New Stark Varg MX 1.2 out now

MBR
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wfopete
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Dover, AR US
8/5/2025 5:13am

Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to set the bike free.

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2
8/5/2025 6:30am

Yeee I was just gonna post this. As a Tesla owner, I see the massive benefits of EVs. I want one 🔥

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Airmk
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Lyon FR
8/5/2025 6:37am
wfopete wrote:
Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to...

Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to set the bike free.

Is there any hope for a groundbreaking new battery tech in the years to come?

I feel like it's been ages now with no significant progress. Might be fine for motocross doing a few sessions during the day but for enduro we're gonna need much more battery life to ride without being afraid of running out of juice in the middle of nowhere

5
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ktmracer726
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8/5/2025 6:46am Edited Date/Time 8/5/2025 6:47am
wfopete wrote:
Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to...

Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to set the bike free.

Airmk wrote:
Is there any hope for a groundbreaking new battery tech in the years to come?I feel like it's been ages now with no significant progress. Might...

Is there any hope for a groundbreaking new battery tech in the years to come?

I feel like it's been ages now with no significant progress. Might be fine for motocross doing a few sessions during the day but for enduro we're gonna need much more battery life to ride without being afraid of running out of juice in the middle of nowhere

Ever since the Alta came out we've heard, "new tech is right around the corner". That was 2017. 8 years later battery tech doesn't seem more advanced than that for mx use. 

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The Shop

8/5/2025 6:59am
wfopete wrote:
Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to...

Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to set the bike free.

Airmk wrote:
Is there any hope for a groundbreaking new battery tech in the years to come?I feel like it's been ages now with no significant progress. Might...

Is there any hope for a groundbreaking new battery tech in the years to come?

I feel like it's been ages now with no significant progress. Might be fine for motocross doing a few sessions during the day but for enduro we're gonna need much more battery life to ride without being afraid of running out of juice in the middle of nowhere

Honda has solid state batteries on the way, but they haven't said when they will or if they will release a full sized electric motocross bike.

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MBR
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8/5/2025 7:20am Edited Date/Time 8/5/2025 7:22am
Airmk wrote:
Is there any hope for a groundbreaking new battery tech in the years to come?I feel like it's been ages now with no significant progress. Might...

Is there any hope for a groundbreaking new battery tech in the years to come?

I feel like it's been ages now with no significant progress. Might be fine for motocross doing a few sessions during the day but for enduro we're gonna need much more battery life to ride without being afraid of running out of juice in the middle of nowhere

The range isn’t problem for me in enduro as I can ride 2-3 hours of enduro with full battery (and then I want to eat something already). It uses so much less battery compared to soft and just prepped motocross track the ride time is around 30 minutes. For longer longer enduro rides it’s actully nice that you can see how much battery you have left and when to turn back to the truck. It is much easier compared to normal 450 motocross bike that you have to look at the tank and try to guess how much gas you still have left.

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Lastander
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8/5/2025 7:47am Edited Date/Time 8/5/2025 7:48am
MBR wrote:
The range isn’t problem for me in enduro as I can ride 2-3 hours of enduro with full battery (and then I want to eat something...

The range isn’t problem for me in enduro as I can ride 2-3 hours of enduro with full battery (and then I want to eat something already). It uses so much less battery compared to soft and just prepped motocross track the ride time is around 30 minutes. For longer longer enduro rides it’s actully nice that you can see how much battery you have left and when to turn back to the truck. It is much easier compared to normal 450 motocross bike that you have to look at the tank and try to guess how much gas you still have left.

How are you getting those hours of runtime in? The guys I raced with last year barely got 1.5 hours of enduro riding before they were out, Karlsson and Blazusiak couldn’t get 2 laps in a row at GGN last year, that has 40 minute lap times

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Nicamx
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Kelowna, BC CA
8/5/2025 8:18am
wfopete wrote:
Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to...

Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to set the bike free.

I have no horse in this race, I'm still on an ICE engine and I'm purchasing a new 350 SX-F next month. However, I think we should give credit to the innovations being made here, whether we like the direction of electric bikes or not. Traditional manufacturers haven’t changed many aspects of their bikes in decades, and perhaps seeing Stark make these kinds of advancements will push others to evolve and offer options that carry over to ICE bikes.

Things like Stark’s chain adjuster, CNC hubs, better foot pegs, waterproof aluminum map switches, one-piece wiring harness, rethinking how we secure the rear axle, and factory options like suspension valving, titanium foot pegs, seat covers, and titanium bolts, all of these are exciting.

You could argue this would increase costs, but if these major upgrades are offered as options, it wouldn’t be much different from what brands are already doing with their factory edition models, except now you can choose the specific components you want.

Personally, I won’t be getting a Stark for the time being, it doesn’t suit my current use cases, but I really appreciate what they’re doing. I think the bike looks amazing and is perfect for the right rider.

51
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Jesse318pnw
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8/5/2025 8:34am

I look for land every single day that will be well suited for a Stark track for my son and I.  I don't envision taking it to the track or trails, but it's going to be perfect when that day comes.  

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byke
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8/5/2025 8:37am

I don't want to say that video is the dumbest thing I've ever seen, because...just look outside today, but that video is pretty dumb, grossly hyping up small incremental improvements as something mind blowing and while taking almost 24 minutes to do it. So much for this company spreading out with other models to balance revenue. They're putting their effort into small variations of the same thing. Gonna need some new investors next year...

2
25
Indy mxer
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The Villages, FL US
8/5/2025 8:38am
wfopete wrote:
Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to...

Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to set the bike free.

Nicamx wrote:
I have no horse in this race, I'm still on an ICE engine and I'm purchasing a new 350 SX-F next month. However, I think we...

I have no horse in this race, I'm still on an ICE engine and I'm purchasing a new 350 SX-F next month. However, I think we should give credit to the innovations being made here, whether we like the direction of electric bikes or not. Traditional manufacturers haven’t changed many aspects of their bikes in decades, and perhaps seeing Stark make these kinds of advancements will push others to evolve and offer options that carry over to ICE bikes.

Things like Stark’s chain adjuster, CNC hubs, better foot pegs, waterproof aluminum map switches, one-piece wiring harness, rethinking how we secure the rear axle, and factory options like suspension valving, titanium foot pegs, seat covers, and titanium bolts, all of these are exciting.

You could argue this would increase costs, but if these major upgrades are offered as options, it wouldn’t be much different from what brands are already doing with their factory edition models, except now you can choose the specific components you want.

Personally, I won’t be getting a Stark for the time being, it doesn’t suit my current use cases, but I really appreciate what they’re doing. I think the bike looks amazing and is perfect for the right rider.

100%. Very well said

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tek14
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8/5/2025 9:05am

They just taken bike to next level. Just need to update van to electric that have output to charger and everything is sorted. 

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JazzyJJ
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8/5/2025 9:15am
wfopete wrote:
Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to...

Nothing earth shaking but a lot of nice refinements most taken from the EX model.  Range and weight are still waiting on the battery tech to set the bike free.

Airmk wrote:
Is there any hope for a groundbreaking new battery tech in the years to come?I feel like it's been ages now with no significant progress. Might...

Is there any hope for a groundbreaking new battery tech in the years to come?

I feel like it's been ages now with no significant progress. Might be fine for motocross doing a few sessions during the day but for enduro we're gonna need much more battery life to ride without being afraid of running out of juice in the middle of nowhere

Enovix is trying to refine their silicon anode battery tech which seems to be a big step in the right direction with better density. They're actually producing samples though I think EV applications are on the backburner currently 

jazza167
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8/5/2025 12:45pm

Yeee I was just gonna post this. As a Tesla owner, I see the massive benefits of EVs. I want one 🔥

Out of curiosity, what are those massive benefits? 

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Beagle
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8/5/2025 2:47pm Edited Date/Time 8/5/2025 2:49pm

If you want to have a good idea of battery capacity improvement, take a look at what happens 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 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.

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Beagle
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8/5/2025 5:07pm Edited Date/Time 8/5/2025 5:07pm

They've just released 2 range vids with Michael Hicks and Carson Brown riding the MX 1.2

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early
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8/5/2025 6:02pm

Nice release video. They are touting some small changes for the update but that's a testament to how good the original bike was.

Wonder what Weston Peick's deal with Stark is?

1
1
8/5/2025 6:09pm
Dam they have a $1,000 tariff 

Dam they have a $1,000 tariff 

image 1935

No tariff outside the US!

8
8/5/2025 6:30pm

Yeee I was just gonna post this. As a Tesla owner, I see the massive benefits of EVs. I want one 🔥

jazza167 wrote:

Out of curiosity, what are those massive benefits? 

Instant and crazy torque, insane acceleration, more reliable (less parts), almost zero maintenance, save lots of $$$ not buying gas and on maintenance, charge from home (wake up with a full charge everyday. Don't have to deal with nasty and crowded gas stations), over the air software updates (Software defined vehicles like Stark, Rivian, Tesla get better over time. When you buy an ICE vehicle, that's what you're stuck with). More safety features (my Tesla has saved my life a couple of times), connected app with customization. Autonomy. Better for environment (I could I give a shit less). I'm sure I'm missing some. 

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10
8/5/2025 6:38pm

This setup is an oxymoron but the car drives me to the track and back (also have a YZ250) 382

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jazza167
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8/5/2025 7:27pm

Yeee I was just gonna post this. As a Tesla owner, I see the massive benefits of EVs. I want one 🔥

jazza167 wrote:

Out of curiosity, what are those massive benefits? 

Instant and crazy torque, insane acceleration, more reliable (less parts), almost zero maintenance, save lots of $$$ not buying gas and on maintenance, charge from home...

Instant and crazy torque, insane acceleration, more reliable (less parts), almost zero maintenance, save lots of $$$ not buying gas and on maintenance, charge from home (wake up with a full charge everyday. Don't have to deal with nasty and crowded gas stations), over the air software updates (Software defined vehicles like Stark, Rivian, Tesla get better over time. When you buy an ICE vehicle, that's what you're stuck with). More safety features (my Tesla has saved my life a couple of times), connected app with customization. Autonomy. Better for environment (I could I give a shit less). I'm sure I'm missing some. 

Fair call, you make it sound quite appealing. Ever any issues with range on the Tesla? Getting caught short on juice etc? 

1
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8/5/2025 7:40pm
jazza167 wrote:

Out of curiosity, what are those massive benefits? 

Instant and crazy torque, insane acceleration, more reliable (less parts), almost zero maintenance, save lots of $$$ not buying gas and on maintenance, charge from home...

Instant and crazy torque, insane acceleration, more reliable (less parts), almost zero maintenance, save lots of $$$ not buying gas and on maintenance, charge from home (wake up with a full charge everyday. Don't have to deal with nasty and crowded gas stations), over the air software updates (Software defined vehicles like Stark, Rivian, Tesla get better over time. When you buy an ICE vehicle, that's what you're stuck with). More safety features (my Tesla has saved my life a couple of times), connected app with customization. Autonomy. Better for environment (I could I give a shit less). I'm sure I'm missing some. 

jazza167 wrote:

Fair call, you make it sound quite appealing. Ever any issues with range on the Tesla? Getting caught short on juice etc? 

No sir. I've driven everywhere. There's always a supercharger somewhere. Even if there aren't any super superchargers (or 3rd party chargers) you can plug into a 240V at an RV Park or something. If you're really desperate and have no other options you can plug into a normal 120V outlet. You'll only charge 3 miles per hour, but still 😂 

3
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JazzyJJ
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Nunya, WY US
8/5/2025 7:46pm

Yeee I was just gonna post this. As a Tesla owner, I see the massive benefits of EVs. I want one 🔥

jazza167 wrote:

Out of curiosity, what are those massive benefits? 

Instant and crazy torque, insane acceleration, more reliable (less parts), almost zero maintenance, save lots of $$$ not buying gas and on maintenance, charge from home...

Instant and crazy torque, insane acceleration, more reliable (less parts), almost zero maintenance, save lots of $$$ not buying gas and on maintenance, charge from home (wake up with a full charge everyday. Don't have to deal with nasty and crowded gas stations), over the air software updates (Software defined vehicles like Stark, Rivian, Tesla get better over time. When you buy an ICE vehicle, that's what you're stuck with). More safety features (my Tesla has saved my life a couple of times), connected app with customization. Autonomy. Better for environment (I could I give a shit less). I'm sure I'm missing some. 

Better for environment? Nope. Also, I'd rather deal with a gas station than trying to figure out how to charge at the track but to each their own.

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Fog 25
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Fantasy
8/5/2025 10:42pm Edited Date/Time 8/5/2025 10:44pm
Dam they have a $1,000 tariff 

Dam they have a $1,000 tariff 

image 1935

I would wait until the tariffs get settled eliminated or Reduced. Do not forget to get a referral from a stark owner before you go to buy. 
Anybody that needs a referral message me. 

2
2
tek14
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Vantaa FI
8/5/2025 11:05pm
Dam they have a $1,000 tariff 

Dam they have a $1,000 tariff 

image 1935
Fog 25 wrote:
I would wait until the tariffs get settled eliminated or Reduced. Do not forget to get a referral from a stark owner before you go to...

I would wait until the tariffs get settled eliminated or Reduced. Do not forget to get a referral from a stark owner before you go to buy. 
Anybody that needs a referral message me. 

Eu and US just made deal about tariffs last week so it wont go away soon. 

2
2
tek14
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Location
Vantaa FI
8/5/2025 11:23pm
Beagle wrote:
If you want to have a good idea of battery capacity improvement, take a look at what happens with 21700-type batteries (as used in the Varg)...

If you want to have a good idea of battery capacity improvement, take a look at what happens 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 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.

Battery development is kind of weird thing. You have same electrodes, separator, and electrolyte to play and still you get steady development like train that moves constant speed. Doesnt marginals of materials improve(wall thickness or so) or quality of material used(mix of materials) improve slowly? I would think if materials stay same and wall thickness coming to point where is finest improvements have reach their limit. Comparing P42b and P50b does they use same materials just different thickness or have they used different electrodes/electolyte materials? Some batteries like RC-car hobby batteries are reached their limit with what they sell and can produce, they can do better cells but cost will jump and no one will buy as current ones are good enough. 

Another thing is cost that is down from first Starks to current models even capacity of cells have improved. 

1
Beagle
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Toulouse FR
8/6/2025 12:03am
Dam they have a $1,000 tariff 

Dam they have a $1,000 tariff 

image 1935
Fog 25 wrote:
I would wait until the tariffs get settled eliminated or Reduced. Do not forget to get a referral from a stark owner before you go to...

I would wait until the tariffs get settled eliminated or Reduced. Do not forget to get a referral from a stark owner before you go to buy. 
Anybody that needs a referral message me. 

tek14 wrote:

Eu and US just made deal about tariffs last week so it wont go away soon. 

If anything, a tariff surcharge of "merely" $1000 is Stark eating up part of the 15% tariff for its US customers.

1

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