If you thought you were high last weekend, you’ve got nothing on this Stark electric motorcycle. The bike, with Swiss adventurer Jiri Zak in the saddle, has just set a world record for altitude. Not just for electric motorcycles, but for motorcycles of all types.
It’s a Long Way to the Top
On Nov. 30, Zak hopped on the Stark Varg EX and headed for the top of Los Ojos del Salado. It’s the world’s highest active volcano, and it’s also the place to go for setting high-altitude records.
The 22,614-foot volcano straddles the border between Chile and Argentina. It’s somehow the ideal place for driving higher than anyone has ever driven before, and it’s been home to loads of record attempts.
A Mercedes Unimog made it 21,962 feet up to set a record for wheeled vehicles that has since been broken by a Porsche 911. Two-wheelers have allegedly crossed the 22,165-foot mark before, and Zak himself set a record on the volcano on a motorcycle in 2020.
One brave soul even ran up the mountain, making it 54 km (33.6 miles) from base camp to the top and back in 9.5 hours.
Stark Varg Made It Beyond 22,000 Feet
Zak made it to 22,050 feet up the mountain on his Stark Varg electric motorcycle. That’s the world altitude record for motorcycles according to Guinness World Records. While there are claims of higher, Guinness recognized attempts need things like GPS calibration certifications and independent monitoring.
It’s one heck of an accomplishment for Zak and Varg, though it’s going to be extremely frustrating for Tomás Rencoret Sr. and Jr., and Francisco Rencoret. They set the prior Guinness record at 21,781 feet just 5 days earlier on the same mountain. At least their record stands while this one waits for final verification.
Only the Rider Needs Oxygen on This Record-Setting Bike
The Varg EX was bone stock, Stark said. The electric bike doesn’t need to worry about losing power at altitude like a gas-powered one, but it does need to deal with extreme cold and rough terrain. Plus, the rider needs to be ready for handling that terrain in the thin air.
We know someone else will try to go higher, but there isn’t much volcano left to climb. Ojos del Salado is only around 600 feet higher at its peak of 22,614 feet. Maybe it will take some more activity to raise the peak of the volcano for the next attempt.
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