Stark VARG MX and EX Factory Editions revealed
Factory Edition badges are sometimes applied rather generously, but Stark Future has gone considerably further with its latest VARG models.
The new Stark VARG MX Factory Edition and VARG EX Factory Edition arrive with complete KYB Factory A-Kit suspension packages, extensive titanium hardware, Dynamic Traction Control and a selection of race-focused chassis upgrades.
Production will be restricted to a single global run of 500 motorcycles, comprising 200 VARG MX Factory Editions and 300 VARG EX Factory Editions.
Australian pricing has been listed at $23,990 for the motocross model and $25,990 for the road-homologated enduro version.
Factory hardware rather than more power
Both Factory Editions retain Stark’s 80 hp electric drivetrain and latest 7.2 kWh battery platform. Rather than chasing a still larger headline power figure, Stark has concentrated on making the performance already available easier to exploit.
That approach centres on what the Spanish manufacturer describes as the first complete KYB Factory A-Kit suspension package to be installed on a production motorcycle.
Stark says the specification draws directly upon development work conducted through its involvement in World Supercross, Arenacross, SuperEnduro, EnduroGP, the Hard Enduro World Championship and events such as Erzbergrodeo.
The Factory Editions also gain individually numbered CNC-machined aluminium triple clamps, conical handlebar mounts, a high-grip seat, 3D-printed titanium footpegs and a titanium fastener kit.
The titanium footpegs are claimed to save approximately 140 grams, while the bolt kit removes another 900 grams. Together, those two changes account for just over one kilogram of weight reduction.
Stark lists the VARG MX Factory Edition at 116.9 kg, while the additional road-homologation equipment and enduro hardware bring the EX Factory Edition to a claimed 118.9 kg.
The announcement also lists a hand-operated rear brake, although Stark qualifies its availability as being subject to regional homologation requirements.
Complete KYB Factory A-Kit suspension
Both models use a 48 mm closed-cartridge, coil-spring KYB Factory fork with separated oil and air chambers.
The package includes hard-anodised internals, DLC-coated inner tubes to reduce friction, a mid-speed valve intended to broaden the available tuning range and a custom spring collar designed to improve front-wheel control and landing comfort.
At the rear is a triple-adjustable KYB shock with a Kashima-coated body, DLC-coated piston rod and an X-Trig external preload adjuster to simplify sag changes.
The motocross model offers 310 mm of front suspension travel, while the EX receives an enduro-specific setting with 300 mm of fork travel. Both versions provide 303 mm at the rear.
Dynamic Traction Control is integrated into the ride modes, allowing the rider to alter the amount of rear-wheel intervention to suit the terrain and available grip.
Stark says the objective is not simply to suppress wheelspin, but to help riders accelerate earlier and use more of the VARG’s performance when traction becomes inconsistent.
Stark VARG MX Factory Edition
$23,990 AUD
The VARG MX Factory Edition is distinguished by exclusive Stark Red bodywork and Factory Edition graphics.
Its 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels are fitted with Dunlop MX34 tyres and Stark Power Tubes, while braking is handled by a two-piston Brembo front caliper acting on a 260 mm disc and a single-piston rear caliper paired with a 220 mm rotor.
The MX also receives a right-side CNC-machined kill switch and the numbered Factory Edition triple clamps. Each set of clamps will be numbered within the combined 500-bike production run.
Ground clearance is listed at 339 mm, with a 960 mm seat height.
Stark says the upgraded suspension, lower mass and higher-grip rider contact points are intended to improve precision on corner entry, stability through braking bumps and control when getting back onto the power.
Stark VARG EX Factory Edition
$25,990 AUD
The VARG EX Factory Edition applies the same formula to the company’s road-homologated enduro platform.
It is finished in exclusive Forest Grey Factory Edition graphics and combines the 80 hp drivetrain with enduro-specific KYB A-Kit settings, Dunlop Geomax EN91 Medium tyres, front and rear brake-disc protection and handguards.
The EX uses the conventional enduro combination of a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, with a 90/90-21 front tyre and a 140/80-18 rear.
Its supplied specification lists 368 mm of ground clearance with the suspension fully extended, reducing to 345 mm at static sag. Seat height is correspondingly listed at 990 mm fully extended and 966 mm at static sag.
Stark says the EX has been developed to remain composed across technical singletrack, hard enduro terrain, high-speed special tests and longer days on the motorcycle.
The model retains a road-homologated configuration, with Stark listing L3e-A1E classification and a maximum speed of 129 km/h.
7.2 kWh battery and two-hour charging
Both Factory Editions are powered by Stark’s 360-volt electric motor and a 420-volt, 7.2 kWh battery.
A portable 3.3 kW, 16-amp charger is included. Stark quotes a charging time of approximately two hours from a 240-volt supply, or three-and-a-half hours when connected to 120 volts.
Drive is transferred through an RK MXU UW-ring 520 chain and a 7075-T6 aluminium rear sprocket.
Developed with Sébastien Tortelli
Sébastien Tortelli – Stark Future Racing Director
“Since joining Stark, we have continued to improve the VARG through testing and competition at the highest level. Every race has taught us something, and everything we have learned has gone back into the motorcycle.
“The VARG already has the performance. With the Factory Editions, the focus was to give riders more grip, more precision and more confidence to unlock more of that performance.
“These are built exactly how I would build my own.”
Pricing and availability
Stark VARG MX Factory Edition – $23,990 AUD
Stark VARG EX Factory Edition – $25,990 AUD
Only 200 VARG MX Factory Editions and 300 VARG EX Factory Editions will be produced worldwide, with no subsequent production run currently planned.
Stark says the motorcycles will be available through Stark Premium Dealerships and directly through the Stark Future website. An Australian delivery timetable and the number of motorcycles allocated to this market have not yet been detailed.
