OFF-ROAD RACER The 80bhp Stark Varg

From the folks at Stark

Future, here’s a look at the future of motocross (if it turns out that electric’s the way to go). Called the Stark Varg (which means ‘strong wolf’ in Swedish), the 80bhp, 110kg machine has been developed from the ground up with the intention of proving that an electric motocross bike can outperform a petrol one.It’s a bold claim, but Stark seems confident that the Varg’s up to the task. There’s some clever stuff going on beneath the surface, including a magnesium honeycomb shell (patent pending); ‘slippery fingers’ cell holders; a pressure reduction system; a unilateral power supply board that configures the battery cells; and a 32kg lightweight battery which has a 6kWh capacity.

Stark reckons that a full charge (which is claimed to take between one to two hours) should offer a range similar to a 450 race bike with a full tank of fuel. Alternatively it can be run for six hours at a more gentle pace. The Varg can also be customised using the Stark Future App, accessible through the waterproof and shockresistant smartphone display. It allows users to adjust the power curve; the level of engine braking; the traction control settings; and the weight of the (virtual) flywheel. It’s well equipped too, with Kayaba and Technical Touch suspension at the front and rear respectively (which offer 310mm of travel), while the Italian-built rims come fitted with Pirelli MX32 tyres.

Available to order now through the Stark Futures website at 11,900 euros (just under £10,000), remember that this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a battery-powered motocross bike with serious potential. Alta Motors had some top-quality machines, plenty of press coverage and investment from Harley-Davidson before it all fell apart. That’s not to say the Stark Varg will suffer the same fate…