The Stark Varg has quickly become one of the most capable electric off-road motorcycles on the market (plus a pretty impressive on-road version as well), and now it’s getting another major performance upgrade without owners ever needing to visit a dealership.
Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future has begun rolling out a free over-the-air software update that adds traction control to its flagship Alpha-series models, including the Varg MX, Varg EX, and Varg SM. The update has been available since June 21 and installs wirelessly, giving existing owners a significant new riding aid without any hardware changes.
The new traction control system monitors rear wheel slip and adjusts power delivery to help riders maintain grip on everything from pavement and gravel to wet roots and muddy trails. Riders can independently configure the amount of intervention for each riding mode, adjusting it anywhere from 0% to 100% through the Varg’s smartphone-based display system.
That level of customization is particularly useful on the Alpha models, which produce up to 80 hp (59 kW). With the equivalent of around 937 Nm (691 lb-ft) of torque at the rear wheel, the Varg has never lacked for power, but putting all of it to the ground in challenging conditions has required a skilled throttle hand. The new software aims to make that performance more accessible while still allowing experienced riders to dial back or completely disable intervention if they prefer.
As some have pointed out though, the fact that lower power versions of the bike aren’t able to access the new feature has led to some complaints.
A clever feature built into the update is that the system automatically disengages when the motorcycle detects it’s airborne, allowing the rear wheel to spin freely during jumps so riders can still control the bike’s attitude in the air.
The update highlights one of the biggest advantages of software-defined electric motorcycles. Rather than waiting for a new model year or requiring owners to purchase additional hardware, manufacturers can continue improving bikes already in customers’ garages with nothing more than an internet connection. It sure beats scheduling a dealer visit and waiting for hardware to arrive.
For Stark Future, it’s another example of the company’s digital-first philosophy. While traditional motorcycle manufacturers often reserve new rider aids for future model years, the Varg continues to evolve long after it leaves the showroom floor – a trend that’s likely to become increasingly common as electric motorcycles become more software-centric.
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