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Lightning LS-218 Fastest production electric moto

Abyss said:
That doesn't mean the design is crap, it means battery technology is crap. Not to mention "several years ago" is like a lifetime ago in terms of electric vehicle innovation. If you've ever seen the movie Charge about the electric Isle of Man TT (yes, it's a thing) many of the bikes did not finish. Now, most all of them finish. The learning curve is extremely steep compared to conventional motorcycles.

Regardless, there will be a point where squeezing an extra few HP out of an IC engine will be more of a hassle than just building an electric bike, and when that day comes, the IC engine will sound its death knell. That could be as soon as battery technology gives electric bikes similar range, which isn't more than a few years off.
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Agreed. It's all battery tech at this point. If there's a quantum leap the IC motors are toast.
 
"Of all the battery companies that we're talking with, everyone is working on 300, 400 watt-hour per kilo batteries – that's twice the run time, twice the energy density, twice the range of the very best batteries that are available now. They're in the bench for one reason or another, maybe it needs more cycle time, maybe they need to squeeze some of the cost out … There are a variety of different issues that have to be resolved, but there's so many really bright people and so much money pursuing it that it'll be really surprising if we don't see those types of things soon."
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This quote plus judging from the exponential growth in the last 4 years in battery life/power/longevity I'd say your 'quantum leap' phrasing is a big hyperbolic and in reality the steady evolution and growth is happening. Dynamic performance is already there. Once the next gen of batteries gets out and the costs come down to be on par or even less than IC... then its time to relegate yer IC to the nostalgia corner.
 
At the price points those electric bikes are selling the better start using TITANIUM/CF in every possible component. At least the bike would come out lighter and more EXOTIC so the $$ spent would feel worth while.
 
The Lightening is an awesome E-bike.
Performance is unmatched in the (production) E-bike world.

afm199 said:
Agreed. It's all battery tech at this point. If there's a quantum leap the IC motors are toast.
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Totally this.
Battery tech needs (at least) four big step improvements.
1. Power density.
2. Weight
3. Recharge time.
4. Cost

NTron3000 said:
Maybe I wasn't clear enough. My apologies. The bikes looks do not 'look' like 40k worth of modern awesomeness. The 'looks' of the bike are crap. Would have no problem saying that to the designer, you, your friend, whoever, over a beer either, hell I'd welcome it. 'Design' can of course mean much more so if you thought I was talking about dynamic performance 'design' in no way can I talk any trash about that - though of course I can't judge because I have not ridden the thing but all reports say 'hells yeah'. And in case I really wasn't clear enough I talk trash because I really really want these to succeed and I hate to see staid design be an achilles heal. I think not giving this thing a fresh design 'is very short sighted' quite frankly. Truth is if I had 40k to burn it's a vanity piece and I'd probably pass on this model. Tesla, Apple, hell even Beats did it right by starting with great looking designs that create desire outside of raw performance...
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What exactly bothers you about the "looks".
To me it seems like a close copy to many Sportbikes. Or Superbikes... if you will.
Is it because it's not "open" like the (nearly $40K) Ducati's?
Is it the multi headlights?
Or the body work?
Please elaborate on what turns you off on it's looks.
I am really curious.

As some here know I was a Nationwide support tech for Zero Motorcycles.
I learned a lot. The Good. The Bad and the Ugly.
This knowledge does give me some insight to the trials and tribulations of performance E-bikes.

afm199 said:
I have serious doubts about that 180 mile range. I suspect that's at 50 mph in the city, and that at 75 mph on the freeway you'd be lucky to get 100 miles. Very lucky. Interesting that the mag talked about "200HP" and not about utilization of power, speed, and wind drag.
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This is most likely true.
Range testing is done by using a Federal standard software running test on a Dyno. It does not peak out nor stress test the bikes. It runs at a mostly set speed (sub 50mph) on a level surface. No rider. No wind resistance. No elevation changes.
IOW... optimized for best possible range.
 
I think its a great looking bike and the tech is amazing!

If I had the 39k to buy one, I would. So I eagerly await the costs to come down and the capabilities to come up.
 
afm199 said:
Agreed. It's all battery tech at this point. If there's a quantum leap the IC motors are toast.
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Right, this is why I say they're getting really close, as in close to me considering them. A realistic (read, real world scenario) range and not the "claimed range" along with a decent recharge time are critical for them to be considered a practical alternative. So yeah. battery technology is holding them back unfortunately.
 
Thanks for the clarification Ntron

I have seen the bike close up and it is well put together.

Fit and function appear to be top notch stuff. Sure it is 39K. It is a hand built machine in essence and they are making a limited amount. Look at the gookish bike that Keana Reeves is doing for almost twice as much. Some folks have money to burn. Some don't.

If you don't then your not buying a 39K E bike. :laughing

I think the bike is stunningly beautiful. Hardcore lines like a MV in ways.
So different tastes. I cannot own one because of two things.

1. It just does not have the range ... yet.
2. I cannot fit!!! Too old and fat. :laughing

okay 3.

3. I don't have 39K to burn.

Mr. Hatfield has an awesome platform to build on.
 
Every time I look at my gixxer, I feel so disappointed that it's not a rad electric bike. It's official... this is my new up-the-butt bike :teeth

Looks even cooler without a lower cowl!

Lightning-LS-218+teaser-enhanced.jpg
 
Here's the GizMag interview with Richard Hatfield. It's a little dry but it's great details wise. 23min


[youtube]bWqrASC7sxw[/youtube]


Here's the article
 
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He was on an episode of Jay Leno's Garage too. The range is heavily dependent on how you ride it. Flat out, it was something like 50 miles. Still very cool, and a torque monster.
 
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