US ELECTRIC bike maker Lightning Motorcycles is promising to unveil the world’s fastest production motorcycle this Saturday.
The LS-218 electric superbike is claimed to make over 200hp and 168lbft.
It takes its name from the top speed of 218mph recorded by a prototype race bike version at Bonneville salt flats in 2011, on the way to setting an official electric motorcycle land speed record of 215mph.
So far only sketches of the final production version have been seen, along with this dimly lit teaser image.
Lightning Motorcycles says it will have a range of over 100 miles at ‘highway speeds’ and will recharge in as little as half an hour.
The firm 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’.
It’s taking orders now, starting at $38,888 (£23,037).
Richard Hatfield, Lightning’s CEO, said: ‘Since 2006 the Lightning team has been dedicated to developing electric motorcycles that meet and exceed the performance of the best induction combustion engine alternatives.'
The bike is due to be unveiled on May 17 at the Quail Motorsport Gathering in California.
