Don Vesco’s passion for setting new records caught the attention of Kawasaki, who sponsored his next streamliner motorcycle. Kawasaki provided two turbocharged 1,000 cc engines, giving the bike a total output of approximately 400 horsepower. Named the Lightning Bolt after its sponsor, this motorcycle first attempted to break the world record in the summer of 1978. However, like Vesco’s previous motorcycle, the Silver Bird, it took several attempts before success was achieved.

During the initial runs, the team faced numerous mechanical failures and issues with overheating. As a result, the reporters and TV crews that had been gathered by Kawasaki were sent away without witnessing any record-breaking runs. The main problem was that while the engines were powerful, other components of the motorcycle could not withstand the stresses they were subjected to. The team had to fabricate upgraded parts, such as transmissions and belts, to handle the challenges. Unfortunately, bad weather and another transmission failure delayed the record-breaking attempt even further.

After several weeks, the reporters were summoned once again. Finally, Vesco completed a two-way run at 318.866 mph, surpassing his previous record by approximately 15 mph.