It is not the first time that we find a plug -in sports motorcycle similar to the one that the people of LIGHTFIGHTER RACING. In fact, this is one of the segments where this type of high performance electrified machines has advanced, thanks to the support of small investors, private companies and even public organizations such as some universities dedicated to research projects in this area.
A good example of what we are talking about is for example the Sigma Regen LMT01, a fully functional concept that aspires to participate in Le Mans 2029, the work of a group of students from the Sigma Clermont School of Engineering located in France. We also have Electric Superbike Twente Vector-ST, an electric superbike built and developed by a team of students from the University of Twente and the University of Applied Sciences of Saxion.
LIGHTFIGHTER RACING: TT ZERO INHERENCE
Now, thanks to a MCN interview with Brian Wismann, former Development Director of Zero Motorcycles, we have known the Lightfighter Racing project that has been evolving with Ely Schless for years. In fact, this efficient track motorcycle is already in which it is its third generation and the brand confirms that for a while this part works in the fourth evolution of it.
And what better place than the circuit to include those precise improvements with which they themselves intend to create “The best track motorcycle in the world”. Eye, not the best electric motorcycle for planet circuit, but the best in general terms, regardless of the rival in front. Undoubtedly, an objective that seems complicated, but in which the founders of Lightfighter Racing firmly believe.
Wismann treasures a lot of experience in competition electric motorcycles thanks to having been part, among others, of sports formats as relevant as the inaugural TT Zero of the island of Man, held in the 2009 season, and where he led the Brammo team that competed within this unique category.
In the following seasons he returned to the event with different teams, even achieving the second position of the final classification with William Dunlop at the controls. It was at that time that the project to create a sports electric motorcycle for the track even more strength. However, unlike those that competed in the TT Zero, it had to reduce the final weight considerably. About this explains:
“Ely and I talked about a bike more focused on the track. TT Zero bicycles are usually heavy; it is a battery race, where you can see who can wear the largest backpack to travel 60.5 kilometers”. The result of this idea is the Lightfighter Racing with which they currently participate in the different championships of the American Motorcyclist Federation (AFM).
“We have won races in all the categories in which we have competed: medium weight superbikes, formula 2 and also categories such as Formula 1 and Open Superbike, where we have defeated 1000 cc superbikes prepared for races”clarifies Wismann. Currently, in the absence of two rounds, they lead the categories of medium weight superbikes and formula 2, facing 1,000 cc motorcycles prepared for this type of competition.
Lightfighter Racing in detail
Honestly, we are not surprised by the results that the Lightfighter Racing team is reaping the motorcycle specifications. Starting with its Parker GVM 210 IPM engine cooling water associated with a lithium-NMC battery refrigerated by 12.5 kWh capacity. Together, the brand declares 115 kW/156 hp of power and a maximum torque of up to 324 nmfor a weight in the order of progress of just 181 kg.
On the other hand, we have a first -level cycle part where the Californian company uses the most select elements on the market. Starting with chromed steel tubular chassis designed and manufactured to measure with a totally integrated rear frame of structural carbon fiber. The front suspension includes an Ohlins FGR 252 inverted fork, while in the rear we find a totally adjustable TTX36 monoamortiguer.
Lightfighter Racing also includes a molten, totally handmade and adapted aluminum rear trench, from the Yamaha R1 of 2015 onwards. For braking, Brembo CNC Monobloc and Supersport tweezers, in front and behind respectively, have been chosen. The discs are also signed by the Italian specialist, of ranking type and 320 mm in diameter in the front wheel.
New Lightfighter future plans
Currently, from Lightfighter they work on the idea of being able to expand their radius of action to competitions within the European continent. They also finalize the details to present on September 12 the motorcycle with which they will participate in the Motoamerica series. Meanwhile, they continue to develop the fourth generation of the model, focused fundamentally on improving the performance of the current version, without resorting to a noticeable increase in weight.
To achieve its mission, Lightfighter Racing has created a test project in which they give the possibility of participating 10 possible clients of their next evolution of the motorcycle. Throughout next year different private events will be held on the track to collect information on the behavior of the motorcycle and thus be able to improve basic aspects related to the performance, management and usability of the machine.
In addition, from Lightfighter Racing they warn that they will have a final version of the model for 2027, at which time a small limited edition form will be marketed. However, for now, it is not possible to calculate what the official price of such a motorcycle would be. Even less when the intention of the brand is to create “the best track motorcycle in the world”
