This Strikingly Retro British V-Twin Motorcycle Puts the Power Cruiser Segment on Notice

With 185 horsepower on tap, this trellis-framed monster is more than a piece of two-wheeled art, even if it does boast breathtaking looks.

Rear section of a matte silver motorcycle with gold frame, black seat, gold wheel, and dual exhaust under the seat.

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By Gray Van Dyke

Published November 12, 2025

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Just a few years ago, a British upstart by the name of Langen made waves with one of the first modern two-stroke motorcycles for the road in years.

Simply dubbed the ‘Two Stroke,’ the model not only revived the legendary engine format but also wrapped it in a striking tube frame with some bespoke bodywork. To say that it was glorious would be an understatement.

Unfortunately, for all the excitement surrounding the bike, two strokes haven’t been legal for street use in many parts of the world for quite some time — even assuming buyers could import Langen’s Two Stroke, it would mostly sit idle.

Front view of a black modern motorcycle with round headlight and wide handlebars against a gray background. — Langen’s Lightspeed goes for a four-stroke powertrain rather than its predecessor’s two-stroke unit.

But now the brand is back with another bike, and it improves on its predecessor while bringing its own distinct flavor to the table.

A shock to the segment

It’s called the Lightspeed, and, unlike the Two Stroke that came before it, this bike’s a four stroke. At the heart of the new retro-styled cruiser is a 1,190cc V-twin that’s been engineered by Rotax, built by Buell and tuned by Langen to produce 185 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque.

The Rotax V-twin certainly dresses up nicely when surrounded by a stunning trellis frame and some top-shelf Öhlins components.

Langen

When you consider that the bike tips the scales at just 185 kilograms (~407 pounds), this means that it boasts a seriously impressive power to weight ratio. According to Langen, the Lightspeed clocks an astounding 1,000 brake horsepower per tonne.

To put that into perspective, even established performance brands like Ducati aren’t making those kinds of numbers. Though the Italian outfit’s Diavel V4 RS makes for its quickest-accelerating model in the lineup, the bike is both heavier and less powerful than the Lightspeed at 485 pounds dry and 182 ponies strong.

Silver and black cafe racer motorcycle with gold wheels on a black rear stand against a gray background. — The Lightspeed outclasses rivals like the Diavel and the Super Cruiser with its impressive output.

For that matter, not even Buell’s own Super Cruiser manages to match the Lightspeed in output, and it comes with the same 1,190cc V-twin engine.

Suffice to say, then, that Langen is bringing its A game on the power front with its latest release.

Not just a numbers game

Now, as impressive as the Lightspeed’s powertrain is from a performance perspective, the bike isn’t only about numbers. Rather, Langen designed it to provide “exhilaration and engagement through the rev range” with a “strong yet elegant presence.”

Brushed stainless steel cylindrical exhaust pipe with "Langen" engraved and a gold bike chain above it. — Langen certainly hasn’t forgotten the importance of the details.

Accordingly, the Lightspeed has been specced with some top-shelf components. Suspension-wise, the brand looked to Öhlins for a set of 48mm FGRT 301 forks up front and a pair of 36mm STX shocks at the rear.

For stopping power, Langen has equipped the bike with Hel Performance calipers and EBC discs, integrating the braking system into its electronics package to provide ABS along with traction control, cruise control, launch control and wheelie control.

Silver and black motorcycle with gold frame and wheels on a black rear stand against a gray background. — The Lightspeed is refreshingly simple in its design compared to some of the bikes that are coming out from larger manufacturers.

Riding on some lightweight forged aluminum wheels and adorned with an armload of carbon fiber, the result is a bike that’s sure to turn heads with its impressive power and striking looks.

The mixture of milled aluminum and brushed finishes gives it a look that’s equal parts performance-oriented, vintage and custom.

Handcrafted two-wheeled beauty

As was the case with the Two Stroke, Langen will be building the Lightspeed as part of a limited run — just 185 examples are slated for production. Importantly, Langen notes that “Every one of the 185 exclusive machines is a brand new commission — each one as individual as the owner.”

Front section of a silver Langen motorcycle with gold rims, carbon fiber fender, and black suspension forks. — Though the bike is undeniably retro, carbon fiber features heavily throughout the design.

Naturally, then, it won’t come cheap. Per the brand, MSRP is set to start at £37,000 (~$48,500) before VAT. Though set to launch in the UK, Langen will be working with clients to export the bike to other markets.

Matte silver and gold custom motorcycle with black seat and carbon fiber accents on a gray background.

Langen Lightspeed

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About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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