Ducati Monster Forum

And I got promised a test ride soon.  Got to love The Quail! 

No road vehicle needs a 218 mph (350 km/h) top speed. No motorcycle needs to make 200 horsepower, with as much torque as a Hyundai iMax people mover. These are figures of absolute excess – and that's the point. The Lightning LS-218 will be a truly, horrifyingly fast motorcycle, the fastest on the planet. And it's set for release this summer in America.

http://www.gizmag.com/lightning-ls218-unveiled-specs/32142/ (http://www.gizmag.com/lightning-ls218-unveiled-specs/32142/)

Well, if their actual performance comes comes anywhere close to their claimed performance, the days of gas engines for motorcycles are numbered. Now all we need are charging stations or battery swap stations to be as common as gas stations, and for economies of scale to bring the price in line with gas powered bikes.  I like gas engines, but I have no sentimental attachment to them. 

The best part about a future electric Ducati would be no expanding gas tank issues.   [laugh]

Why would run ride a vacuum cleaner?  [coffee]

I would very much like to see a vacuum cleaner that could do 200+ mph.

If Honda made vacuum cleaners I'm sure it wouldn't take long. They already have the fastest lawnmower.  ;)

It sure was odd to not hear it ride off from the podium at Quail.  However the pure seat of your pants power of an electric motor will be astounding.  Given it's win at Pikes Peak one can safely assume that the numbers are likely correct.  I spoke with them for quite a while and they are driven to show the world what can be done with electrics.

Personally, I think as batteries improve the range may exceed 400 miles in the next two years.  Can you imagine; no valves to adjust, no carbs to maintain.  All parts plug and play by the end user with no warranty issues.  I have to assume they will need to add a variety of rider aids so that a mere mortal does not wad it up in the first week.....

The stats are amazing for sure. But the weak point is still what it has always been for electric - batteries. Yes, you may get 400 miles from one charge, but it still will take a couple of hours for a recharge.

I'd still like to see one run in motogp just to see how it will stack up.

The sound is pretty scary:
http://youtu.be/oCMUGxXW64o (http://youtu.be/oCMUGxXW64o)

It needs a dry clutch... [evil]

No clutch!  Just two speeds high and low both, from a handlebar switch....

Here's two, take your pick!

(http://www.autodrome-cannes.com/chaparral_2j_laguna_seca.jpg)

(http://startinggrid.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/114578525_2098864028_o.jpg)

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Well played, sir. Well played.

If it's still around when I can afford it ... Im in.

Lets see, After 20 years of dealer valve adjustments the bike is free.  That is of course, only if you are paying for Ducati Valves lol.!!   ;D

I'm a big fan of electric vehicle technology. As much as I love the sound of a ducati engine, I like the idea of a nearly silent bike even better. As I get older, I love the thought of one day being able to tour through beautiful parts of the world with little noise, however, it appears we're a long way off from having batteries with both long range and quick charging capabilities.

I'm sure someone will figure it out some day and when it happens, I will buy an electric touring bike. Of course being of thrifty Scots ancestry, I will have to wait for about 5 years after it happens so I can pick up a nice used model.

I have surprised kangaroos sneaking up on them on my mountain bike and that's at speeds under 30 miles/hr......want good reflexes at 70!

Sorry..., but what is the attaction..., riding a fork lift? ;D

I've actually spent a good amount of time on ebikes this summer and I have to say I'm a pretty big convert... it's one of those incredibly hard things to describe but after a ride on the Mission RS you get it.  It's like everything you ever wanted from your bikes engine... perfectly smooth and having no clutch actually makes you a faster safer rider.

That being said, I'm pretty skeptical of this bike's claims... the current prototype looks pretty hacked together and this is no where near the kind of bike that will be able to hit 218... this bike is not related in anyway to the bike that set that record.  Not to mention the size of the battery pack and power ratings... unless they plan on pumping it full of super capacitors I'm dont see how they can get a battery that resembles any kind of real world range while providing the c rates needed to get the ratings they are stating.

Also... the other thing that worries me were the rumors I heard about the Pikes Peak run they had.  From what I heard from some people in the paddock, the bike was a mess.  As in it wouldnt turn at all and was kind of terrifying.  Supposedly the whole paddock pitched in to make sure it was set up correctly because it was just dangerous at that point.  And the reason they didnt go to Laguna for the races afterwards was because the bike was shot after.

Either way I'd love to see it come to life but like I said... I'm skeptical of Lightning's claims.

The attraction for me is the experience.  If this bike comes even close to it's claims the "ride" will be unique and yes, most likely terrifying!

As much as I love the roar of the pipes coming through the canyons I also love the ability to be stealthy.  It's a real conflict for me.  Either way I have been offered a test ride in the near future and will hopefully be able to come back here and post up some thoughts, providing I live through the experience.....

Don't worry, they will be replaced with melting/burning battrey packs  :P

You laugh.

With the number of regulator/rectifiers the members of this board ALONE have gone through...