In the rugged heights of the Andes, where thin air tests both man and machine, a Swiss adventurer named Jiri Zak pushed the limits of what's possible on two wheels. Riding a Stark Varg, the world's most potent electric dirt bike, Zak shattered expectations by climbing to an astonishing 22,000 feet—setting a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude ever reached by a motorcycle. This feat didn't just rewrite the books; it showcased how electric power is opening doors that gas engines could never crack.
The Stark Varg stands out in a world of off-road machines. It's not just about raw muscle—though it packs more horsepower and torque than most diesel trucks out there. What makes it special is how it changes the game for riders looking to explore uncharted territory. This bike encourages you to carve your own trails, hone your skills on the basics, and chase horizons that feel out of reach. Riders who get their hands on one often find it transforms their approach to the sport, turning routine outings into unforgettable journeys into wild, unknown places.
Unlike traditional gas-powered bikes, the Varg brings unique advantages that make extreme challenges more doable. There's no risk of stalling the engine from a botched clutch move, which keeps things smooth even in tricky spots. It can plow through water up to seat level without a hitch, thanks to its sealed design. And crucially, since it doesn't rely on air intake like a combustion engine, it thrives where others falter. At high elevations, gas bikes gasp for oxygen, losing power as the atmosphere thins out—much like a hiker struggling to breathe. But electric vehicles like the Varg? They deliver consistent punch no matter how high you go, making them ideal for breaking barriers.
That's exactly what happened when Stark teamed up with Zak for this daring expedition. The target was Ojos del Salado, a towering volcano in the Andes that peaks at 6,893 meters. Zak aimed for a record altitude of 6,721 meters on the Stark Varg EX, a fully electric model built for endurance. To keep everything above board, the team calibrated and certified their GPS devices on November 27. Just three days later, on November 30, Zak tackled the climb and nailed it without a flaw. The company is now pulling together the final numbers from those GPS units, along with witness accounts and logs, all set for independent review before the official stamp.
This isn't the first time folks have chased altitude glory—it's become a badge of honor in the automotive world, kind of like lapping the Nurburgring in Germany for speed demons. Over the years, big names like Porsche and Yamaha have taken shots at similar records, proving their engineering mettle. Even the old Top Gear crew—Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May—gave it a go back in the day, chewing coca leaves to fend off altitude sickness in the process. Zak, however, skipped that route, relying instead on preparation, trust in his crew, and the Varg's unyielding performance.
"Two years ago this was just a dream, do it on an electric bike, where combustion loses its breath," said Zak. "Ojos is unforgiving; one mistake can cost your life. That’s why I’m here with a team I trust and a motorcycle that keeps delivering power in thin air.."
Zak's words capture the essence of the adventure: the thrill of turning a wild idea into reality, especially in a place as brutal as Ojos del Salado. The volcano's harsh terrain—rocky slopes, biting cold, and unpredictable conditions—demands respect. One slip could end it all, but with the right machine under him, Zak stayed in control. The Varg's electric setup meant no power fade, no choking engine, just steady torque to grind through the ascent. It's a reminder that technology isn't just about gadgets; it's about enabling guys to test themselves against nature's toughest obstacles.
Looking back, records like this highlight a shift in the riding world. Gas engines have their place, but electrics are proving they can handle extremes that once seemed impossible. For riders who've spent years battling carburetor issues or fuel mix problems at elevation, the Varg offers a fresh start—no more lugging a weakened bike like dead weight. It's about getting out there, feeling the rush of discovery, and coming back with stories that inspire others to gear up and go.
Zak's achievement on the Stark Varg isn't just a number in a record book; it's a call to adventure for anyone who's ever stared at a distant peak and wondered what's up there. As electric bikes like this evolve, expect more boundaries to fall, more trails to open, and more riders to find that spark of exploration again. In the end, it's proof that with the right tools, you can reach heights you never thought possible—and come back ready for the next challenge.
