3 Minutes
British boutique maker unveils a production-ready powerhouse
Langen has taken the wraps off the final production version of the Lightspeed — a striking, limited-run motorcycle that pairs bold design with a seriously muscular V-twin. Scheduled for customer deliveries in mid-2026, the Lightspeed starts at £44,400 (about $58,300) and is intended to sit at the sharp end of the premium naked/neo-retro segment.
Founder: a bike born from lessons learned
Christopher Ratcliffe, Langen's founder and CEO, says the Lightspeed distills the company’s experience from the Two Stroke concept into a more refined, more powerful package: 'More power, more range and more refinement, while keeping the spirit of Langen.' That balance of heritage and modern engineering is visible throughout the motorcycle.
Key specs and highlights
- Engine: 1,190 cc water-cooled V-twin
- Claimed output: 182.5 hp and roughly 138 Nm of torque
- Dry weight: 185 kg
- Fuel tank: 19 liters
- Limited production: 185 units
- Price: £44,400 (deliveries mid-2026; U.S. exports from 2027)
The powertrain is managed by Langen's bespoke electronics suite, offering traction control, cruise control, launch control and wheelie control. The six-speed gearbox features a slipper clutch for silkier downshifts and improved rider control.
Chassis, suspension and brakes
Langen built the Lightspeed around a tubular steel space frame with a trellis-style swingarm that showcases a 240 mm machined aluminum rear wheel. Weight savings come from extensive carbon-fiber bodywork. Suspension is high-end Ohlins equipment: a 48 mm FGRT 301 fork up front and fully adjustable STX shocks at the rear. Braking is supported by an ABS system tuned to the bike’s sporty character.
Positioning and competition
With 182.5 hp, the Lightspeed sits above its primary rival, the Ducati Diavel V4 (about 165.7 hp), in outright claimed power. But Langen's pitch isn't just more horsepower: it’s a handcrafted, limited-edition British alternative that blends modern rider aids with a raw, mechanical feel.
Highlights:
- Limited production run increases exclusivity.
- Carbon fiber detailing and machined components emphasize craftsmanship.
- Electronics and Ohlins suspension bring refinement to the package.
For enthusiasts, the Lightspeed promises a rare mix of boutique styling, high performance and exclusivity. Appearances at the Motorcycle Live show in Birmingham next month will give riders their first close-up look before orders start shipping next year.
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