Electric 2-wheeler manufacturer Lightning Motorcycles has unveiled its LS-218 superbike at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering event in California, USA. Designed by the person who has done motorcycles which most of us have in our garage, yup, he is none other than Glynn Kerr, the man who designed motorcycles for Bajaj Auto and created Pulsars and Discovers. He has created this sensual looking masterpiece. Done very well in this metallic blue, it ends up adding spice to the futuristic package. To us, it looks a wee bit inspired from MV Agusta, when we look at the front headlight cowl of the motorcycle.
The Lightning LS-218 produces over 200 BHP of power and 227 Nm of torque. Lightning Motorcycles says it will have a range of over 160 kms while doing speeds of 120 km/hr continuously and will recharge in as little as half an hour. All this and it is still capable of doing 350 km/hr. The bike has top notch equipment such as brass colour Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes. All this hardware even manages to look good with the well designed motorcycle and excellent paint scheme. The manufacturer claims it will be the highest performing street legal production motorcycle in the world and will change the minds of anyone doubting electric motorcycle performance.
The previous Lightning superbike boasts of some impressive accomplishments. Setting a land speed record of 215.907 km/hr in 2011 at the Bonneville Salt Flats and winning the prestigious Pike’s Peak last year. Want one? Priced at Rs 22,85,000/-, it is certainly not cheap because it doesn’t include the high 75% excise duty which our government has levied on imported motorcycles. Lightning Motorcycles are ready to answer any question given to them about this piece of technology rich product. The motorcycle will officially be launched by July 2014 and road tests will begin soon. If we can, we will try to review it for you too. This machine is definitely worth experiencing once in a life time.
