Showing posts with label scooters and mopeds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scooters and mopeds. Show all posts

Supermoto Marvel: Stark Varg's Upcoming U.S. Debut Revealed

A large electric supermoto seems incredibly fun to ride.

It goes without saying that the electric two-wheel vehicle sector has seen an influx of start-ups in recent years. Almost every month introduces another new brand claiming they will transform the field with their advanced electric motorcycle. However, amidst this wave of speculative products and exaggerated ideas, there is one firm that has successfully stood out from the crowd: Stark Future .

Initially, many individuals were skeptical about them.

When Stark initially revealed the Varg , a 60- to 80-horsepower electric dirt bike created to compete directly with conventional gasoline-driven motocross vehicles, was often dismissed as yet another lofty EV initiative unlikely to reach production. However, reality has proven different; the Stark Varg isn’t just a tangible product—it's exceptionally impressive, surpassing expectations. banned from the X-Games .

Currently, Stark Future is pushing boundaries even more by venturing into the realm of road-legal vehicles. This development comes as a result of a report by industry veteran Dennis Chung over at Motorcycle.com , we now understand that a supermoto variant of the Varg is forthcoming.

Charging Up The Future

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The supermoto version is anticipated to retain many similarities from the EX model yet come with notable distinctions. Unlike the EX’s off-road-oriented 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, the SM is expected to feature 17-inch wheels designed for improved street handling. Additionally, adjustments in the suspension system are probable, possibly reducing the EX’s current 11.8 inches of front and 11.9 inches of rear travel to offer a more compact setup better suited for pavement use.

Certainly, one of the standout features of the Varg is the crawl mode, which has quickly become revolutionary for both the EX model and its MX equivalent. This feature essentially provides a low-speed electric assistance allowing riders to maneuver the bicycle forwards or backwards simply by pressing a button—a perfect solution for navigating challenging off-road terrain as well as effortlessly reversing into city parking spots.

The 2025 Stark Varg EX is anticipated to reach the US market in June, with an estimated starting price of approximately $12,900 USD. 's Jonathon Klein could already be involved in a covert project with the EX, so keep an eye out for updates on that front.

The specifics about the Varg SM have not been officially released yet, but since the news has leaked, we likely won’t have much longer to wait.

Photo by: Stark Future
Photo by: Stark Future

Therefore, would these bicycles suit American riders well? Based on our observations until now, there seems to be no reason they shouldn’t. The Varg has demonstrated its capability as a reliable high-performing option, sometimes even surpassing conventional off-road motorcycles. Since the European versions are designed to endure harsh environments typical of motocross circuits and endurance paths, there’s no doubt that they should also perform admirably on U.S. streets and rural terrains.

Specifically, the SM variant might be an exhilarating choice for city dwellers and those who enjoy carving through mountainous terrain during their leisure time. Boasting between 60 to 80 horsepower at your disposal along with immediate electric torque, combined with a chassis engineered for minimal weight, this model appears to be among the most promising electric supermotos currently available.

Source: Motorcycle.com

Why Naked Scooters Haven't Taken Off Like Their Bike Counterparts – An International Perspective

Or, the ongoing struggle between "keep it simple and make it lighter" and "OH NO, TOO MUCH LIGHT!"

If you're familiar with my preferences at all, you know I have a particular affection for numerous oddities from past eras, particularly scooters and unusual motorcycles. Consider, for example, the Suzuki SW1 . Or This charming, eccentric old-school KTM moped from the '50s .

Actually, I'm genuinely surprised that I have never written about a Zundapp Bella before since I am certain that I must have encountered at least one of these bikes at some vintage motorcycle exhibition over the past ten years. Oddly enough, though, this hasn’t happened yet. That said, perhaps sharing my experience with such an iconic classic would be worthwhile after all. The peculiar story of the Zundapp Citation 500 With your support returning in 2021, which surely counts for something. something .

In any case, something else you might or might not be aware of is that I have a particular fondness for naked motorcycles in today’s time. On the whole, these usually top my list as preferred choices. We’ve already delved into how much I adore my Street Triple and my Hawk GT 650; their shared appeal likely lies in this aspect.

I similarly have a fondness for scooters. However, each time I remove the bodywork from mine, it becomes clear why exposed scooters aren’t typically popular. For some reason, they seem harder to present attractively.

It couldn't be more different from something contemporary, yet A scarce Zundapp scooter exclusive to the United States known as the Suburbanette It clearly indicates that this idea isn’t entirely novel. Just take a look at it; it’s definitely something worth seeing. I assure you, my eyes remain intact throughout composing this piece.

Photo courtesy of: Iconic Motorbike Auctions
Image courtesy of: Iconic Motorbike Auctions

Keep It Weird

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Now, I understand your desire to strip away the bodywork from the Zundapp Bella to create this Suburbanette version. The removal of the steel bodywork apparently led to an impressive reduction of 26 kilograms (more than 57 pounds). Additionally, it’s clear that performing maintenance or servicing would become considerably simpler without needing to dismantle the bodywork initially.

However, it’s evident that Zundapp likely didn’t plan for all its internal engine components to be exposed in such a manner. Aesthetically, it appears somewhat chaotic. It seems more accidental than deliberate—like a fully enclosed motorcycle that has somehow lost its outer casing without intent.

Keep in mind, this is not intended as any sort of commentary on its ride quality. I have never actually ridden one, so I cannot provide insight into that aspect. It strikes me as odd that, if the U.S. was getting a version of the Bella tailored specifically for our market, this would be the configuration chosen. Clearly, the 1950s were quite distinct from today since this model clearly does not embody either 'bella' or 'bellissimo.'

What do you make of this, am I being overly critical about the small scooter? Have you ever owned a Bella or a Suburbanette? Please share your thoughts in the comments section!