Varg MX 1.2

[Theo]

Now on their website the original MX is no longer an option and you can only order the MX 1.2, which, as far as I've understood, is the MX updated with the EX improvements: 7.2 kwh battery, Arkenstone, etc.
The weight is still stated to be 118 kg like the first MX version.
The price is 500 € less than the first MX when it was released.
I wonder whether the first MX will ever get the adjustable power curves.

 

[Chadx]

 

[Chadx]

On the US website for the MX 1.2, there is a new option to choose enduro suspension rather than MX suspension. Hurray! So no need to get an EX to get enduro suspension from the factory. Interestingly, it does NOT explicitly call out wheelset size, so not sure if the 18" rear wheel is still an option on the MX 1.2. At first, I really wanted the EX with the head/tail/brake lights, but since I won't ride it on the street, really not necessary and more to break and the MX 1.2 is 4lbs lighter than the EX and about $400 USD cheaper, but the better harness, phone/cradle, and most importantly, 7.2kWh battery. Hmmm.

 

[imchrisf]

Now on their website the original MX is no longer an option and you can only order the MX 1.2, which, as far as I've understood, is the MX updated with the EX improvements: 7.2 kwh battery, Arkenstone, etc.
The weight is still stated to be 118 kg like the first MX version.
The price is 500 € less than the first MX when it was released.
I wonder whether the first MX will ever get the adjustable power curves.

I would like the power curves, but I really want the enhanced maps that come with the EX. I end up having my phone mounted on the bar along side the stark one because I cant keep the map open on the stark device.

 

[Johnny Depp]

Lots of upgrades, pretty much everything the Enduro version got.

 

[Chadx]

I cant keep the map open on the stark device.

You can. See our threads on it.

 

[Bpspecs]

If you pick enduro suspension option over mx. Do you still get the new mid stroke valving update?

 

[Bpspecs]

Plus what is the major difference between mx and enduro suspension option?

 

[Border Dave]

And still no traction control.

 

[Beagle]

Thinking about battery capacity improvement, I took a look at what happened with 21700-type batteries (as used in the Varg). Following examples are from leading supplier Molicel with their release year, capacity and energy density.

2021: P42B 4.2 Ah, 226 Wh/kg
2023: P45B 4.5, 242 Wh/kg
2024 P50B 5.0 Ah, 260 Wh/kg
2025: P60B 6.0 Ah (energy density not officially announced, likely at least 290 Wh/kg)

Max discharge rate (think max power available) and max charge rate (shorter charging times) keep increasing as well.
For instance P60B can be fully charged at 5 C in 13 min

Here is what the Varg battery capacity is (or would be) with 400 of these various cells:
2021 P42B: 6.0 kWh (used in 2022 Varg prototype)
2023 P45B: 6.5 kWh (used in 2023 Varg MX)
2024 P50B: 7.2 kWh (similar cells used in 2025 Varg EX and MX 1.2 from unspecified supplier)
2025 P60B: 8.6 kWh (not yet in production)

That's 43% capacity increase in 4 years, about 10% per year.

That's no pie in the sky solid state batteries everyone is pouring millions in that may or may not become a commercial reality in the next 10 years, that's actual improvement with current technology.

TLDR: current trend suggests doubling battery capacity (therefore range) about every 10 years.

 

[Johnny Depp]

1 hour charger and power adjustment coming this year per Anton on the Swapmoto vlog.

 

[Beagle]

Hey @Philip no Stark media kit this time around?

Anyway it just makes sense, they had to unify their logistics, no point in keeping 2 different battery packs, 2 different phones and so on.

Besides getting EX improvement the only novelty I've spotted is understandably "lap mode" but it should be available for MX 1.0 as well so yeah, MX 1.2 is appropriate, it's an update to EX level.

They've just released 2 range vids, see Michael Hicks and Carson Brown ride the MX 1.2

 

[Erwin P]

Predictable upgrade, but nice nonetheless!

@Beagle that 8.6kWh is more like it! That's the edge i need to finish my races.

And a 1 hour charger at 7.6 kWh would be great. Now it's little over 2 hours.

 

[Erwin P]

Sad thing you can't order the EX with the MX suspension. 90% of the Enduro stuff we do is demanding MX style suspension.

In the Netherlands a lott of our Enduro bikes have retuned suspension for our needs. When people from abroad ride our bikes they're always shocked by how hard they are tuned.

 

[rs911]

Thinking about battery capacity improvement, I took a look at what happened with 21700-type batteries (as used in the Varg). Following examples are from leading supplier Molicel with their release year, capacity and energy density.

2021: P42B 4.2 Ah, 226 Wh/kg
2023: P45B 4.5, 242 Wh/kg
2024 P50B 5.0 Ah, 260 Wh/kg
2025: P60B 6.0 Ah (energy density not officially announced, likely at least 290 Wh/kg)

Max discharge rate (think max power available) and max charge rate (shorter charging times) keep increasing as well.
For instance P60B can be fully charged at 5 C in 13 min

Here is what the Varg battery capacity is (or would be) with 400 of these various cells:
2021 P42B: 6.0 kWh (used in 2022 Varg prototype)
2023 P45B: 6.5 kWh (used in 2023 Varg MX)
2024 P50B: 7.2 kWh (similar cells used in 2025 Varg EX and MX 1.2 from unspecified supplier)
2025 P60B: 8.6 kWh (not yet in production)

That's 43% capacity increase in 4 years, about 10% per year.

That's no pie in the sky solid state batteries everyone is pouring millions in that may or may not become a commercial reality in the next 10 years, that's actual improvement with current technology.

TLDR: current trend suggests doubling battery capacity (therefore range) about every 10 years.

Nice datas and information
So in a perfect world in 10 years we could have a decent autonomy, similar to what we have today but with 2 times less battery so 2 times lighter.

I only found this spec "Specs indicate the 6048 Wh battery pack weighs 32 kg (70.5 lb)".
If and when the bike will reach a weight of sub 100kg it will be something really crazy.

 

[Theo]

Some points from that video:
• even though the nominal capacity of the battery has increased by 11% from 6.5 to 7.2 kwh, the range has increased by 20% thanks to the fact that the usuable energy has increased by more than that, which makes me and some AI I've consulted believing that there are less losses, like Wass said in the video, and probably the acceptable voltage range for the new cells is wider,
• the countershaft and its main gear are now one single component and according to them this single component is lighter and has tighter tolerances than the assembly, which has contributed to the aforementioned efficiency improvement,
• now there are ribbed seats avialable as accessories,
• the new chassis is now 0.9 kg lighter and more flexible,
• as someone already wrote, they have tuned the midvalve of the fork,
• the wheels are made in a way that makes the spokes tightening less frequent.

 

[Beagle]

Nice datas and information
So in a perfect world in 10 years we could have a decent autonomy, similar to what we have today but with 2 times less battery so 2 times lighter.

I only found this spec "Specs indicate the 6048 Wh battery pack weighs 32 kg (70.5 lb)".
If and when the bike will reach a weight of sub 100kg it will be something really crazy.

Thanks.

Save 15 kg or ride twice longer with the same weight, that is the question

I think range increase will stay a priority for most riders, therefore OEMs, until a point where manufacturers will be able to focus on weight savings.

Beauty of it is that they can do both with various models (or simply offering different battery packs as options).

PS: doubling capacity in 10 years is not what would happen "in a perfect world", it's what could happen if current trend goes on without any technological breakthrough in the meantime. In a perfect world things could get better than that

 

[Erwin P]

Double range for me all the way. I could live with 10 extra kg's today if it adds 1/3 range.

And battery tech is about 10% OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR per year wich actually makes for 159% increase compared to version 1 in 10 years. Double would actually be in 7 or 8 years.

 

[Philip]

Hey @Philip no Stark media kit this time around?

Nope. I am just hearing about this. Either I have been blacklisted, or this is a quiet, below-radar update.

 

[Johnny Depp]

First look: Updated Stark VARG MX 1.2 – unchanged looks hide healthy updates

Stark Future unveils the VARG MX 1.2, “a significant evolution” of its electric motocross model lands with updated powertrain, gearbox and battery (20% more range), new wiring, new suspension valving, and a new smartphone for real-time track data.

enduro21.com

What’s New in the VARG MX 1.2:​

• Updated powertrain with improved efficiency
• New battery pack with 7.2 kWh and boasting 20% more range
• New frame is lighter and stronger steel alloy with claimed twice the strength of the chromoly steel used by other manufacturers and increased flex
• Overmolded wiring harness for extreme conditions
• Internally routed map switch cable, cleaner and protected inside the handlebars
• Reinforced, dual-compound skid plate, fully biodegradable
• Redesigned chain guide with 266% more lateral stiffness and a 7% weight gain
• New improved tyre inner tubes (if opted for)
• New Stark Arkenstone phone and docking station, with better connectivity, speed, brightness and clamping system (lap mode also available in all existing bikes in the next few months)
• New gearbox, lighter and with claimed higher efficiency
• New seat cover options to choose from
• 19 or 18-inch rear wheel, foot or hand brake and handguard options
• Two-year warranty as standard

Build your own bike​

• Choice of Dunlop MX34 or Pirelli MX32 tires with tubes or mousse
• Optional titanium hardware package drops 900 grams
• Brembo braking system: foot or handlebar-operated
• Three seat grip levels: Standard, Grip, and SuperGrip for total control

Available now worldwide in two configurations:

Standard (60hp): €12,490 / £10,490 / $12,490* / AUD 18,990

Alpha (80hp): €13,490 / £11,490 / $13,490* / AUD 19,990

*Note: US pricing excludes $1,000 tariff charge (you go for it Donald!)