'World's fastest production bike' revealed

ELECTRIC bike maker Lightning Motorcycles has unveiled its LS-218 superbike at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering in California this weekend.

The US firm claim the bike makes over 200hp and 168lbft of torque and is the world’s fastest production motorcycle.

It takes its name from the top speed of 218mph recorded by a prototype race bike version at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2011, on the way to setting an official electric motorcycle land speed record of 215mph.

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.

‘It is time for Lightning to take this race-proven technology to market and pursue our win in the market place.

‘This preview was to give the public an early view of LS-218 and its capabilities.’

The official product launch will take place this summer.

Photos: Asphalt & Rubber