Media Review Enduro 21: 2 days trail riding a Stark Varg EX in the Pyrenees Mountains – 5 things we learned

[Johnny Depp]

2 days trail riding a Stark Varg EX in the Pyrenees Mountains – 5 things we learned

Two days of trail riding, free-riding, wheelies, BBQs and beers in the Pyrenees – Stark’s trail tour with Enduro21 delivers fun and fresh insights into the Varg EX.

enduro21.com

* A DR-Z, KLR, XR or XTrainer beater?
* How you ride dictates how far you ride
* Any bike you like, in one bike
* You came to the right place
* My 16-year-old could do this
* Quality vibes

Enduro21 Verdict​

The reality of us spending time on the Varg EX for these two days was to realise the value in being able to ride where you can’t on a gas bike. It matters more in 2025 and this surely was a great ride which could no way have happened on an ICE dirt bike.

We also appreciated being able to talk to each other, something we hadn’t really twigged on other Varg rides. But it really stood out on this trail ride and the truth is we all talked a lot. Too much to be honest!

We’ve been trail riding on all kinds of bikes from old single cylinder plodders, big adventure bikes, enduro bikes and mountain bikes and the Varg stands out from the crowd as a new way to hit the trails because it has such good enduro skills.

Quality of the components on the Varg is second to none, particularly in terms brakes and suspension, and having the good stuff fitted made it a blast to ride.

Like we said earlier, it is many bikes all in one. It just so happens to be a good trail bike as well.

 

[Beagle]

Plus as they note, it would get greater use as a trail bike with an onboard charger, right now you're limited to loops.

 

[Erwin P]

That onboard charger would be what draws me over the line on the buy.

In the Netherlands the ''extra'' (or actually same as ICE) tax has dropped so the price went from €15990 for a EX Alpha to €13990. IF that had an onboard charger it would replace my commuter bike as well. That would allow an extra €3000-€4000 ish budget from me and make it an easy buy.

Just look at the Arctic Leopard EXE880. Same ish battery, but with a 1.8kW charger with regular 230V outlet that fits under the seat. It won't fully charge it during lunchbreak, but it will extend the range quite a bit. AND maybe even more importantly, gets rid of the range anxiety. Sure running out of battery is still very annoying. But the knowledge that any place with a wall socket will prevent you the walk of shame is a big plus!

 

[rafagas]

Ese cargador integrado sería lo que me haría decidirme a comprarlo.

En los Países Bajos, el impuesto "adicional" (o, en realidad, el mismo que el del ICE) ha bajado, por lo que el precio de una Alpha EX pasó de 15 990 € a 13 990 €. Si tuviera un cargador integrado, también reemplazaría mi bici de paseo. Eso me permitiría un presupuesto extra de entre 3000 y 4000 € y facilitaría la compra.

Mira el Arctic Leopard EXE880. Tiene una batería similar, pero con un cargador de 1,8 kW y una toma de corriente estándar de 230 V que cabe debajo del asiento. No lo cargará completamente durante la hora de comer, pero aumentará bastante la autonomía. Y, quizás aún más importante, elimina la ansiedad por la autonomía. Claro que quedarse sin batería sigue siendo muy molesto. Pero saber que cualquier lugar con un enchufe te evitará el paseo de la vergüenza es una gran ventaja.

El rango de la Stark varg en rutas de enduro, usando la regeneracion activa, elimina absolutamente la ansiedad de consumo, supera sin problemas los 100 kms, mucho antes de agotar la baterìa, requieres cambio de piloto.