Why did I cancel my LIGHTNING order?

[@usmcsaxoki]

Seems like the Energica is the better bet for a high performance electric bike. 2018 SR still going strong after 17,500 miles!

[@NewZeroland]

Nice!! I kinda miss my Zero. When's your next video man??

[@DaBinChe]

Had a 2018 SR sold it and a week later regretted so a year later found a 2020 SR. Use as a commuter and round town bike. Best commuter ever, even better than scooters.

[@IIARROWS]

For high performance Energica is the only one. There is no alternative. Next one should be Ducati, I hope they move to road legal soon.

[@DaBinChe]

@@IIARROWS What I want is the Triumph...to bad that was just an science experiment.

[@NewZeroland]

@@DaBinChe I want that too!!!!

[@DoctorZisIN]

Well, good luck to you. There's a difference between an enthusiastic guy who made a handful of bikes with some friends and a serious manufacturer with customer service, tech support, decent delivery dates, decent marketing, customers who had had the bikes long enough to attest to their reliability, etc.

[@NewZeroland]

Definitely. I think Lightning's ambitions were high but they haven't been able to make those dreams happen yet.

[@Magic_Toaster]

Now imagine trying to repair your lighting while in NZ, Energica already takes long enough to get stuff from italy.

[@NewZeroland]

Man seriously.. upgrading the battery would have been impossible.

[@RichardHatfield-LS218RR]

It would require approximately the same shipping time from Lightning in the US as from Italy.

[@Superbikesam96]

Richard Hatfield does get passed off when people say that lighting s not real but they still shaddy to an extent

[@NewZeroland]

I think people see the lack of owners posting about their bikes and assume it's a shady business, but it can all be explained. Production has been slow so far and that makes our minds wander. I hope Lightning is able to sell more so we get to see these on the roads more.

[@Lightningmotorcycle]

Why do you say that Lightning is “Shaddy”?

[@matejzima8210]

it's called Vapor ware, also, next one aiming to never happen is Damon.

[@NewZeroland]

I dunno.. people actually own Lightnings. Just not very many.

[@Kill3rT0fuuu]

Damon is already gone.

[@jace2wheel762]

I had a damon on order since 2020. Cancelled my order last november as i was told it would be delayed another year. Supposed to have it spring of 22... to hell with em

[@NewZeroland]

@@jace2wheel762 good call man. I would have thought them using Ducati footage in their promo video or abandoning the factory in Canada would have been the reason you cancelled your order, but endless delays make sense 😂

[@jace2wheel762]

@@NewZeroland they made this big stink when they broke ground on this new massive factory in Surrey BC... 🤦‍♂️🤣 they still insist they'll be hitting the market. Sure sure

[@renegarcia1807]

Thanks for your video and it's pretty amazing how you went all the way to fulfill your goal and I'll satay tuned cheers!!!

[@NewZeroland]

Haha I went as far as I could. Thanks!

[@ronaldb479]

This is such a great video about all the new Electric Motorcycle companies. I canceled my Damon order because they’re moving to California for production. You should see the building they got built for themselves if they decided to finally build bikes. Now it’s on the market lol 😂 Oh Damon…. 💔

[@NewZeroland]

Oh maaaan! Is it?? Wait, are you in Vancouver? If so, or if you have any friends in the area, could you cruise by and take photos or something? I'm so curious what it looks like and if it's just empty or what. The drama is so entertaining 😂

[@AdventuresonZero]

Just baffles me that despite the prevalence of social media, the ease of use, and the permeation of smart phones - someone at Lightning can't pick up a phone and make a quick IG story or reel - just showing what they're doing. Something is better than nothing. Perhaps there are things behind the scenes we aren't privy to. I've noticed that when it comes to special or limited EV motorcycles, collectors are more involved in purchasing than actual riders. There are so many First Strike LiveWires out there with less than a few hundred miles on them - blows my mind when I see them being listed on marketplace with such low mileage. Maybe that's the same with the Lightning Strike - people just want to have 'the land speed record bike' in their garage, and not really want to ride it.

[@NewZeroland]

Yeah you might be right. There are so many heavily modified Zeros that do long distance rides and trackdays and the owners don't share any info or photos about them online. So it's hard to know how many Lightnings are actually out there. My guess is ~20-30.. but there's no way of knowing for sure.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

That may explain the Verge TS. I know they're delivering bikes to customers, and I've even seen a owner delivery on YT, but I'm NOT seeing ANY owner vids. I hope succeed and they're legit, and not another ... Lightning.

[@NewZeroland]

@@RPRosen-ki2fk Yeah Lightning seems to be building and selling bikes in secret lol. Verge is doing everything right with production and marketing.. and then there's Damon that's a marketing master but not building anything.

[@numist]

Oh hey I've had my hands on a couple Lightnings! Sent you a message on the forums, in case you want to kibbitz. And yeah I'd love to make some videos but you'll be shocked to hear… it's at the factory.

[@NewZeroland]

Ohhh exciting! I'll read your message in the morning. Thanks for reaching out man!

[@IIARROWS]

I've seen the suggested video and I asked "is this really a new video?" It's been so long... and clear it's never going to be anything. I've heard they shipped one bike, which has been mysteriously "stolen". Too many ghost stories.

[@NewZeroland]

Right? 😂 If I had to guess, they've sold about 10 Strikes in this time. Maybe more, maybe less. Nobody knows for sure, and that adds to the mystery 😁

[@marcbrasse747]

Nice one. Designing a cool bike is already a big feat but bringing one to full scale production is a mammoth task. Looks like one should look at them more like the early Bimota or Egli Racing. As long as they are an honest setup, which they seem to be, they still get my seal of approval. Not that I could ever afford one. 😁

[@NewZeroland]

That's exactly how I see it, too. It's still early days for Lightning. They've built some bikes but production is still ramping up. I hope they do well!

[@stevesanelli90]

Thanks for sharing this Sam🤙 I’d stick to Energica personally 🇮🇹⭐️ It’s Italian style & quality 💪💪

[@NewZeroland]

You know it 😎🔋🇮🇹

[@cranfktubner7677]

One of my co-worker had one. He paid at the time 50k$ 🙄 + CA tax. I saw how the thing was glued together. No way i would buy that. It was a real road hazard. A month later the co-worker crashed it (of course) I saw few videos mentioning the electric issues. The rider would be zapped at times when riding. Energica is a way better bet besides Zeros.

[@NewZeroland]

What!! Was this a coworker at Apple? I never heard about the zapping part 😲

[@cranfktubner7677]

@@NewZeroland Ah ah yes that was someone from Apple. For the zapping it was in a video which has been put down since. The wirering was an ugly mess 😓

[@NewZeroland]

@@cranfktubner7677 wow that's crazy. He didn't tell me about that 😂😳

[@RichardHatfield-LS218RR]

Who was the co-worker at Apple that crashed his Lightning and was zapped?

[@cranfktubner7677]

@@RichardHatfield-LS218RR If i recalled i would not be authorized to give a name 😅

[@konradchristen]

I’m blown away that these bikes actually exist. I remember saying “what a cool bike, I wonder if they will actually make them”. And for years and years I kinda checked in and said “do they exist yet?” And the answer continued to be no. Eventually I gave up checking in. I had assumed they were just fake and would never be really made. Kinda sounds like that’s what happened. Thanks for sharing your interesting tale!

[@NewZeroland]

Nope, the bikes are real! They're just rare. Maybe there's more to this story that none of us knows about. Maybe people got impatient and cancelled their orders, and that's the real reason we don't see many around. I'm still a believer 😂

[@TheRealAlpha2]

"Early adopters tax" When you get the first one off the line but you also get all the first headaches too. It's cool to get one of the first but if it's this bespoke and hand made there's always the chance that there could be a random loose nut or a non watertight seal so it's better to wait and see, especially if you're already in a place where it's hard to get parts. Granted they're so small your call might actually be answered by a guy literally building one while on the phone with you. I remember you talking about the lack of ABS once. Kinda surprised they still don't have it.

[@NewZeroland]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense. I still feel like an early adopter with electric motorcycles in general, but Lightning isn't at Zero or Energica's level yet. I hope they keep making bikes though, because nobody else is doing stuff like that.

[@TheRealAlpha2]

@@NewZeroland They're in the right place for it in California, as long as they remember not every place is California and build accordingly. (probably why they didnt waterpoof their early bikes.)

[@observingrogue7652]

Personally, I wouldn't care about the law, sneak one over, and at the very least, enjoy one at night, blacked out, wearing black gear, and no plates just to lose the cops, but still be able to enjoy the bike off track. I just looked up if track only motorcycles can be imported to New Zealand without ABS, and I found this paragraph from onthethrottle: "For motorcycles first registered anywhere in the world after 1 January 1990, a new special interest motorcycle permit will allow for collectable motorcycles to continue to be imported, under the condition that there is no equivalent option with ABS available. Motorcycle owners would need to apply to the Transport Agency with up to 100 special interest motorcycle permits to be issued each year."

[@NewZeroland]

Track bikes don't need to be registered at all, and you can import anything you want for that kinda thing.. but tracks banned electric vehicles. You're right though, as long as it says "limited edition" on the bike somewhere, it could be registered without ABS. I talked to Lightning and they said they're working on ABS for future models, but it's just a matter of time.

[@upchuk556]

More weekly views? Looks like i need to put the Beat videos on replay

[@NewZeroland]

Haha yes please!! 😂

[@stevenmiller1819]

Pretty sure I rode my Livewire with the Lightning owner from San Diego you’re talking about…tho last I heard HIS bike was back at the factory for something

[@NewZeroland]

Yep, I've heard that thing has all kinds of problems 😬🙄 I guess Lightning still has bugs to work out.

[@justmayle]

I was wondering about that, why Nothing about the Lighting was being heard about

[@NewZeroland]

Right?? The mystery continues 😂 I really hope the most recent owner starts a youtube channel.

[@RichardHatfield-LS218RR]

There are 68 Lightning videos on KZbin and posts from Lightning owners on the Lightning Motorcycle Owners Group

[@icarusswitkes6833]

Hmm. I live near this company. If they solve the waterproof and abs thing I'd love to try one at some point. I'd never heard of these before

[@NewZeroland]

Go test ride one and see what you think! Still no ABS but the bikes have improved a lot.

[@rickrides8352]

A lot of years have passed for Lightning AND Damon. In the meantime, I'm still riding my 2017 Energica ... and after that, new and upgraded Energica's came to the world.

[@NewZeroland]

Yep, unicorns and lions. Someday I hope Lightning will build something I can buy.

[@eastpeak74]

Good lord. That’s a roller coaster of a ride for sure!! Seems like a very very boutique builder! Perhaps something will come from it down the line.

[@NewZeroland]

Haha I hope so! It's been entertaining anyway. I still think they're really cool bikes.

[@gasdive]

Not a comment for the algorithm, but I'm wondering if you've got some insight into the end of the exemption of the Road User Charge for EV under 3500 kg. It's looking like electric motorcycles will have to pay 76 dollars for every 1000 km ridden starting 31st of March 2024

[@NewZeroland]

I'm not sure yet.. one article said electric motorcycles will be exempt. NZTA's official statement is that they're still sorting it out. Motorcycles don't tear up the roads nearly as much as cars, so we shouldn't have to pay full price. I'll make a video about it when we find out more.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

GREAT video Sam, I'm glad you made this. It really sheds more light on the enigma that is ... Lightning.

[@NewZeroland]

Thanks 😂 Had to go full stalker mode and it was really fun. I still wish I got to buy one.

[@paraglidingmadeira]

I have 2 "0" ;-) and some interesting customer care experiences, now the "Verge" appeared, I put my preorder, did a positive test ride, waiting for delivery, hopefully finally any aspects will be fulfilled, appearance on exhibitions is best, marketing is "on" What do you think?

[@NewZeroland]

Verge is doing a lot of cool things and they're at CES right now, so I have a good feeling about them. Keep me posted when you get yours!

[@motoalchemy]

i heard they have moved to the Corbin seat factory

[@citricaura]

I’m currently researching the Lightning LS for a unique project where I’m transforming it into Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon using 3D printing. I’ve started Instagram and TikTok accounts to crowdfund for this venture. Have you encountered any riding issues or concerns with the Lightning LS that could impact my project? (Other than the non waterproofing) of the I know it’s a bit ambitious, but I’m seeking outside opinions.

[@NewZeroland]

That sounds like a cool project. Expensive though. Why not start with a cheap R6 or something?

[@citricaura]

@@NewZeroland I considered that option initially, but I’m concerned about how the heat from the R6 might impact the 3D printed filament. Plus, the Lightning fits the Night Fury vibe perfectly, the name, being quiet and rare.🏍️🐉⚡️

[@NewZeroland]

@@citricaura true! If you have your heart set on electric, I'd still suggest an Energica (maybe an Ego?) but if you want a Lightning, try and take one for a test ride to see if you like it. Good luck with your project and keep me posted on your progress!

[@tonton5975]

Lighting only strike once. The company is more like a develepment and research. It will be a bugatti of motorcycle. Verge and damon will likely ferrari and lamborgini.

[@NewZeroland]

I like your supercar analogies but I think Verge might be like Pagani and Damon will be like Vector 😂

[@MatyasLember2]

It feels that for him manufacturing those bike is just a hobby instead of a business. I can see that the Honda has a second use as well, it is a great table :D, but what is that shiny thing on top, is it glass or you have already made some nice cover?

[@NewZeroland]

Haha nah that's the original trunk. Definitely a good table. I should shoot video in there more often!

[@RichardHatfield-LS218RR]

Lightning is a real business with employees, investors, and is working on a daily basis to push electric motorcycle technology forward and raise the capital required to invest in tooling for volume production

[@Waldo1122]

Everyone should have known right off the bat that Lightning was/is a scam just like all the other electric motorcycle manufacturers that wants people to pre-order a bike that they have yet to put on the road.

[@NewZeroland]

Lightning isn't a scam though. They're building bikes.. just not at the scale people expected. Damon is a scam though 😂

[@RichardHatfield-LS218RR]

What do you think is the scam? Lightning only takes deposits for bikes that will be built in the next 90 days. The principles have invested more than $9 million dollars of our own money.

[@Waldo1122]

@@RichardHatfield-LS218RR Lightning has yet to put a single motorcycle on the road. Has given near to no updates on their progress, no release dates, no delivery dates, yet they're begging for money. Lightning SCREAMS scam but keep throwing your money down the toilet, you'll figure it out once they pull the plug.

[@Magic_Toaster]

@@Waldo1122 haha, that's the lightning CEO you're talking to, he's doing PR to save face

[@Waldo1122]

@@Magic_Toaster LOL I didn't even notice the username, not too surprising that the CEO was quick to run over to this video with such a damaging title to make sure it doesn't cast any darkness towards Lightning.

[@jordanburley411]

Cheers for the video. Extremely informative. I've been getting hounded by their investment emails lately and they do such a good spin I was really keen. Seeing a more realistic outside looking in video really opened my eyes to ambition vs reality. I would love one of these bikes but also being in NZ and with our new ABS rules would make things fun. Surprised they have missed that small feature.

[@NewZeroland]

Thanks man! Same here. It's a really special bike to ride, but I wouldn't call it "ready" yet. They're still ramping up into building production models. If you're looking for an electric motorcycle in NZ though, there are a few Zeros and Energicas on trademe right now!

[@garynarborough]

Great video Sam. I learned about rules for bikes I never knew existed for NZ. Have a good week ahead! Take care.

[@NewZeroland]

Cheers Gary! Glad ya liked it 😁

[@theunknownunknowns256]

Also. I saw your back and back and forth talk with Electric Classic Cars. His dad follows you!

[@NewZeroland]

Right?? That's so cool 😂

[@Xshunin]

I didn't know about this brand before! Looks interesting but personally I am not into sports bikes. My dream bike still is a Verge TS!

[@NewZeroland]

Lots of people mentioned Verge! It's a sweet design. I hope they do well.

[@danieltroger]

Don't know if I should write this because I also hope Verge do well and I don't want to cause any FUD. It's probably just me not liking cruisers at all - haven't ridden that many motorcycles. But I test rode a verge ts ultra for ~20 minutes and here are my thoughts: Pros: 1. Looks amazing 2. Really strong regen 3. Seems like DC fastcharging is actually working nicely (contrary to on my Zero), I got the bike fresh off the charger 4. Insane acceleration 5. Good brakes 6. Has traction control (contrary to my zero) Cons: 1. I think they've messed up with putting the motor into the wheel. Sitting on it feels like sitting on a giant gyroscope where you really have to use force to get the bike to lay down in the curves. Like on my Zero DSR I just counter steer a little and the bike lays down, the verge I felt like I had to force and like the dynamic changed weirdly as I increased the lean angle (might be using it wrong, might just be how cruisers feel) 2. When I got it, the dashboard experience wasn't really finished. It was impossible to see in sunlight that the blinkers were on (never knew that could be annoying) and the actual, usable dash was a small bolted on LCD screen. The huge touch screen didn't do much (they can OTA update it though, it's probably better now). 3. The traction control didn't feel fine-grained/refined. I accelerated pretty heavily while going over dry road paint (pedestrian crossing) and it felt like the bike cut power completely because there was some miniscule slip 4. The throttle mapping is weird when accelerating. Might just be something you get used to, but it felt like the throttle has a linear mapping to power which I also never knew before could daze me. Subjectively I'd say modern EVs and my zero have some fancier algorithm/mapping. Basically twisting the throttle from a 20% position to a 70% position quickly gives you a quicker acceleration than doing it slowly while it felt that to get the same on the verge I'd have to twist it from 20% to 100% REALLY quickly and then back down to 70% 5. The throttle mapping is borderline unusable when using regenerative breaking. Of course you can turn off and limit regen, but I WANT strong regen *that is controllable*. How driving a TESLA with regen feels like (made up numbers): throttle position: 40% - cruising. Want to slow down slowly for an upcoming roundabout, I'm on a downwards slope: reduce throttle to 30%, regen kicks in, reduce throttle to 15% slowly, vehicle slowly decelerates, reduce it from 15-0% and at 0% you're stopped. This is awesome, this is what I want. How riding a verge behaved: throttle position: 40% - cruising. Want to slow down: reduce throttle to 30%, nothing happens, keep reducing it, 15%, 0%: now at 0% finally the regen kicks in and it's amazingly strong which is dope, but you're now stopping halfways before the roundabout and the people behind you are confused because they don't see a kid running over the street, so you add 1% throttle again. Instantly the verge stops regening but because it's downhill you're now accelerating into the roundabout. You go to 0% throttle again and are quickly stopping. 1%, 0%, you get rocked like on a swing. I WANT REGEN. THAT I CAN CONTROL: Ok see that's why I shouldn't have written this comment I really love electric motorcycles and hope that verge succeeds. Please just go and give them a test ride @Xshunin, you could love it. But personally, on my search for the perfect electric motorcycle, I think @NewZeroland is right with his recommendation for an Energica. I'll ride one for two days in February and am hyped to see what it's like.

[@NewZeroland]

@@danieltroger wow thanks so much for your feedback! That's really helpful. Sounds like the Verge is form over function. I hope these are noobie problems that will be ironed out with more road testing and firmware updates.

[@awo1fman]

@@danieltroger In general hub motors are a bad idea for anything other than bicycles and smaller, slower things than bicycles. Hub motors save tons of money and are simpler because there's no drivetrain. They also make packaging easier and allow more room for storage and other things. However, they are a gigantic cop-out and are horrible in terms of efficiency and vehicle dynamics. They massively increase unsprung weight, which is horrible for handling, and as you mention they also increase the gyroscopic effect which for vehicles that lean is catastrophic. Hub motors have a place in non-performance-oriented 3+ wheeled vehicles, but they have no place on a motorcycle capable of highway speeds. It's like front-wheel-drive cars: they are bad in every way except for packaging and profit margin for the manufacturers. The alleged benefits for drivers are 100% BS.

[@raimee81]

It's less R6 and more Daytona 675 for looks. Looks nice. First time I'm hearing of this bike.

[@NewZeroland]

Agreed. It's pretty sweet 😁 Just seems like a very slow production so far.

[@PatrickGuilhemAA]

to see what "Verge mortorcycles" is worth, it smell good but ??? Thanks for this share

[@NewZeroland]

I like Verge. Never ridden one but heard good things, and the original designer is cool 😂

[@michaelvadney5803]

Great video, honest too. Thanks. You should investigate Damon and their progress. Seeay

[@NewZeroland]

Thanks man. It might be time for a Damon video.. you're right. There's a lot of Scooby Doo going on there 😂

[@shockerzevworld5911]

I’ve ridden a Lightning.

[@MrJoe988]

There is a reason why the lightning was so light.... 0 and I mean 0 safety measures. Im sure if you strip down an EGO from anything that makes it safe to drive you will have similar riding feels as you can clearly save 10s of kgs by removing battery protecting casing and having cheap 1kw onboard chargers, instead of the fan cooled one that Energica currently have. Lightning was nothing more than a garage project, I'm surprised they were legally allowed to register them in the US, considering how anal US safety regulation can be... Also there is 0 change they will be EVER be allowed to be registered in Europe, no way. TÜV sagt nein!

[@NewZeroland]

Yeah 😥 I'm sad that I'll probably never get to own one, but safety-wise it's probably for the best. Hopefully bigger companies build something similar with less weight and cool styling.

[@RichardHatfield-LS218RR]

What safety requlations are you stating that Lightning doesn't follow?

[@andyMSH700]

dont have ABS....wow

[@daRogueJedi]

Great video Sam. I’ve also spoken with Dave, real friendly guy, offered to set me up with a test ride on the Strike n also take a peak at their electric grom-type bike next time I’m in Cali. This was March/April 2020 so that never worked out. Loved the idea n styling of the Strike but also glad I never put down a deposit. Dunno, still super skeptical but would love to see this all be legit with a good quality bike produced. Maybe someday…😌

[@NewZeroland]

Wow nice! We rode the Grom thing and it was super fun, but I'm not sure what happened with that either. I'd still love to ride a Strike R someday. Maybe this is the year!

[@daRogueJedi]

And yeah, cringe videos on their YT channel. They also switched it to a “kids” channel so people can’t leave comments. What???

[@NewZeroland]

@@daRogueJedi Yepppp.. too many questions I guess.

[@luvnlifenow]

Sam we're focusing our resources on building Strikes and LS-218s and continuing to push the technology forward. @@NewZeroland

[@steve00alt70]

I love your camo/cargo trousers

[@NewZeroland]

Cargo pants will never die!

[@danielwis]

Why don't energica buy lightning and merge tech?! That sucks! Sorry to hear bruv

[@mvetter]

What tech?

[@NewZeroland]

That would be cooooool!

[@Electric666s]

Do Lightning have some tech patents? If not, Energica could just buy a Lightning if they thought it had some secret sauce, but guessing they're all over it anyway.

[@ng1-studio359]

I don't think damon a scam

[@evolv.e]

Thanks for the update Sam. I’m riding to SD tomorrow. I’ll let you know if I happen to see a Strike. (About as likely as getting hit by lightning tbh, but hey.. there’s always a chance right?!)

[@NewZeroland]

Nice! A few Energica dudes went for a ride with him so they confirmed he's real 😂 but there's probably only one in the whole city.

[@Lightningmotorcycle]

Actually there are two Strikes in the San Diego area.

[@jezthomas4402]

Glad you got your deposit back. It’s irresponsible and unjust for someone to use promises to fluff deposits from enthusiastic and unknowing punters, to fuel their hobby of attempting to build a bike with acceptable levels of quality to finally be a sellable package. It’s great that he’s tried but he’s failed in the last five years plus, yet is still taking people’s deposits. I don’t believe he’ll ever get the bikes to the quality and safety levels needed; he’s now had more than enough time and money for that now. Whether he believes it or not himself is another matter, but he keeps sending out hopeium ads and if the deposits keep rolling in, he probably will keep working on this fools gold project. I applaud how far he got but deplore how he’s leeched off of people’s excitement and trust. Thanks a bunch for the recap mate.

[@NewZeroland]

I agree. What Lightning needs is a bigger company to buy their IP and bring it to a level that's ready for mass-production. It wouldn't take much, really. Maybe Lightning can get there themselves with enough time.. but mass-producing them will take a bigger factory and way more people.

[@RichardHatfield-LS218RR]

Lightning processes deposit returns promptly and is only accepting deposits on bikes that will be built in the next 90 days. The Lightning principles and advisors have invested over $9 million of our own capital.

[@theunknownunknowns256]

Not just for Sam. But how hard would it be to start up a high performance electric bike building company in Aotearoa? Like just ask Peter Beck for his Electron rocket electric motors and batteries, buy a Japanese ICE performance bike swap out the noisy carcinogenic parts put in the rocket stuff. Doesn't sound hard, you clever people get on with it ok. 😂😅 But seriously why not?

[@NewZeroland]

😂😂😂 that sounds epic man hahaha. Certification here is really strict though so it's way easier to just buy an Energica.

[@timaurus]

Enjoyed this. Would like to see a video on Savic Motorcycles.

[@NewZeroland]

Savic is reeeeally similar. Just a guy who built his own bike because he was passionate about it. Production hasn't started with that one either, as far as I know.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

I never heard of them, but after a little net research, I definitely will start tracking them on my radar. 2024 should prove whether they're ... MORE vaporware or the real deal. Thanks for bringing them to my attention.

[@timaurus]

They've missed a few milestones... so will be interesting to see @@RPRosen-ki2fk

[@Mastermind4life]

its too ez at this point but someone needs to do an expose on SONDORS.

[@NewZeroland]

Truuuue! I'm sad that they failed, but I didn't heard great stuff about the Metacycle.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

It's to early to tell yet, but Ryvid may be able to deliver success where Sondors miserably failed.

[@vmax673]

I think the Eva rebelle is better

[@taswr]

Each to their own of course…. I’ve ridden a few Electric bikes now…. Give me my R1M everyday

[@NewZeroland]

Which electrics have you ridden?

[@luangustav0]

Hi bro. I was in Wellington for the new year and I think that I saw you. I saw some electric bikes haha

[@NewZeroland]

No way! It could have been me 😂 Where was it?? Small world.

[@luangustav0]

@@NewZeroland yeaah. I saw three times. One on motorway, other close to Cuba street and one on Mount Victoria.

[@NerdLFG]

In before all the ride the lightning comments

[@NewZeroland]

😂 I think you just started it

[@SniperSnake50BMG]

Hello Sam. Honestly after seeing all the sh1t this I have seen in videos and even in Endless Sphere and the total attitude of Mr Hatfield. I have lost all hope in Lightning motorcycles. Actually I have much more hope in Damon than lightning. Only time will tell...

[@NewZeroland]

I think Lightning got a bad rap from a few people with devious agendas, and the reality is that Lightning is just a small company that was hit with lots of bad luck. Damon is an obvious scam and I don't know why people are still giving them money 😂

[@earthwormandruw]

Ahh yes the Lightening name is making more sense now, because lightening never strikes twice in the same spot. (I know this isn't actually tru and is just a saying but please let me have just this one pun 🙏)

[@NewZeroland]

I dunno.. they're selling bikes, just not as many as people expected.

[@-Seasons-]

Bro, when I was first looking into lightning years ago, I e-mailed and messaged to try and get some sort of info. But they just ignore you, dog company

[@NewZeroland]

You need to become a stalker like me to get their attention

[@-Seasons-]

@@NewZeroland Maybe I gave up too fast

[@RichardHatfield-LS218RR]

When did you try to email Lightning? @@-Seasons-

[@Overdrive_com]

But they still haven't come to Canada LOL crying inside getting parts for mine is hard I have an ego RS the only one in Canada as far as I'm aware have a KZbin channel plan on doing some videos on the bike this summer

[@NewZeroland]

Dude nice! How are you liking it so far? The more videos we can make with electric motorcycles, the better.

[@Overdrive_com]

@@NewZeroland I love it, its been two year owning it. its winter here so can't do anything right now lol

[@TheMarkFromDenmark]

so next try get a SAROLÉA

[@NewZeroland]

It's possible.. I've seen those in person too. Way more expensive, but cool bikes.

[@moestrei]

Shame...looked like a decent bike.

[@NewZeroland]

Yeah, I really loved the styling and how it felt to ride. I hope they succeed.

[@motardselectriques]

La damon semble être fantastique mais ce n'est qu'une licorne 😢

[@NewZeroland]

Arnaque totale. Je pourrais aussi faire une vidéo à ce sujet. 😂

[@chesshooligan1282]

Oui.

[@PatrickGuilhemAA]

Je recevais de la pub pour Damon et il y avait possibilité de faire une précommande pour je ne sais combien d'euros par mois.... Sans suite heureusement car c'était vraiment alléchant ✌️

[@pinaero]

First! In before the robot apocalypse!

[@NewZeroland]

4 years of firsties!

[@earthwormandruw]

Honestly I will be way more impressed when you are the last to comment 🤨

[@AfterThePavementEnds]

I hope Damon finally get theirs into production .. been hoping to see mine years and still patiently waiting. Who knows....

[@NewZeroland]

Good luck man, but it seems like a full on scam to me. All signs point to them running with the money. I hope things work out for you though. It would be a huge hit to the electric motorcycle community if they don't succeed.

[@Satellite-cells]

😊

[@tozzasque]

Wow a video about Lightning!? 2024 begin with a bang!

[@NewZeroland]

😂💥⚡

[@khingajamez]

3rd,.... cause math XD

[@NewZeroland]

😂

[@gasdive]

Just a comment for the algorithm.

[@NewZeroland]

You rock! ❤

[@snafu22]

no offence bro but your audio is so rubbish i couldn’t watch.

[@NewZeroland]

Yeah lots of echos in my garage. I'll work on that.

[@RoninXiC]

Second?

[@NewZeroland]

Maybe!

[@pauls8456]

The first to comment that actually watched the whole video ;)

[@NewZeroland]

😂 thank youuuu hahaha

[@earthwormandruw]

I watched the video at 10x speed but didn't comment afterwards 😭

[@NewZeroland]

@@earthwormandruw did I sound like a Chipmunk??

[@DuncanJimmy]

Great reminder of the nascent tech involved in electric motorcycles. One wouldn't think it would be so difficult given the ability to convert a regular bike to electric and thereby have all the bells and whistles included, e.g. waterproofed, ABS, etc. I feel like too many people are trying to reinvent the wheel rather than working with what's already available. Grind Hard Plumbing Co. is an excellent example of this, they just create hybrids of everything they've already got sitting in their yard and order a few parts to toys any adult would be proud of. www.youtube.com/@GrindHardPlumbingCo

[@NewZeroland]

Grind Hard is awesome. It's way harder to build something from scratch and pass all the DOT rules. Lightning's headlight design apparently cost $100k to get legalized. Converting stuff is easier but not by much if you want it registered on the street 😂

[@DuncanJimmy]

@@NewZeroland Can't help but concede the point given your conversion project. I walked right into that one...

[@NewZeroland]

@@DuncanJimmy haha all good. It all depends where we live. I wish there was more freedom with these projects, but I'm glad there are some safety standards so we don't get electrocuted while riding 😂