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One of the Coolest Modern Motos Gets Even More Compelling in the Most 2026 Way Imaginable

A fast-rising brand’s versatile nameplate gains a highly requested performance feature literally overnight.

Rear wheel and suspension of a black motorcycle in motion on a blurred road background.Stark Future
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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Five years ago, electric moto pioneer Zero Motorcycles made news with a high-tech announcement: owners could upgrade their bikes instantly with faster charging, extended range, performance boosts and more through digital purchases.

Well, burgeoning Spanish electric moto brand Stark just did them one better, introducing Traction Control to its Varg nameplate overnight through a notably free over-the-air update.

Person wearing a black and white helmet and beige hoodie riding a black electric motorcycle with gold front forks.
The new feature improves the riding experience for all Alpha models, on all surfaces, not just tarmac.
Stark Future

While that feat alone is impressive (and very 2026), it is also one of the most sophisticated systems we’ve ever seen.

As Stark continues to break new ground in the two-wheeled space, here are the key details about the latest breakthrough. 

Traction star

Stark delivered the upgrade to all Varg MX, EX, and SM Alpha models, providing riders with more control, confidence and performance in challenging conditions.

Dirt bike with red fenders kicking up dust on a dirt track, ridden by a person in white gear and boots.
The groundbreaking traction control system arrived via a free over-the-air update.
Stark Future

The move is notable for two big reasons.

The first is the demonstration of a major advantage over traditional bikes, in that it required no new hardware or even a visit to the dealer: a simple software update did the trick. 

The second is the fact that it’s one of the most dialed-in traction control set-ups you’ll find.

Motorcyclist in black gear leaning into a turn on a red and white sport bike on a racetrack.
A high setting may make make the most sense for SM riders, particularly in wet conditions (not pictured).
Stark Future

Fully integrated into the Varg ecosystem, the system can be adjusted independently within each power mode.

As you might imagine, higher levels of intervention offer topped-out stability and grip, while lower levels permit more freedom and rear-wheel movement, a boon to more experienced riders who cherish drifting-style sliding action.

Person in a red and black checkered jacket riding a red dirt bike on a rocky terrain with forested hills in the background.
A medium setting on rocky enduro terrain will tamp down the sudden lurch over boulders, logs and roots.
Stark Future

While many motos offer adjustable traction control, Stark’s is hyper-customizable, as you can set it literally anywhere from 0 to 100% through the brand’s app. 

That means you can run an MX low on hard-packed motocross tracks, set an EX somewhere in the middle range in rocky hard enduro scenarios and dial up an SM high on wet pavement, where it could potentially save your life. 

Silhouetted motocross rider performing a jump against a bright orange sunset with distant hills.
The system lets go in mid-air, letting high-flying motocrossers spin the rear wheel to maintain balance.
Stark Future

Bonus treat for more aggressive riders? When you catch air, it lets go completely, enabling you to spin the rear wheel mid-air to maintain balance, then return to earth with full power. 

The feature may be just a taste of what’s to come, as Stark says more (presumably over-the-air) updates remain on tap for the Varg. 

Even the most hard-core electric motorcycle skeptics will need to concede this is unprecedented, paradigm-shifting stuff.

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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