Lightning Motorcycles have unveiled their new electric motorcycle Lightning LS-218. The California-based company claims it to be the world’s fastest production electric bike making it stand next to the MV Agusta F4 R 312, which is currently the fastest petrol-powered production motorcycle.
The bike was unveiled at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering in California when the manufacturer disclosed that they spent six years in the development of the motorcycle. The electric was thoroughly tested both on roads as well as on the race tracks. The prototype version of the LS-218 was taken to the salt plains of Bonneville during the 2011 Speed Week when it did a top whack of 347.47kmph. On the other hand the fastest bike on sale today, the MV Agusta F4 R 312, has a top speed of 310.99kmph.
The swanky looking motorcycle is a completely electric bike, weighs 225kg and boasts of twin Brembo brakes in the front and a single at rear. Another highlight is the carbon fibre swing arm and frame with titanium fasteners. The company will offer a wide variety of functions to consumers like a fully programmable Android display, custom graphic wrap and seating.
The Lightning LS-218 is powered by a liquid cooled direct drive electric motor that produces 202.78PS of power and 227.78Nm of torque. It can do the 0 to 100kmph sprint in less than three seconds.
The company offers three battery options, with the standard battery pack (380V, 12kwh) providing a range of 160km to 200km at highway speeds. With another battery pack (380V, 15kwh) the motorcycle goes up to 200 to 240kmph while with a 380V, 15kwh battery, the bike can run for 260-290kms. A full charge can take two hour and, these batteries can be charged quickly to 80 per cent of their capacity within half an hour.
The company will officially launch the Lightning LS-218 later this year and has currently started accepting bookings for the motorcycle. The bike costs $38,888 which comes close to Rs 23 lakh.
Source: Topspeed.com
