Lightning Ls-218
The Lightning Ls-218 has a top speed of 351 km/h, produces 200 hp (peak, electric motor; no traditional rpm rating — full power delivered across a broad range) and weighs 227 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.2/10.
La Lightning LS-218 fue presentada por Lightning Motorcycle en 2014 y llamó la atención de inmediato cuando estableció un récord de velocidad en tierra en las salinas de Bonneville, alcanzando 218 mph (351 km/h) y convirtiéndose en la motocicleta eléctrica de producción más rápida del mundo. Construida en San José (California), representó un logro histórico en cuanto al rendimiento de los vehículos eléctricos, ya que compitió directamente con las superbikes de primer nivel en cuanto a potencia. Sigue siendo notable por demostrar que las motocicletas eléctricas pueden superar a las superbikes de combustión interna en cuanto a velocidad máxima.
200 hp (peak, electric motor; no traditional rpm rating — full power delivered across a broad range)
Potencia
228 Nm (instant torque from 0 rpm, peak figure)
Torsión
227 kg
Peso
351 km/h
Velocidad máxima
Equivalent to approximately 1.5–2.5 kWh/km (range ~160–240 km per charge depending on riding conditions; no liquid fuel consumed)
Combustible
Carenado
Cuerpo
Video Review
Lo que los compradores deben saber
Record-Breaking Top Speed
The LS-218 holds the title of world's fastest production electric motorcycle, clocking 218 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This performance pedigree makes it a rare collector piece with strong long-term appeal.
Limited Production Risks
Lightning Motorcycles is a small California startup, which means parts availability and service support can be inconsistent. Buyers should verify the company's current operational status before purchasing, as supply chain issues have been a concern.
High Resale Retention
Due to extremely limited production numbers and its record-holding status, the LS-218 tends to hold value well compared to other electric motorcycles. Low mileage examples are particularly sought after by collectors.
Generaciones y especificaciones por año
Superbike eléctrica de producción inicial; velocidad máxima reclamada de 218 mph; motor de 200 hp; chasis de fibra de carbono.
Reseña de un comprador usado
"Extraordinary machine, terrifying ownership proposition — buy only with eyes open."
$28,000-$42,000 usedThe Lightning LS-218 is genuinely extraordinary hardware — 218mph is not marketing fiction, it's a land speed record. But buying one used means inheriting a machine from a company that's effectively gone dark, and that's the conversation nobody wants to have. Parts support is essentially nonexistent through official channels, and the software ecosystem is fragile. If something goes wrong with the proprietary inverter or battery management system, you're calling specialists who charge accordingly. That said, if you find one in good nick with low cycles on the pack and full service history, the riding experience is unlike anything else. The torque delivery is savage and immediate, the chassis is properly sorted, and it genuinely feels built rather than assembled. These aren't glorified e-bikes — they're serious performance machines with serious engineering behind them. Budget hard for contingencies. Get the battery health checked by someone who actually knows what they're looking at. And accept that you're buying a collector piece as much as a daily rider.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Lightning Ls-218 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Problemas comunes
🔥 2 CRITICALCheck range test, compare to original 100-mile spec
Test startup, look for error codes on display
Verify full charge cycle completes without errors
Research local EV shop experience with Lightning
✅Lista de verificación previa a la compra
Niche EV, parts scarce, battery condition critical
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Lightning Ls-218
Harley-davidson Livewire
Ducati Energica
Harley-davidson Livewire One
Zero Sr/f
Zero Sr/s
Compare Lightning Ls-218 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Lightning Ls-218 vs Harley-davidson Livewire
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Lightning Ls-218 vs Ducati Energica
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Lightning Ls-218 vs Harley-davidson Livewire One
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Lightning Ls-218 vs Zero Sr/f
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Lightning Ls-218 vs Zero Sr/s
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Lightning Ls-218 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Lightning Ls-218? +
Battery degradation reducing range significantly: Check range test, compare to original 100-mile spec (serious) | Motor controller failures causing no-start: Test startup, look for error codes on display (serious) | Charging system faults and port issues: Verify full charge cycle completes without errors (moderate)
Is the Lightning Ls-218 a good motorcycle? +
Extraordinary machine, terrifying ownership proposition — buy only with eyes open. Rating: 7.2/10. Best for: Tech-savvy collectors who wrench confidently themselves. Avoid if: You need reliable daily transportation or dealer support.
What is the horsepower of the Lightning Ls-218? +
The Lightning Ls-218 produces 200 hp (peak, electric motor; no traditional rpm rating — full power delivered across a broad range), with 228 Nm (instant torque from 0 rpm, peak figure) of torque. Top speed: 351 km/h.
Is the Lightning Ls-218 good for beginners? +
Not really — the Lightning Ls-218 is better for experienced riders (200 hp can be intimidating). Tech-savvy collectors who wrench confidently themselves Avoid if: You need reliable daily transportation or dealer support
Is the Lightning Ls-218 reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Lightning Ls-218, notably: Battery degradation reducing range significantly (Check range test, compare to original 100-mile spec). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Lightning Ls-218 good for daily use? +
Tech-savvy collectors who wrench confidently themselves Fuel: Equivalent to approximately 1.5–2.5 kWh/km (range ~160–240 km per charge depending on riding conditions; no liquid fuel consumed).
How fast is the Lightning Ls-218? +
The Lightning Ls-218 reaches a top speed of 351 km/h, producing 200 hp at 227 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Lightning Ls-218? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Lightning Ls-218, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/lightning/ls-218/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
