Langan Working on 300bhp Lightspeed Turbo
As well as the limited edition Langan LS12 Lightspeed Turbo, the firm is also eyeing expansion into global markets
Langan has today announced its most ambitious project to date, as a turbocharged version of its Lightspeed super naked has been revealed.
Langan made its name building its featherlight and funky V-twin Two Stroke models, which were followed up by the Lightspeed, unveiled at Motorcycle Live in 2023. Powered by a Rotax engine and pumping out a claimed 185bhp, the second Langen model proved the Wigan brand was more than just a one-trick pony.
It isn’t stopping there though, as it today revealed the plans for its third model, a turbocharged version of the existing Lightspeed. Codenamed the LS12 Lightspeed Turbo, the new bike takes the current Lightspeed model and bolts on a thumping turbocharger to boost power to more than the existing (and already potent) 185bhp. Confirmed specs for the engine aren’t yet published, but Langan states that early dyno tests show that a ‘Road Mode’ with around 250bhp is realistic, going on to claim that full power mode should provide it with approximately 300bhp. Langen’s aim with the bike is to cement its place in the history books, allowing it to claim the title of the ‘World's fastest production motorcycle’.
Like the existing Lightspeed it is based on, the new forced induction bike makes extensive use of carbon fibre, like in its custom bodywork, while CNC machined jewellery features from front to back. The front suspension comes courtesy of the good people at Ohlins, while Hel Performance callipers bite down on twin 320mm floating discs.
The new bike is stated to be much more than simply a concept, with preliminary dyno tests already happening, Langen now wants to begin testing the bike, with runs at Santa Pod slated to take place later this year. The bike will then be produced in super-limited numbers, likely with an equally exclusive price tag.
Langen expansion powered by investment
The firm is also looking at expanding into new markets, and to speed up the development and delivery of its existing Lightspeed model, and the new turbocharged bike. Crowdfunding is set to begin in February, and run until March, allowing fans of the brand, and supporters of British engineering in general, to be a part of the journey.
“We have spent the last 18 months preparing for this stage so that we are ready to go at full throttle alongside an investment injection.” Said Christofer Ratcliffe, Langen Motorcycles Founder. “It had been a dream of mine for many years to invest into a British motorcycle company, to feel a sense of ownership of something I am incredibly passionate about, which eventually resulted in the creation of Langen Motorcycles. It is this sentiment that has led to us opening up the opportunity for everybody who is passionate about motorcycles to become a Langen shareholder and, not only a part of our journey and growth, but a part of Motorcycle history.”
More information on the bike and the crowdfunding can be found on the official website.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
