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

Last checked: 16 September 2026. Applies to Great Britain unless stated otherwise. Specifications and availability can change; legal eligibility depends on the exact registered bike.

Quick answer: The Stark VARG EX 60HP and 80HP Alpha share the EX enduro platform and 7.2 kWh battery capacity, but the 80HP Alpha gives you a higher maximum output for £1,000 more at current MotoEbikes pricing. The sensible choice is not “which number is bigger?” but whether you will actually use the extra maximum performance.

EX 60HP vs 80HP Alpha at a glance

	EX 60HP	EX 80HP Alpha
Current MotoEbikes price	£10,900	£11,900
Headline maximum power	60 hp	80 hp
Battery capacity	7.2 kWh	7.2 kWh
Platform	VARG EX enduro	VARG EX enduro
Road route	Homologated EX; licence depends on registered configuration	Homologated EX; licence depends on registered configuration
Product	View 60HP	View 80HP

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.

Stark’s defining advantage is adjustable power delivery. That means the useful question is not whether the 80HP bike can be ridden at lower settings, but whether paying for the extra maximum matters to you.

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

At current MotoEbikes prices, the difference is £1,000. If maximum performance is one of the main reasons you are buying a VARG, the Alpha version is the straightforward way to get the higher ceiling. If you are unlikely to use 80HP and would rather put the £1,000 toward riding kit, insurance, transport or other ownership costs, the 60HP version is the more economical route into the same EX family.

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. If two riders use similar speeds and power delivery, the difference can be small; if the 80HP bike is ridden more aggressively, energy use will rise. We do not publish a fake “real-world” range difference without controlled MotoEbikes testing.

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. MotoEbikes lists an 11 kW road-legal configuration as A1/CBT-compatible for eligible riders aged 17+, but the bike’s documents must match that configuration. 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 should therefore stay focused on price and maximum performance rather than inventing differences that are not supported by the platform data.

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?

• 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 MotoEbikes Stark VARG hub.

EX 60HP vs 80HP FAQs

Are the 60HP and 80HP physically different bikes?

They are versions of the same VARG EX platform. Configuration details can vary by individual bike, so compare the actual specification sheet before ordering.

Is 80HP too much?

That depends on rider experience and chosen settings. The Alpha’s advantage is the higher maximum ceiling; Stark’s adjustable power delivery means you are not forced to use maximum output.

Is 60HP enough?

For many riders it is already very substantial performance. The decision is personal use, not whether 60HP is objectively “enough” for everyone.

Can I turn the 80HP down?

Stark’s platform supports adjustable power delivery and maps. Road legality and insurance must still match the bike’s registered configuration.

Do they have the same 7.2 kWh battery?

Yes, that is the published battery capacity for the EX platform covered here.

Does the 80HP charge more slowly?

The higher maximum motor output does not by itself mean a larger battery. Charging time depends on the battery, charger and supply.

Which one has better range?

There is no honest single answer without matching riding conditions. Riding style and power use can outweigh the model label.

Can both be road legal?

The EX is the road-homologated enduro model. The exact registered configuration still determines licence entitlement.

Can both be ridden on CBT?

Only where the registered bike falls within the relevant learner/A1 rules. Check the exact V5C/CoC and continuous power; do not infer eligibility from the 60HP/80HP peak label.

Can I see both at MotoEbikes?

Stock changes. Check the two live product pages and contact the Guildford showroom before travelling.

Can I finance either version?

Eligible MotoEbikes purchases can use available finance routes, subject to status and lender terms. See the finance page.

What should I compare after power?

Actual configuration, suspension setup for your rider weight, tyres, braking/control setup, road documents, insurance, price and intended riding.

Related guides

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

Sources and verification

Model family and performance claims are checked against Stark Future. Current prices and product availability are checked against MotoEbikes. Licence explanations are checked against GOV.UK and the individual bike’s registered classification remains decisive.