Lightning Hands Riders the Keys to Throttle Control
- Buck City Biker
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
The elusive crew at Lightning Motorcycles have announced their latest upgrade for the 2026 machines — and this one leans hard into rider control rather than headline power numbers.
Lightning is rolling out factory-programmed Custom Throttle Mapping, giving owners the ability to define exactly how throttle input translates into motor response. It sits beyond the brand’s existing ride modes and aims squarely at riders who want to fine-tune delivery for track work, technical terrain, or simply their own riding style.
Instead of fixed presets, riders can shape torque ramp-up and throttle sensitivity to suit specific environments. Think sharper response for fast circuit sections, smoother delivery for tight technical riding, or a completely bespoke feel between wrist and rear wheel.
Lightning’s pitch is clear: software-defined performance is the future, and modular control is where the next gains are hiding. The company says the feature allows a closer 1:1 connection between rider and machine — something experienced e-moto riders will recognise as the difference between “fast” and “rideable fast.”
Custom Throttle Mapping will be available on 2026 models as a factory-programmed option, ordered directly through Lightning.
Who Are Lightning? (Quick Context)
Lightning is a California electric superbike builder focused on outright performance and track-driven engineering. Their flagship LS-218 (the worlds fastest electric road hyperbike) is built around big power and serious speed — with claimed outputs up to around 244 hp peak and a 218 mph (350 km/h) top speed, putting it firmly in the electric superbike category rather than everyday street machines.
The BCB Take
We know what you’re thinking — Lightning Motorcycles… does anyone actually own one? We’ve reached out to Lightning to ask exactly that. They insist bikes have been in riders’ hands for years, but we’ve asked for a one-on-one sit-down with their CEO to dig into what’s really going on behind the scenes, what 2026 actually looks like for the brand, and why we’re not seeing many of their machines out on the tarmac.
For now, this update gives us a glimpse into their direction. And for riders already deep into tweaking regen levels and power delivery, custom throttle mapping feels like a logical next step — less about headline power figures, more about precision where it actually counts.
Ride safe, folks.
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