Stark VARG EX 60HP vs 80HP Alpha: Which Should You Buy?

Checked 12 October 2026. Prices are MotoEbikes listed prices on that date. Specifications are manufacturer figures unless stated otherwise. Licence guidance below concerns Great Britain.

Quick answer: The Stark VARG EX 60HP and 80HP Alpha share the EX enduro platform and 7.2 kWh battery capacity. Alpha adds higher maximum output and eligibility for Stark’s Dynamic Traction Control update. At the checked MotoEbikes prices it costs £1,000 more. Consider both the delivery controls and the extra peak power, even if you normally ride at a lower power setting.

EX 60HP vs 80HP Alpha at a glance

What does the extra 20HP actually change?

The 80HP Alpha raises the maximum performance ceiling. That matters most to an experienced rider who actively wants the strongest setting available. It does not mean the 60HP bike is “slow”; 60HP is already a very large amount of peak output for an electric enduro.

An Alpha can be ridden at lower power settings while retaining access to its traction-control feature. That makes it relevant to riders interested in managing drive on difficult surfaces, as well as riders who want the highest peak output.

Alpha also adds Dynamic Traction Control

Feature eligibility reviewed 13 October 2026: Stark’s manufacturer announcement limits the free traction-control rollout to Alpha models. It is adjustable separately within each power mode. Read our Dynamic Traction Control guide for the official video, compatibility, setup and the limits of the available evidence.

Is the 80HP Alpha worth the extra £1,000?

At the checked MotoEbikes prices, the difference is £1,000. Alpha adds both a higher power ceiling and traction-control eligibility. If you want the delivery control even at lower power, include that in the decision. If those features do not justify the extra cost for you, the 60HP version remains the less expensive route into the EX family, leaving more budget for setup, kit and ownership costs.

Do the 60HP and 80HP use the same battery?

Published VARG EX information places both on the 7.2 kWh platform. Do not assume this means identical riding time in every situation. Higher power availability does not consume extra energy by itself; how you ride and which power map you use matter.

Will the 80HP have less range?

Not necessarily. Range is a result of energy use, not the label on the bike. Matching the route, pace, rider, tyres, conditions and settings is necessary for a useful comparison. Using more power more often can increase consumption. We have not established a range difference in a controlled MotoEbikes test.

Is there a licence difference between 60HP and 80HP?

Do not use peak horsepower to work out a UK licence category. The relevant legal question is the specific bike’s registered continuous/rated power and classification. For CBT or A1, check that the exact approved bike meets all the relevant category requirements, including power-to-weight limits; an 11 kW figure alone is not enough. Read our VARG EX licence guide.

Which is easier to live with?

Both are VARG EX models, so the broader ownership questions are shared: charging, tyres, enduro setup, insurance, road documentation, servicing and where you ride. The 60-vs-80 decision includes price, maximum performance and Alpha’s traction-control eligibility. Confirm the available software features on the exact bike.

Who should choose the 60HP?

• Riders who want the EX platform without paying for the maximum Alpha output.
• Buyers who know 60HP is already beyond what they expect to use most of the time.
• Buyers prioritising value within the VARG EX range.

Who should choose the 80HP Alpha?

• Riders who want Alpha’s Dynamic Traction Control, including those who usually choose lower power settings.
• Experienced riders specifically buying the VARG for its maximum performance potential.
• Buyers who would regret choosing the lower ceiling later.
• Riders for whom the current £1,000 price difference is secondary to having the highest-output EX version.

What if I am choosing between EX, MX and SM instead?

Stop comparing horsepower first. Choose the correct discipline first. EX is the enduro/road-homologated route, MX is the motocross route, and SM is the supermoto route. Start at the Stark VARG advice hub.

Ask for two like-for-like quotations

Compare the same suspension setup, wheels, tyres, controls, delivery and registration arrangements. Confirm which software features and subscriptions are included. A nominal £1,000 model difference is meaningful only when the rest of the order matches.

If you expect to upgrade a 60HP bike later, ask Stark or the dealer to confirm availability, compatibility, price and any documentation implications for that particular bike. Do not buy on the assumption that an upgrade will be available or cheaper.

A useful demonstration checklist

1. Check fit, controls and low-speed manoeuvring before comparing maximum output.
2. Use a suitable supervised venue and settings agreed with the demonstrator.
3. Compare throttle response and control at a realistic pace for your riding.
4. Ask whether the configured road specification and insurance cover the intended use.

The 80HP figure describes extra potential. It is not evidence of a measured acceleration or lap-time advantage in your conditions.

Related guides

Full VARG EX UK buyer’s guide · VARG EX vs Ultra Bee HP · Book/check a test ride

Sources and verification

Technical specifications: Stark Future VARG EX. Prices: the linked MotoEbikes product pages, checked 12 October 2026. Road-use guidance: GOV.UK motorcycle categories, CBT and insurance requirements. This is a specification-based buying guide; it does not report a MotoEbikes road or range test.

Further reading

how riding changes range · charging requirements · insuring the exact variant.