Who Cares That Lightning’s LS-218 Is Electric? It’s the Fastest Motorcycle Money Can Buy

Nice job with the name.

Electric motorcycle manufacturers Zero and Brammo have a bit of a rivalry. Brammo debuted the Enertia in 2007 as an inexpensive, low-speed way to buzz around town, then followed up with racier bikes like the Empulse. This year, Zero released it fast and torquey – 106 foot-pounds get it done – S, nicknamed Streetfighter, and took the lead. But Lightning Motorcycles, a new entrant to this small market, has begun sneaking up from behind. As of today, the Califoria marque has surged well in front of the competition. The LS-218, which won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb superbike category outright, is now for sale.

This morning, the first owner took delivery of his LS-218, slipping his key on a ring that also held a fob from another famous electric: the Tesla Model S. Like the Tesla, the Lightning offers speed freaks a new option: silent, cents-per-mile transportation in a machine as aggressive and attractive as its gas-drunk peers. For the record, the LS-218 beat a Ducati, an MV Agusta, and a BMW on that climb. This bike isn’t messing around.

Right now, with its 218 mph top speed and 200 horsepower motor, the LS-218 is king. The cost to join this royal family? $38,000. Think of it as prize money for a brand that’s done everything right.