Rapidly expanding on- and off-road electric motorcycle specialists, Stark Future have announced a new traction control upgrade for their most powerful, 78.9bhp (80hp) Alpha models.
The Spanish brand have offered the safety improvement to their Varg EX enduro, Varg MX 1.2 motocross model, and Varg SM supermoto line – with customers accessing the improvement via an over-the-air software update.
Although the move will be welcomed by some, the decision to not include owners of the slightly less powerful 60hp models has been met some criticism online.
With no need to book the bike into a dealership for fettling, the level of intervention can then be altered in each power mode – designed to help off-road riders cover challenging terrains, and road riders access more of the motor’s instantaneous performance without a break in rear wheel grip.
Said to be one of the most requested features for the Varg range, the system works with all modes already included onboard and can be adjusted using the touchscreen Arkenstone display – which doubles up as a water and shock-resistant Android smartphone.
Earlier this month, Stark also celebrated success at the 2026 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo hard enduro event, with rider Eddie Karlsson finishing the main event in 9th place. Of the 500 riders that started the race, only 15 crossed the finish line.
Over-the-air updates and software that makes a tangible difference to bike performance will become commonplace in the coming years – just look at KTM’s demo mode electronics… But this is the first time to our knowledge that a whole rider aid package has been added to an existing model via a wireless update. It’s unlikely to be the last.
Dan is a fully-trained journalist, with a Gold Standard Level 3 Diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists. He has a passion for motorcycles of all capacities, but feels at home aboard a sportsbike. He's been working for MCN in print and digital for the best part of 10 years, with regular contributions to RiDE Magazine on the side.
By Dan Sutherland
News Editor, trackday fan, lover of 90s sportsbikes
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