I hope we don't see this channel go away. I haven't been able to watch as many of your videos due to lack of time but hoping to be able to start watching more again. Keep up the hard work!
I used to be a hater of kyle because he should call his channel The KTM Channel, but I bought a Husky recently and terrain is effortless compared to some I ride with with motocross bikes. Now I am watching his old videos and found him to be a wealth of knowledge.
Haven’t watched your videos in a while, but Stark caused it to show up in my feed. Gotta say you have improved a lot, and this was a very helpful and worthwhile video for someone who was about to pull the trigger on a stark, you made me realize it may not be the right bike for me. Good job 👍
"the worst sweepstakes I've done and it's not even close" You said the same thing on the last one with the KTM and Beta 250's. You can only play that card so many times before people stop falling for it.
It is possible that this sweepstakes is worse than the KTM/Beta. I can believe it; all things considered. He even said this was a bad business decision. He owned it and was very transparent about it.
@@HeAdChEeSe1983 divorce was 2-3 years ago now. Look at his new garage, truck and how many bikes he has. Doesn't look like he's struggling that much to me. It sucks the bike giveaway thing has run it's course but when you run a sweepstakes and don't even put out any content on the bikes (250 giveaway) there won't be as much interest.
I’ve had an electric KTM freeride for a couple of years, and I love it. It’s my first dirtbike, but i have been ridig for 20+ years on the road. It’s super easy to ride, and perfect for stealth riding in the forest. All bike riding in the woods is illegal here, but people don’t mind, and don’t really know you are out there either, so in my mind it’s the perfect solutin. Have the back break on the steering wheel is also great, and don’t having to shift also makes it very easy for beginners. Electric definitely has it’s place already, but the gas bikes will live for many years still.
Hi kyle long time viewer here thanks for the review I think this is what your channel has been missing lately i know the bike give away thing is your jam but i think more people care more about you reviewing more bikes than giving them away. I can't speak for everyone but a few years ago you were the go to guy on the net to find a no bull shit trustworthy review of a bike and your probably the reason I got a sherco se 300 for myself and a beta 200rr for my wife and I think we have ridden close to every weekend for the past 3 years getting bikes and getting into the sport has 100 present changed our lives for the better getting out of the house spending quality time together there is nothing that compares i really hope you find a way to review more bikes on your channel even if people lend you there bikes for a few rides or something I would lend my new bike to you to help you achieve this and I'm sure others on here would probably do the same. Or another option could be don't give the bikes away after the reviews but keep them and start a hire company hiring them out to make money and give away free motor bike hires to lucky viewers just a though anyway.
I love that you gave a genuine, honest review of the bike from your perspective. To be honest, having seen some of your other videos and thoughts on electric, I thought that you would just highlight the bad aspects of the bike, but you highlighted all of the aspects, good and bad, and kind of have an idea of where you think this bike belongs, and I respect that. Also, I personally just enjoy honest reviews of all bikes - I don't care what propels them (gas, electric, hydrogen, idk whatever), I care about the performance, ridability and experience! So I say, keep the electric bike reviews coming as newer ones come out!
I had a deposit on one up till they contacted me and wanted all the money up front before they started production so I passed on it. After watching more people’s videos on the bike I don’t think it would suit me for the off road rides I do, but I did get to put some time on one at the track at it was amazing for motocross! I’m in the drawing so maybe I’ll win yours! :)
The things he mentioned using clutch for is storing energy in flywheel then releasing clutch to get the power right when you want it… don’t need to do that with electric. All power is available at all times. Other thing is to modulate power, at low speeds you can easily “modulate” the power of the bike with the left hand brake with a simple squeeze of the lever, Do it all the time with my ultra bee.
💯 left hand brake is superior to foot brake. Much better modulation, retain use of the rear brake in right hand turns, and your foot placement on the peg can be optimized at all times.
Kyle, I’m a long time viewer (5 years or so) and while I didn’t always agree with things you’ve shared, I have always respected you. I hope your channel continues to have success and you can continue to do what you love most. It’s very rare that someone is able to achieve success doing what they love as you have. Haters will always hate. Stay true to yourself and keep being you.
So, the stark was certainly a journey for you. We all could see that. I personally appreciate the in-depth review, just to see where the technology has taken us. I think it was worth exploring. Did I ever consider an ev before? Nope. Will I consider one now? Nope. But I think a positive is that you know where most of us stand now, including yourself, lol. Looking forward to some new Single track ride footage heading into the fall. I’m still jonesin’ to get up that way to see some of those beautiful trails up that way!
Should I buy a diesel or gas generator?.If I win it will sell and buy a Sweet KTM exc or beta race.Had a guy ride with us on one on single track..Battery almost dead in 2 hours and he went home and we rode 4 more hours.
i found your channel because of the stark varg, i am of the generation that actually started on a surron (i'm sorry) but now i am moving up to a 250 and love your channel. just wanted to provide a positive perspective. thank u for all the helpful videos
Kyle, Kyle, Kyle… I sure hope win!! But I have spent the last three years riding electric, and gas, just like going back and forth from two stroke to four stroke it takes a different set of skills! I have both 4T and 2T Moto and enduro bikes. I have found that experience and skills make better riders! Thanks for all your content!!
Same here. Love mine. Not selling the yz250x, but the Varg is awesome. In five years everyone is going to admit that electric bikes are great. People feel threatened that their bike isn't the best now. All motorcycles are fun, I don't care how they are powered.
Re. wanting a clutch for fine power modulation at low speed. Do you think this would be a viable solution: A stubby lever, like a clutch lever (but keeping the rear hand-brake lever for those who prefer it) where the new lever just activates a switch to enable 'super-low-power-mode' such that 0-100% throttle is only reaching maybe 5 or 10bhp. Giving your right hand the fine control for trials-like riding over loose rocks, then full normal power control when you release the non-clutch. Perhaps instead of 0-5 bhp, it could be whatever power you had when you activated it, plus or minus 5bhp depending on the throttle.
I appreciate your content on the Stark Varg. I have been curious of how it performed on the trails. When I want to see a review on a bike, Dirtbike Channel is where I go.
I'm one of the few that really looked forward to and watched the Stark content. Would love to have one for my local riding area and keep an ICE bike for longer rides.
Hey man we all make mistakes in business and in life. Your channel is absolutely awesome and it's one of the reasons that got me into dirt biking recently at age 47. Per our phone call we had a couple of months ago. Anyway I am entered to win this thing so hopefully I'll win it and I can get myself that KTM 250 xcw I want lol I bought one of those hats off your website 🤘🏻
Absolutely, the kickstand situation is frustrating. Here in Europe, all the KTM models have this feature, likely due to regulations, as it prevents the bike from moving forward with the kickstand down. It’s a pain, but thankfully KTM provide a shorter bolt to eliminate the auto-retract function.
its another tool in the box. I LUV going out on electric bike at 4-5am, cruizing to a nice spot to catch a sunrise, on the return get some breakfast. Ya gotta know when to use the right tool and how the tool can be taken advantage of. No Traffic 3-6am = open road.
I’m man enough to admit that both are cool. I have my duramax’s and I have Electric I5 M60 x that is super fast and fun! I think it is same for these electric bikes. It is okay to be open minded and appreciate the reviews of both Gas and electric.
As a owner of both the Stark and Beta 2 strokes i mostly agree with your point. However you are a bit judging a fish on it's ability to fly. The Stark is first and foremost a MX bike. And as you point out it does that really well. In enduro i also like it, tight singletrails in woodlands it's a blast, although in the slippery rocks is where it suffers. As for my angle it's mostly the hard stock 18' tyre AND the stiff suspension. I have my Beta RR250 optimised for deep Sand enduro and MX (so very stiff on both ends) and it's also a crap bike in the slippery rocks and very hard to find traction on. While the Beta RR's are considers very good rock crawlers. I imagine if you send that suspension to a good tuner it might work wonders. Edit: I would really love a tad bigger battery and them to get rid of the smartphone thing and get a proper dashboard. But other than that i love it.
just starting the video, but I am excited for this new bike! I've entered to win it! I don't believe that its the answer to what people need or necessarily want, but it would still be another cool tool in the shed 👍
You haven't heard about TPE tubes for all these years? They almost standard in bicycles, and actually were 3 times more expenvive than rubber. I have seen on vitalmx forum and thumpertalk, people tried to fit TPE tubes for fat bikes into MX wheels. Mostly for weight reduction. Opinions are polarized: some people like them, some have problems. But particular stark tubes people mostly don't like.
I watch for the reviews and 😅trail riding. But the thing is people like me can’t afford that bike or most of the $10,000 plus bikes you test. I still enjoy watching.
Flux Primo has what Stark needs. An electronic virtual clutch. Similar weight, size, suspension, power, but the left lever is programmable to be a regen rear brake lever or virtual clutch to modulate power. You can TH-cam the Flux Primo coming out of Czechoslovakia
I have a Stark and share most of your slow technical riding opinion. I hated the Stark at first compared to my Beta 300, but then on my second ride I focused on static balance instead of dabbing and I ended up loving the Stark once I refocused my riding technique and yes sitting instead of standing for some stuff. I still prefer my Beta 2T with clutch on the super gnarly rides but I’m really hoping that Stark comes out with a plug and play virtual clutch like Flux Primo has. As a viewer that loves ALL bikes I am glad you got a Stark for a while at least. I’m sure you know the loudest voices are always the complaining ones.
I'm super stoked about this giveaway! I love my YZ250X and neighbors are pretty cool with me spinning laps in the back yard on my turn track but I think this will be a far better option. Keep up the great work Kyle and make sure the Stark is super-clean for me.
Kyle, for what its worth regarding your sweepstakes for bikes. You need to figure out a way for people to buy RMATV gift cards and/ or products to have entries into your sweepstakes. Personally speaking I don't want t-shirts/ socks, or other stuff on your page. Good luck!
Has your suspension been revalved? Starks are notorius for super stiff valving in the shock, which would explain your rear traction issues, especially combined with a hard compound tire in loose rock. On the charger, must Stark riders are pulling the charger "stand". This fixes your cable length issue. For the 120/220 issue, just connect to a 220V cable and manage the charge rate in the app. Fast charge when you need it, slow charge when you don't.
100% agree with the foot peg complaint. Had a friend I was riding with lay the Varg over and it completely destroyed the right peg. I mean DESTROYED. Ridiculous.
I am one of the few that actually are intrigued by the bike. I don't think I will ever give up gas anytime soon, but I do like this bike. I think two things are hurting your giveaway. The fact that it's electric and the economy really sucks. Most people (and the news) aren't talking about it, but people don't have money for "wants" things right now.
I’m definitely going to get one. I love my yz250 and it can’t be replaced. I have 2 of the 20kw Chinese motox bikes and they rip. I have a lot of fun on them. I want to try out that 80hp. I can’t believe they squeezed that much out of a battery!
I’m thrilled by the opportunity to see this in my garage. I’m currently cruising around the neighborhood with my son on a Razor 650 which he’s now ready to ride and need something to follow him on. This would be a dream.
Lots of b roll in your editing which is good for engagement. It’d be cool if the b roll showed what you were talking about more so rather than random. Other than that thanks for the vid and the honest review 👍
Its battery operated. Batteries are heavy. They never get lighter when the batteries are dead. Now you have to carry around a generator. Don't expect a second ride anytime soon. In town riding sure. I can take the worse Motocycle out and ride all day. The only cost was the gas. Gas to power ratio cannot be beat.
"I can take the worse Motocycle out and ride all day. The only cost was the gas. Gas to power ratio cannot be beat." - make sure to change the air filter, oil filter, checked the valves, changed the oil and all that jazz before you "ride all day". Down and dirty, at every 3-4h
Don't beat yourself up too much. You moved on a bike that has been a hot topic & a fickle crowd changed their minds. This is where a warped sense of humor comes into play. Stay happy & focus on what you want not what you don't want.
i entered the giveaway im definitaly a track guy this is the bike for me just neeed to save up since i dont have a bike right now because my old yz250 broke ... a sad day lol
The technology will get there, sooner than later. This bike literally was created to ride on a track, just like a 450 mx bike, it's not going to be great. Thanks for doing the review regardless.
The reason most are anti-electric is not from a disdain of the electric machines themselves, but because they don't want to be legislated out of using internal combustion. We know that given the opportunity, that is exactly what the environmentalists will do. Everything is about personal freedom and live and let live until your own personal freedom offends them, then all the sudden it's a much different tune they strum their ukuleles to.
Cool bike but I’m definitely one of the folks that don’t care. It’s just not there for the riding I do. East coast rocky single track for 30-40 miles. Looking forward to an electric bike getting there one day. If it doesn’t though, 🤷🏻♂️. We have lots of options anyway.
So many problems with electric bikes, including this one. I have no interest at all at this time. Yes, I have ridden a Stark. Now how about a video about a road trip to the East coast with a Beta two stroke?
@@Ozfreerider_adventures objectively: compared to ICE, very heavy, short run time, long recharge time, need to bring a generator, no clutch, expensive, unknown durability. Subjectively: sounds awful
@@yuriabmxr no engine mods needed to be race ready , no radiators or expensive exhaust to damage , no rebuilds , no checking valve clearances , no oils changes every 5-10 hours . No changing gears , feels lighter than ice bike . Infinite tunability . 2 year warranty , battery hood for 500 to 1000 charge cycles when gas bike fucked after 150 hours . Want me to continue ?
I like and look forward to electric. What I think I'd like to see more from you is short form maintenance videos, maybe with some tricks or overlooked tasks that people forget or don't know to do. I know you do have a bunch of those but maybe worth revisiting.
The battery is 3500$ even if it lasts 5 years it is still worh it given the costs of maintenance you have with combustion engines, especialy if you manage to blow a top end on a gas bike, and the electric motor will last 15 years minimum. The main problem is range and top weight which makes hard enduro a challange, but for sure the enduro dedicated bike they are working on, which hopefully comes next year, will be better optimised for range possibly with a redesigned battery (wider battery body but less tall)to keep the weight lower down the bike. I'm sure also legislation will force EV manufacturers to offer battery replacement plans that include recycling the old battery by offering a replacement discount.
@@MentaL65535 You hit it on the head, I was more speaking in terms of kms or hours of range, not the longevity of the pack itself. You make a good point about total cost of ownership. I feel at this point it’s just a waiting game until battery tech catches up with the tougher engineering challenges that E-bikes present (ie power: weight). Looking forward to the day I can ride the old trails behind my town again, and hopefully find a middle ground with other trail users:)
@@DirtBikes_MathGardenhe says things like “on a loamy track the range really suffers” and “when it gets cold the range gets worse”. Very vague statements. He never says X amount of hours. Drop a timestamp where you think he’s talking about range lol
@@MentaL65535 na that's cap bro i have an 06 tm 300, i got it 8 years ago i done 1 top end and one full rebuild that includes needing to get the cylinders bored out and nikasil, because of the mistakes of the previous owner (he reused the piston clips never do that they loss spring tension and fall out) i got the bike for 2k and only put about 1k into it so far
Agree 100%. Stark varg needs clutch, rear brake, quality pegs, sidestand and longer charging cable even though built-in bike lift stand was good idea they ruined it with that cable. Do you think they tested any at all. Or bloke just cut all the cables too short.
If they put smaller motors, a clutch and trans on them they would be awesome. A smaller motor + trans would use less battery. A smaller motor would make more room for a bigger battery. And it would still probably have enough power for the average trail rider.
a clutch is just a handle. It doesnt have to be mechanically connected to the engine. It can be connected to the controller, with a sensor and that's all. 100 grams
Kyle Up here in Canada. I just replaced my rear dirt bike tire. And it went up 100% in 1 year from $110 to $220 same tire. Is this nonsense happening down south?
Pitty for your bizness, but i found it very imformative. It be great for enduro to get half a battary in weight, which you just swapp with another . Charge in between. Maybe can save 30 kilo and have that half of a battery as low or centered as possible
I just have no interest in an electric dirt bike. I want to go to the trails/track, fill up and ride for hours. Fill up again and ride some more. I also like a clutch. To each their own though. Not knocking anyone that enjoys the Stark or other e-dirtbikes. Sadly I think 2 stroke bikes days are numbered. When that happens I'll buy the last 2 stroke made and ride it till I die.
Haters it’s perfectly ok for something to not be for you and other people still enjoying it.
Nobody’s enjoying electric bikes, dude. They’re absolute garbage.
@@bradforester3635 I'm really enjoying mine and so does millions of people, you're just ignorant.
@@farbrornilsson9709 wait until you go to resell or your battery 🪫 goes bad. They are throw away junk
@@bradforester3635 lol, I heard you hater
@@MrHqyang if i wanted to hear a pu$$y talk i would bang your wife again
I'm with others, I'm super interested in seeing the bike reviews, including this one! Thanks for putting this out.
Regarding the traction: you should check out Eddie Karlsson riding the Stark in different hard enduro races. This bike is a beast!
I hope we don't see this channel go away. I haven't been able to watch as many of your videos due to lack of time but hoping to be able to start watching more again. Keep up the hard work!
Kyle I'm not gonna knock the electric but thank you for recognizing your viewer base. 2T for DAAAAAAYS!!
2t?
@@TheTAEclub 2T=2 stroke
I used to be a hater of kyle because he should call his channel The KTM Channel, but I bought a Husky recently and terrain is effortless compared to some I ride with with motocross bikes. Now I am watching his old videos and found him to be a wealth of knowledge.
Yeah but not everywhere it’s legal to ride. So electric is so much better, because no one knows your there.
I am glad you did this honest review. Literally every other channel is just shilling the Varg.
Haven’t watched your videos in a while, but Stark caused it to show up in my feed. Gotta say you have improved a lot, and this was a very helpful and worthwhile video for someone who was about to pull the trigger on a stark, you made me realize it may not be the right bike for me. Good job 👍
"the worst sweepstakes I've done and it's not even close" You said the same thing on the last one with the KTM and Beta 250's. You can only play that card so many times before people stop falling for it.
Agree. I also noticed that this giveaway had the least amount of products for sale. Literally one t-shirt.
It is possible that this sweepstakes is worse than the KTM/Beta. I can believe it; all things considered. He even said this was a bad business decision. He owned it and was very transparent about it.
I think this is probably worse than the 250s which I thought was a really good giveaway
I feel bad for the dude. He seems to be struggling. My buddy said he just went through a divorce.
@@HeAdChEeSe1983 divorce was 2-3 years ago now. Look at his new garage, truck and how many bikes he has. Doesn't look like he's struggling that much to me. It sucks the bike giveaway thing has run it's course but when you run a sweepstakes and don't even put out any content on the bikes (250 giveaway) there won't be as much interest.
You will never get me to give up my 2 stroke sound for a sewing machine
No ones forcing you. I gave mine up and don't regret it one bit. Last time i ride gas bike for sure.
I’ll never be able to go out and practice obstacles in my backyard on a 2 stroke.
It would be great when I want to ride but don't want to terrorize the neighborhood on my 300
They make earplugs!
People would rather get your trails taken away.
I’ve had an electric KTM freeride for a couple of years, and I love it. It’s my first dirtbike, but i have been ridig for 20+ years on the road. It’s super easy to ride, and perfect for stealth riding in the forest. All bike riding in the woods is illegal here, but people don’t mind, and don’t really know you are out there either, so in my mind it’s the perfect solutin. Have the back break on the steering wheel is also great, and don’t having to shift also makes it very easy for beginners. Electric definitely has it’s place already, but the gas bikes will live for many years still.
Hi kyle long time viewer here thanks for the review I think this is what your channel has been missing lately i know the bike give away thing is your jam but i think more people care more about you reviewing more bikes than giving them away. I can't speak for everyone but a few years ago you were the go to guy on the net to find a no bull shit trustworthy review of a bike and your probably the reason I got a sherco se 300 for myself and a beta 200rr for my wife and I think we have ridden close to every weekend for the past 3 years getting bikes and getting into the sport has 100 present changed our lives for the better getting out of the house spending quality time together there is nothing that compares i really hope you find a way to review more bikes on your channel even if people lend you there bikes for a few rides or something I would lend my new bike to you to help you achieve this and I'm sure others on here would probably do the same. Or another option could be don't give the bikes away after the reviews but keep them and start a hire company hiring them out to make money and give away free motor bike hires to lucky viewers just a though anyway.
That is an impressive run-on sentence
I like Kyle too and agree.
@@Holeshot.racing mother of all run on sentences lol
Electric dirt bikes will be hard on you tubers.
It's not the same watching a ride vid without the engine noise
2stroke for life!!
I love that you gave a genuine, honest review of the bike from your perspective. To be honest, having seen some of your other videos and thoughts on electric, I thought that you would just highlight the bad aspects of the bike, but you highlighted all of the aspects, good and bad, and kind of have an idea of where you think this bike belongs, and I respect that.
Also, I personally just enjoy honest reviews of all bikes - I don't care what propels them (gas, electric, hydrogen, idk whatever), I care about the performance, ridability and experience! So I say, keep the electric bike reviews coming as newer ones come out!
@DirtBikeChannel9 the victor as in... I won?! I hope I'm not misunderstanding that message, my heart is RACING right now!
Awe wait... "DirtBikeChannel9"... Scam account? Come on, man.
Thanks for the review on the Stark. I just ordered a Varg! In my garage now are two Huskies, a 501 and a 300.
I had a deposit on one up till they contacted me and wanted all the money up front before they started production so I passed on it. After watching more people’s videos on the bike I don’t think it would suit me for the off road rides I do, but I did get to put some time on one at the track at it was amazing for motocross! I’m in the drawing so maybe I’ll win yours! :)
The left hand brake is awesome once you get used to it and solves some of the “no clutch issues”
I can’t think of any trials/hard enduro clutch techniques that are “solved” or replaced by a left hand brake.
The things he mentioned using clutch for is storing energy in flywheel then releasing clutch to get the power right when you want it… don’t need to do that with electric. All power is available at all times. Other thing is to modulate power, at low speeds you can easily “modulate” the power of the bike with the left hand brake with a simple squeeze of the lever, Do it all the time with my ultra bee.
@@gpaull2 go watch Eddie Karlssons videos on the stark he does hard enduro/trials stuff all day long on it.
@@shandhardy3525I said the same shit in the comments of this channel and got roasted. I agree dude. No clutch needed.
💯 left hand brake is superior to foot brake. Much better modulation, retain use of the rear brake in right hand turns, and your foot placement on the peg can be optimized at all times.
We need some 125 XC content
Wood riding
Excellent idea.
Bro I have quest I wanna buy dirty bike but can't 2 people sit it I mean I cant got my friend in back?
Kyle, I’m a long time viewer (5 years or so) and while I didn’t always agree with things you’ve shared, I have always respected you. I hope your channel continues to have success and you can continue to do what you love most. It’s very rare that someone is able to achieve success doing what they love as you have. Haters will always hate. Stay true to yourself and keep being you.
So, the stark was certainly a journey for you. We all could see that. I personally appreciate the in-depth review, just to see where the technology has taken us. I think it was worth exploring. Did I ever consider an ev before? Nope. Will I consider one now? Nope. But I think a positive is that you know where most of us stand now, including yourself, lol. Looking forward to some new Single track ride footage heading into the fall. I’m still jonesin’ to get up that way to see some of those beautiful trails up that way!
Very good points. I agree, most of us want 2 stroke vids. I want small
Bore videos! Just got a 150 xcw tbi and it’s a blast!
Tons of them running our local enduro races. Suspension tuned for it.. the update extended battery life and gained traction.
Must be modern short enduro races
Should I buy a diesel or gas generator?.If I win it will sell and buy a Sweet KTM exc or beta race.Had a guy ride with us on one on single track..Battery almost dead in 2 hours and he went home and we rode 4 more hours.
@@jeffbrownell279 Sounds bout right!
@@jeffbrownell279 Eddie Karlsson won a 4 hour long enduro, they did a 5 minute battery swap about 2 hours 45 minutes into the race.
i found your channel because of the stark varg, i am of the generation that actually started on a surron (i'm sorry) but now i am moving up to a 250 and love your channel. just wanted to provide a positive perspective. thank u for all the helpful videos
Thanks for making content on it! I think they are going to be awesome! Looking forward to trying one someday!
I’m 2T for life but really intrigued by the Varg and would love to try one out. I’m excited to see how they evolve over time for trail riding.
My favorite video you ever made is the 125XC at Swingarm City… just incredible. More of that!
Kyle, Kyle, Kyle… I sure hope win!! But I have spent the last three years riding electric, and gas, just like going back and forth from two stroke to four stroke it takes a different set of skills! I have both 4T and 2T Moto and enduro bikes.
I have found that experience and skills make better riders!
Thanks for all your content!!
I have one and love it. Gummy on the rear, use it for 90 percent single track. Also KTM 525, 350XC, Beta 300.
Same here. Love mine. Not selling the yz250x, but the Varg is awesome. In five years everyone is going to admit that electric bikes are great. People feel threatened that their bike isn't the best now. All motorcycles are fun, I don't care how they are powered.
same. KTM 300 '24 and '24 Beta 390 RS...
Re. wanting a clutch for fine power modulation at low speed. Do you think this would be a viable solution: A stubby lever, like a clutch lever (but keeping the rear hand-brake lever for those who prefer it) where the new lever just activates a switch to enable 'super-low-power-mode' such that 0-100% throttle is only reaching maybe 5 or 10bhp. Giving your right hand the fine control for trials-like riding over loose rocks, then full normal power control when you release the non-clutch.
Perhaps instead of 0-5 bhp, it could be whatever power you had when you activated it, plus or minus 5bhp depending on the throttle.
Most interesting dirt bike at the moment. Thanks for covering it and sharing your experience.
I’ve ridden a stark in the NC mtns, and I loved it. And I would love to have one.
I appreciate your content on the Stark Varg. I have been curious of how it performed on the trails. When I want to see a review on a bike, Dirtbike Channel is where I go.
I'm one of the few that really looked forward to and watched the Stark content. Would love to have one for my local riding area and keep an ICE bike for longer rides.
Hey man we all make mistakes in business and in life. Your channel is absolutely awesome and it's one of the reasons that got me into dirt biking recently at age 47. Per our phone call we had a couple of months ago. Anyway I am entered to win this thing so hopefully I'll win it and I can get myself that KTM 250 xcw I want lol I bought one of those hats off your website 🤘🏻
Absolutely, the kickstand situation is frustrating. Here in Europe, all the KTM models have this feature, likely due to regulations, as it prevents the bike from moving forward with the kickstand down. It’s a pain, but thankfully KTM provide a shorter bolt to eliminate the auto-retract function.
its another tool in the box. I LUV going out on electric bike at 4-5am, cruizing to a nice spot to catch a sunrise, on the return get some breakfast. Ya gotta know when to use the right tool and how the tool can be taken advantage of. No Traffic 3-6am = open road.
I’m man enough to admit that both are cool. I have my duramax’s and I have Electric I5 M60 x that is super fast and fun! I think it is same for these electric bikes. It is okay to be open minded and appreciate the reviews of both Gas and electric.
Thanks for your honesty. Good review. Maybe they'll build an enduro (other than just an 18" wheel) that'll address some of the issues.
I’m keen on these bikes. I’d love to see more content on the varg!!
As a owner of both the Stark and Beta 2 strokes i mostly agree with your point. However you are a bit judging a fish on it's ability to fly.
The Stark is first and foremost a MX bike. And as you point out it does that really well.
In enduro i also like it, tight singletrails in woodlands it's a blast, although in the slippery rocks is where it suffers.
As for my angle it's mostly the hard stock 18' tyre AND the stiff suspension. I have my Beta RR250 optimised for deep Sand enduro and MX (so very stiff on both ends) and it's also a crap bike in the slippery rocks and very hard to find traction on. While the Beta RR's are considers very good rock crawlers. I imagine if you send that suspension to a good tuner it might work wonders.
Edit: I would really love a tad bigger battery and them to get rid of the smartphone thing and get a proper dashboard. But other than that i love it.
I’d like to see a trials segment next, Rich Larson said the trails electric bike is amazing. It also has a Clutch.
I think he had one and hated it. But he more tried to use it like an enduro and not trials.
just starting the video, but I am excited for this new bike! I've entered to win it! I don't believe that its the answer to what people need or necessarily want, but it would still be another cool tool in the shed 👍
You haven't heard about TPE tubes for all these years? They almost standard in bicycles, and actually were 3 times more expenvive than rubber. I have seen on vitalmx forum and thumpertalk, people tried to fit TPE tubes for fat bikes into MX wheels. Mostly for weight reduction. Opinions are polarized: some people like them, some have problems. But particular stark tubes people mostly don't like.
We know you try thanks for all this content
I watch for the reviews and 😅trail riding. But the thing is people like me can’t afford that bike or most of the $10,000 plus bikes you test. I still enjoy watching.
Flux Primo has what Stark needs. An electronic virtual clutch. Similar weight, size, suspension, power, but the left lever is programmable to be a regen rear brake lever or virtual clutch to modulate power. You can TH-cam the Flux Primo coming out of Czechoslovakia
I have a Stark and share most of your slow technical riding opinion. I hated the Stark at first compared to my Beta 300, but then on my second ride I focused on static balance instead of dabbing and I ended up loving the Stark once I refocused my riding technique and yes sitting instead of standing for some stuff. I still prefer my Beta 2T with clutch on the super gnarly rides but I’m really hoping that Stark comes out with a plug and play virtual clutch like Flux Primo has. As a viewer that loves ALL bikes I am glad you got a Stark for a while at least. I’m sure you know the loudest voices are always the complaining ones.
Did you bash tubes that you didn’t actually test to failure?
So many people have. Those tubes are actually super expensive, as you would expect when something needs to be light and durable.
WELCOME TO THE STARK VARG CHANNEL
I'm super stoked about this giveaway! I love my YZ250X and neighbors are pretty cool with me spinning laps in the back yard on my turn track but I think this will be a far better option. Keep up the great work Kyle and make sure the Stark is super-clean for me.
Kyle, for what its worth regarding your sweepstakes for bikes. You need to figure out a way for people to buy RMATV gift cards and/ or products to have entries into your sweepstakes. Personally speaking I don't want t-shirts/ socks, or other stuff on your page. Good luck!
bro you can already do that. one guy won a bike because he bought some grips or something stupid like that on rmatv
Looks to me like all of your stark Varg videos did quite well/on par with the others too
Has your suspension been revalved? Starks are notorius for super stiff valving in the shock, which would explain your rear traction issues, especially combined with a hard compound tire in loose rock. On the charger, must Stark riders are pulling the charger "stand". This fixes your cable length issue. For the 120/220 issue, just connect to a 220V cable and manage the charge rate in the app. Fast charge when you need it, slow charge when you don't.
100% agree with the foot peg complaint. Had a friend I was riding with lay the Varg over and it completely destroyed the right peg. I mean DESTROYED. Ridiculous.
19” rear? Is that why you didn’t put one of your favorite tires on?
I am one of the few that actually are intrigued by the bike. I don't think I will ever give up gas anytime soon, but I do like this bike. I think two things are hurting your giveaway. The fact that it's electric and the economy really sucks. Most people (and the news) aren't talking about it, but people don't have money for "wants" things right now.
If I were in the US I'd enter NOW. Great review. Great channel.
Now you have a better understanding as to why my Stark sits in the novelty corner.... It's horrible on tight technical single track...
Novelity? LOL
I’m definitely going to get one. I love my yz250 and it can’t be replaced. I have 2 of the 20kw Chinese motox bikes and they rip. I have a lot of fun on them. I want to try out that 80hp. I can’t believe they squeezed that much out of a battery!
I’m thrilled by the opportunity to see this in my garage. I’m currently cruising around the neighborhood with my son on a Razor 650 which he’s now ready to ride and need something to follow him on. This would be a dream.
Lots of b roll in your editing which is good for engagement. It’d be cool if the b roll showed what you were talking about more so rather than random.
Other than that thanks for the vid and the honest review 👍
Its battery operated. Batteries are heavy. They never get lighter when the batteries are dead. Now you have to carry around a generator. Don't expect a second ride anytime soon. In town riding sure. I can take the worse Motocycle out and ride all day. The only cost was the gas. Gas to power ratio cannot be beat.
"I can take the worse Motocycle out and ride all day. The only cost was the gas. Gas to power ratio cannot be beat." - make sure to change the air filter, oil filter, checked the valves, changed the oil and all that jazz before you "ride all day". Down and dirty, at every 3-4h
Don't beat yourself up too much. You moved on a bike that has been a hot topic & a fickle crowd changed their minds. This is where a warped sense of humor comes into play. Stay happy & focus on what you want not what you don't want.
The front number plate color needs to match the side number plates.
I would say your review is spot on very good job.👍
i entered the giveaway im definitaly a track guy this is the bike for me just neeed to save up since i dont have a bike right now because my old yz250 broke ... a sad day lol
Could you review some 125s and 200s?
I love my Varg, it's my favorite bike ever. It's nice not having to do air filter cleaning, oil changes, top ends, valve adjustments, etc.!
The technology will get there, sooner than later. This bike literally was created to ride on a track, just like a 450 mx bike, it's not going to be great. Thanks for doing the review regardless.
100% correct... Electric dirt bikes are a no no for me..
I'm glad you got one so I now know this is not a bike for me. thanks Kyle.
@DirtBikeChannel9 Thanks Kyle. I am in Canada and not eligible to win.
Please review the new 2025 Honda crf250rx or crf450rx 🙏
I recognize those Herriman trails and hills 😂 I go there a lot!!! That’s where I live now!
I had a decent ride on this and on the open stuff it was insane,in the real tight stuff in the trees i hated it
I appreciate the review, I’ll be excited if I win it but I don’t ride single track so that may be why
The reason most are anti-electric is not from a disdain of the electric machines themselves, but because they don't want to be legislated out of using internal combustion.
We know that given the opportunity, that is exactly what the environmentalists will do. Everything is about personal freedom and live and let live until your own personal freedom offends them, then all the sudden it's a much different tune they strum their ukuleles to.
The dealer I work at carries EM, electric trials bikes with clutches. They’re a blast!!!
Would it be a good bike for drag racing at the dunes? It would be cool to be faster at Glamis😎
I think people wanted to see this review exactly for what it is, a review. Just turns out that it isn’t a single track bike, and now the world knows.
Cool bike but I’m definitely one of the folks that don’t care. It’s just not there for the riding I do. East coast rocky single track for 30-40 miles. Looking forward to an electric bike getting there one day. If it doesn’t though, 🤷🏻♂️. We have lots of options anyway.
So many problems with electric bikes, including this one. I have no interest at all at this time. Yes, I have ridden a Stark. Now how about a video about a road trip to the East coast with a Beta two stroke?
Fake news! No more problems with the Varg than any other new bike. In fact they are much more responsive than many OEMs
@@kurtheidelbach stop it, fanboy
“So many problems either electric bikes”?
@@Ozfreerider_adventures objectively: compared to ICE, very heavy, short run time, long recharge time, need to bring a generator, no clutch, expensive, unknown durability. Subjectively: sounds awful
@@yuriabmxr no engine mods needed to be race ready , no radiators or expensive exhaust to damage , no rebuilds , no checking valve clearances , no oils changes every 5-10 hours . No changing gears , feels lighter than ice bike . Infinite tunability . 2 year warranty , battery hood for 500 to 1000 charge cycles when gas bike fucked after 150 hours . Want me to continue ?
I like and look forward to electric. What I think I'd like to see more from you is short form maintenance videos, maybe with some tricks or overlooked tasks that people forget or don't know to do. I know you do have a bunch of those but maybe worth revisiting.
Dude. "Full review" and you didn't even adresss the elephant in the room being battery life???
The battery is 3500$ even if it lasts 5 years it is still worh it given the costs of maintenance you have with combustion engines, especialy if you manage to blow a top end on a gas bike, and the electric motor will last 15 years minimum. The main problem is range and top weight which makes hard enduro a challange, but for sure the enduro dedicated bike they are working on, which hopefully comes next year, will be better optimised for range possibly with a redesigned battery (wider battery body but less tall)to keep the weight lower down the bike. I'm sure also legislation will force EV manufacturers to offer battery replacement plans that include recycling the old battery by offering a replacement discount.
@@MentaL65535 You hit it on the head, I was more speaking in terms of kms or hours of range, not the longevity of the pack itself. You make a good point about total cost of ownership. I feel at this point it’s just a waiting game until battery tech catches up with the tougher engineering challenges that E-bikes present (ie power: weight). Looking forward to the day I can ride the old trails behind my town again, and hopefully find a middle ground with other trail users:)
You must’ve not watched the video because he talks about battery life for several minutes.
@@DirtBikes_MathGardenhe says things like “on a loamy track the range really suffers” and “when it gets cold the range gets worse”. Very vague statements. He never says X amount of hours. Drop a timestamp where you think he’s talking about range lol
@@MentaL65535 na that's cap bro i have an 06 tm 300, i got it 8 years ago i done 1 top end and one full rebuild that includes needing to get the cylinders bored out and nikasil, because of the mistakes of the previous owner (he reused the piston clips never do that they loss spring tension and fall out) i got the bike for 2k and only put about 1k into it so far
Did the Varg you got have a 19" or 18" rear?
the valving and suspension setup are different on the Enduro and MX models,
Agree 100%. Stark varg needs clutch, rear brake, quality pegs, sidestand and longer charging cable even though built-in bike lift stand was good idea they ruined it with that cable. Do you think they tested any at all. Or bloke just cut all the cables too short.
If they put smaller motors, a clutch and trans on them they would be awesome. A smaller motor + trans would use less battery. A smaller motor would make more room for a bigger battery. And it would still probably have enough power for the average trail rider.
Thanks Kyle keep up the good work
The best dirt bike i've ever riden. Love it!
a clutch is just a handle. It doesnt have to be mechanically connected to the engine. It can be connected to the controller, with a sensor and that's all. 100 grams
That connector on the charger looks too be an L6-30. This can absolutely be used in the US but they don't seem to be too common.
They are used in data centers
It looks like the connector in the back of my f150. Would be nice to charge straight from my pickup bed.
Correction: It's an L14-30. L6 has no neutral. L14 has neutral (though the charger does not use the neutral terminal)
I would like to try it BUT I'm a single tracker. How would it be as a dual sport?
Gotta figure a 60 mile ride would be max. Not optimal.
@@bradsanders6954 You think only 60 mi. in 25 HP mode? that's clearly not enough. Needs 100+ miles
Kyle is there way you can just write the Varg off as a business loss on your taxes?
Kyle Up here in Canada. I just replaced my rear dirt bike tire. And it went up 100% in 1 year from $110 to $220 same tire. Is this nonsense happening down south?
Pitty for your bizness, but i found it very imformative.
It be great for enduro to get half a battary in weight, which you just swapp with another . Charge in between. Maybe can save 30 kilo and have that half of a battery as low or centered as possible
Great video. Love the channel.
How about a race between the stark varg and the Maico 700 enduro?
Hi
Where is this bike made ?!
Do they have a website for Europe ?!
Thank you very much
I just have no interest in an electric dirt bike. I want to go to the trails/track, fill up and ride for hours. Fill up again and ride some more. I also like a clutch. To each their own though. Not knocking anyone that enjoys the Stark or other e-dirtbikes. Sadly I think 2 stroke bikes days are numbered. When that happens I'll buy the last 2 stroke made and ride it till I die.
A clutch is a point of failure and not needed on an electric bike
When is the last time you saw a clutch fail? I'll tell you, Never!
that shirt is epic!
Hopefully I'll take it off your hands 🤞