NEW! STARK VARG EX is here!

[Aleksandar13]

If what they say in the video is correct it looks like a lot of the upgrades would put a lot of the issues with the current varg right so they should be fitting these to our bikes under warranty to fix problems that keep coming up.

Waterproof loom.
Side stand that works.
Phone holder and new phone if that is what it takes, If your phone falls out and you have an insulation issue you can not be warned so that makes it a safety issue.
Power switch that does not stick in.
Power modes 125,450 etc as we were promised in the early pro mo videos that we never got.

For me the switch and the loom seem to be the obvious ones and I hope that there will be a way to upgrade if you have an issue. Touch wood mine has been OK so far.

 

[Beagle]

160k YT views in 24h, hum, I think there's a market for this bike!

 

[Beagle]

Yes, it can be sold as offroad only in NZ, just like the Varg MX.

But if it has ABS and can be road legal then that's going to be more desirable in NZ coz we have very much less choice of enduro bikes, or electric bikes, or electric enduro bikes.

Is ABS mandatory for all motorcycles to be road legal in NZ, including 125cc?

This bike being classed as A1 in Europe is nuts, maybe this could also mean different requirements for homologation in NZ?

 

[FYR]

Having just gotten my new Gen. 2 Varg MX (with 18" rear wheel) a little over a week ago, I was a little saddened to see how much revision and attention was given to the updates included with the 2025 EX version. Especially because had I been privy to these revisions I would most likely have put myself on the waiting list for the EX instead of buying what was in stock. However, I do love my Varg (as most of us do) for everything it does. It's undoubtedly the most amazing and advanced dirtbike I have ever owned.

 

[hawk101]

Does anyone know if the EX battery will fit the MX? Ride JBI released a video saying it won't, but I can't find any information indicating the battery pack is physically larger or has different mounting points. Most are guessing Stark just upgraded to the P50 cells.

Also, is the 20% extra range P50 cells + software or different min/max cell voltages?

Thoughts?

 

[Chaconne]

If Stark was smart they would have engineered the change to be swappable to the MX version then sold conversion kits.

It might be a lot for many customers to either take a bath on a recent MX purchase or buy a second machine. But a conversion kit would give customers choice and give Stark a potential add on sale to a previous sale.

I doubt it would cannibalize new bikes sales that are a steep 14k for another bike this year and that is a big gulp for many people I know at least.

 

[Chaconne]

Does anyone know if the EX battery will fit the MX? Ride JBI released a video saying it won't, but I can't find any information indicating the battery pack is physically larger or has different mounting points. Most are guessing Stark just upgraded to the P50 cells.

Also, is the 20% extra range P50 cells + software or different min/max cell voltages?

Thoughts?

It won't fit according to the reports I have heard. There are EX reviews on youtube. If that is so it is poor planning folks might interested in purchasing 20% more capacity. In a tight market you'd think these Stark guys would be building all the after sale opportunities they could.

 

[tymck7]

Yes, it can be sold as offroad only in NZ, just like the Varg MX.

But if it has ABS and can be road legal then that's going to be more desirable in NZ coz we have very much less choice of enduro bikes, or electric bikes, or electric enduro bikes.

Try to vote in a less controlling government and get those regulations relaxed how bout?

 

[tymck7]

Torque is very slightly higher at 1036 Nm, they must have adapted something in the distribution or is it just the 18" rear wheel?

70k YT views in 12 h is solid!

It’s gotta be different size sprocket, right? That’s the only explanation

 

[tymck7]

It’s official… I have a gray varg MX for sale (and a 2019 zero fxs) and am expecting a new varg EX in my garage on March 3 can’t wait, hope the stupid stalk blinkers needed for the US are held on by duct tape or something so i can rip them off first thing and just use the number plate integrated ones. Also will be removing the foot brake as i live in a state that has pretty relaxed standards (headlight, brakelight, horn, blinkers are optional, dinky little mirror is a plus in case of ornery cops and you’re good to go). Got some warp9 SM rims and pirelli scorpions for the street, will throw the stocks back on for the dirt. So stoked!!

 

[tymck7]

I hope the EX can be locked when the phone is away.. this will be a tempting bike to steal if not..

 

[Aleksandar13]

Does anyone know if the EX battery will fit the MX? Ride JBI released a video saying it won't, but I can't find any information indicating the battery pack is physically larger or has different mounting points. Most are guessing Stark just upgraded to the P50 cells.

Also, is the 20% extra range P50 cells + software or different min/max cell voltages?

Thoughts?

Someone commented on the video that the ex uses different connectors and the battery might have the same mechanical fitment. I guess this could have something to do with the new loom... I would be very surprised if Varg would not make it to fit the mx .

 

[Chaconne]

Someone commented on the video that the ex uses different connectors and the battery might have the same mechanical fitment. I guess this could have something to do with the new loom... I would be very surprised if Varg would not make it to fit the mx .

Stark should have engineered it to conversion capable. Some folks are not going to be happy when they have to eat a big depreciation on their MX version. Dirtbike market is in freefall.

 

[Aleksandar13]

Stark should have engineered it to conversion capable. Some folks are not going to be happy when they have to eat a big depreciation on their MX version. Dirtbike market is in freefall.

I agree, maybe that's the plan.. It is a bit confusing at the moment as the information online is misleading and some say the frame is different to accommodate larger battery... I guess only time will tell.

 

[Bluebird]

Did Stark explicitly rule out that they will offer a conversion kit for our bikes? Or will one be available - i couldn‘t find any specific information on the web so far.

Selling just the parts would not be enough though. At least in Europe we would need the necessary documentation as well to get the bike registered.

 

[AL_V]

Did Stark explicitly rule out that they will offer a conversion kit for our bikes? Or will one be available - i couldn‘t find any specific information on the web so far.

Selling just the parts would not be enough though. At least in Europe we would need the necessary documentation as well to get the bike registered.

No, I do not believe Stark has even talked about conversion kits.
I am guessing that eventually a conversion kit may become available.
However, they probably won't even have the parts until they start building the EX bikes, and all the parts inventory is going to go on new bikes.
So, at some point after all the pre-orders get filled, maybe .
Regarding documentation, here in Ohio, I already have a license plate for my Varg, because, like a KTM, the MSO simply said "Motorcycle," and did NOT say "Off Road."

 

[Chadx]

It’s official… I have a gray varg MX for sale (and a 2019 zero fxs) and am expecting a new varg EX in my garage on March 3 can’t wait, hope the stupid stalk blinkers needed for the US are held on by duct tape or something so i can rip them off first thing and just use the number plate integrated ones. Also will be removing the foot brake as i live in a state that has pretty relaxed standards (headlight, brakelight, horn, blinkers are optional, dinky little mirror is a plus in case of ornery cops and you’re good to go). Got some warp9 SM rims and pirelli scorpions for the street, will throw the stocks back on for the dirt. So stoked!!

Congrats on the order. I plan to do the same (though I haven't ordered yet). I will wait to sell my Varg MX until the EX arrives since I plan to give my buyer the new charger/stand rather than me putting my charger, that has been moved to a hard case, back in the charger. But that will depend on if the charger connector and communication is all interchangeable. Haven't seen any info saying otherwise, but it's a possibility they are different. Also, buyers will be more plentiful in spring once the snow melts. And, I kind of want to not be in the very first batch of EX and let some of the possible bugs get worked out with the new battery, harness, phone/cradle, switches, etc. So even if I order now, I might push my delivery out until a second run.

Signals are optional here, too. I'm guessing that the US bikes will only have the huge, bulbous turn signals (to meet the surface area requirement) and the number plate will not have them at all and be a separate part number from the number plate with built-in turn siganls. I doubt it is cheaper for Stark to use the same one, with built in turn signals, than to make US-specific piece without them. But, it would be GREAT if they did. Even with turn signals, I always use hand signals on the street anyway because cage drivers just don't see motorcycle blinkers, but an outstretched are seems to get their attention. But, who am I kidding. I've pretty much stopped riding the street. Too many hurt or killed bikers and I just stick to the trails, now. Trees don't pull out in front of you. Ha. I mainly want the headlight/tail/brake for trail safety (oncoming and followers), night rides, etc. But having the option to do some errands or a ride to work on the bike will be there if I want.

 

[Chadx]

Just drafted an order just to see the details. Reservation for US orders is $299. Guess they learned that $100 isn't enough skin to weed out the tire kickers that result in unfulfilled orders and they wanted to up it so they get a more realistic idea of takers so they don't over build. Ha. Probably a smart move on their part, but something to know if you are going in and ordering. Also, the Delivery Fee is tacked on is $299 (to my State anyway) and that is no matter if you have it delivered to your door or to the dealership.

It also has a line item for $20 temp tag fee and an estimated $579.63 (which is way high. In my State, doing an offroad only bike is about $60 - $80 for a permanent title and registration sticker. A street bike is roughly the same. Most dual sports register as both so we are legal on both street and trails (plated only allows you on forest service roads; not single track and 50" trails). It's cheap and permanent so we register for both. that is usually around $150, so not sure where their estimate comes from.

But then it gets complicated because there is a line item you can not remove saying Ekho will do the title and registration rather then my dealership sending it to out county title and registration office. So maybe that is why it's almost $600? I've no interest in paying for that, but something to watch for when you order. I'd much prefer to handle this myself so I know it's done right (registered for both offroad and onroad) and so I'm not paying any "convenience fees". Maybe the website is just off a bit and that is only supposed to happen if you select the bike be delivered to your house and that should go away if you deliver to dealership. Will have to dig into this more.

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We'll handle the titling and registration process for you!

• Enable use of your vehicle on public roads.
• Ekho will title and register your vehicle for street legal use.
• No trip to the DMV required!

Ekho will collect and remit all necessary government taxes and registration fees.
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[Chaconne]

Did Stark explicitly rule out that they will offer a conversion kit for our bikes? Or will one be available - i couldn‘t find any specific information on the web so far.

Selling just the parts would not be enough though. At least in Europe we would need the necessary documentation as well to get the bike registered.

No they didn't rule it out. I was just assuming since initial reports were that key parts like the battery were not interchangeable --and there were noted design changes to meet the EX requirements-- that they had not designed in adaptions. But that was an assumption based on initial internet reports nothing official from Stark. So it could be wrong.

I think many customers would pay substantially for a conversion kit rather than selling and rebuying that is a pain in the ass. And I like my bike a lot and have no complaints and don't want to sell it. But I would like the opportunity to make Stark EX mods to my bike. I know there are some after market mods a lot of them are ok but not really complete.

 

[Beagle]

I assume they're going to bump the Varg battery to 7.2 kWh in the near future, it doesn't make sense for them to source, stock and install different 21700 cells. Maybe they'll then realign the price of Varg with Varg EX.

Just saw that besides increased capacity, the P50B also gets more cycles compared to P45B, doubled cycles for 80% and 70% retention, impressive.
Taking 2h as an average enduro range, 750 cycles for 80% retention would correspond to 1500 h!