SPLACH-STARK: The Iron Man-like Expeditioner
In stock in the US. Countries outside the US must pre-order.
750W Power with removable battery-Powerful, Fast, and Long-Ranged
Estimated 2-3 business days for order processing after payment confirmation.
Dual Batteries Dual Assist
Double Duals
Dual batteries extends a much longer mileage; dual assist mode (pedal throttle) on hand provides the most suitable riding assistance whenever needed.
Dual batteries for dual assist double your expedition performance.
The removable 48v/11.6 amp dual locking batteries propel you farther, and last longer, multiplying the mileage as well as the fun.
Streamlined Shape
The sleek streamline contour as an off-road vehicle accentuates the uniqueness and style of your ride.
Fat Tires
20 inch x 4 inch fat tires provide maximum contact in any road conditions, adding a lot more comfort and skid resistance to riding with steadiness.
Throttle Pedal Assist
The max. range is from 60 to 85 miles (96-136KM). 60 miles (96KM) of range boosted by throttle 85 miles (136KM) of range by pedal assist. Choose whatever mode you want at your discretion.
Front Rear Disc Brakes
Disc brakes provide a quick, clean stop. Double brakes double safety all the way.
speed Transmission
7 gears adapt to rough conditions and accommodate inclines, bumps and other difficulties. It’s ideal for traveling on varying terrains.
All About The Details
Hydraulic lockout front suspension absorbs energy when riding downhill to make riding more comfortable enjoyable. Bumps and terrain irregularities are flattened out!
The rear coil shock provides more consistent, reliable and robust performance with smooth and supple feel.
Bafang brings more fun. 750W brushless geared DC hub motor empowers you all the way during your ride with a top speed of 25mph (40km/h).
Dual batteries make SPLACH-STARK go the distance. One is encased in the frame; the other is hidden under the rear rack.
Disc brakes provide a quick, clean stop for its stronger stopping power. reliable and all-weather braking.
20 inch 4 inch fat tires provides enhanced traction on slick and rough surfaces, enabling you to travel further without exerting as much energy.
Wiring is water-resistant, giving itself long lifespan and easy for maintenance.
Guarantee your cycling safety create great visibility in traffic.
Ergonomic design of the slightly wider seat with sculpted center cutaways, is ideal for trail, downhill and cross-country beatings.
Specifications
| Lithium Battery | 48V 15Ah |
| Max Range (Single Battery) | 30 Miles (48 KM) of Range Twist Throttle 31 Miles (50 KM) of Range Pedal Assist |
| Max Range (Dual Batteries) | 70 Miles (112 KM) of Range Twist Throttle 71 Miles (113 KM) of Range Pedal Assist |
| Throttle | Twist Throttle |
| Top Speed(Throttle Only) | 28 mph |
| Top Speed(Pedal Assist Only) | 20 mph |
| Riding Modes | Energy Saving Mode, Standard Mode and Sport Mode |
| Pedal Assist | Speed Sensor |
| Pedal Assist Level | Six Levels ( 0-5 ) |
| Charge Time | 6-8 Hours |
| Motor | Bafang / Rear Hub Motor |
| Motor Power(Nominal) | 750 Watts |
| Motor Power(Peak) | 750 Watts |
| Frame Material | Aluminium Alloy |
| Brakes | F/R Disc Brakes |
| Display | SW-LCD |
| Lights | FrontRear |
| Brake Light | With |
| Tire Type | 204.0 |
| Suspension | Front and Rear |
| Front Suspension | ZOOM Spring Suspension with Locked Function |
| Rear Suspension | Spring |
| Colors | Knight Black |
| Startup Mode | Key Unlock |
| Vehicle Weight | 77 Lbs ( 35.0 Kg ) |
| Load Limit | 330 Lbs |
| Product Size | 5.3′ x 2.2′ x 3.3′ ( 1630L x 660W x 1020H mm ) |
| Package Size | 4.3′ x 1′ x 2.5′ （1320L x 290W x 750H mm） |
| Drive System | Chain Drive |
| Handlebar | Upright |
| Transmission | Shimano 7-Speed |
| Rack | NO |
| Fenders | YES |
| Wheels | Spoke Wheel (Aluminium Alloy) |
The simulation statistics above are for reference only. Different riders weight, speed mode, weather, air resistance, road conditions, incline grades are the variables and therefore there’ll be no specific values for these different conditions. We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, price, specifications, models, colors, and materials.
The owner is responsible for ensuring that wherever they intend to use their device it’s allowable under existing legislation.
Stark Drive Fat Tire Electric Bike Tested On Rigorous Commute
About a week ago, a good friend asked me for my opinion on an electric bicycle he was sent to review. As an avid American cyclist, who also commutes to work with the power of 2 wheels and some leg power, I have always shunned the idea of electric assist. The idea almost feels like cheating.
The bike comes from a Swedish company called Stark. The model I had the chance to spend some time with came with the oversized 4” wide tires option. The first impression was that the bicycle looked extremely heavy and uncomfortable, but I was willing to give it a chance.
E-Bikes
Stark is trying to be the first company to provide an electric bicycle to the masses for under 400 (our tester was pricier at around 999). That in itself is a difficult undertaking considering a quality conventional bicycle can far exceed that price point even for a beginner bike.
Some basic info on our test bike
The model I commuted on did have front and back mudguards, which was a huge plus, and a rear cargo rack. I would have preferred a rear rack that can accept pannier bags, but a couple of bungee cords and I was able to secure the necessary items for a day at work to the rear rack. Next problem was the saddle, the saddle was oversized and uncomfortable. It’s a popular misconception that an oversized padded bicycle saddle offers more comfort, but in reality, it’s just the opposite. A slimmer more conventional saddle would be more appropriate.
The bike has five levels of power for the electric assist. Level 5 is rather impressive, but for my 12-mile round trip commute, I kept it in 1 or 2. The components are rather entry level which is to be expected for the price point.
Day 1 of my morning commute to work
It was a cool summer morning and my 6 miles were effortless. The extra-wide tires did allow me to hold my coffee in one hand and still feel stable and confident, although I wouldn’t recommend doing so.
Where the Stark really shone was the ride home. After a 10-hour shift at work, I was tired and faced with a 6-mile return trip in 13 mph headwinds. The bike, set to level 3, made the ride home surprisingly enjoyable. With my more aggressive riding style, I got about 18 miles of range from a full charge.
Day 2 and 3 were pretty much identical experiences.
Day 4: Dude, where’s my chain?
On day 4, I had a catastrophic failure of the chain. I feel this is partly due to the lower quality chain, coupled with the big tires it’s trying to turn. That was the end of my time with this bicycle, as the chain fell apart in several places and replacing it didn’t occur until a few days later before the bike was due to be returned.
My suggestions
Overall, I think with a few changes like the saddle, rear rack and chain, this has the potential to be something quite amazing for the price range Stark is targeting. The 4” oversized tires I didn’t see much use for and feel they hindered the bike more than they helped.
The bike is heavy, if you have to negotiate any stairs whether it’s carrying the bike into the office, your home or apartment it’s going to be close to impossible for the normal person. Those tires add a lot to the overall weight of the bike and don’t really seem necessary.
Closing and recommendations
As tested, this would be a great bike for keeping at the weekend cottage, or to ride around the neighborhood with the kids. As a dedicated commuter, as configured, I don’t feel I would personally choose it. I don’t feel like the lower quality components would hold up very long to daily abuse. I know Stark offers other models and I think with some changes this could be an excellent option for anyone who occasionally commutes shorter distances.
At this super low price point, if Stark can find a way to get it to the U.S. market, in brick and mortar stores where shipping costs won’t come into play and have local shops that can perform service and maintenance, then I can certainly see a market for it.
I look forward to seeing what Stark can bring to the market in the future. This experience did open my eyes a little wider into the vast world of electric bicycles.
Editor’s note: You can visit Stark Drive’s website by clicking here. Below, we’ve included some additional words from Stark, as well as some specifications for its various offerings.
We’d like to point out and emphasize that a previous reviewer damaged this bike. InsideEVs accepted the bike for review and repaired it as best as possible. However, there’s a chance our chain failure was related to a bent rear derailleur and/or damage to the chain from a previous reviewer.
When we deal with kickstarter companies and prototypes, many details may change from the intial request for a review to the actual product delivery. It has come to our attention that much has changed. Please reach out to Stark Drive directly for details and clarification.
It worth noting that all we had available to test was the Block 1 or Version 1 of Stark Drive Torque, there have been countless improvements to the Block/Version 2 Model. details here.
Closer look: Stark VARG electric off-road motorcycle technical details
You’ve seen the video now take a closer look at the details behind the new Stark VARG electric off-road motorcycle, a production off-road bike that “will prove that electric technology is superior to gasoline equivalents in every single way”.
A ground-up new design which, from the start, aimed to not just be competitive but beat conventional, internal combustion engine bikes. No servicing of air filters, no oil changes, piston refreshes or valve clearance checking. In fact they say this bike needs no more servicing than an MTB.
The E-MTB world has sky-rocketed in the last couple of years but in the ‘real bike’ world, most of us are still scratching our chins at anything which claims to be an actual match for what we have in the garage.
Are we looking at a real game changer here then? An electric bike which actually behaves and rides like ‘normal’ but which isn’t going to offend the noise police, drink fossil fuels and leave us with less places to ride? Or do we still need a clutch, what about the range and how do you charge it?
Stark VARG technical details:
- 110kg claimed weight
- 80hp – 9hp per kilogramme – making a claimed 30% more powerful than a 450 four-stroke
- 938Nm claimed torque at the back wheel
- Two different power options (80hp 60hp) available, full powr mdoel is 1000 more
- 1-2 hour battery charge time
- Over 100 power modes with adjustable power curve, engine braking, flywheel effect and traction
- Multiple bikes ‘in one’ with customizable power settings to ape a 125 two-stroke up
- to a 650 four-stroke
- Smartphone dash and set-up App connects via bluetooth and acts as a lock
- KYB suspension, 310mm wheel travel front and rear
- Rider weight specified at purchase means suspension is tuned to you
- CNC-machined aluminium hubs and rims, steel spokes
- Industry standard Brembo brake components
- Small and light chassis using carbon fibre, magnesium, and aero grade aluminium
- Low maintenance, zero emissions and minimal noise
- €11,900 price tag
“Customizable power gives you a 125 or a 650 all in one bike”?
The Stark VARG (meaning strong wolf in Swedish btw) is aiming for a dirt bike revolution with some simple facts; a power train and chassis designed for the purpose of off-road, versatile for novice and pro riders, which can outperform the best 450 four-stroke and crucially make no noise and drink no fuel.
Stark Future, the compnay behind the VARG model, are saying they plan a full range of on and off-road motorcyclesin the future but that they have started with a motocross bike because “it is the toughest and most demanding form of motorcycling”.
We take the point, going full gas on an MX track is intense in terms of chassis design, power and energy consumption. But we’re waving an enduro flag here. Isn’t a three-hour XC enduro, Erzbergrodeo, Romaniacs or the Dakar just a tad more demanding?
Anyway, clearly the VARG works on a track judging by the reveal video and the parameters, chiefly the battery life and chassis set-up, point at short course competition more than enduro.
What about battery life?
It’s the question you’ll have already been asking yourself. We know from every electric motorcycle which has dared to roll its wheels in the dirt that battery bikes don’t work so well for enduro.
Stark are promising “unbeatable durability” and a bike capable of a full ‘moto’ at MXGP-like intensity (35 mins) or up to six hours of easy trail riding. What is not clear yet is how the VARG might achieve homologation and how, if you’re trail riding, it physically charges. Can you just plug it in?
There are precedents already being set with E-MTB bike parks which allow you to charge at the track. What the batteries look like, how much a spare one might cost, we do not yet know.
How can it work on the trail?
“In excess of 100 different ride modes” adjustable using the Stark Future App sounds good for freeriding and trails. The App sits on a waterproof and shock resistant dashboard and gives you a huge range of adjustment to the power curve, engine braking, traction control and virtual flywheel weight.
Stark say it can be tuned easily in a few seconds and this gives you the options for longer battery life and increased riding distance. If it handles and weighs like ‘normal’ then it should be good assuming you can manage the charging.
The techy bit…
The “silent heart” of the Stark VARG is the carbon fibre sleeve motor with produces 80hp – 30% more than any 450 – with double the amount of torque and weighing a claimed 9kg. The drivetrain is surrounded by Stark’s production battery system which is compact and ‘energy dense’, boasting 6kWh of capacity and weighing less than 32kg.
The motor uses “the smallest invertor in the world” (in this power category), integrates a water-cooled case which also serves as a structural component of the chassis. The powerplant has a patent-pending magnesium honeycomb casing, ‘slippery-fingers’ cell holders, a pressure relief system and a one-sided powerboard configuring the battery cells – if you’re into your electric motors you’ll understand the nuances here.
Their ‘flying V’ system connects every cell directly to the tough, waterproof casing. They say this brings high conductivity to create a very even and regular battery temperature that removes unnecessary weight normally used on a fully water-cooled motor.
We feel like we don’t need to know most of the above techy stuff if we’re honest. In reality, with no more maintenance needed than an MTB, life should be simple and workshop time minimal and while many of us value that fettling part of dirt bike life, maybe the kids won’t as we get older.
A closer look at the chassis details…
Stark say they took a look at every element of a bike in designing the VARG and there are some nice details scattered around it.
Overall weight is a claimed 110kg (242lbs) and that is basically ballpark in class (a 450 four-stroke from any manufacturer you care to call up weighs basically the same with fuel onboard).
Standard equipment KYB suspension helps enormously in convincing us this bike will feel ‘normal’ on a track – if the weight is the same, the bars and footpegs are in the same places and the suspension is behaving like normal, why wouldn’t it?
The main frame is steel with a carbon subframe which they claim “brings the right blend of lateral, vertical and torsional flex and a lower centre-of-gravity”. Because it uses the engine as a structural component, they can call it “the lightest motocross frame in the world”.
Electric motorcycles have no airboxes, radiators or fuel tank of course and that means a slim overall design in terms of rider feel on the bike. There’s obviously no clutch, gearbox or gear changing either.
The skid plate is dual compound and a “semi-floating part” which sits under the battery. The chassis design has no lower frame rails as you’ll see.
The wheels are CNC-machined and have 6082 T6 aluminium hubs, 7050 T6 aluminium rims, high-grade steel spokes. Braking components are the very widely used Brembo parts and on the bike pictured they have Pirelli MX32 tyres fitted.
The chain adjuster ‘click system’ looks interesting too and erases the need for measurements to align the wheel. The axle tightens with an allen bolt and sits flush for better protection against damage – much like some trials bikes already use.
Further details include the cast footpegs made from stainless steel alloy – 40% stronger than titanium or chromoly steel Stark say and lighter than steel footpegs. They’ve simplified the fitting of the footpegs too, taking away the need for a locking or split pin, and there’s also a really neat routing for the rear brake pedal behind the motor casing (you can specify a foot or hand rear brake lever).
What’s it like to ride?
We’d love to have that answer and hopefully we can tell you sometime in the new year. Sebastien Tortelli and Josh Hill, two big names from the motocross world, have been testing the bike and offer some clues: “The very first impression was from the outright performance; it was much more than I expected,” says Tortelli who is Stark’s testing director. “Suspension-wise, chassis-wise I immediately felt at home. This is a real motocross bike. I had to learn about the electric power and I was surprised of how fast I adapted and how fun it is to ride.”
“We have done quite a lot of development work already. The chassis is balanced as well as nimble. The light weight means you can really move around it with ease and attack those jumps and sections. I feel awesome on the track and I can race with this bike, and this is what we are aiming for.
“It’s an amazing experience to ride in silence! You can hear the way the bike picks up traction, the impact of the stones and the jumps. It’s an amazing sensation.”
What do we think?
We like the look of the Stark VARG and those power-to-weight figures on a KYB-shod chassis are key pointers to a good off-road tool. The full-size electric bikes we’ve ridden – a Sur-Ron and Alta – were good but not quite right, not quite normal enough. This looks like it will be in a different class.
It is a fact that places to ride are getting taken away for many of us and that aspect of riding dirt bikes is not getting easier – there’d be little argument from the noise police if you turned up on one of these.
After looking through the details we have questions, naturally. How does it charge? Could it do a three-hour enduro if you swapped batteries? Will it come with an 18-inch rear wheel model? Is it only for closed courses or is a homologated model with lights in the pipeline? Could it work for Sprint Enduro or SuperEnduro and EnduroCross? Don’t we need a clutch sometimes? What about spare parts and warranty?
A lot of those questions are answered in the FAQs section of the Stark Futures website. In short the bikes will arrive direct to your door in a box, come with a charger which plugs straight in, can be specified with an 18-inch rear wheel (or supermoto) plus a side stand (100 extra), foot or hand rear brake, and they say dealer network is growing rapidly as we type.
Enduro21 will try and find out more plus get a ride on this intriguing bike…
Cost: €11,900 through the Stark Future website or through participating dealers (yet to be announced). Available in three colour options from September 2022.
Staying Safe Around e-Bikes On the Streets and in Storage
Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have been trending over the last few years, partly because cycling was a popular pandemic hobby. But today, e-bikes are getting increasingly negative press for safety issues, including high-speed crashes, fires, and explosions. The lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes have led to fires that immolated whole apartment buildings, causing at least three deaths in New York City alone this year.
E-bike ridership has roughly doubled in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s thrilling to cruise the city streets or get a lift while pedaling up a steep hill. E-bikes are fun, but how can enthusiasts protect themselves and their families?
Weighing the Dangers of Electric Bicycles
When you shop for an eBike, there are many factors and features to consider, such as drive mode (pedal assist versus throttle), speed, mileage, charge time, and weight. Each factor plays a role in whether or not a particular make and model is the best—and safest—choice for you or a loved one.
But eBike batteries and their safety issues shouldn’t be overlooked. Without the proper research—and following precautions as an owner—eBike batteries can pose serious risks, as anyone who has followed recent stories about related fires in this area will know.
Safety First: How to Keep Yourself and Loved Ones Safe Around E-Bikes
There are many ways to protect yourself when using an electric bike. Some of these are specific to the use of batteries, which are an added safety concern. Others are basic guidelines for bicycle safety, no matter what cycle you ride.
Here are nine safety tips that cyclists should practice on the road and at home:
- Know what kind of battery comes stocked with the electric bike you are buying, and look for batteries with a UL certification—avoid counterfeit batteries
- Only use the charger included with your bike, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper charging
- Be present while charging your e-bike, and don’t charge it while sleeping
- Unplug your e-bike once it is fully charged
- Charge your e-bike away from flammable materials, like bedding or furniture
- Make sure you wear (and buckle!) your helmet, and ensure it hasn’t already been compromised by being cracked in a crash or a drop
- Wear high-visibility clothes and long pants or sleeves to protect yourself from road rash
- Attach powerful lights to the back and front of your bike and put lights or reflectors in the wheels so you can be seen easily from the side
- Ride in bike lanes or on the road, not on sidewalks where cars and pedestrians won’t expect you to be
These safety tips are best practices, and most of them aren’t encoded in local laws. That means it’s up to you to implement them. If you stay vigilant and spread the word about rider safety, you can keep enjoying your bicycle and your improved health from riding for years to come.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an Ebike Accident?
If you suffer an injury or an accident on an electric bike, you have options for asserting your rights. You’ll want to rely on a legal team that understands eBike bike injuries and can help you bring a case forward with the best chances for success.
Stark Stark has a wide variety of experienced attorneys who take on personal injury cases and locations in Princeton, Marlton, Philadelphia, New York, and Yardley. Contact us if you or someone you know has faced an injury due to an eBike.