The Lightning Motorcycle’s LS-218 is set to make its debut at the Quail Motorsport Gathering in California tomorrow May 17. This motorcycle is the street version of the Lightning’s race bikes. The LS-218 share the similar power figures of the Lightning Motorcycle prototype which has recorded the top speed of 218 mph (350 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2011 and has an official electric motorcycle land speed record of 215 mph (346 km/h). Lightnng is the first electric vehicle to win a major motorsports event, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb against the other gasoline powered competitors.
The LS-218 is powered by a liquid-cooled, electric motor and will rev to 10,500rpm to produce over 200bhp of maximum power and 228Nm of twisting torque. It can be charged via a regular power outlet and in a single charge it is capable of running 100 miles (161 km). There will also be a fast 30-minute charge option at supporting outlets.
The US based manufacturer has started taking pre-orders at the price of $38,888. Hatfield, Lightning’s CEO said, “To have broad acceptance from the motorcyclist community, we need to provide design, performance and value that compete head to head with the best gasoline motorcycles on the market. We believe that the LS-218 offers consumers the best of design, performance and value in today’s market.” Lightning Motorcycles.
WEIGHT. 495 lbs
SUSPENSION.
Front: Öhlins FGRT inverted fork. Fully adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear: Billet aluminum swingarm with linear Öhlins TTX36 Shock and linkage system, Adjustment for preload, ride height, high and low speed compression and rebound
BRAKES. Dual Brembo 320mm disc; Brembo radial-mount forged 4-piston calipers. User programmable
WHEELS AND TIRES
Front: Marchesini forged magnesium 3.5″ x 17″, 120/70ZR17
Rear: Marchesini forged magnesium 6.0″ x 17″, 190/55ZR17
SEAT HEIGHT. 32 inches
Jay Leno will probably get the first one. Does he ever wear anything other than the blue denim shirts?
He wears a leather jacket too.
Yeah, thanks denny for turning this into a fashion forum….. Cosmo called, they want you to review the fall lineup…..