Electric motorcycles often draw criticism for price, range, and silence. Critics ignore one key fact. Electric bikes launch hard. Torque arrives instantly. Acceleration beats many gas bikes off the line.
US electric motorcycle startup Lightfighter wants to prove this on the race track. The company will enter two bikes in the 2026 MotoAmerica RSD Super Hooligan class with OrangeCat Racing. The goal is simple. Compete head-to-head with combustion motorcycles.
Lightfighter Background and Leadership
Lightfighter is based in California. Brian Wismann founded the company. His background includes senior product roles at Brammo and Zero Motorcycles. His focus has stayed consistent for eight years. High-performance electric motorcycles.
Current Models and Race Selection
Lightfighter sells two models.
Lightfighter V3-RS with full fairings.
Lightfighter V3-RH with naked styling.
Super Hooligan rules require naked bikes with upright handlebars. Lightfighter will race the V3-RH. The V3 name refers to the third generation of Wismann’s electric platform. RH stands for Race Hooligan. RS stands for Race Supersport.
Race-Ready Chassis and Design
The race V3-RH features a bright orange trellis frame. It surrounds the battery pack and supports the electric motor. The design prioritizes stiffness and mass centralization.
The motor comes from Parker Hannifin. Battery cells come from Farasis Energy. Lightfighter builds the battery pack in Ashland, Oregon. Energy density reaches 300 Wh per kg. This exceeds the average for electric motorcycles.
Performance Specs That Matter
The motor uses a constant mesh gearbox with a 2:1 reduction.
Torque at motor output: 162 Nm.
Torque at gearbox output: 324 Nm.
Peak power: 135 horsepower.
Dry weight: 186 kg or 410 pounds.
These figures place the bike squarely in Super Hooligan territory.
Premium Race Components
Lightfighter spared no expense.
Öhlins FGR252 front forks.
Öhlins TTX36 rear shock.
Brembo GP4-RX front calipers.
Brembo SuperSport rear caliper.
Brembo T-Drive front discs.
The swingarm comes from Suter Racing in Switzerland. It accounts for roughly 20 percent of the bike’s total cost. OZ Racing forged aluminum wheels finish the rolling chassis.
Electronics and Rider Control
Bodywork uses carbon fiber and fiberglass. The tail section doubles as a subframe. Controls include Rizoma handlebars, Domino throttle, and Brembo master cylinders.
Alpha Racing supplies rearsets, lever guard, and dashboard. Their main contribution lies in software. Electric motors apply torque without interruption. Loss of grip happens faster than on gas bikes. Alpha Racing develops advanced traction control systems tailored for electric race bikes.
Continuous Development Strategy
Lightfighter avoids traditional model years. The platform evolves continuously. Customers receive access to updated parts and designs.
Battery upgrades remain backward compatible. Chassis, swingarms, and body panels follow the same philosophy. Owners upgrade instead of replacing the entire bike.
MotoAmerica Riders and Goals
Two experienced riders lead the effort.
Josh Herrin. Multiple MotoAmerica champion.
Kaleb de Keyrel. Former Twins Cup champion.
Lightfighter uses racing to validate its technology. The target remains performance parity with gasoline motorcycles.
Design Partner Program Explained
Lightfighter plans a fourth-generation platform next year. Customer involvement plays a direct role.
The Design Partner Program costs $100,000. Participation is limited to 10 riders. Each participant receives a V3 bike and access to eight track events. Riders test components, share feedback, and help shape the V4 platform.
When development ends, participants trade their V3 for a new V4. The program blends racing, development, and early access.
Why This Matters
Lightfighter treats electric motorcycles as performance machines first. Racing proves credibility. Modular design protects long-term ownership value. The MotoAmerica effort signals a clear message. Electric bikes belong on the grid.
FAQ
What is Lightfighter Racing in MotoAmerica
Which Lightfighter model is used for racing
How powerful is the Lightfighter V3-RH
Who supplies the battery and motor
Why is electric motorcycle racing important
What is the Lightfighter Design Partner Program
Will Lightfighter offer future upgrades
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