We are truly living in the next era of two-wheeler innovation. Leading the way is Stark Future, a brand that is making waves in the off-road racing scene, but what we should be even more interested in are the free add-ons it is offering its customers. They are not just free; Stark owners don’t even need to visit a dealer to update to the latest technology.
Stark has improved its already popular VARG models by introducing Traction Control, which is clearly one of the most requested features by customers worldwide. This is really no surprise when you consider that the bikes can deliver approximately 691 lb-ft of maximum torque at the rear wheel. But having all that power is nothing if you can’t use it.
Available exclusively for Alfa models, Traction Control is already distributed to all Alfa riders via a free over-the-air software update. Unlike traditional motorcycles, where new functionality often requires new hardware or a new model year, Starkey riders receive improvements directly from headquarters via software updates.
Once customers update their software, Traction Control becomes fully integrated into the VARG ecosystem and can be adjusted independently within each power mode. Riders can select higher levels of intervention for maximum stability and grip, or select lower settings that allow more freedom and rear-wheel movement.
This feature and the fact that riders can get it as an over-the-air update are great things, but Stark deserves special praise for giving it to customers for free. Customers purchased his models without any guarantee that they would have TC, then Stark developed it and delivered it to them. You would think that if a company would have a subscription model or charge you for new features, it would be a new, tech-forward EV company. Thankfully, the Barcelona-based company hasn’t opted for cheap fruit at the expense of customer satisfaction; Unfortunately, this is not the case everywhere.
I like KTM motorcycles. I think they are adventurous, exciting and fast, which epitomizes what most motorcyclists crave. But given the current financial climate and seeing relatively new companies like Starck moving forward, I have to draw attention to the fact that the Austrian company is paying its customers up to $1,200 to unlock features that are already built into its motorcycles – which is a stark contrast to what VARG owners have just experienced.
I can’t imagine that riders will feel completely satisfied paying for features that are already on their bikes, and I hope that calling it out when it’s appropriate will one day help KTM get rid of the nonsense of asking customers to pay for a package to unlock pre-installed features.
