Stark Future has released the Varg MX 1.2, a major update to its electric motocross platform, introducing a range of performance, connectivity, and durability enhancements aimed at both racers and recreational riders.
Key improvements in the Varg MX 1.2 include a revised 80 hp powertrain with adjustable output from 10 to 80 hp, a new 7.2 kWh battery offering 20% more range, and a redesigned frame made from a stronger steel alloy that’s also 0.9 kg lighter. The chassis updates improve frame stiffness and feedback, while the updated motor improves thermal efficiency for extended riding.
Connectivity sees a major upgrade with the new Arkenstone unit — a handlebar-mounted, Android-powered display that doubles as a rugged smartphone. It enables wireless tuning, map switching, and introduces a new Laps feature, which allows GPS-based lap timing and terrain navigation.
Connectivity sees a major upgrade with the new Arkenstone unit — a handlebar-mounted, Android-powered display that doubles as a rugged smartphone.
“Racing is where weaknesses show and strengths are proven. With the Varg MX 1.2, we’ve used real competition and rider input to shape every improvement,” says Stark Racing Director Sébastien Tortelli.
Motocross veteran Kevin Windham praised the rideability after testing the bike: “It’s responsive, it’s predictable, and you can focus on riding instead of managing a machine. I could see this being the new normal sooner than people think.”
Additional updates include:
Redesigned gearbox with reduced weight and improved efficiency
Internally routed cables and overmolded wiring harness for durability
Updated KYB suspension with 310mm travel and customizable spring rates
New skid plate, biodegradable materials, and reinforced chain guide
Improved inner tubes and Brembo braking options
The Varg MX 1.2 is available globally through Stark’s dealer network, which now comprises over 500 authorized locations across North America, Europe, and Australia. Stark’s dealer strategy combines local support and demo availability with direct factory backing. The company has emphasized in-person rider engagement, offering test rides, on-site software tuning, and service through trained technicians at participating locations.
In the U.S., Stark is actively expanding its dealer presence, focusing on major motocross regions in California, Texas, Florida, and the Midwest. Dealers benefit from factory-supported training, marketing resources, and access to Stark’s connected diagnostics platform.
Stark’s dealer strategy combines local support and demo availability with direct factory backing. Stark also highlights reduced maintenance as a key advantage. Compared to gas-powered 450cc bikes, the company claims owners can save up to $5,000 over 100 hours of riding. A two-year full-bike warranty is included.
Two versions are available:
Standard (60hp) – $12,490 USD
Alpha (80hp) – $13,490 USD
(U.S. pricing excludes a $1,000 tariff)
Canadian electric mobility company Beachman has introduced its latest model, the Beachman ’64 — a retro-styled electric bike that combines the look of a classic 1960s café racer with modern performance and everyday usability. Priced at $4,800, the ’64 is now available to order and targets riders seeking a stylish, approachable alternative to traditional motorcycles and e-bikes.
Designed with motorcycle-inspired geometry and vintage lines, the ’64 features a performance-tuned frame and low-slung profile. It’s legally classified as a moped, enabling it to reach higher speeds than typical e-bikes while still remaining accessible to a wide range of riders.
The bike offers three ride modes:
E-Bike Mode (20 mph top speed)
Moped Mode (30 mph top speed)
Off-Road Mode (up to 45 mph)
Underneath the bodywork is a removable 2.88 kWh lithium-ion battery offering up to 55 miles of range. An optional 3.6 kWh battery extends that to 70 miles. Both battery options support regenerative braking and offer 80% fast charging in just three hours.
“We designed the ’64 to bring the spirit of vintage motorcycling into the modern era,” says Ben Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Beachman. “It’s a product that bridges the gap between e-bikes and motorcycles — simple to use, exhilarating to ride, and stylish enough to turn heads.”
The Beachman ’64 emphasizes minimalism and mechanical simplicity, avoiding the reliance on apps or software found in many modern e-bikes. With a twist throttle, classic instrumentation, and a durable steel chassis, the company says it aims to deliver a ride experience that’s both “intuitive and emotionally engaging.”
Beachman does sell through dealers, according to its website. The company is currently onboarding dealers across North America, with plans to expand to Europe and Australia in 2026.
LiveWire, the electric motorcycle Harley-Davidson launched in 2021, announced that Bartels’ Harley-Davidson Riding Academy in Marina del Rey, California, is the first new rider program in the U.S. to offer certified training on LiveWire’s all-electric S2 motorcycles.
This first-of-its-kind program removes the complexity of learning clutch and gear operation, allowing students to focus on balance, braking, and control from the onset of instruction. LiveWire’s electric motorcycles deliver smooth, intuitive acceleration and confident braking — all with the quiet assurance of an electric powertrain.
“This partnership is about breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of riders. By integrating LiveWire motorcycles into rider training, Bartels’ is redefining what it means to learn to ride — making it more accessible, more intuitive, and better aligned with the future of motorcycling,” says Karim Donnez, CEO of LiveWire.
Redefining the first ride
LiveWire’s clutch-free learning experience removes a common barrier for new riders, allowing them to focus on braking, cornering, and throttle control. To support safety and skill development, all S2 training bikes are equipped with custom frame protection kits developed by LiveWire and installed by Bartels’ Harley-Davidson. Each motorcycle also features software calibrated for new riders, including softened throttle response, adjusted regenerative braking, and enhanced traction control. This setup ensures a safe, controlled, and confidence-building experience — without compromising the performance and design that defines LiveWire.
Certified instruction, real-world credentials
Students at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson receive expert instruction from trainers certified by both the California Motorcyclist Safety Program and the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. Upon successful completion of the New Rider Course, graduates earn a Basic Rider Course completion card, providing a clear path to becoming a licensed motorcyclist.
A national vision for EV rider education
The training course at Marina del Rey is just the beginning. LiveWire plans to expand electric motorcycle training to additional riding academies across the country, supporting the brand’s mission to lead the transformation of motorcycling through electrification and make EV riding more accessible to a broader range of new riders.