An electric bike that excels

Let’s face it: the reality is electric bikes haven’t really had the measure of their petrol equivalents in the two-wheeled world.

But one area where they have their best chance is the off-road sector, and Spanish brand Stark are making serious waves in motocross, competing with and beating their petrol equivalents, while selling a shed load of bikes in the process.

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And now? Well, there’s a road legal enduro bike too. With an incredible amount of power (79bhp, where a 450cc sits under the 60bhp mark), comparable weight (under 10kg more than a 450cc) and a claimed battery life of up to six hours of steady riding, the Stark Varg EX really does live up to the hype, performing at an incredible level.

But it’s not just the sheer quality of the ride, or the abundance and precision of how much power can be applied that makes the Stark Varg EX such an accomplished machine and special package.

Riding enduro, and especially motocross, is demanding on both body and mind, but the Stark makes riding accurately much easier, reducing physical strain in the process. Managing gear selection is one more thing to think about, and after a few hours in the saddle, it’s easy to lose track. As the Varg EX has no clutch or gears, you can’t find yourself in the wrong gear or stall mid-corner at the worst possible moment.

Because of that, it allows the rider to make use of the rear brake where the clutch lever would sit, meaning that you can always keep the balls of your feet on the pegs, where they offer the most control. With the additional benefit of braking into right handers with the rear brake, when you’ve got your leg out.

Another bonus is the lack of vibration through the handlebars which is something that accelerates arm pump when you’re hanging on off-road. With the Stark, I can muster double the seat time, at a solid pace without feeling anywhere near as fatigued.

When you add up all of the above and the rest that the Varg offers, as an enduro bike, it is incredible.