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[mistasam]

I popped over to Lightning for a visit with Richard to see the Strike.  It looks really impressive, and I can't wait to ride one!  He said they'll have a demo bike ready at the end of July (I assume the one I'm sitting on) and Carbon deliveries will happen around the same time / early August.  He also showed me the color options, which are Blue, Yellow, and White.

Some other interesting info is that it is in fact belt driven, and has a reduction gear.  I got him to turn it on and spin the wheel, and at low speed it's completely silent, like a Tesla.  No cogging noise like the Zero.  At higher speed, it sounds soooo insane.  Ergonomics are similar to an R6.. seat was pretty comfy for how small it is.  It also has a key fob instead of a physical key you insert somewhere.  I'm super excited about this bike, and have a deposit down for one.. but I have to wait a while before I can take the plunge.

[ultrarnr]

mistasam,

You should try to convince Lightning to update their web site. There is still very little info on the Strike and what is there is buried so deep few will ever be able to find it. It looks like the LS-218 is still the only bike that Lightning is trying to sell.

[NEW2elec]

mistasam,

You should try to convince Lightning to update their web site. There is still very little info on the Strike and what is there is buried so deep few will ever be able to find it. It looks like the LS-218 is still the only bike that Lightning is trying to sell.

+1 Ultrarnr

Mistasam, your the Newzeroland guy right?  Man your all over the place (NZ-CA).
Well it's good to see a forum member being able to give an inside scoop and please keep everyone posted on bike reviews through the process and first rides.
I'd also like to ask if you saw any bikes being built?  I mean frames over here batteries over there, or just fully made bikes coming in and putting the mirrors and such on them.

[mistasam]

Unfortunately I haven't seen the production line recently.  As far as I know, the major components are made in China and assembled in California, but the fairings and seats and internal bits of the motor are made in the US (fairings are made at the shop in San Jose).  I'll try and keep in touch with them, but I had to put my reservation on hold for a while (everything is kinda on hold.. youtube, New Zealand stuff, etc) so my spot in line will be going to someone else.

I know there are a few Zero riders who've placed orders for these, so they'll be sharing more info in a few months.  Once they have a test bike ready, all the magazines have reviews of it.  And yeah, they need to update their website and seriously work on the marketing!

[NEW2elec]

Ok man, you sound a little down, I hope everything is ok.  You seem so chill and cool on the YT channel so I'm sure things will work out well.

[Redblade]

I've been emailing Dave from Lightning the past few days since I've been on the fence between cancelling my Zero SR/F and getting the Lightning Strike Carbon Edition. Seems like if you order the carbon edition today, expect August/September delivery (if they are anything like Zero...I would expect at least 3 months past September). They also seem to be working on a dealer network (which is the main reason I went with the Zero, 10 minute drive from my house).

If Lightning gets a dealer near me, I will possibly trade in my Zero SR/F and pickup the carbon edition.

[ultrarnr]

Redblade, You should ask your Zero dealer if they would consider becoming a Lightning dealer. I have talked with my Zero/Energica dealer and they have no interest in Lightning which is not a good sign at all. There are other dealers out there that sell both Zero and Energica and they should be the first one's Lightning should approach about becoming dealers because it is obvious they know a thing or two about selling electric motorcycles. Just because you can design and produce an awesome electric motorcycle doesn't mean you are going to be successful. Without the right people marketing that awesome electric motorcycle you will fail miserably and this is the path Lightning is going down.

[Richard230]

Redblade, You should ask your Zero dealer if they would consider becoming a Lightning dealer. I have talked with my Zero/Energica dealer and they have no interest in Lightning which is not a good sign at all. There are other dealers out there that sell both Zero and Energica and they should be the first one's Lightning should approach about becoming dealers because it is obvious they know a thing or two about selling electric motorcycles. Just because you can design and produce an awesome electric motorcycle doesn't mean you are going to be successful. Without the right people marketing that awesome electric motorcycle you will fail miserably and this is the path Lightning is going down.

You mean like Mission Motors, Alta, Brammo and Victory, to name some obvious examples?   

[Redblade]

Redblade, You should ask your Zero dealer if they would consider becoming a Lightning dealer. I have talked with my Zero/Energica dealer and they have no interest in Lightning which is not a good sign at all. There are other dealers out there that sell both Zero and Energica and they should be the first one's Lightning should approach about becoming dealers because it is obvious they know a thing or two about selling electric motorcycles. Just because you can design and produce an awesome electric motorcycle doesn't mean you are going to be successful. Without the right people marketing that awesome electric motorcycle you will fail miserably and this is the path Lightning is going down.

I may just do that, good idea!

[NEW2elec]

So I found a link to this podcast on the Lightning FB page.  Mostly talking about company history and milestones and a little lite on Strike info but at the end of the interview there is some very interesting project developments in charge time.  As in 5mins to 75% (in the lab).

So the call to Richard starts at 45:30 to about the 1:12:53 mark.  I still wish they would just make a video showing off the bike but maybe they are just teasing what it is until they start shipping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7pJbpEbSdA&feature=youtu.be

[togo]

"4.    Acknowledgements; ... You understand that we will not hold your Reservation Payment separately or in an escrow or trust fund ..."

Wow, to give $10,000 to a small startup with no escrow... if they fold you lose it.

[Fran K]

"4.    Acknowledgements; ... You understand that we will not hold your Reservation Payment separately or in an escrow or trust fund ..."

Wow, to give $10,000 to a small startup with no escrow... if they fold you lose it.

It really speaks to the credibility of folks writing articles that get linked on here. Omitting such stuff, motley fool article probably the most egregious about hype and dubious facts.

So far best I can tell only person taking the leap of faith has a face to face relationship.

fran

[NEW2elec]

So Mistasam, I saw your SRF review and your comments on the YT video seem to say your still getting the Strike.  It's funny all the years people kept saying they wanted a lower seat so they could flat foot.  Zero makes one and people say it's too cramped.  Your a tall guy so I can see where it would be snug.  But the Strike looked small on the one video of a guy riding.

To be clear I love all the posted stats on the carbon Strike but the companies actions are "unusual" to say the least.
If you do get one and take it to NZ I'd say you'll have the only one there so easy to get back if it's stolen.

Quick side note, I saw a rather in depth video on an Esse Esse 9 and she complained that it had such slow AC charging and the DC was pretty useless for her riding.  So I guess it's all about the charging infrastructure as to what is best.

[Richard230]

I am still trying to wrap my brain around Lightning's claim that adding 10 kWh of additional batteries to their Standard Strike model to create the Carbon version only adds an additional 30 pounds of weight.  I really don't think that making the fairing out of carbon fiber rather than plastic is going to help all that much in the weight difference, especially when you add in the DC fast charging equipment on the Carbon bike. 

[Redblade]

Anyone that pre ordered the Lightning carbon heard anything yet? Dave told me a week or so ago that if I ordered that day I should be expecting the carbon in August or September.