. We are about to see it happen again...
I think you gave it a good try to make it an objective review but it still felt a little biased. Don't wanna criticize you too hard because this whole thing with the electric motorcycles polarizes so much that you'll either hear "it's the best thing I've ever ridden" or "it's the worst thing, I wouldn't take it as a gift".
I think this this could save a lot of tracks from closure. And for people like me who also like enduro riding this could be a game changer, since people won't call the cops immediately..
AGREE.he was very critical..... I am getting one for WOODS riding............ QUIET...........woods riding......and I will immediately go TUBELESS.......tubes are a joke.... I kinda want gears.....and a clutch.........but.............. it does not have them SO....I will get used to it.........I just did a killer ride on my BETA 430 RR.......actually stalled it........that will never happen on the Stark.....
@@robvange Getting to shift gears will probably never happen but there is a german company who sell electric dirtbikes and separately also engines, controllers and batteries. They made a bike called the "Pohlbock ebock" for which you could purchase a clutch lever. Actually it was only a switch that caused the bike to act as if you pulled the clutch but it seemed to work.. If you want to shift gears you should probably buy their motor, batteries and controller and build your own bike with a chassis and transmission from a 450.
Don't think anyone has ever done that. Probably because it takes a lot of machining and engineering in general
All bikes should have that same chain tensioner! So much easier to adjust with that system!!
Please include the Varg in your 450 MX Shootout test.
You don’t need a clutch when the throttle response is INSTANTANEOUS. Sounds like a rider issue. Not a design issue.
"Sliiping the CLUTCH" has become natural to a racer...sit back down.
Yay something to take even more of the skill it once took to ride a motocross bike.
Great honest review, that's super important for customers and for companies to make improvements!
If they can get the battery to swap out with another battery, then you won't need the generator. However, it will be an expense for another battery.
Surron ultra electric dirt bike apparently has a swappable battery. I'm not sure how it compares to the Varg though
As an old (70's) flat track rider, that thing looks like it would be a hoot on a short track! Dial it in as a single 2 stroke, single 4 stroke or Yam/BSA twin! What fun! :-)
can’t wait to buy my new yz 250
Cheers!
It would be really interesting to see what kind of advanced software changes could be made to improve the bike in areas where a standard 450 is better. Because you can’t clutch up to get lift the front wheel over an obstacle, what if they made software changes where a rapid opening of the throttle gives an overboost in power to bring the front wheel up and eliminate lag. More could be done with power curves to make it easier to handle at higher power settings or a boost button would be extremely useful when you want 60+ hp for the straight and smooth sections but is too much to handle in more technical parts of the track. They have so many opportunities with this bike to tune the characteristics more than a conventional bike and I hope to see them try add these kind of settings in rather than just different levels of power
Don’t need a clutch to get lift when you have 930Nm in torque right from start. Since electric bikes has max torque constantly it doesn’t need a clutch to buff up the torque.
I’m also going to add that they need us to be able to know where the engine is at while riding. We can tell on gas bikes due to the sound of the engine but with this I don’t know if you hear anything. I would say attach a sound to the bike and the sound goes from low to high depending on where your at on the throttle. Make it sound like a 2 stroke of course. The sound of motocross is very important and what attracts people to the sport. Many have tried to describe the sound of a 2 stroke but all I can say is it’s magical to the fans and bike owners
Noise, gets a lot of tracks close
@@stevezack6077 Steve, Tracks are usually far away from any houses. If there are people that have built tracks like that I would say that’s a bad business plan. I think a mile away from housing is more than enough because the bikes aren’t that loud compared to a concert and we have the biggest loudest bands play at a pavilion inside of a very large community. Bands like Judas Priest, KISS and more. Serious decibels
With the little noise it makes , it would be totally stealthy . That i like i love the sound of a 2 stroke butthe neighbors wouldn't have anything to complain about.
What about maintenance? Is it idiot proof?
@@davidjmichaud4422 yeah maintenence is a huge positive in emotos just basically need to keep an eye on your tyres breaks and chain, that's all
Cool to see the progression. 10yrs we will see where this all lands.
The battery pack will land in a landfill... Lol
@@polska905 I love delusional people
The handbreak option would be better. Get with it. You don't have a clutch anyway, it would be easier just using the left handle for rear brake. Better motor control.
Correction. The Stark Varg does NOT need gas to replenish the battery at a race. You simply bring a quality battery generator or Battery power bank. You do NOT need gasoline to own and race an E motorcycle. You're welcome.
Generator needs gas. 220 takes 2 hours to charge. 110 takes 4 hours. Electricity comes from burning coal or other fossil fuels
@@DirtBikeMagazine This comment disappoints me. I race. I started in the powersports industry back in 1990's and now race motorsports. I am no rookie when it comes to pits and setting up a race team area. Our gas-powered generators are gone. We now have battery backup units that have replaced gas generators. Easier, quieter and more efficient! We now race electric vehicles, currently a Rivian R1T. Now, as far as your statement on electricity coming from "fossil fuels" that is silly at best. BTW, fossil fuels is not even accurate when talking about petroleum, look it up. Yes, some areas of the country use coal, but most of the country is either Nuclear, Hydro or solar/wind. I am trying to help correct your false statements, not argue, but I refuse to watch respected UA-cam channels spew false info about Electric anything. Be safe and power on!
They didn’t respond a second time so I’m happy to correct your lies and falsehoods in your attempt to fact check.
You state “Yes, SOME areas of the country use coal, but MOST of the country is either Nuclear, Hydro or solar/wind”
In 2023 in the United States 60 percent of electricity production was from fossil fuels . I’d say that qualifies as most , not some , as you say
21 percent nuclear which has its own toxic waste byproduct environmental issues and only 19 percent renewables. Might want to get your own facts right before spewing a paragraph on your soapbox.
Swapping batteries has to become a reality.
Gave it a fair review. Personally, I will stick to gas until I'm forced to change. But to each is own.
Just another complete worthless pushover American or wherever you're from... You're called a sheep or lemming.... You don't buy it they don't make it real simple
I think this is a perfect practice bike. No maintenance and no nose so I can ride anywhere
@@georgeoliver8300 It still does need some maintenance, even though its less (motor oil, spokes, tyre pressure, chain length etc)
@georgeoliver8300 what about charge time? Think you could get a full day of practice in?
@@diyjeff1838 battery life is allegedly 2
Hours. That’s enough for 3 20 min motos
From the little battery powered toys in the 70’ and 80’s to this, pretty wild trip.
We need like switchable back up batteries for this for long moto days or trail riders can switch out from a backpack to get in those long trail ride days. Imagine those hot days out in Ocotillo or glamis with just a camelback. If you could get a replacement/switchable battery would be awesome! 👏🏻
The bike weights 280lbs....how heavy do you think the backpack would be?
You can charge it with a F150 Lightning. Most electric pickups coming out have plenty of ⚡ via power outlets in the bed.
Lol
I think this is going to be" the wave of the future. " This is a great first attempt but as we all know its lacking in range. Most dirt bikes see more offroad time than track time so range (miles ridden) and time are the most important factors. The next important thing will be is it reliable. All this electronic gadget, trickery, wizardry works well on paper, but when put in production electronic parts fail and there is no telling when a sensor or controller or circuit board will let go . Can these electrical components handle the pounding and vibrations a dirtbike is subject to? What about being water proof? We've all seen videos of electric vehicles catching fire. What about the motor? Is it prone to overheating, can it sustain continuous operation (think baja 500 or 1000 which would be a great test if the battery was easy to remove.) There is already a youtube video of a bike that the controller failed. Time will tell. I believe the biggest mistake Stark Varg made is that the battery is not easily changeable. Think power tools, I can change the battery on my Dewalt tools in seconds. I'm interested but the bike needs more refinement, and honestly being that this is a new manufacturer, I'll wait and see if they survive. I' m probably more likely to buy an electric dirtbike from the legacy manufacturers Yamaha, Honda, KTM ect... due to their history, engineering and financial strength. I'm a 60yo guy that thinks he's still fast. I ride out in the desert with my friends who are all about the same age. We do 30-60 mile loops 3-4 hours at a time. The Stark Varg at the moment wont work for me. In closing I want to suggest a few suggestions. 1. It needs a quick change battery. 2. It needs more range. 3. It needs to weigh less than the current 4 strokes. 4. It should cost less than a current 4 stroke.
Looking forward to hearing what you all think. ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
It's been a long time without new videos, when the new ones? 😁
@@J00F12 been off the bike nursing an injury but will be back riding soon!
FIRST honest rewiev.... everyone else ONLY has positive to say so I see this to be honest
My 4th year riding electric as a camp host at Rampart Range. Both my van and trailer have solar systems that charge my Lite Bee and now my Ultra Bee. My work provides a generator/gas for me but I hate listening to it. Can't understand why these "reviews" never talk to actual owners, just whiney speculations. Is this a powderpuff channel?
It may already have it available but you could map the track and set up your power maps for different sections of the track it and would instantly change it per location on the track.
And if we are going that far with technology in racing have your suspension be electronically actuated and change your suspension for differing track conditions and situations.
I’ll buy 2 now. All I need is a test ride. I’m in
You say you still need gas to run the Stark Varg, for now that is true, you need gas to run a generator. But I could see one day in the future places where you race, or ride, having chargers at the track, like a Tesla supercharger, and they would charge you a fee to charge your Stark Varg. If that happens you would not need gas to run the Stark Varg.
Thanks
I want it so badly.....But for trail riding!!!!No more angry neighbors!!!
Why would you want a foot brake?
So that if you are buying this as an addition to your stable of conventional gas bikes your brain doesn’t have to reacclimate every time you switch between bikes.
Having had all the kinds of bikes im stoked for my stark to be here in January. My storm bee and highly modded talaria are so fun. If the old guys would actually ride them they would think quietly to them selves "i like this better". No clutch no gears no starter no warming it up no pipes to buy no suspension springs to buy no noise no heat.
No doubt electrics are fun. It's the range that is the entire issue.
@easternyellowjacket276 well think of it this way my grandpa rode a horse and it's range pretty much indefinite as long as there is grass and water by the trail. Then those new fangled gas dirt bikes came out and they can only go 50 miles.
So the next tech will be even worse range but more fun than an e bike haha.
how is the electric power when it comes to loading up the suspension during acceleration?
What loads the suspension in the way you're referring to is from all the intetnal rotating mass, that's what makes a 450 a lot more unstable and more likely to swap while charging, there is no rotating mass so there is no chassis binding.
That's also why a 450 feels so much heavier even though on the scale it's a few pounds more than a 250...this bike feels nimble like a 125, I don't understand why they think it feels heavier, it doesn't, you only feel it when tossing it on the stand. I run mine with the hand brake, took me a few laps but it's a lot better. It allows me to maintain proper technique in corners and I can remain on the balls of my feet gripping the bike, it also gives me a place to put my finger since I always run a finger on both the clutch and front brake. It's also a lot easier to modulate the braking power, just like it is with the front, the majority of braking comes from the front anyways.
It's a lot more stable at speed, the traction to both the rear and front wheel is better and I can trust the lean angle more. I don't run much engine braking at all, slightly more than a 2 stroke. I just do all my braking early and let it roll through the corner and unlike a 2 stroke, it's instantaneous torque anywhere at any speed to pull you out. Just like braking in a corner, engine braking likes to try to stand the bike up when you're trying to lay it over, or pull the front wheel out of the rut, depending on the setting of course. We've just gotten so used to engine braking on a 450/4 strokes in general, we don't realize how much engine braking effects cornering until we get on something that doesn't have it, and better yet, doesn't ever stall either.
The rear shock has 3 clicker adjustments, it's more like an 'A' Kit shock and the bike comes sprung and even has the sag set for your exact weight and height...and you can have it come with motocross valving, enduro, or a blend of the two if you ride both. I race AA in the woods and a fast B rider on motocross, but i've always ran a motocross set up even on tight single track since i grew up riding both a lot and couldn't have two bikes or two totally different forks and shocks. i just turn the clickers out a couple clicks on compression dampening, along with rebound. In general the SSS forks are good everywhere. I'm sure they even have supercross or freestyle valving to choose from. You can always send your stuff off if you want, but for 90% or more of people, they won't need to do anything to it besides play with clickers for different tracks, if they even wanna do that, most don't regardless of their setup. I only do if I go to a real hard glue grooved track, I'll soften it and let some air out of the tires for traction. I think you can also get on the fly clicker adjusters like on the KTM for KYB suspension. It doesn't come on the Stark, but it is available.
Bogle did a full moto on one in the morning in Cali with it freshly watered and ripped, he didn't even hit 20%. So if he can get through 30min+2 without losing battery, anyone else can too. There's also enough time inbetween motos to get enough charge for moto 2 and in the woods can last for several hours, so it's better than people think. I'm not sure what HP Bogle was on, but I'm assuming between 55-65. 55 is the sweet spot for me on a track, it has all the power i need while letting me charge harder and be more agressive without getting a lot of wheel spin... Honestly, to me, 55HP on an electric bike feels like more than 55 produced by a combustion engine. Probably because it's instantaneous torque and never stops pulling until you've reached max speed.
@@yamahakid450f I agree about the weight. It feels even more manageable than my Sherco 300 2 stroke in the woods, as long as I have a little speed. The rear hand brake is a game changer for me. I've never used the rear brake as much as I do now, with much better feeling. I couldn't get 2 hours out of it in an enduro, though
Stark Varg means "Strong Wolf" in Swedish. Is this intentional? lol
I can’t wait to see these have a wireless charger that you ride over and it starts charging
For the weight: you said it's 10lbs heavier than the average 450.
Is the average 450 filled with all fluids for that comparison or is it dry weight?
The varg is around 260 lbs, the heavier 450 suzuki and kawasaki with all fluid 248 lbs. yz450f 2023 240lbs with all fluids.
@@mxriderdakar ah I see, I see
Thx bro
I have yet to see a negative review by anyone who has actually ridden one. 😆
Great review. Sounds like the battery is holding it back from dominating, need to lose 25lbs and get 25 more minutes range. That could take a decade, by which time the gas motors will have advanced too. Hoping for a breakthrough in technology!
Footbrake is just for old petrolheads who aren't able to get the Stark Varg full potential!!!
Exactly what I was thinking. But then again I've been riding electric off-road since the 90s. I was doing conversions back then. I bought my first brand new factory electric dirt bike in 2009
Exactly!
Sometimes people need one out of habit
Or people that own 8 other bikes with foot brakes that they ride more often. Having both with a splitter would be ideal.
That's me!
Does anyone know the background music that's played throughout the video?
20-25 minutes with a fast rider and 4.5 hours to recharge on 110V. $14000. No thanks I’ll keep my 300SX.
And that's with a brand new battery, after a year or two with a few hundred cycles it will be a fraction of that.
Buying mine this summer. Can’t wait. 😁
Weight , cost , unknown longevity, needing a generator (or high priced additional batteries) out in the field are all major considerations - I’m on the fence on ordering one or getting a 250/450 “traditional” bike. I’m torn.
Also - as little as one hour riding time is a huge factor, even up to 2.5 hours on “light trails” is very limiting when you’re out trying to enjoy a day or weekend. Tough call. Maybe when batteries are easily swappable and you can bring extra (like you would with an extra fuel tank), we’ll have the versatility and longevity we want.
Yes. I’ve always said that electrics are not a “replacement bike,” but rather and additional bike. Every bike is a different tool for a different job. This one has its place.
How much does a new battery cost? How would you replace or repair all that electronics after a big wipeout? How is this bike green other than almost no emissions? How much does it weigh?
How can this have a 6.5KW BATTERY?
I came from a gas motocross bike background, but i did a few Mid Drive E-bike conversions for fun. Controlling of the power delivery and characteristics of the electric motor is superior.
However, having an equivalent battery to match the energy stored in gasoline is problematic and I don’t see a solution (even in theory).
Knowing this, I am still interested in purchasing the Stark E MX bike. Possibly charging a battery could last an aggressive race moto. Then recharge between motos.
Before I invest in a Stark MX bike, I have a serious question about the battery that their website does not explain.
Stark says that their bike has a 6.5KW battery and 80 HP motor. To achieve 80HP, it will require 60KW of power delivery. The 6.5KW battery is not even close (8.7HP). Equivalent power must be available.
How does the Stark MX bike generate more power than the battery can deliver?
If you own a ford f150 lightning, you can charge it via the truck's battery pack while at the track.
I think E bikes and the Stark have a place in moto now. Nothing will replace gas moto, and I’m not looking for a replacement but this opens a lot of doors. I’m not buying into the corrupt green energy mafia, in its current form but I’m ok with an E bike class.
Corrupt green energy monster. 😂 yall crack me up😅
PLEASE PUT THIS BIKE IN THE 2024 SHOOTOUTS ❤😁🙏🙏🙏
All you need to do is use a Ford F-150 Lightning or the new Electric Silverado to haul that around, as the truck can be used as a charging station. Easy peasy for the future when non-synthetic gasoline is outlawed... time to prepare! Electrify now, and be on the leading edge.
Does it come with street tires if you order them?
It's awesome to have new electric mx bikes hitting market. I think they should have electric race class and not race against petrol bikes, it would ruin sport like when 4strokes with twice capacity where allowed to race 2bangas. Avagud1
Until they try enduro. With 1 hour lol
I want a street legal supermoto with 17s.
Scuffs up real quick.
What do all those controls cost when you break them.
very cheap. even the phone is only £220. way less than a basic speedo that comes on a ktm
Imagine how fast you'd be once this is second nature.
I dont see why they can’t add a clutch component. …to make the transition easier.
It would rob HP. They're direct drive to maximize HP to the wheel and weight reduction. They could come out with one in the future however. It wouldn't have 80hp and be a bit heavier. You do get used to it though. The throttle control is near instant so it becomes all about what that right hand can do.
I see a big problem with adding a clutch. if you disengage an electric motor and rev it up, it will soon rev to the moon so when you do engage, it will hit like a truck. And since the sound is so muted you won't know how high you revved it. This can be adressed with a kind of "rev limiter" for when the clutch is dissingaged, or adding some kind of sound or vibration (like video game controler haptic feed back) to let you know it has reved up.
In future models, like the electric motion trials bike. This bike will probably get a clutch..
I have an EM Escape with a clutch. I don't ever use the clutch. You don't need one on an electric. Not sure why there is this pressure for a clutch. If you want to get the front wheel up, you whack the throttle and the front end comes up every time and you control it with the throttle. It's simple.
Do you twist the throttle without the clutch to Zap or splat? To clear large obstacles? Because it sounds like your just talking about a wheelie.@@easternyellowjacket276
I still say it would be great to still have a clutch just to get those clutch ups when you need them like a log hop in the woods pivot turns things like that.
@thisismyhandlename184 no where near the same as a clutch up no matter how much instant tourqe it is. Clutch up is releasing stored energy that can be applied as you need it by the clutch handle do no matter what that motor can do it's no the same. Maybe in 80hp mode ot comes close but you're still not gonna have that pop you need. I've watched several pro riders ride this bike and they all say the same thing that they miss that clutch dump out of the burms
@thisismyhandlename184 I mean even if you could tube that in I personally wouldn't want it to be able to pop up instantly like a clutch dump cause then we would have to rename wisky throttle to death I broke my spine in half throttle lol
@@WickedWaysfpv7087 I'm sorry to say, but you are wrong. I have an EM Escape with the clutch, and I never use it because I've never needed it. As the other guy said, instant torque with the throttle.
@easternyellowjacket276 I'm sorry to say that you are wrong cause if the throttle did instant torque the same way a clutch dump does then it would do a back flip everytime you hit the throttle hard
@@WickedWaysfpv7087 Oh, am I? I own an electric bike as stated. Which one do you own that doesn't flip on full throttle? Because mine does, has and will.
flipping\ stacking it will cost you a phone? seems a little open to damage on the bars, but nowhere else to put it I guess.
Tilly should race one at the world vets …oh wait it’s not green 🤣
Did he say it comes with an iPhone as a display?
Currently too heavy and not enough range.
Just like anything electric you’re trading control and weight for power. People that don’t know anything about riding (stupid people) will buy this and that’s OK. 👍
😂😂😂😂🤦🏻♂🤦🏻♂Just say you haven’t ridden one. Talk about not not knowing anything 🤦🏻♂
The point of showing an electric bike is so we can hear it. We are not here for the background music.
Im sure next will be a speaker on the bike so you can select 2 or 4 stroke sound.
Jetsons car sound would be the best if you are old enough to remember.
@@pmdracing That would me funny. Just not that weak hum electric cars make.
A Stuka Dive Bomb Siren?
Porsche makes versions of the Taycan with that option , and in the RC airplane world they make sound systems for replica WW2 electric planes
@@M_DuhamelMustang and BMW use speakers to pump up their engine sounds.
Foot brake or hand brake?
I think this bike is going to be a great option for the weekend guy that just wants to ride a few laps at a time then go sit down and talk shit with his buddies and not having to change the oil every ride, or more likely never change the oil, or check the valves, etc. etc. and end up with a clapped out bike at the end of the season. I think local races will create a class for these, or otherwise will run fine in shorter 15-20min moto races, but it's going to be a stretch to get these running with the current class for 450's in pro MX unless they make a lot of concessions and change the format. Maybe SX picks these up and moves to 3 10min triple crown races as the greenies complain about the exhaust in indoor stadiums.
Bogle did a a full moto on it while in California during the morning after being ripped and watered, it didn't even reach 20% where there's a loss in power, and that loss is minimal...Unless you're faster than Bogle, you'll do a full moto, and you'll have the time inbetween to charge enough to get through moto2. Plus, amateur/local races are usually 5 laps.
@@yamahakid450f In deep sand, I saw someone emptying it in 18 minutes (on 70hp) . I can probably ride over an hour in most scenarios
I need help. I don't know what dirtbike to buy. 125 2 stroke, 150 2 stroke, 200 2 stroke or 250 2 stroke. I want to ride on streets, woods, basically EVERYWHERE. I wanna do wheelies, hill climbs, fast rides and all that. What should i buy? I would be greatfull if you tell me in order from worst to best of these for and reasons for your opinion.
Buy a street bike for the street.
Klr650
There's no one perfect bike for street and woods. You make compromises. Get a used dual sport like a CRF450RL or DRZ400 then be happy with that or sell it and have your next bike be more focused on the type of riding that you enjoy.
@@Tazdeviloo7 yeah, there is, most dual sports that can hold hwy speeds are pretty perfect, they can go offroad and on road the best of both worlds.
Supermoto
Wonder how long it would last in the woods. I ride 2nd/3rd gear single track most of the time
Around 5-6 hour ride time enduro/ slow riding
@@farbrornilsson9709 I haven't seen anyone get that kind of time even in the woods if I can tune it to 45 hp and get 5 or 6 hours I'm buying one
@@farbrornilsson9709 I'm skeptical on that claim. I have an EM Escape (basically a trials bike), which is smaller than the Stark with less power and less suspension, and even riding it slow, I can go maybe three hours in the woods. It is a blast to ride in technical stuff, though.
@@easternyellowjacket276 Stark has a completly different battery, it's their own patent. It is actually true that you can get 5-6 hours enduro/trails. Normal riding with wheelies etc jumps you're looking at atleast 2 hours of riding. Its a sick bike.
im 58 and im never lettin go off my Suzuki RM 465 ,4 hour charge? 80hp ? ill stick with ol faithfull thankyou
Lol this guy knit picked the thing to death and was wrong about a lot of it. He assumed the battery would last 20 minutes and that's not true at all. He said the seat was too round lol. He said it was 20 pounds heavier and you could feel it on the track and that couldn't be more wrong. Look at every other review they say how light it feels on the track because it has no rotating mass like a crank or camshaft or timing chain.
Was he wrong or does the media play nice too much? We'll let you decide
12 k for 20 minutes of riding….. not worth the price point yet….. by the time they get it to be able to keep up with modern day combustion engine bikes hopefully the price is competitive and not through the roof.
Saw a grey one in person at local dealer, that thing was a work of art. Almost too pretty to ride.
So now all we will hear is generators going at everyones truck charging there stark up between motos. Sick lol
Definitely can get more run time then 45mins on a track!
It’s is cool and I think it’s good for people trying to learn. People don’t have to worry about it taking over such as 4 strokes did because people aren’t going to listen to a silent race and what’s most important is motocross is about the skill of the rider so that includes shifting, braking, clutch work etc. I think instead of spending so much time on this they should also figure out how to stop arm pump on the clutch side of bikes. We have the technology to make a clutch pull in with only a few lbs of pressure yet they are still hard to pull in even the hydraulics. They will have to figure out something electronic
I have to see what happens when it falls end over end down a rocky hill in the forest.
It's not about being "green". It's about an infinity better motocross bike.
Awesome machine. MX tracks in the future will need decent on site power or maybe charge from your EV car. Extra batteries need to come down in $$ and future generations of battery tech will make huge differences in every respect.
You are the enemy you are the enemy
Pssss
I can charge mine from either my gas van or my electric car
Bike looked a little squirrely and turned into too much oversteer. Rear tire spins up every time he touches the throttle. Needs a sand scoop tire and stretch the wheelbase and drop the forks.
Nah just need to adjust the settings, you can adjust everything with the engine
chicken wire?
This guy and his “GAS POWERED” statements is so schilly
Nice that it has a IPhone 🙈
Its not
Electric; a possible future option for the sport.
Let’s do the math…. Stark Farse :$14k, Track day fee $50.00.. ride time on the Stark Farse at race pace : 35 minutes, recharge time : 5 hours, spare battery : $7k , time to swap out battery at the track :you can’t. Value of bragging at the local pub about your 80 completely useless horsepower: priceless…
It's still a wicked ass dirtbike to be fair but yes absolutely no point
Judging by how much pub time you get 35 mins of riding should be fine😂😂😂
Nice math, I can’t wait to buy one
Varg , probably 500 hours use with 80% battery capacity left . Combustion engine bike , first rebuild at 80 hours and completely fucked at 200 without spending big 💰 oh and resale value of that bike is fucked along with it
Word and 500 hours on this bike will take you something like 10 years to get there and by that time you’re through a $7k battery. Lol
The noise is annoying to me.. not having a clutch seems miserable 😅
20 min sounds terrible…
The rest is badass
I saw this on shop or something for $197
Now I’m very confused, you’re saying the opposite to what everyone else says about this bike, even the pros and I don’t know what to believe anymore
49min "runtime" on one battery is a wooof.
Until the battery life can be made to last longer than just a few minutes, it’s going to be more or less, a hard no.
with out the noise .......i would get myself in trouble real quick .......WFO ...................just sayin ....................:)
Not a “green” motorcycle but a silent one.
Just depends how you charge it. No reason you can't charge your e-truck on solar then charge from the truck at the track. Lots of tracks have 30A RV hook ups too that'll work
When will see a pro rider ride this bike at the races? Patiently waiting for one of the guys to get picked up from the stark team… anyone got any idea?
♻🔋👏💪🔝❤
This guy kept talking about power in percent.....not hp.....which is incorrect. He said 80 percent, when he should have said hp. How is this guy even a magazine tester?🤦♂️
Ever heard of green energy ?
What's green about EVs ? Please inform us
@@DirtBikeMagazine stated at 0:52 "You need gas to run this thing", "This has to have a generator" is not really true. Not saying it's not convenient, but its a choice nonetheless. And "green energy" doesn't referred to EVs in general, so I don't se how the question is relevant.
"We dont know how to classify is...its electric" um ok its classified as an electric bike🤦🏽♂️
Why does the website say 6-hour ride time on the battery life