Stark Future’s New ‘Varg EX’ eMoto Makes 80hp

Electric motorcycle companies have had a rough go of it over the years, but an exception to that trend may be Stark Future. The Spain-based emoto startup is not even five years old but has made a lot of noise with its mostly quiet “Varg” electric off-road machines that have bagged championship wins – and a fast-growing fan base that are also dedicated buyers. Now, the new version of the Varg has arrived in the form of the street-legal Varg EX, and it could be the perfect bumper bike for overlanders and other off-road explorers.

Just looking at the new Varg EX, it’s clear that the emphasis for Stark Future remains heavily biased toward dirt riding. However, the Varg EX is also a street-legal machine in almost every market Stark serves – or plans to. It may also be one of the most innovative and interesting electric motorcycles to hit the market in the short history of electric two-wheelers.

Varg EX Overview

First off, the Varg EX is not the latest entry into the popular new “city plus” category of lightweight, low-powered electric motorcycles. This is a full-blooded dirt-bike-with-lights that tips the scales at a feathery 265 pounds (120kg) while making 60 horsepower in $12,900 “Standard” trim or 80 horsepower in the $13,900 “Alpha” variant. Best of all, the motor makes an almost unbelievable 764 pound-feet of torque. Yes, seven hundred and sixty-four. That’s not a typo.

Power comes from a 7.2-kWh honeycomb magnesium battery pack that packs 20% more juice than the original Varg dirt bike. Since the battery pack forms part of the Varg EX’s frame structure, it is not user removable. Stark says it will recharge in about two hours on 240 Volt (Level 2) charger or five to six hours on 120-Volt sources. Stark says the battery can deliver up to six hours of riding time, depending on how demanding a rider is.

Stark does not quote a range figure since the Varg EX is really about off-road riding rather than navigating pavement, but as noted, it is fully street-legal thanks to a 4,000-lumen LED headlight, turn signals, and a cleverly designed license plate holder (in most countries). EU buyers and other countries will receive bikes with turn signals cleverly integrated into the small bug screen and tail while U.S. spec machines will have DOT-compliant signals on stalks.

The Varg EX’s power output is highly rider-configurable, from the full 60/80hp/764 lb-ft of torque down to beginner-bike power output levels for new riders. Other metrics, including regenerative braking, ABS, traction control, and more, are all user-settable. KYB suspension suspension features cartridge forks and a fully adjustable shocks tuned specifically for enduro-type off-road riding with 310mm/12.2 inches of travel. Stark says the wheelset features “CNC-machined 6082 T6 aluminum hubs, Italian-crafted high-grade steel spokes, and Japanese alloy rims for customizable wheel configurations,” including tube or tubeless tire options. A bash plate, hand guards, and a precision chain guard are also included.

In the cockpit, riders can get a full readout of speed and bike metrics on the color TFT display – and then pop the “display” out of its quick-release cradle for some photos or video and so forth since the “display” is actually an Android smartphone made to “military grade” toughness, according to Stark Future.

When it’s time to ride, the phone snaps back into the bike’s dash and immediately syncs up wirelessly. Stark says the phone, called the Stark Arkenstone, will include GPS trail recording and turn-by-turn navigation developed “with a leading map provider” that remains unnamed for now. No subscription for cell service is included, so buyers can either sign the phone up for service or just use it as the bike’s dashboard and then as a smartphone when connected to wifi. You can see it in action at 10:24 in the overview video below.

Why The Stark Future Varg EX Is Important For Overlanders

The Stark Future Varg EX is an interesting entry into the electric motorcycle market – and the off-road motorcycle market in general – and should hold special appeal for overlanders. It would be simple to say that it’s a good match for anyone heading off-road in the new breed of electric trucks, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV, or Tesla Cybertruck since it can hot-charge from those trucks’ large battery packs. But the Varg EX should also be a capable bumper-mounted bike for anyone looking to bring along a capable, powerful off-road motorcycle with them, EV or not.

The bonus, of course, is that it is street-legal as well, so a quick jaunt to a nearby town is within its purview. Plus, it can be recharged from an ordinary outlet or Level 2 charger as needed, including from a generator or solar setup at a campsite, since the battery pack is small compared to most full-size electric motorcycles. But at a minimum, 120-volt power is needed for recharging.

The other advantages include vastly reduced maintenance compared to a gas-powered bike and the ability to be configured for riders at almost any skill level, especially beginners since it has no gears or clutch to learn how to use. It’s also very quiet compared to gas-powered bikes, making it a good choice for hunters or those who want a more quiet and simple riding experience. And again, since it’s essentially a dirt bike with lights and street legal, it should be a hoot to ride in town. From the video, it certainly appears the Varg EX retains its potent off-road capabilities, especially in the hands of an experienced rider.

What Kind of License Will Riders Need?

Outside the U.S., the Varg EX should be accessible to a large range of riders due to the electric powertrain and the vagaries of EU licensing, which the company says should allow lower-tier license holders to legally ride the Varg EX, and in some countries, even those with just a standard car driving license (be sure to check the requirements for where you live).

How licensing will work in the U.S. remains to be seen. Stark says riders can take the Varg EX out on the street in “parts of the United States” without being specific, and I have a query into Stark for more details. However, it’s fairly safe to assume at least a basic motorcycle endorsement will be required, but that may vary from state to state. One thing for sure: Riders should be up to speed with their motorcycle skills, as it were, as this is no play bike.

Stark Future seems to be on a roll lately, with the new Varg EX and a recent collaboration with India’s Royal Enfield on the upcoming 2026 Flying Flea electric motorcycle. Star officials say they are now taking orders for the Varg EX now and delivers should begin in March of 2025.