Lightning LS-218 heads for production

TheBeastie · Post by **TheBeastie** » May 20 2014 1:11pm

Forgive me if this has been posted elsewhere or is old news, I saw it on Engadget today so I figured it must be noteworthy.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/20/ligh ... -revealed/
http://www.gizmag.com/lightning-ls218-u ... ecs/32142/

The Lightning LS-218 boasts a model number that actually means something. Back in 2012, a prototype of the electric bike clocked in a wholly unnecessary (yet much appreciated) 218mph, helping it to win at Pikes Peak and setting it up to become the world's fastest production motorcycle. The finished version is now ready to make good on that promise, having just been revealed at the Quail Motorsport Gathering in California, prior to a scheduled launch in the summer -- at which point it'll likely cost upwards of $38,000.

I like this last note from Gizmag.

Electric bikes are exceptionally practical, we know that already, but this is the kind of machine that will take them to the next level: fearsome and drool-worthy. If I could take any bike in the world out for a test today, this would be the top of the list.

LockH · Post by **LockH** » May 22 2014 4:15am

LS-218 now posted on "inhabitat" (design will save the world):
http://inhabitat.com/the-lightning-ls-2 ... the-world/

Writer describes the 500lb bike as "an insanely fast motorcycle"... perhaps without thinking about what they are saying.

Arlo1 · Post by **Arlo1** » May 22 2014 10:26am

This is a very good thing. In order to win over the masses we need things that are electric and can compeat with their ICE equivalents and win this is what lightning has done. No not all problems will be solved this way but the fact it is the fastest and electric will show the world electrics do not have to be boring and slow.

Falco · Post by **Falco** » May 22 2014 10:34am

This bike is too much bike for me!!

Words i never thought i would utter

Its exactly what will seal the deal and end all arguments about electric vs petrol IMHO. I would like abit more power from my zero sr but this thing is a demon with 60% more torque and 300% more power. Its scary/exciting to think where it will end now.

LockH · Post by **LockH** » May 22 2014 10:52am

Further proof that it IS more "eco friendly" to be run over by a bettery-electric bike! Hey, I'm sold.

arkmundi · Post by **arkmundi** » May 22 2014 11:21am

When I finally give in to my death-wish, I believe this may be the way to go!

LockH · Post by **LockH** » May 22 2014 11:27am

In pre-production, I heard the bike was to come with some spare parts.

(Marketing won. Spare arms and legs etc might have send the wrong message. Plan B, buyers can pay extra for limited health insurance. And a nurse.)

dirkdiggler · Post by **dirkdiggler** » May 22 2014 12:52pm

The only ways for electrics to get market share from ICE are price and performance. People pay more for things that are better, faster or last longer. People buy things that are cheaper if they feel the difference between the two products won't matter to them. Most EV's are still more expense then ICE, performance is where the manufacturers should be concentrating. If the Tesla was faster than a 911 TT, but cost the same 160k, people would be inclined to at least take a serious look at it.

LockH · Post by **LockH** » May 22 2014 1:11pm

"top speed of 216 mph"

So, more than twice faster than local urban speed limits. Oh boy! I look like a racer now! Look at me!

arkmundi · Post by **arkmundi** » May 22 2014 1:19pm

It just needs to be faster and more agile than the local police!

Regarding price performance, it bears repeating, very often, especially for the uninitiated, that price needs to be calculated on a total lifetime cost basis, including fuel. Whenever I do that calculation I'm amazed at how much I'm saving over an ICEr. Sometimes folks who are considering their transportation options may need a little help going through that comparative calculation. Its why in day one of the eBike workshop I'm conducting at Technocopia, I have my students do that calculation, to elucidate and so they have further incentive to complete. If they're going to save several thousand in year one, then its a matter of shifting the investment and be willing to buy quality.

LockH · Post by **LockH** » May 22 2014 2:35pm

Plus One on above. Better inform students subject involves "rocket science", w/complicated stuff involving physics and chemistry. And "mathematics".

Hillhater · Post by **Hillhater** » May 22 2014 5:49pm

arkmundi wrote:It just needs to be faster and more agile than the local police!

Regarding price performance, it bears repeating, very often, especially for the uninitiated, that price needs to be calculated on a total lifetime cost basis, including fuel. Whenever I do that calculation I'm amazed at how much I'm saving over an ICEr. Sometimes folks who are considering their transportation options may need a little help going through that comparative calculation. Its why in day one of the eBike workshop I'm conducting at Technocopia, I have my students do that calculation, to elucidate and so they have further incentive to complete. If they're going to save several thousand in year one, then its a matter of shifting the investment and be willing to buy quality.

Fuel is not necessarily the biggest saving..
City living has several costs that can be reduced or avoided by EVs.
Tolls are a far bigger expense than fuel for me, $10 -$20 daily , and together with parking, can easily add up to $4-$5k per year !!
Some cities will wave those charges for EV's

dirkdiggler · Post by **dirkdiggler** » May 22 2014 6:50pm

I was going to say that fuel savings don't amount to much on an ICE motorcycle. Most get over 60mpg already. Maintenance costs are big in the long run, but not much on motorcycles. You do get some fees waived, but every one else is just paying them for you through taxes. I don't think the let EV's get free tolls, am I wrong? I know you get free parking and hov lane use. Motorcycles get that anyway.
I'd think the 216 mph mark is mainly for the track. My car goes 190, but never reached that point and don't want to. Others do, but you risk your life and others if you aren't on a track. Its just nice to know you can

I've always thought it weird they advertise cars 0-100 times when that doesn't matter inside the law.

Hillhater · Post by **Hillhater** » May 22 2014 10:50pm

dirkdiggler wrote: ... I don't think the let EV's get free tolls, am I wrong? ...

It varies from city to city..
London for instance,.. has a 10 pound/day "Congestion charge", that EV's are exempt from, and some free parking for EV's
If you have to commute to that city every day, that would be quite a saving !
Many cities are planning to adopt the London congestion model to relieve traffic.

In Sydney, from where i live to the city (just 2km) happens to incurr a toll of $4 in and $7 out, each day.. which even moto's have to pay.
If you had to park in the city, costs are horrendous...$6 per hour typically.

My Ebike can use the cycle tracks which are toll free ...(at the moment..but its only a matter of time before some smart council dik figures out a toll system !)

Punx0r · Post by **Punx0r** » May 23 2014 1:46pm

ICE motorcycles are also exempt from the London congestion charge

ReadyToRace · Post by **ReadyToRace** » Jul 30 2015 1:31am

Seems to be a very nice bike! Can anyone explain to my why the bigger battery 20kWh only adds around 20kg?! This 8kWh more would result in around 400Wh/kg for the cells not including the housing. This value seems far to high for the battery technology(LMNC) they are using...

Post by **jonescg** » Jul 30 2015 4:53am

Cause lots of stuff has been said about this bike, and not all of it has been verified. Have there been any more than three bikes delivered to customers?

I can't wait to see Voltron beat one at the track

Mike Edwards · Post by **Mike Edwards** » Aug 21 2015 3:03pm

jonescg wrote:Cause lots of stuff has been said about this bike, and not all of it has been verified. Have there been any more than three bikes delivered to customers?

Well the first one that was sold wasn't a new build so just the two bikes then...

major · Post by **major** » Aug 21 2015 8:26pm

jonescg wrote: I can't wait to see Voltron beat one at the track

Hey Jones,

You don't have to wait. Just take Voltron out to a LSR meet and beat our record. You have some nice big flats down there and I've heard of LSR being run there. Great experience. Go for it.

major wrote:
Seriousknot wrote:The record is a tad over 215 mph at Bonneville....
That would be 215.960 mph. Here's the crew:

ThreeAmigos.jpg
Paul Thede at work:

BV2011AtSpeed.jpg

And the time slip for the record back up:

TimeSlip218c.jpg

Post by **liveforphysics** » Aug 21 2015 8:49pm

As a man who has enjoyed the pleasure of watching the Lightning race bikes perform, I can assure you it's a worthy opponent for any 2 wheel machine at any power level.

Just feeling the vortex of wind hit you as it goes by with the front wheel bouncing up while it's already in triple digit speeds is enough to convert anyone into an electric power believer.

Post by **jonescg** » Aug 22 2015 7:53am

major wrote: Hey Jones,

You don't have to wait. Just take Voltron out to a LSR meet and beat our record. You have some nice big flats down there and I've heard of LSR being run there. Great experience. Go for it.

I meant at the racetrack. I'm sure we could hit the same speeds at Lake Gairdner with Voltron. We know these machines are fast in a straight line, but I've not seen any recent lap times from Lightning at any US racetracks.

major · Post by **major** » Aug 22 2015 9:46am

jonescg wrote:
major wrote: Hey Jones,

You don't have to wait. Just take Voltron out to a LSR meet and beat our record. You have some nice big flats down there and I've heard of LSR being run there. Great experience. Go for it.
I meant at the racetrack. I'm sure we could hit the same speeds at Lake Gairdner with Voltron. We know these machines are fast in a straight line, but I've not seen any recent lap times from Lightning at any US racetracks.

Saying you're sure about something and actually doing it are two completely different things.

I got totally fed up with TTXGP and left after 2012. Richard went on to win at Le Mans and Pikes Peak. I don't think he's been on the track since. And I haven't heard any plans to do so. I'd like to see some customers start tracking the Lightnings. Have one of your mates buy one to run against you. The guys in San Carlos would love to build it.

Hillhater · Post by **Hillhater** » Aug 22 2015 9:57pm

Comparing LSR bikes to Circuit Race bikes is pointless.
They are totally different challenges requiring totally different solutions.
Drag racing, motocross and trials , would be other specialist bike competitions that are equally non comparable.

Post by **jonescg** » Aug 23 2015 4:57am

That, and I just don't have any interest in entering Voltron into an LSR event. It's a one-of, and the risk of a corrosive, abrasive excursion is high. I would love to see a Lightning bike on track though. We'll never know how e-moto development has progressed until all these machines go head to head.

My aim is to make Voltron faster than a superbike. It will probably take another chassis, or as Ripperton alluded to, cutting and welding the frame to make it stop and turn better. There are now more motor options out there than when I first put it together, so it's a great time to be building.

mistercrash · Post by **mistercrash** » Aug 23 2015 10:13am

I get so excited when I read or hear news like this, and then I see the price tag

I get caught every time.

It's an amazing machine, but like arkmundi mentioned, if the price is calculated on a total lifetime cost basis to explain the predicted $38 000 price tag, then only a few rich people will buy it. Electric is better in every way, we know that. Only when EVs are offered at a comparable price to ICEs will EVs become mainstream. I wish I lived to see it but I don't believe I will. Until then, they will remain a niche market for peeps with deep enough pockets. And in the case of the Lightning, a death wish

That bike sure is a beautiful thing.

Endless Sphere

Lightning LS-218 heads for production

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