When Stark asked if I had any enduro experience, my mind shot back to the days of amateur motortrial — some 45 years ago. Confident? Sure. Until they mentioned ‘mountains’ as in Pyrenees and one of the most powerful electric enduro motorbikes on the planet. This was going to be interesting.
Stark Future invited THE PACK, along with a handful of moto journalists, to their ‘Stark Destination Pyrenees’ event. This wasn’t your typical press launch. It was all about riding, exploring, and sharing the stoke with fellow enthusiasts.
Guy Salens – THE PACK: “It was a rare chance to really connect with the Stark Varg EX in its natural habitat — wild, untamed terrain in the La Cerdanya region, brushing up against Spain, France, and Andorra.”
Electric motorcycles are rapidly changing the game, and Stark Future is right at the front of that revolution. Their latest creation, the Stark Varg EX, is the world’s first high-performance electric enduro that’s fully street legal.
But don’t think of it as just an off-roader with blinkers tacked on. The EX is road-approved across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the US. It comes equipped with a 4,000-lumen LED headlight, built-in indicators, a brake light, horn, and license plate holder. So whether you’re tearing through trails or commuting to work, this bike is ready. You can choose between the 60 hp ‘Standard’ or the 80 hp ‘Alpha’ — both packed with instant torque and adrenaline.
From Barcelona to the backcountry
Our journey kicked off in Barcelona at Stark HQ, where we were given a behind-the-scenes factory tour by Director Brand Communications Ben Cobb and Global Media Director Dan Quick. What started as a six-person team has now grown into over 300 employees, all driven by CEO Anton Wass — a true visionary and hardcore enduro rider himself, as we’d soon witness firsthand.
The huge factory impressed with its eco-conscious approach, and we even got a peek at a new titanium frame in the break room — a cool way to keep the team hyped on future innovations.
Stark Varg EX
Underneath the bodywork sits a 7.2 kWh battery that does more than just power the bike — it’s part of the frame, boosting strength while keeping weight low. Depending on your riding style and terrain, you’ll get anywhere from 1.3 to 6 hours of ride time. That’s a 20% range boost compared to the Varg MX. Charging? Just two hours with the included stand.
Guy: “What really stood out to me was the ability to tweak the bike’s performance on the fly. I could adjust power delivery, engine braking, and regen levels right from the handlebar controls. From nimble 125cc two-stroke vibes to the brute force of a 450cc four-stroke — it’s all there. I started out with 35 horsepower, but after 10 km of rough offroad trails, I had to ask Anton to tone it down a bit. (Let’s just say I’m not quite ‘hard enduro’ material these days…).”
The Varg EX is built to handle anything. It rocks premium KYB suspension with over 300 mm of travel front and rear, plus 21” front and 18” rear wheels with a range of tire options. At just 120 kg, it holds its own against traditional gas-powered enduros in both agility and control.
Tech fans will appreciate the rugged ‘Stark Arkenstone’ display — an Android-based system that gives you GPS, ride logging, traction control, engine braking, and regen settings. You can even swap ride modes mid-trail and share your stats with the Stark community.
Want to customize? Stark’s got you covered: Brembo brakes, titanium upgrades, different tires, and a choice between rear hand or foot brakes — whatever fits your style.
Not just another electric motorbike
The Varg EX isn’t just a trail bike with lights — it’s redefining what’s possible in the world of motorcycling. Whether you’re navigating urban streets, hitting twisty mountain roads, or going full-send off-road, this machine delivers performance, tech, and sustainability in one sharp-looking package.
And yes, it’s accessible too. In parts of Southern Europe, you can ride one with just an A1 or even a regular car license. Pricing starts at:
- Standard (60 hp): €12,900
- Alpha (80 hp): €13,900
More info and full specifications at the website of Stark Future:
Breakfast with a champion
Day two kicked off with a surprise. A friendly Swedish guy sat down across from me at breakfast and asked if he could join. Turns out it was none other than Eddie Karlsson — Stark’s factory rider and hard enduro expert. He shared some riding tips and even showed me how he makes his Pan Catalan in the morning. Later that day, I got to ride alongside him and watch him pull off stunts that left us all speechless. A truly unforgettable experience.
La Cerdanya: a hidden gem in the Catalan Pyrenees
Nestled in the heart of the eastern Pyrenees, La Cerdanya is a strikingly beautiful valley region that spans the border between Spain and France, with the Spanish side located mainly in Catalonia’s provinces of Girona and Lleida. Known for its wide, high-altitude valley and year-round sunshine, La Cerdanya offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure (as we experienced ourselves).
